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Citrus Bowl: Penn State and Kentucky

Chris Gent via Flickr

College Football

Citrus Bowl: Penn State and Kentucky

Today in Orlando, Penn State and Kentucky will face each other in the 2019 Citrus Bowl. The Kentucky Wildcats had a great college football season. On the other hand, Penn State did as well (maybe not to some fans). The Citrus Bowl game takes place New Year’s Day in Orlando, Florida.

Citrus Bowl Preview

This match up between Penn State and Kentucky is an odd one. Kentucky had an outbreak that no one saw coming. Likewise, Penn State had some games where the unexpected happened. Kentucky is an unusual opponent for Penn State. In fact, both teams have met overall five times and Penn State has the slim advantage 3-2.

The Nittany Lions hold a mini two-game winning streak against the Wildcats. Furthermore, the last time both Kentucky and Penn State met for a bowl game was New Year’s Day 1999, in Tampa, Florida for the Outback Bowl. Penn State came away with the victory 26-14. Last time Penn State faced the Wildcats in Kentucky was October 7th, 1978. On that day, Penn State won 30-0.

Penn State

Offense

The Nittany Lions will be pioneered by quarterback Trace McSorley, who will run with the navy blue and white for the final time in his college football career. Currently, Penn State boosts the 46th best offense in the country. Trace McSorley, Miles Sanders and others have provided the back bone of this Penn State offense.

Defense

The Nittany Lions boosts the 36th best defense in the country. Amani Oruwariye and Micah Parson’s lead the charge on defense. Parsons who is a freshman has lived up to the hype of being a five-star recruit. Parsons finished his freshman campaign leading the team in tackles.

Kentucky

The Wildcats have a 9-3 record. Most people coming into this season didn’t have Kentucky in the position they’re currently in.

Offense

The Wildcats offense is ranked at No. 30 in the nation. The Wildcats are led by quarterback Terry Wilson whom in 12 games is 171-253 with eight interceptions. Likewise, Wilson has 1,768 total passing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Defense

The Wildcats defense is at No. 21 in the nation. The Wildcats allow 5.23 yards per play on defense. Defensively, the Wildcats are led by Josh Allen with 84 total tackles 52 solo and 32 assisted. He is at his best when it comes to tackles for loss and sacks.

Currently, Allen has 18.5 tackles for loss for a total of 102 yards. Likewise, Allen has 14 sacks for 91 yards. Mike Edwards is another big play maker for Kentucky. Edwards is second on the team in total tackles with 77 )55 solo and 22 assisted).

Conclusion

Penn State and Kentucky play in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s day from Camping World stadium in Orlando, Florida and you can catch the game on ABC.

Photo Credit to Chris Gent via Flickr

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