No. 20 Kentucky hosts MTSU, looking to end two-game slide

Posted November 15, 2018 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen (41) dives on the fumble of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm (11) during the first half an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston) The Associated Press

Middle Tennessee (7-3) at No. 20 Kentucky (7-3, No. 17 CFP), noon EST (SEC alternate).

Line: Kentucky by 16.

Series record: Kentucky leads, 2-0

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

The Blue Raiders seek their first five-game winning streak since 2013 along with their first series win against Kentucky. The Wildcats meanwhile aim to halt a two-game slide that ended Southeastern Conference play. They also seek their first eight-win season since 2007.

KEY MATCHUP

Kentucky's offense vs. MTSU's defense. The Wildcats haven't scored more than 17 points since Sept. 29 and managed just seven in last week's loss at Tennessee. RB back Benny Snell Jr. has 1,089 yards rushing but hasn't broken 100 the past three games. An opportunity to bounce back looms against the Blue Raiders, who are allowing 406.4 yards and 26.5 points per game. Kentucky must take advantage early, though, because MTSU has outscored opponents 103-64 in the second half over the past seven contests.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MTSU: QB Brent Stockstill. The senior is coming off a 352-yard, four-touchdown performance against UTEP that marked his school-record 17th career 300-yard game. He has thrown for 2,298 yards and 21 touchdowns this season.

Kentucky: LB Josh Allen. The senior leads the SEC with 11 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His next full sack will tie Dennis Johnson's single season mark set in 2001 and break Oliver Barnett's career mark of 26 from 1986-89.

FACTS & FIGURES

MTSU is plus-8 in turnover margin the past four games. ... MTSU S Wesley Bush ranks seventh nationally with four interceptions. ... Snell needs 323 yards rushing to break Sonny Collins' school record of 3,835 from 1972-75. ... Sixteen Wildcats will play their home finales, including Allen. This group is one of the most successful in program history with 26 wins consecutive bowl appearances.

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Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill (12) passes against Western Kentucky in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The Associated Press

Kentucky running back Benny Snell Jr. (26) runs for yardage as teammate wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. (1) blocks Tennessee defensive back Nigel Warrior (18) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) The Associated Press

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