SEC Preview: Georgia Hosts Kentucky in an SEC East Matchup

The Bulldogs and the Wildcats, a pair of teams looking good heading in October, are now just trying to finish the season playing in a bowl game. Georgia (5-3) (3-3) is coming off of a 27-3 loss against Florida in their yearly rivalry game in Jacksonville, FL. Kentucky (4-4) (2-4) is trying to snap a three game losing streak that featured a close loss to Auburn, but back to back 20+ point losses to Mississippi State and Tennessee.

Seats are heating up in Athens, as rumors of defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and potentially head coach Mark Richt’s jobs being in jeopardy has swirled around the college football world in the past few days. For now, both are still employed, and Richt has a decision to make on the starting quarterback this weekend. Junior Greyson Lambert, who has thrown for 1,276 yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions, was benched before the Florida game. Junior Faton Bauta made his first appearance of the season, but struggled, going 15-33 for 154 yards and four interceptions against the Gators.

Sophomore Brice Ramsey, who has little playing time this year, is in the conversation as well. Head coach Mark Richt said the starting quarterback job is still up for grabs.

Kentucky has lived and died by their quarterback play, and junior Patrick Towles has really struggled during their losing streak. Four interceptions and one touchdown in that span, and a 3-7 TD-INT ratio in SEC play needs to be turned around in order for Kentucky to salvage any hopes of playing in the postseason. The Wildcats have Georgia, Vanderbilt, Charlotte and Louisville and must win two of them to be bowl-eligible.

On the other side of the football, Kentucky is allowing 29.4 points per game, and over 410 yards per game, including about 180 on the ground. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops has expressed his disappointment in the run defense so far this season.

The Wildcats will be happy to see a quarterback that stays in the pocket this Saturday, as their last couple games against Dak Prescott and Joshua Dobbs have been rough to say the least, with Prescott rushing for 117 and three TDs, and Dobbs adding a couple touchdowns on the ground last week.

Kickoff from Athens, Georgia is at noon on Saturday, with the game being broadcasted on SEC Network.