3 things to watch in Saturday’s winner-take-all game vs. Kentucky

After five weeks without a game at Sanford Stadium, Georgia’s road stretch will finally come to an end.

But not without its most-important game of the season first.

It’s No. 6 Georgia vs. No. 9 Kentucky for the Bulldogs’ third consecutive top-10 matchup, based on the rankings released Tuesday by the College Football Playoff. The winner goes to the SEC Championship, the loser doesn’t.

And oh yeah, Kentucky has never been to one of those and basketball season is on a brief hold — although an exhibition is hosted Friday night at Rupp Arena. The Wildcat fans will be loud and hope their team will use the underdog card to its advantage as Georgia is an 8.5-point betting favorite.

“I want it to be the best this stadium has ever heard,” Kentucky defensive end Josh Allen said, according to Jen Smith of the Lexington Herald-Leader. “I want to hear it from miles away. I want it to be rocking.”

Meanwhile, Georgia believes it has an in-game advantage, along with something else: its fan base will be ready.

Bulldog fans have built a traveling reputation, and the same could be true in Lexington as hotels across the city are fully booked.

“It is going to be a four-quarter game because that is the kind of team they are,” Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta said. “The good thing for us is we have been a good second-half team this year.”

Ben Cleveland could be available

Georgia offensive guard Ben Cleveland could return to the rotation Saturday. After making the 70-man travel roster against Florida and not playing, Cleveland rotated with the second-team offensive line throughout the week of preparation for Kentucky.

Cleveland suffered a fractured fibula on Sept. 22 at Missouri. In his absence, freshmen Cade Mays and Trey Hill have played at right guard.

“We think he’ll be able to help us, but I don’t know if he’ll be out there starting,” Smart said. “He may end up being a supplemental role.”

Georgia welcomes the reinforcement, even if the contribution isn’t substantial in volume. In the victory over Florida, Andrew Thomas and Kendall Baker suffered minor injuries and returned.

Can Georgia contain Benny Snell?

A couple of Benny Snell’s best performances have come against Georgia. In the two matchups against the Bulldogs, both Kentucky losses, Snell has accrued 208 yards and three touchdowns.

His third opportunity against Georgia has the most at stake. In this instance, it’s ever-important that Snell isn’t able to use his catchphrase “Snell ya later” in a victory if Georgia hopes to make a return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“They have one of the premier guys in the country toting the ball, who’s probably the best I’ve ever seen with his vision,” Smart said of Snell. “I mean, he never misses a hole.”

Georgia’s ability to contain the Maxwell Award nominee may be difficult as the run defense is head coach Kirby Smart’s biggest concern. The Bulldogs head to Lexington after allowing 275 and 170 rushing yards in consecutive weeks.

Another running threat in Terry Wilson

Kentucky’s quarterback situation has been unsettling at times, and it has even involved the use of backup Gunnar Hoak to fill in for starter Terry Wilson. But one thing that Wilson has an advantage in is a running ability.

Georgia has yet to face a true dual-threat this season, although LSU quarterback Joe Burrow did rip off a 59-yard scramble two weeks ago. Nevertheless, Wilson provides a complement to Snell and gives the Bulldogs an extra option to think about.

Wilson has collected 406 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the season, including a 105-yard performance in the Wildcats’ win over Florida.

“It’s difficult but it’s not nothing we can’t handle,” Georgia defensive back Tyrique McGhee said. “Their quarterback, he can run the ball just as well as the running back. He is like a second running back to them.”