Vanderbilt @ Kentucky preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Kentucky 8, Vanderbilt 38

Vanderbilt looks to continue its good play against less-than-stellar competition when the Commodores visit struggling Kentucky on Saturday. The Commodores dropped three of their first four SEC games, but followed up a victory over Auburn with a rout of non-conference foe Massachusetts last week. Vanderbilt has held five of its eight opponents to 17 points or less, ranking 21st nationally in points against (19.3). The Wildcats are on a seven-game losing streak, losing five of those games by 13 or more points. Kentucky is near the bottom of the national rankings in most major offensive categories, and speculation continues to grow head coach Joker Phillips will be fired at season’s end.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Vanderbilt, -7.5

ABOUT VANDERBILT (4-4, 2-3 SEC): The Commodores will try to unleash senior running back Zac Stacy, the school’s all-time leading rusher (2,685 yards), against the Wildcats. Stacy carried just five times in the blowout of Massachusetts after eclipsing Frank Mordica’s school record the previous week against Auburn. Vanderbilt ranks fifth in the SEC in total defense (323.2 yards) and allows 56 fewer passing yards per game than it did a year ago. A victory puts the Commodores within one game of earning bowl eligibility.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (1-8, 0-6 SEC): The Wildcats were able to move the ball early against Missouri last week, totaling 115 yards on their first two drives. But Kentucky struggled the rest of the way and lost three fumbles. The Wildcats are fourth in the nation in most freshmen played this season (26), and a difficult schedule (opponents' .767 win/loss percentage) has made things worse. Freshman Jalen Whitlow passed for just 76 yards last week, is expected to split time again this week with freshman Patrick Towles.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Vanderbilt receivers Jordan Matthews and Chris Boys (combined 164.3 yards per game) are the second most-productive receiving duo in the SEC. Matthews caught 10 passes for 112 yards last week.

2. Kentucky freshman CB J.D. Harmon intercepted two passes last week and recorded seven tackles. Harmon earned honorable mention defensive back of the week by the College Football Performance Awards.

3. Kentucky leads the all-time series 41-39-4. The Wildcats have won seven of the past 10 matchups.

PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 24, Kentucky 6