KENTUCKY FLIPS THE SCRIPT, ROLLS PAST VANDERBILT 34-17

LEXINGTON, KY. - Kentucky shook off a slow start and took control, beating Vanderbilt 34-17 at Kroger Field on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Wildcats trailed 10-0 in the second quarter before the offense came alive. Kenny Minchey connected with DJ Miller for a 9-yard touchdown, then Willie Rodriguez punched in a 1-yard rushing score to send Kentucky into halftime up 14-10.

Kentucky kept the pressure on after the break. Brennen Ward broke into the end zone on a 10-yard run, and Adam Zouagui added two field goals to help the Wildcats stretch their lead. Minchey capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

The ground game made a big difference. Kentucky piled up 173 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, led by Jovantae Barnes with 68 yards on 15 carries. Jason Patterson added 44 yards, while Minchey finished with 203 passing yards and a touchdown through the air.

The defense also delivered when it mattered. Ty Bryant picked off a pass and returned it 18 yards, while the Wildcats recorded three sacks and forced a fumble. Kentucky held Vanderbilt to just 15 rushing yards and 262 total yards.

After falling behind early, Kentucky answered with 34 straight points to close out the win. The Wildcats improved to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in SEC play.

by Austin Stuckey, The Stable

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Photography Credit: University of Kentucky Athletics