The Kentucky football team has made a habit of playing their best in the late part of games this season, and they did it again on Saturday. After struggling for most of the game, the Wildcats once again owned the fourth quarter, came from behind, and beat Oklahoma 21-13.
Kentucky's defense gave up a lot of yards to the Sooners in the first three quarters of the game. However, in the fourth quarter, they consistently pressured John Mateer, and forced him into a couple of big interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and another that ended the game.
Offensively, the Wildcats didn't have a lot of yards, but they played a clean game, winning the turnover battle 4-0. Kenny Minchey had two touchdown passes, including a beautiful throw into
traffic for their go-ahead score.
It wasn't Kentucky's most well-played game of the season, but they did enough to get it down. Here's whose stock is up after their sixth win of the season, and whose is down.
Stock up: Kentucky's secondary
Yes, the Wildcats gave up a lot of yards through the air, and couldn't get off the field on 3rd down too often. However, they kept Oklahoma out of the endzone, and they made plays when it mattered. Jordan Castell and Ty Bryant each had two interceptions, while Aaron Gates was a heat-seeking missile all game long. Hasaan Sykes and Terhyon Nichols helped keep the Sooners from scoring touchdowns.
Stock down: The Kentucky running game
C.J. Baxter ultimately didn't play, and his absence was felt. The Wildcats were never able to establish the run, and averaged just 2.8 yards per carry. Oklahoma's defense was tremendous, as always, but having Baxter available could have helped.
Stock up: Willie Rodriguez
Kentucky only had 158 yards through the air, but Minchey found Willie Rodriguez for some of their biggest plays. Overall, he had 5 receptions for 38 yards and 2 touchdowns. He continues to be a major target in the biggest moments of the game.
Stock up: Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
Humphrey-Grace is one of the most underrated defensive players in college football. Week in and week out, he has made plays when it counted, and on Saturday, he took over in the fourth quarter, bringing Mateer down for two sacks and he was instrumental in Kentucky's comeback.
Stock up: Nic Anderson
The former Oklahoma, and current Kentucky receiver had 5 catches and 48 yards in the game, and continued to make plays despite playing through a couple of big hits that had him hurting. It was easy to see playing against his old team was important to him, and he showed up, and made some important catches.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Stock up, stock down for Kentucky in win over Oklahoma
