Saturday, September 27, 2014

Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington

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Vanderbilt (1-3) is bad, there's no denying that but a closer look at their schedule is an indication that the team has been overmatched by quality opponents in their poor start. They look to right the ship and push their winning streak over Kentucky (2-1) to four straight games in a Saturday afternoon matchup at Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcats are off to a surprising start and took Florida to 3OT before finally losing in The Swamp two weeks ago.

There's really not a whole lot of bright spots for Vanderbilt thus far in 2014 as they rank 111th in passing (164.3 YPG), 105th in rushing (119.3 YPG), and 113th in points for (19.5). As expected they've been manhandled 41-3 against #15 Ole Miss in week 2 and 48-34 versus #14 South Carolina last weekend. The matchup with the Gamecocks was actually much closer than expected which could give the Commodores some saving grace, especially since they marched out to a 14-0 lead. Ralph Webb could be key to a win over Kentucky as the Freshman has gained 378 yards this season, including three straight games with over 95 YPG. The Wildcats defense can be ran upon, allowing 164.7 YPG, but they employ a bend but don't break strategy allowing only 17.7 PPG.

Kentucky passed their first real test of the season last time out against Florida, ultimately losing in 3 OT but as underdogs of over 2 TD. They look to notch one more easy win against Vandy before getting into the grit of their SEC lineup. QB Patrick Towles had an impressive day against Florida throwing for 369 yards and 3 TD but he also threw his first 3 INT's of the year, - all in the second half- which ultimately doomed any chance at the upset. Towles must spring back and lead the #20th ranked FBS passing attack against Vanderbilt secondary allowing 267 yards per game and 8 touchdowns with still no interceptions.

For whatever reason, Vanderbilt has owned UK the last three times winning 22-6, 40-0, and 38-8 in consecutive years. Whether the Wildcats simply look past Vanderbilt or just are miffed by their defense it hasn't been much of a rivalry. As two TD favorites this year, the Wildcats offense looks to change their losing ways.

Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Trends

Vanderbilt Commodores are 1-3-0 Against the Spread

Vanderbilt Commodores are 2-2-0 against the Over/Under

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends

Kentucky Wildcats are 3-0-0 Against the Spread

Kentucky Wildcats are 2-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Vanderbilt Commodores

09/21/14 LB Kyle Woestmann Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Kentucky
09/21/14 QB Patton Robinette Concussion "?" Saturday vs. Kentucky
09/17/14 SS Oren Burks Undisclosed out indefinitely

Kentucky Wildcats

09/22/14 WR Jeff Badet Eye "?" Saturday vs. Vanderbilt
09/21/14 RB Braylon Heard Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Vanderbilt
09/21/14 WR Javess Blue Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Vanderbilt
09/21/14 OL Zach West Neck "?" Saturday vs. Vanderbilt
09/09/14 WR Alexander Montgomery Knee out indefinitely
09/05/14 LB Kobie Walker Shoulder out indefinitely

Tony's Pick: Take Vanderbilt

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