It was shut for 3 quarters, however the Kentucky Wildcats ultimately ran out of fuel 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 tip zone within the opening minutes of the ultimate interval. The Wildcats answered with a subject aim, however the incapability to search out the tip zone in the end value Kentucky the win.
Regardless of the loss, Mark Stoops and his staff actually discovered an ethical victory this week. After struggling an embarrassing loss to South Carolina final week, enjoying inspiring soccer Saturday towards the nation’s No. 1 staff must be large for Kentucky’s mindset shifting ahead.
Listed below are 4 issues to know following the loss.
Protection Got here to Play
Georgia scored simply three factors within the first half on Saturday night time, which was their lowest first-half complete of the season. The Bulldogs have been additionally held to 63 yards — the bottom throughout Kirby Good’s time as head coach. Kentucky was flying all around the subject and shutting in shortly to the soccer.
Within the second half, Deone Walker and the remainder of Kentucky’s line of defense continued to disrupt Georgia up entrance. Their open-field tackling was sensational. Georgia ultimately wore down Kentucky’s entrance seven and located their first landing within the fourth quarter, however that was the one one they’d hand over for your entire sport. Total, the Wildcats made a terrific effort.
Mark Stoops Bounce-back Recreation
Kentucky was clearly not ready for final week’s loss to South Carolina. It was virtually like they have been gut-punched early on and gave up. This week, although, Kentucky got here out early on enjoying inspiring soccer and with full confidence that they might compete with the nation’s No. 1 staff. That each one begins with teaching. Stoops and his workers answered the bell by ensuring their staff was ready for the hardest opponent of the season. Kentucky might have misplaced, and their passing assault wants a lot enchancment, however their efficiency as a staff was nothing in need of inspiring.
Hold Operating Demie Sumo-Karngbaye
Coming into the sport, the Wildcats have been coping with a number of accidents at operating again. The place had been one of many pillars of Kentucky’s program for the final decade, however this staff entered the season with questions surrounding who would take over the backfield. It grew to become clear early on in Saturday night time’s sport that Sumo-Karngbaye has what it takes to be the main power for the Wildcats’ dashing assault. He was capable of finding further yards, and his shiftiness stored 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 staff’s first 12 factors by the uprights and didn’t do it alone, having glorious 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 the case of accuracy, Raynor is one of the best kicker within the nation and proved Saturday night time 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 option 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.
