Kentucky at Alabama
Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4
(4-0)
03:30p.m. ET
Bryant-Denny Stadium
Kentucky
Alabama
(5-0)
Preview
Matchup
Projection
Why To Watch— Kentucky is coming off a 41-3 win over Western Kentucky last weekend to quietly stay unbeaten heading into October. Contrary to last season, the Wildcats have been winning with defense, allowing only 22 points all season. With winnable home games against South Carolina and Arkansas coming up next, a win over the red-hot Tide would suddenly shift the SEC focus over to Lexington. — Alabama is riding high after its 41-30 win last weekend over the Georgia that was even more dominant than the final score would indicate. Ranked second for the first time since 1993, the Crimson Tide look to keep the momentum rolling this weekend and keep pace in the SEC West race with Ole Miss coming up next week.
Kentucky: Starting CB Ashton Cobb's suspension will continue after being arrested last week for second-degree stalking. RT Justin Jeffries will also sit out this week's contest after tearing his MCL. There's a chance that Jeffries' knee will heal on its own in two weeks, but Rich Brooks did not rule out surgery and a lengthy recovery process if there isn't any progress.
Alabama: WR Mike McCoy is questionable after pulling his hamstring in a hit on the sideline last week against Georgia. RB Mark Ingram is expected to play after bruising his knee early against the Bulldogs. QB John Parker Wilson earned SEC Player of the Week honors for his performance against Georgia, completing 13-of-16 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown.
Kentucky has to ... keep up the solid work on defense. Kentucky tops the nation in scoring defense, giving up only 5.5 points per game, and is fourth in the country in total defense, allowing only 227 yards per game.
Alabama has to ... avoid the letdown. There's a chance that Alabama could be taking Kentucky lightly after thoroughly dominating Georgia last weekend and with all the attention and praise being heaped on the program. The defense has to load up against the run; the UK passing game hasn't shown up yet their year cranking out just 183 yards per game.
Keep an eye on ... Kentucky QB Mike Hartline. The sophomore signal caller has completed 59 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and an interception, but he hasn't had to carry the offense. Head coach Rich Brooks has been pleased with Hartline's progress so far this season, but now he said he's looking for even more from the sophomore. The passing game will have to open it up a bit to beat the Tide.
The number to know: 5 — Alabama has held all five opponents in 2008 under 100 yards rushing this season, a streak that extends to six dating back to last year's Independence Bowl vs. Colorado.
And the winner is ... Alabama 31, Kentucky 13
