Kentucky players to watch against Georgia

Kentucky returns to Kroger Field on Saturday night to play game three of a four-game homestand to begin the 2024 college football season. The Wildcats find themselves in an early season hole after a rough performance during a Week 2 loss to South Carolina.

Mark Stoops and his program got back to the drawing board after a massive failure in the SEC opener. The Wildcats must regroup fast and be prepared to take their swings at No. 1 Georgia.

KSR is now analyzing what players will be under the biggest microscope this week. As a team, Kentucky must play much better moving forward, but these four individuals need to standout in a good way on Saturday night under the lights at Kroger Field.

What does a bounce-back for Brock Vandagriff look like?

Kentucky’s new starting quarterback had an impressive debut in Week 1 showing off athleticism, off-platform throws, and the ability to stretch defenses vertically. Many were excited about what Brock Vandagriff could become.

Unfortunately, no one remembers that after a woeful performance against South Carolina.

The redshirt junior finished his first career SEC start completing only three-of-10 passes for 30 yards, took four sacks, and threw a pick-six in the fourth quarter. Vandagriff was under constant pressure but appeared to get rattled in the first quarter and never truly recovered.

Kentucky needs him to recover fast.

Georgia has not allowed an offensive touchdown in its last 12 quarters but the game is not really about how good Kirby Smart‘s defense is. Saturday night will be about finding some early success for Vandagriff and to rebuild some confidence. Kentucky needs to see an aggressive quarterback who is playing on time, showing good feel for the pocket again, and making consistent throws.

Another performance similar to last week might just sink Vandagriff’s confidence for the rest of the season. Saturday feels like a big moment for Kentucky’s new QB1.

Big stage for Deone Walker

Expectations were high for Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker entering his junior campaign. Through two games, the first-round draft prospect has recorded three tackles and three pressures in 72 defensive snaps. Walker has been good but he has not been dominant yet.

Kentucky needs a dominant Deone Walker.

In the matchup against Georgia last year, Walker played arguably the worst game of his season and committed a critical unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that extended a Georgia drive early in the football game. Kentucky needs a strong performance from its best player to have any shot at an upset in Week 3.

The Georgia tape is one many NFL organizations will go to first when scouting Walker during the draft process. Saturday is a big moment for the talented defensive lineman.

Was Week 2 a fluke for Marques Cox?

Marques Cox was Kentucky’s best offensive lineman in 2023. The Northern Illinois transfer is now in his seventh season of college football and entered the year as a player expect to push for second or third All-SEC honors.

The veteran had the worst game of his collegiate career in Week 2 versus South Carolina.

Cox had a long day in pass protection and could not block Dylan Stewart. Georgia might not have a bendy edge rusher like Stewart but the Bulldogs will challenge Kentucky in different ways. The Wildcats need a strong bounce-back performance from their starting left tackle.

A big spot for Jordan Lovett

As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Jordan Lovett made a strong impression but we saw the Radcliff (Ky.) North Hardin product take a step back in 2023. The early start in 2024 has not been great. Now Kentucky enters a contest where safety play will likely be very important.

In last season’s matchup, the Wildcats were exposed in the backend by Carson Beck and that was when the injury bug began to bite the position. Kentucky needs some better play at safety and the post safety position will be critical to prevent explosive plays. The Wildcats will need Lovett to play smart and instinctual.

Lovett is a talented player and Kentucky will need him to start making some plays for a passing defense that is giving up a high completion percentage once again. Saturday will be a big challenge for this secondary and Lovett will likely be challenged by Beck and these Georgia receivers.