Kentucky Wildcats Football Notebook: Oct. 18

LEXINGTON, Ky. - To hear the Kentucky Wildcats talk about their upcoming matchup with Mississippi State, it's been rare for a name other than Nick Fitzgerald to come up.

That's no disrespect to rest of the Bulldogs' roster, mind you. That's how dangerous UK views the opposing quarterback.

"He’s just so physical," UK head coach Mark Stoops said of State's dual-threat star. "He’s a big, strong guy, and can throw the ball. He certainly can handle designed quarterback run. I think he’s just a very tough runner and puts a lot of pressure on you.”

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Fitzgerald looks more linebacker than signal caller at first glance. A preseason candidate for all the major college football quarterback awards, he has not disappointed. The Georgia native enters Saturday's game having passed for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 446 yards and seven scores.

In his career, Fitzgerald has accounted for 5,630 yards and 60 touchdowns, 34 through the air and 26 on the ground.

The Cats seem most concerned about the second option. After all, Fitzgerald ran for 107 yards and two scores last season in UK's 40-38 shootout with State. He now has nine career 100-yard rushing efforts.

"You're always trying to figure out a way to get another hat in the box," UK defensive coordinator Matt House said after Wednesday's practice at the Joe Craft Football Training Center. "He's a really physical runner. He's not your typical quarterback runner. He really is like having another downhill back in the backfield, so tackling becomes important."

The Bulldogs' offensive attack puts extra pressure on the secondary, Stoops pointed out earlier this week. House reiterated those concerns, noting the corners and safeties have to be mindful of cut blocks on the perimeter.

In the passing game, Mississippi State has surrendered only three sacks this season, the lowest figure in the SEC. A big part of that, House noted, is staying out of obvious passing situations.

The Bulldogs are converting a robust 44 percent (39 of 88) of their third-down plays this season.

"The whole season they've had like 26 reps or 24 reps (against third-and-seven or longer)," House said. "... Because they're in so many manageable third downs, there's more run game in there."

It's a big measuring stick for an improved UK defense that currently ranks No. 10 nationally in rushing defense at 97.2 yards per game and only 3.35 yards per attempt.

Said House: "It will be a test, no question."

At least one Wildcat is looking forward to the challenge. Junior linebacker Josh Allen, who currently leads UK with 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 2.0 forced fumbles, said he did not play well in last year's game and is eager to erase that memory.

"I want them to see the new Josh Allen who's going to go out and make plays all over the field," he said.

NOTES:

* Kentucky is expected to have one of its best defensive players back in action for the first time since Week 2. Weakside linebacker Jordan Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury against Eastern Kentucky and missed the last four games. "He's going to play. He's ready to go," House said. "... There's still knocking some rust off these last two weeks of practice." Jones was UK's leading tackler and ranked among the SEC leaders last season.

* Mississippi State landed one of the nation's top prospects two years ago in the form of five-star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The 6-foot-4, 301-pounder will be a major focus for UK's blocking schemes. "When you play against a great player and a great front like this, you're going to have to have technique and fundamentals, and you've got to be able to take your protections and help your center," UK offensive coordinator Eddie Gran said. Simmons has 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks this season for the Bulldogs.

* The Mississippi State defense enters the matchup No. 1 in the nation in first downs allowed at only 12 per game. "They're stingy," Gran said. "They're going to stop the run first. They're going to have the safeties up in the box. And when you throw the ball, you have to be efficient. You get behind the chains on these guys, and you're going to have problems." The Bulldogs have allowed only 27 first downs through the air. By comparison, the Cats have surrendered 70.