Kentucky football jumped out to a 7-1 record, largely by playing clean football, and forcing the other teams into mistakes. However, Saturday night in Knoxville, the script played out almost exactly like it did in their only loss of the season, resulting in a 34-6 loss for the Wildcats.
The first half was a close contest, with both defenses playing well. Tennessee led, but it was 10-6. In the second half, like the Alabama game, a turnover changed the game. Kenny Minchey was sacked, and fumbled the ball, allowing the Vols to score on a short field. On the next drive, a turnover on downs gave the Vols another short field, and the result was a score going from a four point lead to a 21 point lead in a hurry. Kentucky never recovered.
Overall, Minchey
had an uneven day. He completed 26-of-34 passes for 224 yards, but couldn't get Kentucky into the endzone, and had 2 turnovers. The Wildcats turned it over 3 times in all, while not forcing any.
Willie Rodriguez had a big game, with 6 catches or 81 yards. Kenny Darby was also very good, catching 7 passes for 69 yards. On the other side of the ball, Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace continued his big season, recording another 1.5 sacks.
Kentucky will have to rebound quickly. With two losses, they can't afford another if they want a shot at the College Football Playoffs. The Florida Gators head to Lexington next week, and it now becomes a must-win game for Will Stein and the Wildcats.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky offense stymied in loss to Tennessee
