Entering the 2019 season, I’m not sure anyone expected Kentucky’s defense to be the unit the Wildcats would lean on.
More than halfway through the schedule, Brad White’s defense has been better than most assumed they would be after losing star Josh Allen, the entire secondary and key contributors across every level.
The defense has given Kentucky a chance to win almost every game they have played but injuries at the quarterback position has resulted in the offense struggling to find a rhythm. If Kentucky can get healthy at quarterback or find ways for Lynn Bowden to make some plays in the passing game, there are five winnable games to close the season.
We know now the defense is more than capable of making big plays, especially after their effort Saturday night at Georgia. The Bulldogs were held scoreless in the first half and if not for a bad punt and fumble in the third quarter, they might have gone even longer without finding the end zone.
For the game, Kentucky held Georgia to 270 yards of total offense, the Bulldogs lowest offensive total since they gained 230 yards in a 2017 loss to Auburn. Yes, weather played a factor on both sides but Kentucky’s defense made things difficult for Georgia and it was more than one guy flying around on that side of the ball.
Sophomore safety Yusuf Corker had a career high 11 tackles, the fourth consecutive game he has tied or broken his career high in stops (7, 9, 9 and 11 the last four games). Sophomore linebacker DeAndre Square added nine tackles, including a seven-yard tackle for loss.
While the Wildcats didn’t take home a win to Lexington, there should be a lot of positive energy heading into the final five games of the season.
Kentucky returns to action on Saturday vs. Missouri at Kroger Field. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. on the SEC Network.
