Kentucky is the solid favorite against Eastern Michigan going into tomorrow's game, so it should come as no surprise that Cats Illustrated's writers each pick the Wildcats.
But here they each share some thoughts on the matchup beyond their predicted scores.
What are the main reasons for Kentucky fans to be optimistic about the game this Saturday?
Jeff Drummond: Kentucky should be encouraged coming off a solid performance in the season opener against Toledo and the school of thought that teams generally make their biggest improvement between Week 1 and Week 2. Of course that applies to Eastern Michigan as well, but the Cats went into practice this week feeling like they could have blown out the MAC preseason favorite last week had they played a bit cleaner.
Travis Graf: Kentucky should physically overpower the Eagles across the board. Their run offense was very underwhelming in week one and, while it was effective against Coastal Carolina, I don’t see the quick hitter passes working at a high rate against the ‘Cats. Terry Wilson should have a clean pocket once again and the Kentucky offensive line should have it’s way with Eastern Michigan’s defensive front. Unless Kentucky turns the ball over an astronomical amount, I don’t see them losing.
Justin Rowland: EMU doesn't really have the offensive firepower that would normally be required for a MAC team to pull an upset against an SEC squad. They're a grind it out, muck it up team and that plays to Kentucky's preferred style of play as well, only the 'Cats do it with better athletes and superior depth. EMU also did not run the ball especially well against Coastal Carolina, so it's hard for me to see them sustaining drives or controlling the clock, as would probably be required in a potential upset bid.
What are the main reasons to be concerned?
Drummond: Eastern Michigan has transformed itself into a confident program under Chris Creighton. When this series was originally scheduled, the Cats weren't expecting these games to be as competitive as the 24-20 affair that was staged in 2017 at Kroger Field. The Eagles have a big, physical O-Line, a good quarterback in Mike Glass (20 of 22 for 188 yards last week), and a defense that picked off four passes in the opener.
Graf: Whenever a quarterback is coming off of a 90% completion rate, 3 touchdown game, that’s something you have to keep your eye on. Kentucky’s secondary was pedestrian for a portion of week one. Although the Eagles don’t take many shots down field, the young defensive backs have to be disciplined when reading their keys.
Rowland: EMU could present a challenge for Kentucky's passing game. They had one of the nation's best secondaries by the numbers last season, return a lot of experience in the defensive backfield, and had four picks in Week 1. If they can turn the ball over when UK airs it out that would obviously be a concern.
Who will be the 'Cats MVP?
Drummond: Lynn Bowden, Kentucky. After a fairly routine opener for Bowden (6 receptions, 77 yards) I think we may see some more fireworks from him in Game 2. Wouldn't be surprised to see him get a couple of Wildcat snaps in this one.
Graf: Once again, I’ll go Terry Wilson. I think they’ll clean some things up this week in the read option and he’ll break off a couple high quality runs. Eastern Michigan didn’t come up with an interception in week one and, with a clean Kentucky pocket, I don’t see the Eagles coming up with one this week either. Wilson looked really good in week one and I think he builds upon that performance with 3 total touchdowns.
Rowland: I think Bowden is a good pick here as well but for the sake of mixing it up I'll go with AJ Rose. Kavosiey Smoke had the high average and the biggest run last week, but Rose still got the brunt of the workload and I suspect that will be the case again. UK should be able to run the ball Saturday.
What's your prediction for the game's outcome?
Drummond: Kentucky 34, Eastern Michigan 19. This one feels similar to last week's game. I think the Eagles will hang around early in the game, but the defense will limit EMU to mostly field goals and the Cats will gradually pull away for a comfortable margin.
Graf: Kentucky 41, EMU 17 The ‘Cats come out with a lot more energy and focus than week one. Kentucky imposes their will throughout and the game is never in question. Kentucky is able to play some of their potential redshirt freshmen in the second half of a blowout.
Rowland: Kentucky 33, EMU 14. The Eagles' offense is not really impressive to me on paper. Mike Glass III had a nice game last week but when you dig into the yards per completion and the quality of opponent, it's probably misleading. This EMU team will again be scrappy, but it's not as good as the team UK saw two years ago.
