The Kentucky Wildcats will make their first appearance under the lights Saturday night when they host the Eastern Michigan Eagles. This is the final non-conference game for Kentucky before a lengthy stretch of SEC play begins after their bye week next week.
Eastern Michigan is an opponent Kentucky can’t take lightly. Yes, they are 0-2. However, they’re coming off a home loss to Long Island University. The Eagles should be fired up to play an SEC team, so the Wildcats can’t sleepwalk their way through
this game. That’s especially considering that the Wildcats are also coming off a loss last week, albeit against a nationally-ranked team, against Ole Miss.
Let’s look at the keys to the game Saturday as the Wildcats battle the Eastern Michigan Eagles.
Keys to the Game
1. Don’t let the Eagles hang around
Again, the Wildcats can’t take the Eagles lightly, as they can’t with any opponent. But this Eagles team isn’t very good. Their stat sheet is sparse and not prolific. They aren’t at Toledo’s level. This is a team that the Wildcats can’t let hang around in this game, because they can’t think they have a chance in this game.
2. Run the ball
There’s nothing more deflating for any opponent than not being able to stop the run. Kentucky has the ability to run the ball, averaging 196 yards per game through the first two games this season. Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan have rushed for a combined 356 yards through two games. Expect to see them a lot Saturday night.
3. Offensive Efficiency
This goes along with not letting the Eagles hang around. When the Wildcats have scoring opportunities, they need to capitalize on them. There were points left out on the field against Ole Miss last week. That can’t happen against Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
4. Get the passing game going
It’s no secret that Kentucky’s passing game has been a disaster through two weeks. Now, Cutter Boley is set to get the starting nod at QB. Will he be the shot in the arm that finally gets this passing game going? It feels like it’s now or never, given how bad Eastern Michigan is and how much the schedule ramps up with games vs. South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee coming up.
5. Make the crowd a factor
It can be tough for fans to get up for a game against Eastern Michigan, but this is a night game. The Wildcats need to keep the fans engaged throughout the game.
Score Prediction: Wildcats 38, Eagles 10
This will not be like the game against Toledo. As long as the Wildcats run the ball and put the Eagles on the brink early, they will win this game going away.
