Kentucky Wildcats Football: 5 Keys to Win Against Ole Miss Rebels

The Kentucky Wildcats travel to Oxford, Mississippi for their first road game of the year against the Ole Miss Rebels.

The Grove should be electric when the Cats come to town and Ole Miss is a top-10 team. As always, Ole Miss boasts an explosive offense this year, although the defense is a bit shaky.

The crucial question is: What can Kentucky do to pull off the shocking surprise of the rebels at Oxford?

Let’s explore the five keys to the Cats’ victory.

1. Check the clock

In an explosive offense, it is important to control time by running the ball and using the game clock effectively. For the Cats to have a chance in this game, they must limit Ole Miss to as few possessions as possible and win the possession battle. Ole Miss currently boasts the third-best offense in the country, averaging over 42 points and 478 yards per game. Kentucky must run the ball well and avoid turnovers to remain competitive.

2. Explosive games included

With over 100 plays for 10+ yards this season, the Rebels excel at making big plays. Under Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss is consistently among the top five offensive teams, especially when it comes to explosive plays. Kentucky effectively contained those plays in a three-point loss at Ole Miss in 2022. For the Cats to be successful this week, they need to keep everything in front of them and prevent bigger explosive plays.

Jordan Prather Imagn Images

3. Win the special teams battle

While I may not agree with it, Wilson Berry is once again the starting player. Despite being a solid player, Kentucky will need to turn the field effectively to beat Ole Miss. So far this season, Berry has averaged just 41 yards per punt, while backup Aidan Laros had a 58-yard punt last week and was an FCS All-American last season. I’m not sure why Laros doesn’t get more opportunities, but Kentucky will struggle if it continues to give Ole Miss favorable field position. Additionally, the Wildcats should utilize their top five kickers and get the points when they can.

4. Limit penalties

Kentucky has repeatedly hurt its penalties this season and ranks among the worst in the SEC. More than 80 yards per game are given up in penalties. In order to win, the Cats basically have to play good football and minimize mistakes. You must concentrate on watching the ball, avoiding grabs and maintaining a clean game.

5. Protect Brock Vandagriff

Vandagriff has shown promise, but his performance has been hindered by the offensive line’s inability to provide adequate protection. When he has more than 2.5 seconds to throw, he completes over 75% of his passes; if it is lower, this percentage falls below 50%. Ole Miss’ defense isn’t what it once was, but they can still boast of being the highest scoring defense in the country, allowing just 5.5 points per game and yet to give up a touchdown this season has allowed. Kentucky has no chance if it can’t score. If Vandagriff doesn’t have the time he needs, it could be a long game. After all, you can only let the ball move so much.

All in all, I expect Kentucky to play Ole Miss really well and keep this game very close. I think Vandagriff is having a bit of a coming out party and throwing for over 200 yards. This Kentucky defense will hold its own and hold Ole Miss to fewer than 28 points in another close loss to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels.

My Prediction: Ole Miss 27, Kentucky 24