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Game time: 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: UK Sports Network | Southern Miss IMG Sports Network
Odds: Kentucky -10.5 | Over/under 57 (via oddsshark.com)
Depth Charts: Kentucky | Southern Miss
Series History
Kentucky leads the all-time series, 2-1, with wins coming in 1949 and 1986. However, Southern Miss picked up a victory last year to open the season in Lexington, which is why Kentucky is out for REVENGE!!!
Mark Stoops says they’re not, but they totally are.
Storylines
New year, new ‘Cats
Well, not really. But it’s kind of funny looking back at the box score from Southern Miss’ victory over Kentucky last season. Drew Barker and Boom Williams led the way for the Wildcats, while Stephen Johnson and Benny Snell didn’t see a single play of action.
That won’t be the case this year!
Both Johnson and Snell are, unsurprisingly, listed as Kentucky’s starting quarterback and running back, respectively.
Snell is looking to build upon a huge freshman campaign in which he recorded 1091 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while Johnson will be retaining the starting role he was thrust into after Barker’s season-ending injury early last season.
Barker may still see the field on Saturday, though, according to Stoops.
As it stands, though, Johnson will see the majority of the snaps.
Southern Miss-tery
Last season, quarterback Nick Mullens played a big part in Southern Miss’ victory over the Wildcats. Mullens completed 18 of 28 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns (along with three interceptions). Mullens graduated after the season, and the Eagles haven’t named his replacement at starting quarterback, yet, going with “Keon Howard OR Kwadra Griggs” on the depth chart.
This is good news for the Wildcats. While they should still be aware of the quarterbacks, it’s evident neither has stood out enough to be named the definitive starter. This means Kentucky can focus more on running back Ito Smith, who had 173 yards on 36 carries and one touchdown in last year’s meeting.