SEC Football: Is Kentucky Overrated?

The Kentucky Wildcats are overrated. 

Yes, the Wildcats are 5-0 and ranked 8^th in the nation according to the AP poll. 

Yes, Kentucky’s offense averages 46.6 points per game—good enough for the 5^th best average in the nation. 

And yes, QB Andre Woodson is ranked in the top 20 in most major QB statistical categories.

But who have they played?  The Wildcats’ opponents have a combined record of 14-10—with each team with 2 losses.  They have also only played one game against a SEC opponent.

Kentucky’s defense is at best, below average. 

The Wildcat D is giving up 22 points per game.  3 out of the 5 teams they have faced, including Kent State, have gained over 400 yards of total offense. 

Kentucky is a good offensive team, but not a complete team.  

And they'll lose their next 3 games because of this—starting with 11^th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks this Thursday night. The Gamecocks only give up 15 points a game and score an average of 27 points a game. 

With the benching of Blake Mitchell and the insertion of Chris Smelley into the starting lineup at QB, the Gamecocks’ offense is clicking.  USC gained 402 yards versus a good Mississippi State team and walked away with a 38-21 win.

 
Also consider that the game will be played in Columbia, SC—in front of a nationally televised audience.  Williams-Brice Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the nation.

Next, the Wildcats welcome the best team in the nation—the #1 ranked LSU Tigers. 

LSU’s defense is giving up an average of 6 points a game—they score more than 40. With two excellent QBs in Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux, both with over 400 yards passing, LSU has one of the best offenses in the nation.

Completing the rough stretch of games is the defending national champion Florida Gators.  Led by Heisman contender Tim Tebow, the Gator offense is always threatening.

Kentucky has a shot of beating the Gators—especially since they're at home.  But coming off two straight depressing losses, the Wildcats won't be up to the challenge.

Florida also has a bye week before Kentucky, which could affect the outcome of the game.

After a nice start, look for the holes in the Wildcat team to be exposed as they finally play some decent SEC football teams.