PREVIEW: Georgia vs. Kentucky - Score predictions from the experts
Georgia (5-1) is coming off of a loss to South Carolina last week, and they'll be looking to rebound this week with a win over Kentucky.
Kentucky (3-3) on the other hand, is coming off of a win against Arkansas. They'll be looking to have Lynn Bowden Jr. repeat his performance, and hopefully, pull off an upset against the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs are currently favored by 25 points, and have a 93.7% chance to come out with a win tomorrow night, per ESPN's FPI. We'll take a look to see if our experts are in line with these stats.
Jordan Jackson (Georgia wins 37-9)
The Georgia Bulldogs will be fired up and looking to redeem themselves on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium, this Saturday. Coach Kirby Smart has mentioned that the team needs to get the ball to their playmakers in space more. Look for Georgia to do just that. The Bulldogs will get this done, not only in the passing game, but by also mixing in more toss plays and off-tackle running plays. D'Andre Swift, Demetris Robertson, and Dominick Blaylock should be the biggest beneficiaries of the Bulldog's focus to attack the edges and create space.
Kentucky wants to run the ball first and foremost, with new quarterback Lynn Bowden and running back Asim Rose being the biggest threats. That strategy fits directly into the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs' defense, that ranks #1 in the SEC. I believe that the Bulldogs are emotionally upset after losing last week, and the defense will use that as fuel to continue to prove that they're elite. They'll try hard to shutout the Wildcats. They won't quite get that done, but they will hold Kentucky without a touchdown.
Jamey Goodman (Georgia wins 28-10)
I expect a focused, yet fired up Georgia Bulldogs football team this weekend in Athens. With rain in the forecast, I don't expect this to be a high scoring affair. Look for Georgia to get up early and cruise to a win. I'm sticking with my summer prediction, and saying the Bulldogs come out on top, 28-10.
Hunter Gosseck (Georgia wins 45-17)
The "Big Blue Nation" comes to visit "Dawg Nation" this Saturday. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after an embarrassing loss between the hedges to South Carolina in double OT. Meanwhile Kentucky fans and players are determined to shake off the notion that they're already looking to basketball season.
Despite Georgia's offensive woes, there is optimism here both in the fans and Vegas' sports odds, as the Bulldogs are favored to win by 25 points. I don't look for Coley to completely change his stripes midseason, but I do expect an improved passing game from Jake Fromm and co. I'm looking for George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock to have a significant uptick in production, and I also expect James Cook to be more involved. Marry that with improved play upfront from the offensive line and the defense creating turnovers, and I think we'll see much more inspired play for our Bulldogs, who will be playing with something to prove. Georgia covers and wins big.
Brent Wilson (Georgia wins 38-10)
This past week, the fans, players, and coaches have all had to take a look in the mirror. While there's and handful of fans that have given up, I guarantee that this football team has not. Despite the bad weather coming tomorrow, plan on Georgia using that to their advantage. The rain may force both teams be predominate run offenses tomorrow, regardless of both teams' identity.
For Georgia, they shouldn't have a problem running on a defense that is allowing 173.2 YPG on the ground. For Kentucky, running the ball might be a problem, considering Georgia is only allowing 73.3 YPG on the ground. When the run game doesn't work, they'll have to try to pass. However, putting an inexperienced quarterback on the road, against an elite defense will make it hard to get traction in the air. Add in the rain, and you're looking at a recipe for disaster.
Georgia's defense will set the tone of this game early, and ride it the whole way through.
