Kentucky football is enjoying the bye week after an unbelievable and unpredictable first two months of the Will Stein era. The Cats are ranked 8th in the country
with a 7-1 record and control their destiny to make the College Football Playoff. The ride is far from over, but since it is the bye week we decided to give out superlatives for what has already been one of the most memorable seasons in program history.Offensive Player of the Year: QB Kenny Minchey
Kenny Minchey is keeping the strong track record of quarterbacks under Will Stein alive and well through eight games of the season. Minchey has shown tremendous poise and efficiency in this offense. Minchey is completing 69% of his passes this season, and he has thrown 14 touchdowns to just
one interception on the season. Minchey has thrown for 1,755 passing yards and 7.6 yards per pass attempt.
Defensive Player of the Year: ED Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
No player on the defensive side of the football has been more consistent than edge defender Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace. Humprey-Grace has been one of the best edge defenders among all power four teams this season, and he leads all power four edge defenders in total snaps with 462. Humphrey-Grace ranks top ten in the power four with 28 total pressures, two forced fumbles and two batted passes. He also ranks top 15 with 18 runs stops and five sacks on the season.
True Freshman of the Year: WR Kenny Darby
Kenny Darby has exceeded all expectations as a true freshman. Darby is the biggest difference maker on this offense and is on track to get his name in the Kentucky football record books as a true freshman. He currently leads the Wildcats with 507 receiving yards and is tied with three touchdowns on the season. Darby is averaging almost five catches and 63 yards per game; he will be critical down the stretch.
Comeback Player of the Year: HB CJ Baxter
CJ Baxter has dealt with two season-ending injuries in his career and his health was a big question mark heading into this season. Baxter has stayed healthy for the most part, despite missing the last two games for Kentucky. Baxter leads this rushing attack with 88 carries for 487 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on the season. The bye week came at the perfect time to get Baxter ready for this final month of the season.
Best Offensive Position Group: Offensive Line
Kentucky's offensive line was rebuilt through the portal and the big three transfers are showing that through eight weeks. Left tackle Lance Heard, center Coleton Price and right guard Tegra Tshabola have been as advertised; they have been incredible in pass protection and are getting movement in the run game. Left guard Olaus Alinen and right tackle Malachi Wood are the weak links, but you have seen the improvement from both week-to-week. This is the best offensive line in the SEC and a huge part to Kentucky's offensive success.
Best Defensive Position Group: Safeties
We spent all offseason talking about how this experienced safety duo would be monumental for defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Ty Bryant and Jordan Castell have proved that to be true through eight weeks of the season. Bryant and Castell are both top five in the country in interceptions with four a piece. Bryant and Castell have a ton of experience, they consistently make plays on the football and they are the key to this defense creating turnovers on a weekly basis.
Position Coach of the Year: Offensive Line Coach Cutter Leftwich
Cutter Leftwich has revived the big blue wall, and he has his offensive line playing better than any team in the SEC. This offensive line replaced four of five starters up front and they have allowed just five sacks on the season. They are getting consistent displacement in the run game as well. Hats off to Coach Leftwich for the job he has done with this group, they are in the mix for the Joe Moore Award for a reason.
Win of the Year: 35-34 over LSU
What an incredible night it was... Kentucky finally brought back the classic Power K uniforms and the team came to play against Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers. Kentucky won in overtime on a two-point conversion where Kenny Minchey ran in untouched and Kroger Field was filled with the big blue nation singing All Your'n by Tyler Childers. Hopefully this team continues making unforgettable moments over the final four games of the season, but this win will be tough to top.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky season superlatives heading into bye week
