As a defensive coordinator in the Southeastern Conference, every week presents unique challenges to Kentucky’s D.J. Eliot.
Eliot, in his second year directing the UK defense, faces another daunting task on Saturday as the Wildcats play host to Heisman Trophy frontrunner Dak Prescott and the top-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.
“He’s an excellent player. He’s a veteran player. He’s been there,” Eliot detailed about MSU’s junior quarterback. “He’s gotten those reps that’s made him such a great player. He can run it; he can throw it; he makes good decisions. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us. We’ve been working really hard to defend him this week. We know they’re a great offense and it’s going to be a huge challenge for us.”
During a junior season that has seen him emerge as the Heisman front-runner, Prescott has rushed for 576 yards and eight touchdowns, passing for 1,478 yards, with a 14-4 touchdown-interception ratio. Prescott presents a unique dual-threat challenge in the molds of recent SEC quarterback greats, including MSU head coach Dan Mullen’s star during his time as the offensive coordinator at Florida, Tim Tebow.
“Well, when you’re good at both, you’ve got to be able to defend both, so there’s not just one certain area that I’m emphasizing on (this week in preparation),” Eliot said. “I’ve got to emphasize on all aspects of an offense to defend that offense and a quarterback like this.”
Kentucky battled MSU in a tight game in Starkville, Miss., in 2013, with the Bulldogs edging the Wildcats, 28-22. Prescott accounted for three touchdowns – two passing – with his 17-yard TD reception with 36 seconds left in the third quarter serving as the game-winning score.
“You know, it’s tough,” Eliot described about the challenges of defending Prescott. “It’s when they have a quarterback that’s a runner that makes it even harder, because a lot of your keys that you teach defensive players are based off of the running back being the runner, so you have to kind of adjust some of that for the week and then on top of that, you just have to be really sound in the pass game. Because as soon as you tighten up for the run game, that’s when they try to get one over your head.”
Prescott finished the 2013 meeting with Kentucky charting 268 yards on 23-of-34 passing, rushing for 33 yards on 16 carries.
“He’s making better decisions and he’s getting rid of the ball quicker than he did last year,” Eliot said. “He’s always been a great runner and they’ve always had a great quarterback run game plan, but now he’s added that dimension of being able to throw the ball and make great decisions as well.”
Keeneland Hosting ‘see blue.’ Day on Friday: Keeneland will be a sea of blue when it hosts “see blue.” Day to mark the official start of the University of Kentucky’s homecoming weekend on Friday. UK and Keeneland are calling all fans to the post for a pep rally on The Hill, the track’s popular tailgating area adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center. The fun will begin at noon ET and feature the UK Pep Band playing the UK fight song and “My Old Kentucky Home,” the CATS cheer led by the UK cheerleaders and an appearance by the UK dance team. UK students, alumni and faculty receive free general admission to the track and access to reserved Grandstand seating with valid UK IDs. Several UK Athletics teams will be honored during the racing on Friday as well.
Wednesday’s Headlines
Bud Dupree Named Quarterfinalist for Lott IMPACT Trophy – http://bit.ly/1uGnhmW
BBN First Weekly Update: SEC Nation Coming to Lexington – http://bit.ly/BBNFirstMSU
