During this week’s SEC coaches conference call, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops answered questions about preparing to play Alabama.
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In his introduction, Stoops described playing Alabama as a “great challenge.” “We know we’ll have our hands full,” he said.
He’s not wrong. This is a Kentucky team that lost to Southern Miss and struggled mightily with New Mexico State and South Carolina. Their two recent victories have the team trending upward, but playing Alabama is the last thing they need to keep up that momentum.
By any metric, Kentucky is outclassed. So far they have averaged only 30.3 points per game despite posting high figures against two non-conference defenses. Their defense may be even worse, as they’ve surrendered 35.3 points per game. Against Alabama, they will indeed “have their hands full.”
Alabama’s Linebackers
Asked about the play of Alabama’s linebackers, Stoops noted that it is a “very physical” unit. He specifically noted the experience and impressive play of linebacker Reuben Foster. “They can run sideline-to-sideline,” he continued. “Of course, it doesn’t hurt with the defensive line that they have as well. These guys are very big and very physical, and they play with a lot of passion and energy. They’re fun to watch.”
Given Kentucky’s struggles in the passing game, facing off against Alabama’s 5th ranked run defense can’t be an exciting prospect. Alabama linebackers Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion Hamilton exhibit a combination of lateral speed and run-stopping power that could render Kentucky’s run-heavy offense impotent.
Of course Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson are just as likely to blow up any rushing attempts in the backfield. On the bright side, at least Mark Stoops seems prepared to enjoy such a show on Saturday. But he is unlikely to find the display half as “fun” as Bama fans do.
Jalen Hurts
Finally, Stoops also responded to a question about Alabama’s man of the hour, Jalen Hurts. Asked if Hurts “looks like a freshman,” Stoops stated the obvious. “He really doesn’t. The first thing that jumps out at you, he’s extremely talented. But he looks very poised back there. He’s got a big, big, big-time arm, and he looks good…it’s a challenge.”
How satisfying it is that Alabama finally has a dynamic dual-threat quarterback of its own. Hurts presents a matchup problem for any defense, and Kentucky’s porous unit should be no exception. The patience with which he runs and the judgment with which he read defenses belie his experience level. To use what will no doubt soon become a tired pun, Kentucky is in for a Hurting on Saturday.
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Alabama and Nick Saban kick off against Kentucky and Mark Stoops Saturday at 6pm central time in Tuscaloosa. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.