The juices don’t all the time get flowing when it’s the Vanderbilt Commodores standing on the opposite facet of the sector, however Saturday was completely different.
It was an extended day ready for the Kentucky Wildcats to kick off towards a Vandy workforce that inexplicably upset Alabama every week in the past.
Kentucky opened as double-digit favorites, however it felt like profitable this sport would require a centered effort.
The primary half was forceful as Kentucky was plagued with premature penalties and poor execution. They’d go into the break down 14-7.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was 9/11 and tossed two scores within the first half.
The Commodores would make the most of Kentucky’s lack of execution and management most the second half.
UK by no means actually had in an opportunity on this one just because they couldn’t get out of their very own approach.
Vandy makes it two in a row in Lexington. The Cats at the moment are 2-10 within the week following ir final 12 SEC residence video games.
Unacceptable.
Listed here are 4 issues to know from Kentucky’s third lack of the season.
Diego Pavia can play
Following up his monster efficiency towards Alabama, Pavia would throw for 143 yards and two scores. He led a 97-yard drive to begin the sport and actually flexed his capacity to maintain the protection off-balance.
Then, he ended the second half with one other sensible stretch to offer the Dores a 14-7 lead heading into the break.
After a clumsy takedown within the third quarter, Pavia would go away the sport and return in a knee brace. His gritty efficiency was spectacular.
When Pavia is cooking, there’s not a lot opposing protection can do to cease him.
Saying that, Kentucky’s protection did sufficient to win this sport. The offense was simply woefully inefficient, and Pavia did simply sufficient for the Dores to squeak out the win.
Dane Key continues to shine
#6 as soon as once more confirmed why he’s going to be taking part in on Sundays. Key would seize eight receptions and scored a fourth-quarter landing that gave the Cats some life.
It’s been solidified that Dane Secret’s probably the most constant possibility for this Kentucky offense that continues to sputter.
At this tempo, Key might hear his title known as in some unspecified time in the future within the 2025 NFL Draft if he opts to go away.
Undisciplined play
Kentucky couldn’t get out of its personal approach within the first half racking up eight penalties for 71 yards, together with a number of in important conditions.
The second half produced a lot of the identical.
Late within the third quarter a botched snap would price the Cats three factors. After a Dane landing the particular groups unit didn’t convert an additional level.
Particular groups was a nightmare all night time.
Kentucky would end the night time with 12 penalties for 106 yards.
Undisciplined play begins to mount as a priority, particularly when you think about that Mark Stoops’ workforce is coming off a bye week. Then once more, his groups have constantly been terrible popping out of byes. By some means in 12 months 12, he nonetheless hasn’t discovered learn how to carry out popping out of a bye.
UK may be very irritating to observe generally, and cleansing up the play must be a main focus shifting ahead.
Subsequent week the Cats will journey to one of many loudest environments within the nation once they journey to the Swamp to tackle the Florida Gators.
A visit to the Swamp is up subsequent
Kentucky will journey to Gainesville to tackle the Florida Gators. Regardless that UK has had current success, taking part in within the Swamp is rarely simple.
If the Cats can’t work out learn how to execute and keep away from penalties it’ll be an extended night time in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida will likely be chomping on the bit coming off a heartbreaking 23-17 OT loss to #8 Tennessee.
Now, let’s focus on this one.