Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
Saturday evening’s game at Kroger Field was the perfect definition of a trap game. Fresh off a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Florida last week, the Wildcats had to withstand the upset-minded Eastern Michigan Eagles. Thanks to an unstoppable pass rush and strong special teams play; Kentucky survived a letdown, 24-20.
The victory will not win any pageants or beauty contest, but Kentucky found a way to survive. The Wildcats clawed their way to a 4-1 record on the season and found a way to move within two victories of bowl eligibility.
The game started out as negatively as it could for Kentucky, as Stephen Johnson took a shot on the first play, resulting in a fumble that was recovered by Eastern Michigan. One play later, Brogan Roback found Sergio Bailey for a 20-yard touchdown strike and Eastern Michigan was thinking upset.
After a disastrous start, Stephen Johnson settled in nicely, leading the Wildcats down the field. An 8 play, 75-yard drive was capped off by a 20-yard touchdown strike from Johnson to Greg Hart. The touchdown reception was the first of Hart’s UK career.
With the score knotted up at 7-7, the next five drives of the game resulted in punts. The Wildcats took their first lead of the game on the opening drive of the second quarter, as Johnson connected with Tavin Richardson for a 7-yard touchdown pass, the first of Richardson’s career.
Eastern Michigan quickly answered to tie the game. The Eagles successfully used a trick play that completely fooled the UK defense. Roback threw a lateral to Jaron Johnson, who found Johnnie Niupalau for a 43-yard touchdown pass. The UK secondary came up to play Johnson, which created separation for Niupalau along the sideline. The play established the halftime score at, 14-14.
The slow-paced first half drained any energy out of Kroger Field. Kentucky entered the second half needing a shot in the arm and special teams delivered. The Eagles muffed a punt, recovered by Tristan Yeoman’s at the Eastern Michigan 42-yard line. The Wildcats capitalized with a 39-yard field goal by Austin MacGinnis, which gave the Wildcats the lead for good.
Entering the 4th quarter leading 17-14, the Wildcats were searching for the big play. That play once again came via special teams, as Joshua Pascal blocked a punt. The ball hit the official, remained in play, and the Wildcats took over at the Eastern Michigan 12-yard line. All it took was one play for Benny Snell to find the end zone, a 12-yard score to give the Wildcats a 24-14 advantage.
Eastern Michigan added a late touchdown, but the extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score, 24-20. The Eagles regained possession after Kentucky was unable to grind out the clock. The anxious feeling started to creep into Kroger Field, as Eastern Michigan positioned themselves for a Hail Mary attempt. Roback rolled right and threw a pass well into the end zone. Fans watched anxiously, as Mike Edwards intercepted the ball with no time remaining on the clock to secure a 24-20 victory.
The Wildcats return to action next Saturday vs. Missouri. The game will be televised on the SEC Network at 7:30 ET.
Offensive Leaders
Despite being sacked five times, Stephen Johnson posted solid numbers. The UK senior completed 18-of-27 passes for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. He completed passes to eight different receivers. Juice Johnson led the Wildcats with 8 receptions for 61 yards. Kayaune Ross added 2 catches for 40 yards and Lynn Bowden totaled 19 yards on 2 receptions. Benny Snell led the rushing attack with 21 carries for 75 yards and a 12-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter.
Defensive Leaders
Defensively, the Wildcats answered the bell all game, especially on the ground. Matt House’s unit held Eastern Michigan to 13 yards rushing while totaling 5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss.
Mike Edwards led Kentucky with 8 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and the game-winning interception. Safety Kendall Randolph added an interception and 2 pass breakups.
Josh Allen and Denzil Ware, the duo named the “Blitz Brothers”, lived in the Eagles backfield all game. Allen led the Wildcats with 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. His season sack total is now at 5.5 through the first 5 games. Ware finished with 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss.
Game Notes
- The meeting was the first between the two schools.
- The two teams will play again in 2019 at Eastern Michigan
- Kentucky is 11-4 in their last 15 regular season games. The best span since 1977 when the Wildcats were 11-3-1 in 15 games.
- Kentucky was +2 in turnovers, pushing their season margin to +7.
