Georgia @ Kentucky preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 18, 2017 ) Kentucky 13, Georgia 42

Fifth-ranked Georgia is used to playing showdown games in November with SEC and national title aspirations at stake, but No. 12 Kentucky finds itself in that unfamiliar spot when it hosts their matchup on Saturday. The Wildcats defeated Missouri 15-14 last week, scoring on the final play of the game, and are off to their best eight-game start since 1977 behind a defense that is allowing a nation-low average of 13 points.

“They’ve worked hard to put themselves in that position,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops told reporters on Monday. “We just have to stay consistent and be the best version of ourselves we can be.” Kentucky, which has improved its win total in each of Stoops' six seasons, were ninth in the College Football Playoff rankings that were released on Tuesday - three spots behind Georgia, which whipped Florida 36-17 last week. Quarterback Jake Fromm rebounded from a sub-par showing in a loss at LSU to throw three touchdown passes against the Gators and now faces a defense led by standout linebacker Josh Allen, who ranks in the top three nationally in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (10). “Obviously, it is a huge game,” Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta told reporters on Monday. “You know we are playing for a chance to go to Atlanta (for the SEC championship game). I would say that is all the motivation that we need for this weekend’s game.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Georgia -9

ABOUT GEORGIA (7-1, 5-1 SEC): Fromm improved to 19-3 as a starter in his career and ranks second in the SEC in completion percentage (67.4) while the Bulldogs enter the week second in the conference in scoring offense (38.6 points). Running backs Elijah Holyfield and D’Andre Swift combined for 175 yards on 32 carries against Florida and have totaled 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns this season. The defense, which held Florida to a season-low 275 yards, is allowing 16.4 points per game.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (7-1, 5-1): Quarterback Terry Wilson completed 22-of-31 passes for 267 yards last week and wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. made 13 catches for 166 yards while also returning a punt 67 yards for a touchdown. Running back Benny Snell Jr. was held to 67 yards on 19 carries but leads the SEC and ranks 10th nationally in rushing yards per game (116.9). The defense gets plenty of attention, but the Wildcats are third in the conference in rushing offense (214 yards).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Georgia DB Richard LeCounte made seven of his team-leading 47 tackles and also recovered a fumble last week.

2. Kentucky is the only FBS team yet to allow more than 20 points in a game this season.

3. This is just the third time in series history both Georgia and Kentucky are ranked (1946 and 2007).

PREDICTION: Georgia 24, Kentucky 20