GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel will put pressure on Kentucky’s secondary as well as the Wildcats’ kick coverage teams. Samuel has a South Carolina team-best 20 receptions for the season for 145 yards and is averaging over 26 yards on kickoff returns. He has three kickoff returns for touchdowns in his career despite missing most of last year to injury.
DRAFT SLANT
–TE C.J. Conrad has 10 receptions for 58 yards, and at 6-4, 250, meets the size requirement for the position. He is a clutch player as evidenced by his 23-yard reception against Mississippi State despite pass interference by the defender. “Critical moment in the game and it was really nice to see him go up in traffic in a competitive situation and come down with the ball,” coach Mark Stoops said.
ROSTER REPORT:
–S Jordan Griffin did not play against Mississippi State because of an undisclosed injury. Stoops said he expects the junior to return this week, however.
–LB Josh Allen received SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in the win over Mississippi State. He had six tackles with two for a loss (one sack) to earn the recognition for the second time this season. He was credited with forcing a bad throw on a pass the Wildcats intercepted.
–OG Bunchy Stallings was recognized as the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for the second time for his play in the win over the Bulldogs. He was credited with four knockdown blocks and 21 blocks at the point of attack as the Wildcats rushed for 225 yards.
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