Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
A number of things are on the line Saturday afternoon when Kentucky does battle with Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium. At 5-1, the Wildcats have a chance to achieve a number of things, as well as keep the commonwealth talking football a little longer. Let’s take a look at some things on the line Saturday in Starkville.
Bowl Eligibility
A win Saturday would give Kentucky it’s sixth victory of the season and bowl eligibility would be clinched. The last time the Wildcats achieved bowl eligibility this early was in 2007 when Rich Brooks led Kentucky to a victory vs. #1 LSU and a 6-1 start.
The last three seasons the Wildcats have finished 5-7, 5-7, and 7-5. One of those seasons resulted in a bowl game, but each came down to the final two games to reach eligibility. Stoops would love to reach that sixth win before the month October is complete. Removing the pressure of bowl eligibility would allow the Wildcats to play loose down the stretch.
Keep SEC East Hopes Alive
It’s crazy and frustrating to think that Kentucky is a couple of blown coverage’s away from being 6-0 and 3-0 in SEC play. Georgia is cruising to an Eastern division title at 4-0, but a UK win in Starkville would keep the dreams of a UK/Georgia conference finale for the division a reality.
Looking at the standings, Kentucky is the only threat to the Bulldogs. Florida and South Carolina still have dates with Georgia, but it’s hard to see either one of those teams winning out in conference play. That leaves Kentucky, with only one conference loss, as the only team that can delay the Bulldog coronation.
The catch is the Wildcats would likely have to win out to win the division. The way Georgia is playing, it’s hard to see them losing two games vs. Florida, South Carolina, Auburn, and Kentucky.
Earn Respect
At 5-1, Kentucky sits just outside the top 25 in the Coaches and AP poll. A victory would catapult the Wildcats into the polls and with winnable games vs. Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt to follow; they could make a strong push into the top 15.
A win vs. Mississippi State and Kentucky would likely be favored in all three matchups that follow, before traveling to Georgia as a heavy underdog.
