QB: USC, Bentley is a top QB in the SEC
RB: Snell was a 1,000 yard rusher who split carries and didn't play 2 games last year.
WR: USC not close
TE: Slight USC, you guys have more depth, but Conrad for us is a stud
OL: UK slight. We've played poorly, but depth and proven experience is on our side
DL: USC, not close. Our Dline gets no push and can be run on at will
LB: UK, Jordan Jones is the best LBer in the game and UK is deep
DB: UK, you guys got shredded in the air the first two games. Ours was not sharp, but we have not played true competition to judge yet so I'm going by last year
KR: USC
PR: USC
K: UK
P: Even
It really comes down to 1 thing for each team. Can you all establish the run against our thin DLine and can we get our passing game in rhythm against your secondary.
Just a few notes:
QB - Agree
Your QB had respectable games the past 2 weeks, but considering the competition it looks very average. He could have a great game and pass for 200 yards against us, but I don't see it happening. I'm thinking about the same as last year with around 60% completions for between 135-150 yards.
RB - I say push.
Snell is a great RB but we've shored up our run defense some. I can see him running for over 100 yards but I don't see UK totaling over 200 on the ground in this one.
The reason behind the "push" and why you won't see a 1000 yard rusher on our roster this year is we'll be splitting carries between 3 backs. Dowdle, who didn't have a carry against you last season but went on to be our most productive back, AJ Turner and sophomore Ty'son Williams a transfer from UNC...who is a bull.
One other factor that will help us establish the ground attack against you is a new (and former returned) OL coach. You'll see much better schemes and run blocking than the past 3 years.
WR - Agree
TE - I can agree, but our TE's are very talented and you'll hear Hayden Hurst named called a lot either catching, running or blocking.
OL - I can agree here also, but ours is improved.
DL - Agree, but ours were bad the past 3 years...and I mean BAD. Watch for Javon Kinlaw, kid is a monster.
LB - OK, I just can't agree here. With the return of Skai Moore we have 2 highly talented senior starters in he and Bryson Allen-Williams and a solid 3rd starting sophomore TJ Brunson who lead the team in tackles vs NCST. UK may have more depth but I'm not so sure their starters are as talented.
DB - I agree with your assessment, therefore I would say it's a push. Keep an eye out for freshman corner and #39 on ESPN's top 250 from last years recruiting Jamyest Williams and also Javon Charleston. They both have very high ceilings and will be studs. Won't be surprised to see both have a big game and maybe a pick from one or the other.
Agree with on special teams.
Should be a good game but I truly believe USC will win it comfortably.