Ad Disclosure
College GameDay researcher believes Kentucky’s defense will give Penn State problems
Published:
The underdog role isn’t a new part for Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats. Even after winning nine games this season, and recording several signature victories, there’s still some belief that this year was a fluke in Lexington.
On New Year’s Day, Kentucky will take on Penn State in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The Wildcats enter the game as a 6.5-point underdog.
But College GameDay personality and researcher Chris Fallica believes Kentucky poses some serious problems for the Nittany Lions.
“Mark Stoops and his Kentucky Wildcats have enjoyed playing in this role all year long,” Fallica said, according to 247Sports. “No one expects them to win. They’ve been a great underdog all year.
“That defense I think is going to cause a lot of problems for Trace McSorley and that Penn State offense. Josh Allen is a guy who can get after the quarterback and rush the passer, the secondary is very good. Penn State’s offensive line has struggled in pass pro at times this year.”
Penn State finished the year 9-3 but failed to record a signature win. The Nittany Lions all of their marquee matchups, losing to Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan. The Citrus Bowl gives James Franklin’s team an opportunity to get that signature victory.
Fallica expects Kentucky to give Penn State a big fight in Orlando.
“As bad as that Kentucky offense is, I think the Wildcats give Penn State a fourth quarter fight,” Fallica said.
Both Penn State and Kentucky will be fighting for a 10-win season on Jan. 1. It would be the third-straight double-digit win season for the Nittany Lions while the Wildcats haven’t reached 10 wins since 1977.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB