Kentucky at Ole Miss: SEC Football game preview, TV schedule

Both of these SEC Football teams are undefeated going into this game, with both also coming off close games against mediocre opponents. Can Will Levis lead Kentucky to a victory against their most challenging opponent yet? Are Quinshon Judkins and the Rebels ready to prove themselves against their first real opponent this year?

Game Time: October 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM ET

TV Schedule: ESPN

One of SEC Football’s top teams, Kentucky comes into this game with a 4-0 record and 7th place ranking in the AP Poll. Florida has played three tune-up opponents and one opponent that was actually somewhat solid. Their one “real” opponent was at Florida. While Florida has had a mixed season, they have been somewhat okay this year going 2-2. Kentucky took care of Florida, 26-16, behind a good performance from Will Levis.

While the offense has been good to start the year, this Kentucky offense is missing one of its best players. Chris Rodriguez Jr has been suspended up to this point because of off the field issues. Now, he will play his first snaps this season against Ole Miss. Rodriguez ran for 1,379 yards last year on 225 carries. Additionally, he ran for 9 touchdowns on the year. Ole Miss is also led by their running game.

The Ole Miss Rebels go into this game with a 4-0 record and 14th place ranking in the AP Poll. The game against Kentucky this week is their first real opponent this season after playing tune-up games to start the year. Nothing really notable happened in the first three games to start the year; Ole Miss destroyed Troy, Central Arkansas, and Georgia Tech similarly.

It seemed like their game against Tulsa was going the same way until Ole Miss didn’t score at all in the fourth, and the Rebels had to stop Tulsa from scoring (which they did) in the last quarter because it was only one possession for the last 14 minutes of the game.

Going into this game, I expect freshman running back Quinshon Judkins to be featured heavily in this Rebels offense. Judkins has 429 yards on 70 carries to start the year. While the offense will be heavily centered around the running game, don’t be surprised if QB Jaxson Dart can get a big play to Jonathan Mingo or Malik Heath.

I think the battle of this game will center around two things. Can Kentucky’s offensive line block, and how well is Kentucky gonna play against this Ole Miss rushing attack?

This Kentucky offensive line is not very good. Can Khari Coleman and company make Kentucky pay for their poor offensive line? This Kentucky defense is very solid against the run. They only allow around 108 yards per game, which is 33rd in college football. Considering Ole Miss heavily relies upon the running game, it will be interesting to see this matchup.

This game will come down to who does better at defending the opposing team’s star running back.

Prediction

Kentucky: 21 Ole Miss: 17

This game could go either way, and I think both running backs are very stellar. I would be a little concerned about Rodriguez going into this game just because it is his first game back, but I think he will fit in just nicely. I am betting on Will Levis winning this for the Wildcats. While the offensive line is undoubtedly an issue, I think Will Levis will make up for it with his spectacular play. I could see this game going either way, but I have the Wildcats taking this one for now.