A rare matchup for the two squads that will only be their fourth meeting all-time, with the last game also being in College Station and Kyle Field in 2018. In what was a season to remember for the BBN, it was the one game the offense stalled out and fell to the Aggies 20-14.
This time, Kentucky is coming off a tale of two halves against Alabama. With some impressive defense and solid offense in the first half at Kroger Field this past Saturday, the second half was exactly the opposite as Will Stein and his staff got a taste of what it is like to play a powerhouse SEC football team. That will be no different this weekend.
Texas A&M comes into Saturday’s game as the No. 9 team in the country according to the AP Poll, and 2-0 on the season after knocking off Arizona State in Week 2. Proving to be a very balanced team on offense that will mix the run and passing game fairly equally, it is the defense that has proven to be lockdown to this point in the year. Giving up 20 points total so far this season, that is good enough to be 18th in the country. They’re also giving up only 76 yards rushing per game (22nd overall) and 142 passing yards per game (28th overall).
How does this game set up for Kentucky? Not that well. There is a really good argument that this could be the toughest game on the schedule, and quite possibly the second best defense the Cats will face off against this season.
To win this game, it will take a big effort from Kenny Minchey, but they will also need to break through on the run game. Whether it is CJ Baxter, Jovantae Barnes, or Jason Patterson, Coach Stein needs a running back to break through. If they only rush for two yards per carry again at Kyle Field, it will be a massive hill to climb to get the win.
This one, to me, seems like another game the Cats hang in the first half, but the talent gap will be too much in the end. However, I do feel like we see Minchey take a step in the right direction and prove to the BBN that he is the guy to lead this team.
How to watch Kentucky vs. Texas A&M
Location: Kyle Field in College Station, TX
Date & Time: Saturday, September 19th at 3:30 PM EST
Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Texas A&M favored by 16.5 points with an over/under of 48.5 points.
Prediction: The 12th man will be rowdy, and this one ends in a 31-14 win for the Aggies.