Matt Elam’s game on Saturday could be the biggest game of Kentucky career. After the season-ending injury to Melvin Gordon, Elam will take over the role of the starting nose guard on the d-line. Eliot praised Elam’s focus and preparation this week heading into Saturday’s game. “Matt’s worked very hard. He’s taken a very serious attitude, which is good. He has come to work everyday and paid attention. He’s doing what we ask,” Eliot said. Elam not only wants to play well for himself, but for Lewis, which gives him more motivation.
To be effective in Saturday’s game, Elam is going to have to fight through fatigue from playing more reps than normal.