Kentucky Prepared to Host Akron

The Kentucky Wildcats (2-0) are set to take on the Akron Zips (1-1) at home at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. This will be Kentucky’s final non-conference game before embarking on an eight game SEC stretch.

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Kentucky’s Last Time Out

The Wildcats are coming off of a 28-17 victory over in-state rival Eastern Kentucky in Week 2. Quarterback Devin Leary led the offense, completing 24 of his 38 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception. Additionally, the Kentucky rushing attack combined for 115 yards on the ground.

Akron’s Last Time Out

The Zips bounced back Saturday by defeating Morgan State 24-21 after falling to Temple in their season opener. Quarterback Jeff Undercuffler struggled throughout the game, throwing three interceptions and just one touchdown.

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The X-Factor

The Akron defense. Against Morgan State, the defense accounted for two of the teams three touchdowns. Cornerback Devonte Golden-Nelson picked off a Morgan State pass and returned it for a 50-yard score, but the victory was sealed by a Bryan McCoy 13-yard scoop-and-score.

In order to see success, the Akron defense will need to penetrate the Kentucky offensive front. Last season, Kentucky led the Power 5 in sacks allowed, but this season they have only allowed two over the course of two games. The offensive line has also helped the run game shine this season, allowing just six tackles for loss.

Insight from Mark Stoops

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops commented on the state of his team. He said that their slow offensive start in the first half was inexcusable. This less than impressive performance was a result of penalties, missed throws and other miscues. On the positive side, he feels that once his offense fell into a rhythm, they were able to finish strong.

Against Akron, Stoops wants to see his team start hot and continue this momentum throughout the game.