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Wildcats Overcome Slow Start to Begin SEC Play on High Note

C.J. Conrad and Benny Snell celebrate following a touchdown vs. South Carolina – Kentucky extended its winning streak vs. the Gamecocks for four games – Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)

 

The night began as a blackout in South Carolina and early on, it looked like Wildcats fans would leave disappointed. With Kentucky expecting run on the first play of the game, the Gamecocks found Deebo Samuel for a 68-yard touchdown strike. As a result, Williams-Brice Stadium was the loudest it would be all night, but the crowd went silent quickly. South Carolina failed to convert on the PAT, keeping the score, 6-0.

 

Following the opening play touchdown, the Wildcats turned the ball over on their first two possessions of the game. Stephen Johnson threw his first interception of the season and a bad snap resulted in a fumble that was recovered by South Carolina. Leading 6-0, South Carolina set up the perfect opportunity. Yet, they ended up with nothing to show for, as the Wildcat defense got stronger throughout the game.

 

For most of the first quarter, it seemed the Wildcats were hanging on by a thread until a 5-yard touchdown run by Benny Snell gave the Wildcats the lead. Somehow, through all the struggles, Kentucky held a 7-6 advantage after 15 minutes.

 

The second quarter was a heavy dose of the Kentucky offense, as Eddie Gran dialed up the perfect game plan. The Wildcats repeatedly connected on slant routes and consistently converted on third down to keep drives alive. For the game, Kentucky converted on 9-of-16 third-down attempts, while South Carolina finished 3-of-12.

 

Midway through the 2nd quarter, the UK defense forced its third consecutive three and out. The offense answered with an 11-play drive capped off by a second rushing touchdown by Snell, giving the Wildcats a 14-6 advantage at the half. Snell, who suffered bruised ribs last week vs. EKU, carried the ball 32 times for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. The sophomore running back finished north of the century mark for the second consecutive game.

 

The third quarter was relatively quiet with the only scoring being a 27-yard field goal by Austin MacGinnis, who converted on all three of his attempts for the night. The defense held strong throughout the third quarter, pacing the Wildcats to a 17-6 advantage entering the final 15 minutes.

 

Midway through the final quarter, MacGinnis connected on his second field goal of the night, a 44-yarder, giving the Wildcats a comfortable 20-6 advantage. Kentucky looked to be in command of the game and on their way to a smooth finish. However, South Carolina found some life on a 9-yard touchdown reception by OrTre Smith, slicing the Kentucky lead to 20-13 with 6:26 remaining.

 

With less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the stadium was revived and ready for the Gamecock defense to deliver a stop on third down. That is when Stephen Johnson stepped up and ran 54-yards down the sideline, setting up an insurance 21-yard field goal by MacGinnis. The kick set the final score at, 23-13, giving the Wildcats a SEC road victory.

 

Defensively, the Wildcats delivered all night. After the opening drive touchdown, the Gamecocks next nine possessions consisted of three missed field goals, three punts, two turnovers on downs, and an interception. All credit to the Wildcat defense having the right game plan and executing.

 

Derrick Baity (8 tackles) and Mike Edwards (6 tackles) led the Wildcat defense, each adding an interception. Minus the first play of the game, the Kentucky defense seemed to be in the right position consistently.

 

The improvement under the leadership of Matt House has been something to watch. Through the first three games, Kentucky has given up 17, 16, and 13 points. The Wildcats have also held three straight teams under 100 yards rushing, something you have to do to win in the SEC.

 

The defense showed heart tonight, playing without Jordan Jones, the team’s vocal leader on that side of the football. Eli Brown, a former four-star recruit, filled the void left by Jones. The sophomore linebacker finished with 6 tackles, one for a loss.

 

The victory gives the Wildcats a 3-0 start overall and a 1-0 record in SEC play. Kentucky heads home to Kroger Field, where they will attempt to snap a 30 game losing streak to the Florida Gators. Game time and TV network are yet to be announced for next Saturday’s game, but we know kickoff will either be 7:00 or 7:30 ET.

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