Central Michigan @ Kentucky preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 30, 2006 ) Central Michigan 36, Kentucky 45

THE STORY: After its offense sputtered in last week’s season opener, Kentucky hopes to find more consistency when it hosts to Central Michigan. The Wildcats shook off stubborn Western Kentucky, 14-3, in the opener, needing an 80-yard drive late in the game to put away the Hilltoppers. Kentucky had just 75 yards of total offense in the first three quarters and won despite four turnovers.

Central Michigan won its season opener for the fifth consecutive season, using two touchdown passes from quarterback Ryan Radcliff and a strong defensive showing to down South Carolina State, 21-6. The Chippewas held the Bulldogs to just 137 yards of total offense, allowed only 1.4 yards per rushing attempt and finished with 12 tackles for loss.

Kentucky is 5-0 all-time against Central Michigan, but each of the past three meetings have been decided by nine points or less.

TV: ESPNU. LINE: Kentucky -13.

ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (1-0): Sophomore halfback Zurlon Tipton started the season with a bang, finishing with 199 all-purpose yards (99 yards on kickoff returns, 73 yards rushing and 14 yards receiving). Tipton rushed for a 1-yard score. Radcliff completed 14-of-27 passes for 168 yards, connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Cody Wilson and a 67-yard score to Titus Davis. Defensive end Kashawn Fraser and cornerback Lorenzo White will miss the game, each serving the second game of a two-game suspension for offseason arrests.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (1-0): The Wildcats didn’t find their rhythm on offense until the final quarter, when junior quarterback Morgan Newton scrambled 58 yards up the middle, then hit La’Rod King on a 31-yard touchdown pass with 4:35 left. Defense led the way against the Hilltoppers as three seniors – linebacker Danny Trevathan, free safety Winston Guy and linebacker Ronnie Sneed – each finished with 10 or more tackles. Guy intercepted two passes as the Wildcats picked off four passes total.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Trevathan, who finished with 13 tackles last week, has reached double-figures in tackles in 10 consecutive games. He led the SEC in tackles in 2010.

2. Central Michigan is 0-7 all-time against the SEC.

3. Kentucky’s win over Western Kentucky was the Wildcats’ 20th consecutive regular-season victory against non-conference competition, a school record.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 24, Central Michigan 13 – The Wildcats should find their stride in their home opener and more good work from their defense will hold off the Chippewas.