The Kentucky Wildcats host South Alabama on Saturday, and the Wildcats have to come ready to play off a huge win on the road at Texas A&M. We have previewed South Alabama's offense
and defense, and the Jaguars will bring a heavy rushing attack into Kroger Field. Their defense has some issues and could allow a lot of explosive opportunities for the Wildcats offense. Here are the offensive X-factors for the game on Saturday.QB Kenny Minchey
Kenny Minchey was unbelievable in his first SEC road start against Texas A&M, he had one of the most efficient games we have seen from a Wildcats quarterback in a long time. Minchey has a great opportunity to build on that momentum and repeat that against a South Alabama defense that struggles against the passing game. Expect
the play sheet to be extended this week and Kentucky to try different things. Minchey looked extremely comfortable in the offense last week and the offensive line should give him clean pockets all day against the Jaguars.
HB Jason Patterson
We saw in week one CJ Baxter get run early, but Jason Patterson ended up leading the Wildcats in rushing attempts against Youngstown State. I believe we see a similar situation play out on Saturday as the staff tries to ensure Baxter stays healthy for the season, expect a heavy dose of Patterson on Saturday. Patterson has shown his explosiveness and contact balance early this season, he could have a big game this weekend. I also imagine we get an extended look at Oklahoma transfer Jovantae Barnes as well.
WR Kenny Darby
Kenny Darby has been incredible as a true freshman in this offense. We saw him drop an explosive touchdown opportunity, and where many freshmen would have let it get to them, Darby responded with an explosive touchdown to get his redemption. Darby is the best wide receiver with the ball in his hands on this roster, he will be a handful for the Jaguars defense. It will be fascinating to watch his development throughout this season, it took him three weeks to prove he is a stud in the making.
HB Keenan Phillips / HB PJ Martin
South Alabama is averaging almost 50 rush attempts per game, this is a run first team that has a good one-two punch in the backfield. Keenan Phillips has 226 rushing yards on 43 carries and a touchdown this season. PJ Martin leads the team with 54 carries and has 222 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Phillips is averaging over five yards per carry, and Martin is averaging over four yards per carry; the Jaguars will lean on this duo on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky vs South Alabama: Offensive X-factors in week four
