Three keys to victory for Kentucky over the Toldeo Rockets

Can Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats secure the massive week one win?

Nov 30, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops walks onto the field before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats are getting ready to start the season on Saturday against the Toledo Rockets, and this will not be a cake walk for the Cats.

Toledo is an excellent football team that even got some consideration for the top 25, so Kentucky needs to show up and play well if they want to get the win in Kroger Field.

Let's take a look at three keys to victory for the Wildcats vs. the Toledo Rockets.

Keys to victory for Kentucky against Toledo

1) Get a push on offense

Last season, the offensive line was rough for the Kentucky Wildcats, but thanks to the transfer portal, the offensive line has gotten much better. The Wildcats have an elite stable of running backs, and they will want to establish the ground game. The defensive line isn't a strength of this Toledo team, so this is a place where the Wildcats can attack. If the running game is moving well, it will also open things up for Zach Calzada in the passing game.

2) Don't let Tucker Gleason use his legs

Toledo has a solid quarterback in Tucker Gleason, and he can throw the ball at a high level even on the move. He almost ran for 400 yards last season, so the senior quarterback uses his legs as a weapon. Kentucky needs to keep him in the pocket and make him deliver quick throws. The Wildcats have a really good secondary that should be able to make it tough on the Toledo receivers.

Toledo Rockets quarterback Tucker Gleason (4) runs for the first down, during the first half of the 2024 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. | Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

3) Get a pass rush

Another thing that would make the life of Gleason tough is if the Wildcats were able to get a pass rush. Last season, the pass rush wasn't great for Kentucky, so the hope is that this year, more pressure will be put on the quarterback. If Gleason is running for his life all day in Kroger Field, the Wildcats will win this football game and likely cover the spread. This is also something that will be helpful for the Wildcats all season long, especially once the gauntlet of SEC play rolls around.