Three Key Matchups: Vanderbilt-Kentucky

Three key amtchups to watch today as Vanderbilt hosts Kentucky in an SEC East matchup, that's a must win for the Cats.

As the 2019 college football season races to the finishline for the Vanderbilt Commodores, whose bowl hopes ended last week we take a look at their matchup this afternoon with the vistors from the Bluegrass who enter today's game needing two wins in their final three contests to reach their own bowl eligibility. 

Much like Derek Mason and his Commodores, Mark Stoops and his Kentucky squad have dealt with quarterback injuries this season, so much so infact that they have started-and will today- a wide receiver at the position down the stretch of this season.

Because of Lynn Bowden Jr. moving behind center, the Wildcats offense looks more like a throwback to the 1960's than a modern-day college offense we see around the nation. It's still a handful to handle though, and the Commodores defense will have their plate full of the Cats ground-pounding unit.  

The Cats enter this game with a 4-5 (2-5) recordon the season and need two wins in their final three games to put themselves into a post season bowl. On the other hand, Vanderbilt is now playing for pride, and possibly their head coaches job. So which Vanderbilt team will we get today, the one that beat Missouri and hung with Florida for a half, or the one that laid flat for UNLV? 

THat answer is still a few hours away, but here are three key matchups we are watching for this afternoon, and I bet you can't guess what's number one on the list?

THREE KEY MATCHUPS 

1) Bowden & The Cat-backs Vs Vanderbilt Defense: The Cats enter today's game averaging 201.4 yards per game rushing, led by Bowden who is the team's leading rusher for the season despite starting the season at receiver. 

The Cats have more in the backfield than jsut a mobile quarterback. Fellow back Kavosley Smoke, Chris Rodriguez and second leading rusher Asim Rose provide the Kentucky team with a solid, and formidable bunch of runners. How well Vanderbilt plays agains this bunch is the biggest key today, because the Cats will run the rock early, often and on most dowsn, even fourth! 

2) Riley Neal Vs Cats Secondary: This years version of the Cats defense lacks the star power from a season ago. There's no Josh Allen-a first round NFL draft pick and their secndary is a rework after losing three of four starters from a season ago to the NFL. 

This seasons secondary for the Cats has been one that has allowed plays, including several downfield connections last week in the second half of their home loss to Tennessee. 

If the Commodores offensive line can protect Neal against a solid, if not spectacular Kentucky pass rush then there should be some plays down the field for the Commodores to work on. But can the Vanderbilt offense finally make them?

3) Mark Stoops Vs Derek Mason: I don't normally talk too much of coaches in the key matchups, but today, with one team playing out the string an the other needing a win, but starting an athletic wide receiver at quarterback, this one seems like one where the chess match between coaches seems very realistic and relevant. 

Mason and the Commodores have watched the film and know what to excpect, it's not a secret, and Stoops knows his offense i svery limited. Which coach can make the right moves today will decide this one.