The Kentucky Wildcats defeated South Alabama 45-21 to cap off September with a 3-1 record. Kentucky dominated the second half after a sluggish start in the first half. The Wildcats defense played better than the score suggests, and multiple players stepped up. Let's spotlight a few players on the Wildcats defense that made an impact in the win over the Jaguars.
ED Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
A month into the season, edge defender Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace has been the most consistent player on the defensive side of the football. Humphrey-Grace flashed yet again in this game, as he led the team with 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. We also saw Humphrey-Grace get a massive pass deflection at the line of scrimmage, which popped straight into the hands of linebacker Grant Godfrey.
This set up Kentucky to get a field goal and take a three point lead into the half.
LB Alex Afari
Alex Afari played a season-high 42 snaps, getting extended run in this new scheme by defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Afari got to play a lot more following the targeting penalty from linebacker Bo Barnes, which ejected him from the game. We have all seen Afari make plays for the Wildcats, but him being a late addition has put him behind in learning this new scheme. Afari led the team with nine tackles and could be a massive piece to this defense moving forward.
DB Aaron Gates
Slot corner Aaron Gates is an extremely important piece to this secondary and he showed that on Saturday. Gates did allow a touchdown, but he made a lot of plays on the football as he forced three incompletions. Gates also had a tackle for loss in this game. Playing the slot/nickel defender role is one of the toughest tasks in football, you have to be able to win in coverage but also be a sure tackler when fitting the run; Gates has had a solid start to this season.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky defensive spotlights in week four win over South Alabama
