NASHVILLE, TN- The Kentucky Wildcats scored 35 unanswered points over the final three quarters in a 38-14 win vs. the Vanderbilt Commodores to inch closer to Bowl eligibility.
Kentucky rushed for 401 yards in the win and three players nearly eclipsed 100-yards individually. The Wildcats were led by redshirt freshman running back Chris Rodriguez, who carried the ball 15 times for a career best 129-yards and two touchdowns.
Lynn Bowden started his fifth straight game at quarterback and after another strong performance Saturday, the job is his the rest of the season.
Kentucky’s star carried the ball 17 times for 112 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Additionally, he completed 8-of-10 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Redshirt freshman running back Kavosiey Smoke also got in on the action, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Following the game, Mark Stoops and players had a lot of praise for offensive line coach John Schlarman after the Wildcats 401 yard rushing effort.
“Just remarkable, you know,” Mark Stoops said. “He really is. John is just amazing, to be honest with you. He had some treatment this week and then he had to go back for another little procedure. I don’t want to get too invasive with his business, he doesn’t want any attention, but he had to drive his own car down here, had somebody drive him down on Friday after another procedure and he shows up at practice. We thought he was going to have to miss it but sure enough, we got here and he pops in with a smile on his face like nothing’s going on and goes about his business.”
Schlarman was diagnosed with cancer prior to the 2018 season and has continued to coach through it all. His presence and perseverance has motivated the Wildcats to perform.
“It’s a really remarkable story, what he’s going through and the job that he’s doing. Can’t help thinking or imagining how it’s inspiring these players, to see what he’s going through. They can’t feel sorry for themselves, that’s for sure. John’s done a great job and so has the offensive line.”
