The juices don’t all the time get flowing when it’s the Vanderbilt Commodores standing on the opposite aspect of the sphere, however Saturday was totally different.
It was an extended day ready for the Kentucky Wildcats to kick off in opposition to a Vandy group that inexplicably upset Alabama every week in the past.
Kentucky opened as double-digit favorites, however it felt like successful this sport would require a targeted 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 benefit from 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 method.
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 below are 4 issues to know from Kentucky’s third lack of the season.
Diego Pavia can play
Following up his monster efficiency in opposition to Alabama, Pavia would throw for 143 yards and two scores. He led a 97-yard drive to start out the sport and actually flexed his potential to maintain the protection off-balance.
Then, he ended the second half with one other sensible stretch to provide the Dores a 14-7 lead heading into the break.
After an ungainly 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 is essentially the most constant choice for this Kentucky offense that continues to sputter.
At this tempo, Key could hear his title referred to as sooner or later within the 2025 NFL Draft if he opts to depart.
Undisciplined play
Kentucky couldn’t get out of its personal method within the first half racking up eight penalties for 71 yards, together with a number of in vital 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 did not convert an additional level.
Particular groups was a nightmare all evening.
Kentucky would end the evening with 12 penalties for 106 yards.
Undisciplined play begins to mount as a priority, particularly when you think about that Mark Stoops’ group is coming off a bye week. Then once more, his groups have persistently been terrible popping out of byes. One way or the other in Yr 12, he nonetheless hasn’t discovered the right way to carry out popping out of a bye.
UK might be very irritating to look at generally, and cleansing up the play must be a major focus transferring ahead.
Subsequent week the Cats will journey to one of many loudest environments within the nation after 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 isn’t straightforward.
If the Cats can’t determine the right way to execute and keep away from penalties it’ll be an extended evening in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida shall be chomping on the bit coming off a heartbreaking 23-17 OT loss to #8 Tennessee.
Now, let’s talk about this one.
