Photo by Vicki Graff
Former two-star recruit, Josh Allen, has been the best edge rusher in the country to start the 2018 season. Pro Football Focus has Allen rated as the top edge rusher, pressuring the opposing quarterback 13 times on 79 pass rushes.
It’s no coincidence, along with Allen’s dominance, that Kentucky has the third-ranked scoring defense in the country and also ranks 12th in total defense. While having Jamar Watson, Jordan Jones, Kash Daniel and an elite secondary is complimentary, the Wildcats will need Allen more than ever for Saturday’s matchup at Texas A&M.
The Aggies have given up more sacks than anyone in the SEC and will coincidentally face the leading sack man in the South Eastern Conference. With A&M’s Trayveon Williams trailing only Benny Snell in rushing for the SEC, it’s significant that Kentucky takes away the run early to unleash a feast on a weaker A&M offensive line.
Since Daniel will miss Saturday’s first half due to his ejection against South Carolina, look to see Chris Oats step in to start and see significant snaps. Jones, Oats, Mike Edwards and Darius West will have a tall task of bundling up Williams.
Snell is key for Kentucky to keep their defense fresh and off the field. When the defense does take the turf, it’ll be their job to take a hostile crowd out of the game. This scenario will make life much easier for starting quarterback Terry Wilson.
Kentucky should score their share of points, but they’ll need to put a lid on an explosive A&M offense to leave College Station with a victory.
