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

Kentucky had one of the better defenses in the SEC last season surrendering just 19.3 points per game. And while the majority of that same defense returns in 2020, they do have to replace some key players.

The team’s two starting defensive tackles from last year, T.J. Carter and Calvin Taylor were both signed as undrafted free agents in the NFL. Taylor led the team last season with 8.5 sacks and the two combined for 62 tackles, 15.5 TFls and 10.5 sacks last season so that’s some pretty serious production that the Wildcats have to replace.

Redshirt junior Joshua Paschal has moved from outside linebacker to defensive end and had a productive 2019 with 34 tackles, 9.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

Additionally, senior nose tackle Quinton Bohanna is a massive human being at 6-foot-4 and 367 pounds. He has started at least five games in each of his first three seasons at UK and is a popular breakout candidate in most circles.

Lastly, four-star defensive tackle Justin Rogers was the No. 1 prospect in the state of Michigan and was the No. 51 prospect in the class of 2020. With the departures of Taylor and Carter, Rogers could make an impact as a true freshman.

Nonetheless, While the team’s defense played well as a whole, Kentucky struggled to defend the run in 2019. While Auburn’s rushing attack does come with some uncertainty, this could be an area where the Tigers could capitalize.