Saturday, August 30, 2014

Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington

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Ohio Valley Conference contender Tennessee Martin will open up their season against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday afternoon.

UT Martin was a bit of a disappointment in 2013 after finishing with a 7-5 overall record and just a 5-3 record in the Ohio Valley Conference. The one big positive that they can take from the down year is that they were able to develop players at just about every position on the field.

The Skyhawks' best player is linebacker Tony Bell, who had 80 tackles, including 15 for losses, and 10.5 sacks last season. Senior running back Abou Toure will step in as the starter this year after rushing for 509 yards and two touchdowns in 2013.

Kentucky was able to win two of their out-of-conference games in 2013, but they lost all eight of their SEC games. They had one of the worst passing games in the country by throwing for just 193 yards per game, while their defense conceded 31.2 points per game.

The Wildcats should improve a bit in 2014, but they still have to play in the toughest conference in the country. Kentucky will pass the ball a lot again this year, with Javess Blue, who had 43 catches for 586 yards last season, being their most important player. Sophomore quarterback Patrick Towles will be behind center for the first time since 2012.

Tennessee Martin Skyhawks Betting Trends

Injuries to Watch

Tennessee Martin Skyhawks

No injuries to report at this time.

Kentucky Wildcats

08/25/14 OL Darrian Miller Suspension expected to miss Saturday vs. Tennessee Martin
08/25/14 WR Rashad Cunningham Suspension expected to miss Saturday vs. Tennessee Martin
08/22/14 WR Alexander Montgomery Undisclosed expected to miss Saturday vs. Tennessee Martin
08/22/14 WR Jeff Badet Eye expected to miss first 2 games

Josh's Pick: Take Kentucky

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