Saturday was a big day for the Kentucky Wildcats football program. They went on the road for the first time this season, and came back home with an upset win over Texas A&M 31-21 by dominating the second half in an ultimate team performance where a number of players raised their stock.
Things started slow as the two defenses controlled the game. It was just 7-7 at halftime, but in the third quarter, Kentucky's offense broke out, scoring three times to give them a three-score lead. The Aggies made a late attempt to come back, but it was too late.
The Wildcats corrected the mistakes that plagued them in their previous game against Alabama. Instead of losing momentum in the second half, they seized it, and never let it go, almost turning it into
a blowout.
Many players shined in the win, stepping up, and putting their stamp on the game. Here's a look at who raised their stock this week, and those who didn't.
Stock up: Kenny Minchey
Kentucky needed a big game from their quarterback, and they got one. After looking rattled by Alabama last week, Minchey was once again poised and in control. He made several big throws, including one of the best of the entire week on a deep ball to D.J. Miller. He finished 14-of-18 for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns, and avoided mistakes against a defense that can force turnovers.
Stock up: Sam Greene
In the early portion of the game, the Aggies were moving the ball pretty well. Kentucky's defense was struggling to settle in, but they managed to keep Texas A&M out of the endzone, and Greene was a big reason why. He made a terrific fourth down stop in the first quarter, and then ended another drive with a nice interception. His play was a major reason the score was tied at halftime.
Stock down: Former Oklahoma Sooners
Jovantae Barnes and Nic Anderson are expected to be a big part of the Kentucky offense, but so far, they haven't gotten going. Barnes is still working back from injury, and coaches are taking it slow. Anderson has certainly contributed, and been a team player. On Saturday, neither player had a carry or a reception as other players had big games. Both will get chances to shine in future games, and are still expected to be important parts of the offense.
Stock up: D.J. Miller
Miller had a hard time getting his season started. He was blanked in the first two games after coming into the season as a breakout candidate, but on Saturday, he found his rhythm. He grabbed 5 receptions for 96 yards including a big 53 yarder that helped ignite the Kentucky offense. Getting the receivers going was key this week, and going forward, Miller will need to keep the momentum going.
Stock up: Kentucky coaching staff
Last week, against Alabama, the Wildcats coaches weren't able to make the right halftime adjustments, and them compounded it by taking risks in the second half that didn't pay off. This week, Will Stein, Joe Sloan, and Jay Bateman each produced a master class. They pushed all the right buttons at the right time, and showed why Kentucky fans are excited about the future.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Stock up, stock down from Kentucky's win over Texas A&M
