Wildcats Steady 3-2 Entering Vanderbilt Game

Kentucky entered its bye week boasting a 3-2 record. The rested Wildcats host Vanderbilt on Saturday after some much needed downtime last weekend.

A Win Out of the Gate

The Wildcats quickly jumped to 1-0 on the season as they breezed by Southern Mississippi 31-0.

Quarterback Brock Vandagriff threw for three touchdowns, while the Kentucky defense held the Golden Eagles to just five rushing yards in the shutout.

Two Tough Losses

However, the tables turned in Week 2 as the Wildcats fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks 31-6.

The Wildcats were unable to generate any offense as Vandagriff threw for only 30 yards and an interception (returned for a touchdown) in the loss. Kentucky’s only points came from two Alex Raynor field goals in the second quarter.

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops noted South Carolina is better than it is given credit for. Nonetheless, Stoops explained the Wildcats lost because they did not execute or play well in any part of the game. Stoops said the Wildcats have taken the loss as a lesson on mental preparation and fundamental execution.

A Kentucky defense that looked vulnerable in Week 2 played a great game against Georgia in the Wildcats’ 13-12 loss. They held an explosive Georgia offense to only one touchdown.

Despite holding UGA to only one touchdown (13 total points), the Wildcats were unable to find the end zone in their 13-12 loss. All 12 Kentucky points were courtesy of Raynor field goals as it fell by one to the Bulldogs.

Recent Bounce Back

In Week 4, Kentucky cruised to a 41-6 victory against the Ohio University Bobcats. With four rushing touchdowns and an interception that Maxwell Hairston brought to the house, the Wildcats had no trouble trumping an Ohio team which scored only once and punted six times.

Kentucky entered last weekend as 16-point underdogs against Ole Miss before defeating the Rebels 20-17.

Vandagriff threw well, tallying 243 yards and a touchdown in the win.

Trailing 17-13, the Wildcats punched in a rushing touchdown to take a 20-17 lead with just under 2:30 left in the fourth quarter.

Stoops explained Kentucky’s run defense played a big role in creating third-and-long situations. Holding Ole Miss to 1 of 10 on third down, Kentucky’s run defense kept the Wildcats in the game.

This win against the Rebels stunned college football fans across the nation and even led Stoops to be named the Week 5 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week and the Bear Bryant Award Coach of the Week.

Brought a win back from Oxford.

A look back at Saturday's win at Ole Miss. pic.twitter.com/eGEVPXIwBe

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2024

Coming Up

The Wildcats will face Vanderbilt this weekend.

Vanderbilt is one of four straight SEC opponents Kentucky will face along with Florida, Auburn and Tennessee.