How Kentucky Can Upset Alabama: 5 Keys to Victory

Win the coaching battle

Nick Saban is undeniably one of the best coaches in the nation, if not the best. Saban’s ability to get his team ready for each matchup and make the right in-game adjustments is only part of what makes him great. As for Kentucky, they have a good head coach of their own in Mark Stoops. And while it may be a task to outcoach Saban, Stoops is more than capable of putting his team in a position to upset Alabama.

Limit Jalen Milroe as a runner, force him to be a passer

Jalen Milroe is one of the top threats in the nation at the quarterback position. Milroe is at his best when he’s creating offense with his legs. If the Alabama standout is able to escape the pocket, he can really put stress on opposing defenses. If Kentucky hopes to defend their home field, limiting Milroe will be the biggest challenge. If the Wildcats can force the Crimson Tide’s quarterback to struggle and slow down their offense, Kentucky could be in a position to upset Saban’s squad.

Find a way to run the ball efficiently

Alabama has one of the top defensive lines in all of college football. With their ability to disrupt an opposing team’s offense, it’ll be a challenge for Kentucky to move the ball effectively in this matchup. However, if they can get their stud running back Ray Davis going, it’ll open up their passing game and give Devin Leary a chance to get going as well.

Put Leary and the offense in position to succeed

Leary is arguably the X-factor for the Wildcats in this matchup. If the senior can find success, it will only increase Kentucky’s chances to win this showdown. But it doesn’t all start with Leary, the Wildcats coaching staff will have to put in a good game plan to put their QB in position to succeed. If the coaches plan a good offensive attack for Leary and his offense, there should be no reason why Kentucky doesn’t put up a good fight.

Punch first

There is absolutely no secret that Alabama can score in waves and put points on the board quickly. And if Kentucky wants to keep this one close, they need to be the first ones to throw a punch. If the Wildcats can come out with some energy and jump out to a fast start, there’s a chance that even if they don’t fully rattle the Crimson Tide, they can knock Bama off their game just enough to hand them their first in-conference loss.

Win the coaching battle

Nick Saban is undeniably one of the best coaches in the nation, if not the best. Saban’s ability to get his team ready for each matchup and make the right in-game adjustments is only part of what makes him great. As for Kentucky, they have a good head coach of their own in Mark Stoops. And while it may be a task to outcoach Saban, Stoops is more than capable of putting his team in a position to upset Alabama.