The Kentucky Wildcats hosts South Alabama in Kroger Field on Saturday, the Wildcats have to continue the momentum they built on in week three. We have previewed South Alabama's run heavy offense and a defense that leave a lot to be desired. This is a game where the Wildcats defensive line should dominate the line of scrimmage. Here are some defensive X factors that can make an impact in this game.
ED Sam Greene
Sam Greene had a couple of incredible game changing plays last week in College Station. Greene plays with relentless effort and continues to make big plays in big moments. This is a matchup where the deep defensive line rotation for the Wildcats can really dominate. Greene is coming off an injury from 2025 and has looked better every week this season.
ED Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace has been impressive this season, the new defensive scheme has helped him create more havoc plays as we predicted in the offseason. It is hard to talk about Humphrey-Grace and not mention his incredible pick six against Alabama in week two. Humphrey-Grace is a bigger edge defender that can overpower SEC tackles, so he will be a handful for this South Alabama offensive line. I expect Humphrey-Grace to continue to make plays up front in this game.
DT Tavion Gadson
You see the trend, this defensive line can flex their muscles on Saturday and they should be licking their chops for this matchup. Tavion Gadson creates a lot of issues for interior offensive lineman, the big three technique uses his long arms and power to defeat blocks from centers and guards. Gadson is another player that we predicted would benefit from this defensive scheme change, and we have seen that play out through three weeks. Gadson should have an impressive performance on Saturday.
CB Damyrion Darby
This South Alabama defense lacks playmakers, but corner Damyrion Darby has made plays all over the field through three weeks. Darby has an interception and also has two passes defended on the season; he puts himself in position to make plays on the football when it's in the air. Not only that, but Darby also leads the Jaguars with 1.5 sacks and has 1.5 tackles for loss as well. Darby is the player to watch on the defensive side of the ball, however, I have a hard time seeing this unit slow down the Wildcats offense.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky vs South Alabama: Defensive X-factors in week four
