Five keys to a Kentucky victory: Arkansas Razorbacks

Kill Arkansas’ momentum generated from last week

Entering the game last week at Auburn, everyone surrounding the Arkansas football program thought this team was dead. They were 1-4 and their defense was allowing over 40 points per game. Then last week they go into Auburn, Tyler Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over and their defense holds the Tigers to just seven points.

To do so Kentucky must get off to a good start. So, basically I am saying get off to a good start in a different way. Score a first quarter offensive touchdown for the first time since November of 2010. If they can get off to a start much like the win against South Carolina, this Arkansas team may quit. Heck, they’ve already quit a couple times this season.

Limit their ground game

The Hogs expected a lot from Knile Davis, who returned from missing the entire 2011 season with an ankle injury. But, the 2010 All-SEC performer has struggled mightily in his return, averaging just over three yards per carry. Last week they had some success with Dennis Johnson in the backfield. Kentucky cannot allow that to happen. This is a team that averages just over 100 yards on the ground, which ranks 110th in the country.  Turn Arkansas into a one-dimensional team and you’ll have a chance.

Jalen Whitlow has to move the football

Whitlow excited everyone with his play in the first half against South Carolina. But, the freshman quarterback has to make plays with his arm. Without the threat to throw the football, teams can stack the box and limit the ground game. I just don’t see how Kentucky moves the ball without being able to run it. Patrick Towles is out, so the game is all Whitlow’s. Until he proves that he can make throws, expect the Hogs to stack the box with eight or more and dare Kentucky to pass it.

Rattle Tyler Wilson

The reports are out there and there is no doubt that Wilson is frustrated with his team’s play this season. Much of that blame lays on himself as he had interceptions in their losses vs. Louisiana-Monroe, vs. Rutgers and at Texas A&M. In 2011, he had six interceptions the entire season. If the ‘Cats can get pressure on Wilson, they can force him to make bad throws. Then they have to capitalize and make the plays.

Run some big gimmick plays on offense

Kentucky has to find ways to get their playmakers the ball on offense. If they can’t do it through the passing game, they have to find other ways to do it. But, guys like Demarco Robinson have to get the ball in space to have an opportunity to make plays. Run some options. Put Robinson in the Wildcat. There is no way that the ‘Cats can move the football with Whitlow at quarterback if they run the same type of offense that Max Smith was running. They have to adjust to their personnel and make some changes. They need big plays and I just don’t see them happening unless they try something gimmicky and new.