The Kentucky Wildcats are coming to Athens. And for the first time in 10 years, they have the bragging rights after beating Georgia in Lexington last season 24-20. However, the Wildcats (7-3, 3-3 SEC) have not won in Athens since 1977, and never defeated Georgia in consecutive seasons.

Kentucky began the season on a five game win streak. However, a tough SEC schedule has brought the Wildcats back to earth. After defeating the top-ranked LSU Tigers on Oct. 13, Kentucky has lost two of its last three games and all but destroyed its chances of winning the school’s first ever SEC East championship.

“We need to play better. In some ways our play has regressed in the last three weeks,” Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks said. “We’ve got to get back to being more cohesive and defensively tackle a little better. Offensively, we need to block a little bit better; we just need to do a lot of things better.”

Kentucky’s biggest threat is its offensive firepower led by senior quarterback and possible Heisman candidate Andre’ Woodson. Woodson leads the SEC in passing yards with 2,653 and passing touchdowns with 29.

“He is very accurate, big, tall, and has a good presence back there. I have not seen anyone rattle the guy. I think he is a first-round draft pick and he was my preseason pick for All-SEC quarterback,” said Georgia head coach Mark Richt. Georgia’s secondary will be put to the test as Kentucky has four receivers with at least 400 receiving yards, led by Steve Johnson who has 754 and nine touchdowns.

The passing game is supported by a rushing attack that has 1,715 rushing yards this season, with senior Rafael Little getting the biggest chunk of the carries for 752 yards.

“They are definitely really balanced when it comes to running and passing. They have a good passing game, and their running backs are pretty impressive as well. We’re going to have to do a good job of flying around and everybody staying around the ball and communicating,” said Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran.

Defensively, the Wildcats have struggled as of late, but still have some key play makers that can stop a drive in its tracks. Senior linebacker Wesley Woodyard leads the SEC in tackles with 101 through 10 games while defensive end Jeremy Jarmon is second in the SEC in sacks with nine.

The game is important for both teams, but probably more so for Georgia who looks to avenge last season’s loss in Lexington as well as stay in the hunt for the SEC East crown. With a win and a Tennessee loss, Georgia would clinch the SEC East for the third time in five seasons. While Kentucky can no longer win the SEC East, two more wins would greatly improve which bowl the team plays in to end the season and prove the early season success was no fluke.