Mississippi State-Kentucky Preview Capsule
Last meeting: 2009, Mississippi State 31-24
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Mississippi State is going for its sixth straight win and third straight in the SEC, and could become a factor in the Western Division. Kentucky is trying to break through against a ranked opponent for the second time in three weeks, after upsetting then-No. 10
Last meeting: 2009, Mississippi State 31-24
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Mississippi State is going for its sixth straight win and third straight in the SEC, and could become a factor in the Western Division. Kentucky is trying to break through against a ranked opponent for the second time in three weeks, after upsetting then-No. 10 South Carolina 31-28 on Oct. 16 in Lexington.
KEY MATCHUP
Kentucky’s offense vs. Mississippi State’s defense. The Wildcats have plenty of problems, but scoring isn’t one of them. Behind QB Mike Hartline, RB Derrick Locke and WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky has scored at least 31 points each of the last four games. Mississippi State is giving up only 16 points per game, third in the SEC.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kentucky: Hartline doesn’t get the publicity of some elite SEC quarterbacks, but he’s certainly been effective. He threw for 353 yards and four touchdowns against Georgia last week.
Mississippi State: RB Vick Ballard missed last week’s victory over UAB because of a sore ankle, but he’s expected to be at full strength against Kentucky. The bruising 215-pound back has rushed for 516 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
kentucky.com
10/29/10
Magnolia Tribune
