PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Benny Snell Jr. continues to carry the load for the Wildcats’ offense. He has rushed for an SEC-best 639 yards, which ranks No. 3 in FBS statistics. His average of 135 yards a game also is third in the nation.
–TE C.J. Conrad is a steady outlet for QB Terry Wilson. The senior has 13 receptions, which is second to WR Lynn Bowden Jr.’s 24 on the team, good for 89 yards. He had three catches against South Carolina, including a 17-yarder that to jumpstart Kentucky’s second touchdown drive.
–LB Josh Allen has become a terror on defense for the Wildcats. He had three sacks in the win over the Gamecocks, giving him six for the season. That leads the SEC and is tied for fifth nationally with his average of 1.2 sacks per game. “He is double-teamed a lot,” coach Mark Stoops said. “There are certain things we can do to try and free him up.”
–FS Darius West has recorded two of Kentucky’s six interceptions and is tied with LB Kash Daniels for the team lead in tackles with 37 stops, 21 of them solo. West had a big interception in the third quarter of the win over South Carolina. He also has broken up five other passes for the season. “He definitely has a strong mentality,” Stoops said, “and he has a great passion and desire to win.”
SERIES HISTORY: Kentucky and Texas A&M are tied 1-1. The Aggies won the last meeting 7-6 in 1953.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “This is the first time we’ve played each other. You guys have heard me talk about him and credit him back for a lot of things for every year I’ve been here. I’ve learned different things from him, there’s no question.” — Coach Mark Stoops, on Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, whom he served as defensive coordinator at Florida State before coming to Kentucky.
