GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: RB Benny Snell faces a challenge against a Mississippi State defense that has held its first three opponents to just 255 yards on the ground. SS Jonathan Abram leads the unit in tackles with 20 stops with 12 of them solo efforts. “They are very good defensively,” coach Mark Stoops said of the Bulldogs. “As always, seems like when you talk about them, they’re very long. They’re big. They’re physical and they’re experienced.”
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Josh Allen will end Kentucky’s draft drought (no picks in the last two years) if he continues his strong play. Mississippi State offers him the opportunity to show what he can do against a versatile offense that has averaged over 311 yards a game rushing and over 276 passing. “Well, you put together a physical offensive line, a dynamic back and a big beast at quarterback, that’s a lot of good things,” Stoops said of Mississippi State’s running game. “And their tight ends. They’re big, they’re strong and they’re explosive. They just put a lot of pressure on you.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–DE Quinton Bohanna is expected back after sitting out the win over Murray with an ankle injury. The sophomore was injured in the first half of the win over Florida.
–Freshman RB Chris Rodriguez got the first carries of his career in the win over Murray State, gaining 27 yards on one and 16 on another.
–Junior RB Benny Snell moved to within two touchdowns of Randall Cobb’s career record with his 35th rushing touchdown against Murray State.
–Senior NG Tymere Dubose made his first collegiate start last week. He was in on two tackles.
–TE Keaton Upshaw, a freshman backup, will miss the rest of the season because of an undisclosed injury sustained in practice last week. He is eligible to redshirt.
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