Auburn football: Potent rushing attack and strong O-line should make Kentucky a tough out

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 03: Drake Jackson #52 of the Kentucky Wildcats in action during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 3, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Georgia won 34-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 03: Drake Jackson #52 of the Kentucky Wildcats in action during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 3, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Georgia won 34-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Asim Rose #10 of the Kentucky Wildcats. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Asim Rose #10 of the Kentucky Wildcats. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

As I mentioned before, all-purpose superstar Lynn Bowden Jr. is now in the NFL and with that, the Wildcats have lost one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the country. Kentucky ranked first in the SEC in rushing yards per game (278.8) and Bowden’s 1,468 rushing yards and 13 TDs were a huge reason why.

Still, the Wildcats do return an experienced RB that can definitely eclipse 1,000 yards in 2020. Rising RS senior Asim Rose has fantastic size at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds and after putting up 826 rushing yards and six TDs on over five yards per carry last year, Rose should be one of the better RBs in the conference.

Kentucky also has solid depth behind Rose. Speedy RS sophomore Kavosiey Smoke received over 100 carries last year and turned that into 616 yards and six TDs. He is the lightning to Rose’s Thunder and the two should be one of the SEC’s best rushing duos.

Lastly, while RS sophomore Christopher Rodriguez Jr. was fourth on the team in carries last season, the power back still recorded 533 rushing yards and six touchdowns. That 533 yards is over 100 more rushing yards than any returning rusher on Auburn’s roster and Rodriguez is likely to be the third RB on the depth chart.

The loss of Wilson at quarterback definitely pushed the Wildcats to rush the ball more but the point is, Kentucky will try to run the ball down your throat and they have several options to help doing just that.

If Auburn’s rush defense takes a step back from last season, the Tigers could be in trouble against Kentucky’s potent rushing attack.