It’s not often that a first-year AD turns as many heads as 14RDavis has done this season with his Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky was able to finish their first season in the CFSL with a 4-2 record in the SEC (5-3 overall) and get into the playoffs automatically, as they finished 2nd in a very tough conference. They’re going up against an LSU team that has proven to be dominant all season long. While anything is possible, Kentucky will have to play a perfect game in order to take down the #1 team in the country.
It’s not every day that a first-year AD has success, let alone making the playoffs. He’s heard it all season, but 14RDavis knows his team has already accomplished a lot this season. “We’re excited to be in this position! Obviously we want to win but win or lose we are honored to have come this far.” The great thing about this team is that there are no superstars. They work hard together to accomplish their goals. Sophomore QB, Scott Pinesaw, is going to need to step up and be a leader in this game if the Wildcats are going to pull off the upset. RB, Taylor Copley is averaging just under 80 yards on the ground, and he will need to find a way to make holes in this stingy LSU defensive line. On the defensive side of the ball, the answer is simple. They need to force turnovers. They haven’t been successful in taking the ball away all season, but if they are unable to do so again tonight against LSU, they could be in for a blowout.
LSU just has to do what they have been doing all season, and they should be able to win this game. Their defense is giving up less than 15 ppg, and has 19 takeaways. They’re arguably the best defense in the country, and it’s very rare that they turn the ball over themselves. Their entire gameplan is going to be centered around DPOY candidate Dillon LeBlanc. He has 21 sacks and 32 TFL this season, and I expect to see him in the Kentucky backfield often. While LSU are the favorites, AD BigTinkTink knows that anything can happen. “I believe they belong in this game just as much as we do. We aren’t overlooking any aspect of their team.” Whether it’s just him being humble, or the truth, I think he likes his team’s chances tonight. As much as “games aren’t played on paper” I’d be shocked if Kentucky was able to pull off this upset. LSU’s defense has been overpowering this season, and Kentucky’s offense just doesn’t seem strong enough to overcome it. If Kentucky is going to win this one, they’re going to need a miracle. LSU 45, Kentucky 10. The good news for Kentucky? They aren’t graduating a single player this season, so expect to see them back in the playoffs next season
