It was shut for 3 quarters, however the Kentucky Wildcats finally ran out of gasoline of their slim 13-12 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, falling to 1-2 on the season and 0-2 in SEC play.
Kentucky had the lead going into the fourth quarter, however Georgia discovered the top zone within the opening minutes of the ultimate interval. The Wildcats answered with a area purpose, however the incapability to seek out the top zone in the end value Kentucky the win.
Regardless of the loss, Mark Stoops and his crew definitely discovered an ethical victory this week. After struggling an embarrassing loss to South Carolina final week, taking part in inspiring soccer Saturday in opposition to the nation’s No. 1 crew needs to be large for Kentucky’s mindset shifting ahead.
Listed here are 4 issues to know following the loss.
Protection Got here to Play
Georgia scored simply three factors within the first half on Saturday evening, which was their lowest first-half complete of the season. The Bulldogs had been additionally held to 63 yards — the bottom throughout Kirby Good’s time as head coach. Kentucky was flying all around the area and shutting in shortly to the soccer.
Within the second half, Deone Walker and the remainder of Kentucky’s defensive position continued to disrupt Georgia up entrance. Their open-field tackling was sensational. Georgia finally wore down Kentucky’s entrance seven and located their first landing within the fourth quarter, however that was the one one they’d quit for your entire sport. General, the Wildcats made a terrific effort.
Mark Stoops Bounce-back Sport
Kentucky was clearly not ready for final week’s loss to South Carolina. It was nearly like they had been gut-punched early on and gave up. This week, although, Kentucky got here out early on taking part in inspiring soccer and with full confidence that they might compete with the nation’s No. 1 crew. That every one begins with teaching. Stoops and his employees answered the bell by ensuring their crew was ready for the hardest opponent of the season. Kentucky could have misplaced, and their passing assault wants a lot enchancment, however their efficiency as a crew was nothing wanting inspiring.
Hold Operating Demie Sumo-Karngbaye
Coming into the sport, the Wildcats had been coping with a number of accidents at working again. The place had been one of many pillars of Kentucky’s program for the final decade, however this crew entered the season with questions surrounding who would take over the backfield. It turned clear early on in Saturday evening’s sport that Sumo-Karngbaye has what it takes to be the main pressure for the Wildcats’ speeding assault. He was capable of finding additional yards, and his shiftiness saved the Georgia protection on their heels, ending with 22 carries for a career-high 98 yards.
Alex Raynor for MVP
How about Kentucky’s particular groups? Raynor booted his crew’s first 12 factors by the uprights and didn’t do it alone, having wonderful blocking upfront and good holds on every kick. His first of 4 kicks was a career-long and school-record 55-yarder for the sport’s first rating.
In relation to accuracy, Raynor is the very best kicker within the nation and proved Saturday evening he can even hit from lengthy distance (kicks from 55 and 51 yards). With out him, the Wildcats would’ve been blanked on offense. Kentucky might want to discover a solution to rating touchdowns to compete in Southeastern Convention video games, however Raynor will little doubt proceed to be an enormous asset for his or her offense.
Now, let’s chat about what transpired.