The Kentucky football team takes the field on Saturday in their biggest test of the year so far. They'll take on Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers who are ranked No. 10 in the country. In addition, they'll do so short-handed, especially at the linebacker position.
On Wednesday night, the first availability report of the week was released, and Kentucky has a multitude of players listed on it. The biggest news comes at linebacker, where Alex Afari is still ineligible, and both Tavion Wallace and Antwan Smith listed as out. That leaves starters Grant Godfrey and Bo Barnes healthy, but not much experience behind them. Defensive back Jaden Smith is also listed as out.
There is good news for the Wildcats. Wide receiver D.J. Miller is listed as probable,
and they'll be happy to have him back. With Nic Anderson fresh off a breakout game, and the continued rise of Kenny Darby, Miller gives them a trio of receivers who won't allow the LSU defense to double team the tight ends.
On the LSU side, the biggest loss is tight end Trey'Dez Green. They'll also be without a pair of linebackers in starter Whit Weeks and backup Charles II.
Going into such a big game without some key players is tough, but it's a part of the game. Will Stein and Jay Bateman will have to hope no further injuries occur, and that Godfrey and Barnes are ready for a heavy workload.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Initial Kentucky availability report is cause for concern
