Nov. 6, 2014
Looking to end a three-game losing skid, the University of Kentucky football team returns home to Commonwealth Stadium for the final time in 2014 to play host to No. 17 Georgia on Saturday at Noon ET.
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Kentucky vs. Georgia | ||
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Sat., Nov. 8 – 12:00 p.m. ET Lexington, Ky. Gameday Information Game Notes: UK | UGA |
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Coverage | ||
TV: ESPN Radio: UK Sports Network Live Video via WatchESPN Gameday Live : Live audio, blog, stats, and social media Text Updates |
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UK | 2014 Team Stats | UGA |
29.2 | Scoring/game | 40.5 |
20.0 | First downs/game | 21.5 |
407.8 | Total offense/game | 440.0 |
153.2 | Rushing yards/game | 250.2 |
254.6 | Passing yards/game | 189.8 |
23.0 | Kickoff returns (avg) | 22.8 |
7.5 | Punt returns (avg) | 10.7 |
42.7 | Punting (avg) | 37.8 |
28:24 | Time of possession/game | 29:42 |
35% | Third down conversion (pct) | 44% |
29% | Fourth down conversion (pct) | 78% |
+8 | Turnover margin | +13 |
24.2 | Points allowed/game | 22.2 |
371.2 | Total yards allowed/game | 336.1 |
188.0 | Rush yards allowed/game | 144.2 |
183.2 | Pass yards allowed/game | 191.9 |
The game will mark the final game for Kentucky in the current configuration of Commonwealth Stadium as The New CWS will open in the fall of 2015. Head Coach Mark Stoops and Co. will honor its senior class prior to the game for their commitment to the UK program. More on the 2014 seniors on page 7.
Kentucky is coming off a 20-10 loss at Missouri last weekend. The Wildcat defense held the Tigers to just six points in the second half while MU’s 20 total points were the fewest a UK defense has allowed in an Southeastern Conference road game since 19 at Georgia in 2011. The UK defense has limited opponents to 20 points or less five times this season, the most since 2011.
Cat Scratches: Dupree, seniors out to make final home game count
Bud Dupree heard the cliches from his older teammates about how he should treasure his time at Kentucky because of how quickly it would pass.
“I remember when I was a freshman and all the upperclassmen were telling me that it would fly by. I kind of just brushed it off, just thinking they were talking.”
Three years later, Dupree has changed his tune.
“But now that I’m in their shoes, I’m telling the freshmen now everything’s gonna fly by,” Dupree said.
Dupree, now second in school history with 21.5 career sacks, will be one of 22 players honored as part of Senior Day festivities before UK’s game against Georgia at noon ET on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. The star defensive end/linebacker will have family up from his hometown of Irwinton, Ga., including both of his parents, and knows it will be an emotional day, though his focus is elsewhere.
“I try not to think about it, because I don’t want to get soft, you know?” Dupree said.
Dupree doesn’t want to “get soft” because the Wildcats (5-4, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) have an important game to play. UK, having lost three straight against tough league opponents, will try once again for bowl eligibility. … read the full preview
Scouting Georgia
Georgia enters Saturday game with a 6-2 record after falling last Saturday to Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., 38-20. It was the Bulldogs’ first loss since falling 38-35 to South Carolina on Sept. 13 in Columbia, S.C. The Bulldogs have wins this season over Clemson, Troy, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Arkansas.
The Bulldogs are averaging an SEC-high 40.5 points per game this season behind 440 yards of total offense per game. Georgia is averaging 250.2 yards rushing per game and 189.8 passing yards per game. UGA has very few turnovers this season with only three interceptions and two fumbles lost. The Bulldogs have 55 points off turnovers this season, while opponents have only scored three points off UGA turnovers. Todd Gurley leads the UGA rushing attack with 94 carries for 773 yards and eight touchdowns, while Nick Chubb has 120 rushes for 725 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Hutson Mason has completed 67.6% of his passes for 1,341 yards and 11 touchdowns. His favorite target this year has been Michael Bennett, who has 28 catches for 291 yards and four touchdowns. Chris Conley has 22 catches for 385 yards and three touchdowns.
The Bulldogs defense has been strong this season, allowing only 22.2 points per game while ranking second in the SEC in turnovers gained with 18. UGA is allowing 144.2 rushing yards per game and 191.9 passing yards per game. Georgia has 18 sacks this season and 50 tackles for loss. Leading the way with 68 tackles is Amarlo Herrera, adding 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and five quarterback hurries. Ramik Wilson has 5.5 tackles for loss, while Jordan Jenkins has seven TFL and a team-best 18 quarterback hurries. Damian Swann and Quincy Mauger each have three interceptions this season for UGA, while Aaron Davis leads the team with four pass breakups.
Isaiah McKenzie leads the team with 11.9 yards per punt return this season, including a touchdown, while he also is averaging 2.6 yards per kickoff return. Marshall Morgan is 8-for-11 in field goals this season, including a long of 47 yards. Collin Barber has a 39.4 punting average, including nine inside the opponents 20 yard line. Morgan has handled the kickoffs with 21 touchbacks.