Can Kentucky rebound against #3 Bama?

With just about everyone in the Bluegrass questioning the chances UK has to upset #3 ranked Alabama and the basketball season fast approaching I have found it tough to get excited about tomorrow's game. The environment in Lexington showcases why UK will always be a basketball first state because most fans are more concerned about attaining tickets to UK first basketball practice than the #3 team coming to visit in football.

I always like to analyze the series history when Kentucky takes on a powerhouse like Alabama in football. Alabama has absolutely dominated the gridiron over Kentucky, owning a 34-2-1 series record over the Cats. UK last defeated Alabama 40-34 in 1997, the last victory prior to that was 1922. UK and Alabama both served as home for one of the top college football coaches of all time, the legendary Paul Bear Bryant.

Alabama boasts a very efficient quarterback in Greg McElroy who has passed for 938 yards this season with 7 TDs and only 1 INT compared to Mike Hartline who has passed for 485 yards this season with 4 TDs and 3 INTs. Alabama also boasts a two headed rushing attack in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson who have rushed respectively for 347 yards & 4 TDs and 280 yards & 4 TDs. Alabama also boasts one of the top defenses in the country allowing only 13 points per game and just over 200 yards compared to Kentucky's 22 points per game and 350 yards per game.

There is no doubt that Kentucky faces a tough uphill battle against the Crimson Tide, but if Kentucky can limit the turnovers, the number of 3 and out possessions, and the costly penalties the Wildcats will dramatically increase their odds of pulling out an upset. The task will be difficult and the battle will be gruesome, but I am predicting a much sharper Wildcat team this week that will fight tooth and nail with the Crimson Tide.

My prediction: Alabama 27--UK 20 if a couple of plays go the Cats way they could surprise the world with an upset.