Behind Enemy Lines: Five Questions for Wildcats Today's Lance Dawe

Ahead of Louisville's matchup with Kentucky, Louisville Report sat down with Lance Dawe of Wildcats Today to find out more about the Wildcats.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After taking down Miami to ensure themselves a spot in the ACC Championship Game, the Louisville football program has just one game left in the regular season, returning home for a rivalry showdown with Kentucky.

Ahead of the matchup, Louisville Report sat down with Lance Dawe of Wildcats Today to find out more about the Wildcats.

1. What is the overall vibe surrounding the Kentucky program right now? The got off to a good start to the season, but have been far from the same team sense then.

The vibe is negative without a doubt. Big Blue Nation is starting to chatter about the head coach and things aren't great. The Cats lost some close game this season that they were in and got blown out against the big dogs. Kentucky has underachieved big time in 2023.

2. Devin Leary was an accomplished quarterback while at NC State, but has struggled for large parts of this season. Why is that, and how has that limited the offense’s potential?

There was discussion that Devin Leary could be the best quarterback of the Mark Stoops era and now you could say he is the biggest bust of the Stoops era. He just hasn't looked like the guy we saw at NC State after his surgery, and it has led to a poor showing in the SEC.

3. Re’Mahn “Ray” Davis is on elf the best running backs in the SEC, as well as college football. What makes him such an efficient ball carrier?

Ray Davis mixes speed with elusiveness that makes him such a great running back. He also can catch the football out of the backfield which will help him hopefully make a career at the next level.

4. Statistically speaking, Kentucky has performed much better on the defensive side of the ball. What is their defensive identity, and who are some players to watch on this side of the ball?

Deone Walker (DL), Trevin Wallace (LB), and Maxwell Hairston (CB) are the guys watch out for. This defense has been built on stopping the run, but the secondary has struggled at times.

5. What is the one thing that Kentucky must do if they are to pull off the upset?

They have to make holes for Ray Davis and find ways to get their talented and speedy wideouts the football in space. This game will be close likely just based on the fact that it's a rivalry but if the Cats want to win on the road, they have to do these things.

(Photo of Ray Davis: Jordan Prather - USA TODAY Sports)

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