Rise of the Bluegrass Empire: A Kentucky Wildcats Dynasty

[jasontoddwhitt]

A mistake in playcalling? With Kentucky in field goal range, Levis gets credited with an interception after this hit led to the ball popping out, and Flowers raced for the game-winning touchdown.

Kentucky Suffer Heartbreaking Defeat to Tennessee in High-Intensity Showdown

KNOXVILLE, TN - In a game that will be remembered for years, the Kentucky Wildcats clashed with the Tennessee Volunteers in a high-intensity SEC showdown with fans on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, much like last year's 45-42 loss to the Vols in Lexington, the Wildcats ended up on the wrong side of a nail-biting 41-34 loss in a game filled with breathtaking plays and unforeseen twists.

The contest began with the Volunteers setting the tone as they took an early 7-0 lead. From there, both teams engaged in an intense back-and-forth, making every inch of the field a battleground. However, the first half saw the Wildcats' offense struggling to find its rhythm. Will Levis, a dynamic force throughout the season, appeared out of sorts as he consistently overthrew receivers. The offensive line, typically dominant, struggled to open gaps for the running game.


[L] Levis was amped up in the first half, overthrowing several receivers. [R] Square learned the hard way you must wrap up Hendon Hooker.

Tennessee's Heisman-hopeful quarterback, Hendon Hooker, was a force to be reckoned with. He threw for 221 yards and rushed for 108 yards, including a stunning 68-yard touchdown run where he bulldozed through Deandre Square's arm tackle. Hooker's performance showcased his exceptional dual-threat abilities and solidified his place in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

The Volunteers capitalized on the Wildcats' momentary weakness, showcasing their #1 scoring offense and taking a 20-6 lead by the end of the second quarter.

The start of the third quarter showed that Tennessee still had Kentucky's defense solved, as the Vols went right down the field and took a commanding 27-6 lead. The Wildcats weren't about to back down, with Levis connecting with Dane Key for an impressive 75-yard touchdown pass, giving the Wildcats hope. But the Volunteers drove right down the field again, their fifth consecutive scoring drive, to stretch the lead back out to 34-13.


Dane Key had a monster game for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats defense finally woke up midway through the third quarter. While the secondary had been holding their own against the vaunted Volunteer passing attack, the Vols had been able to run right through the Wildcats' front seven. However, the defense finally started closing off those running lanes and getting pressure on Hooker when he did throw.


The end of the third quarter and the fourth quarter would see the Kentucky defense finally play like we know they can.

With the defense doing its job, the Wildcat passing attack unleashed a remarkable offensive display in the second half, attacking Tennessee's 106th-ranked pass defense with precision. A sequence of explosive plays saw Kentucky scoring three consecutive touchdowns, leaving the score at 34-34 with 5:14 left in the fourth quarter.


Barion Brown got his first touchdown since the Miami (OH) game, racing 80 yards after the DB sold out on the deflection.

The game's most pivotal moment occurred with 1:15 remaining when Kentucky was driving down the field for a potential go-ahead score. Will Levis was sacked in the act of throwing, resulting in the ball going straight into the air and into the hands of Tennessee safety Trevon Flowers. Flowers raced 70 yards to score the go-ahead touchdown, leaving Big Blue Nation in shock and Volunteer fans in jubilation.

But the Wildcats still had one more chance. On their final drive, Levis connected with Tayvion Robinson for a crucial fourth-down conversion in the face of immense pressure. Levis then found Barion Brown, who, tragically, is feared to have suffered a broken collarbone. The Wildcats battled their way to midfield, but Tennessee's front seven mounted relentless pressure, forcing a couple of bad throws and leaving Kentucky with one final Hail Mary attempt.

Unfortunately, the last-ditch effort ended in miscommunication, with Chauncy Magwood and Demarcus Harris making simultaneous plays on the ball, only to have it fall incomplete. It was a heartbreaking end to an unforgettable showdown. The Wildcats may have come up short on this occasion, but other results in the conference shook things up, and the Cats still have dreams of playing in Atlanta.

Kentucky Wildcats at Tennessee Volunteers
Oct 29, 2022	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#4 Kentucky Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 SEC)	0	6	21	7	34
#14 Tennessee Volunteers (7-1, 3-1 SEC)	7	13	14	7	41

Team Stats Comparison
	UK	TENN
Total Offense	541	404
Rushing Yards	54	183
Passing Yards	487	221
First Downs	18	18
Punt Return Yards	11	49
Kick Return Yards	173	188
Total Yards	725	641
Turnovers	1	0
3rd Down Conversion	4-12 (33%)	3-10 (30%)
4th Down Conversion	2-2 (100%)	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Trips/Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-1-1 (100%)	5-3-2 (100%)
Penalties	5-32	0-0
Possession Time	15:19	16:41

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		UK	TENN
5:10	(TENN) TD: H. Hooker, 4 Yd run (C. McGrath kick)	0	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		UK	TENN
7:57	(TENN) FG: C. McGrath, 28 Yd FG	0	10
3:01	(UK) FG: M. Ruffolo, 22 Yd FG	3	10
2:22	(TENN) TD: H. Hooker, 68 Yd run (C. McGrath kick)	3	17
0:44	(TENN) FG: M. Ruffolo, 37 Yd FG	6	17
0:05	(TENN) FG: C. McGrath, 33 Yd FG	6	20
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		UK	TENN
6:11	(TENN) TD: J. Small, 2 Yd run (C. McGrath kick)	6	27
6:02	(UK) TD: D. Key, 75 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	13	27
4:43	(TENN) TD: J. Small, 12 Yd run (C. McGrath kick)	13	34
2:51	(UK) TD: D. Key, 8 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	20	34
0:44	(UK) TD: B. Brown, 80 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	27	34
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		UK	TENN
5:14	(UK) TD: D. Key, 34 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	34	34
1:15	(TENN) TD: T. Flowers, returned interception 70 Yds (C. McGrath kick)	34	41

Kentucky Wildcats PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Will Levis 26/41 487 4 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Chris Rodriguez Jr. 16 45 2.8 0 Will Levis 5 -3 -0.6 0 Dane Key 2 12 6.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Dane Key 7 214 30.5 3 Tayvion Robinson 6 90 15.0 0 Barion Brown 5 119 23.8 1 Jordan Dingle 4 32 8.0 0 Brenden Bates 2 16 8.0 0 Jutahn McClain 2 16 8.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Tashawn Manning 0 1 Kenneth Horsey 0 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Jordan Lovett 7 0 0 0 Tyrell Ajian 7 0 0 0 J.J. Weaver 5 1 0 0 Deandre Square 5 0 0 0 Zion Childress 4 0 0 0 Carrington Valentine 4 0 0 0 Maxwell Hairston 3 0 0 0 Kobi Albert 3 0 0 0 Taj Dodson 3 0 0 0 Jacquez Jones 2 0 0 0 Justin Rogers 2 1 0 0 Keidron Smith 1 0 0 0 Tre'Vonn Rybka 1 0 0 0 Jordan Wright 1 0 0 0 Alex Afari 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Matt Ruffolo 2/2 4/4 10 37 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Colin Goodfellow 4 173 43.2 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Barion Brown 5 117 23.4 0 Jutahn McClain 2 56 28.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Tayvion Robinson 1 11 11.0 0

Tennessee Volunteers PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Hendon Hooker 19/28 221 0 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Hendon Hooker 15 108 7.2 2 Jabari Small 14 75 5.3 2 Bru McCoy 1 0 0.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Bru McCoy 5 64 12.8 0 Cedric Tillman 4 51 12.7 0 Jalin Hyatt 4 48 12.0 0 Ramel Keyton 4 49 12.2 0 Squirrel White 1 6 6.0 0 Princeton Fant 1 3 3.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Darnell Wright 0 1 Cooper Mays 0 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Aaron Beasley 9 0 0 0 Jaylen McCollough 7 0 0 0 Kamal Hadden 6 0 0 0 Trevon Flowers 4 0 1 1 Christian Charles 4 0 0 0 Jeremy Banks 4 0 0 0 Kurott Garland 4 1 0 0 Omari Thomas 2 0 0 0 Dee Williams 2 0 0 0 Solon Page III 2 0 0 0 Kwauze Garland 2 0 0 0 Byron Young 2 1 0 0 Wesley Walker 2 0 0 0 Tyler Baron 1 0 0 0 Ramel Keyton 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Chase McGrath 2/2 5/5 11 33 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Paxton Brooks 5 237 47.4 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Jimmy Holiday 6 165 27.5 0 Jalin Hyatt 1 23 23.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Dee Williams 4 49 12.2 0

They both got behind the defense on the Hail Mary, but in the end, nobody caught it.

[studbucket]

What a game. Beautiful pictures.

Seems like Kentucky's inability to stop the Tennessee running game was a big part of this loss. Does that concern you against some of the other great SEC opponents you may have to face?

[jasontoddwhitt]

Around the Nation -- Week 10 Edition

Florida Shocks Undefeated Georgia with Commanding 41-19 Upset in Jacksonville

In a stunning upset, the Florida Gators dealt a mighty blow to the previously undefeated Georgia Bulldogs, emerging victorious with a dominant 41-19 performance in Jacksonville. Despite an early 10-0 lead for Georgia in the first quarter, the game took a dramatic turn when Georgia's star quarterback, Stetson Bennett, was forced out due to an injury. This setback allowed the Gators to seize control, outscoring the Bulldogs 41-9 for the remainder of the game. Florida's quarterback, Anthony Richardson, led the charge with an impressive 345 yards and two touchdowns, while Nay'quan Wright added three rushing touchdowns. The victory undoubtedly shook up the SEC landscape and will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2022 college football season.

#8 Ohio State Delivers Dominant Performance, Defeats #21 Penn State 56-24

The #8 Ohio State Buckeyes continued their campaign in an exciting showdown with a 56-24 victory over the #21 Penn State Nittany Lions. Ohio State's offense displayed remarkable prowess, led by QB Kyle McCord's three touchdown passes and a standout performance by HB Treveyon Henderson, who ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Penn State QB Sean Clifford fought hard, accumulating 316 passing yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to stop the Buckeyes' offensive juggernaut. Ohio State now stands at 7-1 for the season, while Penn State drops to 5-3.

#14 Tennessee Edges Out #4 Kentucky in Thrilling Showdown, 41-34

In an electrifying clash between SEC powerhouses, #14 Tennessee outlasted the #4 Kentucky Wildcats in a heart-pounding battle that ended 41-34 in favor of the Volunteers. The game featured a wild momentum swing, with Kentucky rallying to score 21 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters, tying the game at 34 apiece. In a pivotal moment, Kentucky QB Will Levis had a chance to secure the victory but was intercepted by safety Trevon Flowers, who dashed 70 yards for a game-sealing touchdown. Kentucky attempted a hail mary in a dramatic final drive, but it fell incomplete as time expired. The game showcased incredible performances, with Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker's dual-threat abilities on full display, totaling 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In comparison, Kentucky's Will Levis threw for 487 yards and four touchdowns. This contest will be remembered as one of the season's most thrilling matchups in the SEC.

#11 Miami Secures Dominant Victory Over Virginia, 28-6

In an impressive display of dominance, the #11 Miami Hurricanes continued their undefeated streak with a 28-6 win on the road against the Virginia Cavaliers. Miami's potent offense, led by quarterback Tyler Van D., showcased their prowess as they carved through the Cavaliers' defense, with Van D. throwing for 208 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Henry Parrish added another layer of potency to the Miami offense with 79 rushing yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes' defense held Virginia to just six points, a testament to their outstanding performance.

Oklahoma State Pulls Off Upset, Tops #1 Kansas State 31-22

In a stunning turn of events, Oklahoma State overcame the odds and handed #1-ranked Kansas State their first loss of the season with a 31-22 victory on the road. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Spencer Sanders, delivered a balanced offensive performance with 254 passing yards and a crucial touchdown. Running back Dominic Richardson contributed to the ground attack with 64 yards and a rushing score. Despite Kansas State's Adrian Martinez's impressive 386 passing yards and three touchdowns, the Wildcats came up short in the end.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Cat Scratches

Wildcats Gear Up for Missouri After Tough Loss

In a press conference leading up to their matchup against Missouri, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops addressed the importance of rebounding after a hard-fought loss to Tennessee. Coach Stoops emphasized that they cannot let one loss turn into two, highlighting the need to take care of business against Missouri this weekend.

"The Tennessee game was a battle; there's no shame in the loss. But now, we must turn the page and focus on Missouri," said Stoops. "Our goal is to play 60 minutes of football, and if we had done that against Tennessee, the outcome might have been different."

Stoops also discussed the unfortunate injury to star wide receiver Barion Brown, who underwent x-rays confirming a broken collarbone. Brown will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season. In his absence, Stoops expects Chauncy Magwood to step up and take on a more significant role within the offense.

Addressing concerns about the Wildcats' run defense, Coach Stoops reassured fans that the issue was not about the unit's ability but rather their discipline, especially against running quarterbacks. Upon reviewing the game film, Stoops pointed out that their inability to maintain contain on Tennessee's Hendon Hooker allowed him to exploit the defense repeatedly.

"The run defense is there; we've shown that. It's all about being disciplined and maintaining our assignments. We need to adjust and ensure we don't make the same mistakes," Stoops explained.

With the lessons learned from the Tennessee game, Kentucky is gearing up to face Missouri, and Coach Stoops remains confident in their ability to bounce back. As they head into the matchup, Wildcats fans are eager to see a resilient and determined team on the field this weekend.

Kentucky Standouts Named Semifinalists for National Awards

The Kentucky Wildcats have been making waves in college football, and their outstanding players are gaining recognition on the national stage. Four Wildcats have been named semifinalists for prestigious awards, showcasing their exceptional skills and contributions to the team's success this season.

Tyrell Ajian is undoubtedly one of the standout defensive players for Kentucky this season. The strong safety has been a force to be reckoned with, accumulating 53 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one interception. Ajian's incredible season has earned him a spot on the watch lists for two prestigious awards: the Bednarik and Thorpe. His ability to make impactful plays in the secondary has not gone unnoticed, and fans eagerly await the final award announcements.

Linebacker J.J. Weaver is another Wildcats' standout who is turning heads. With 34 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles, Weaver has been a relentless force on defense. His exceptional performance has secured him a place on the watch lists for not one but three remarkable awards: the Bednarik Award, the Nagurski Award, and the Butkus Award. Weaver's tenacity and ability to disrupt opposing offenses have put him on the national radar as a standout player.

Middle linebacker Deandre Square has been critical to the Wildcats' defense. With 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, and one fumble recovery, Square has proven to be a reliable and impactful defender. His standout performance earned him a spot on the Butkus Award watch list, highlighting his excellent contributions to Kentucky's defense.

On the special teams front, placekicker Matt Ruffolo has been a reliable asset for the Wildcats. Ruffolo's accuracy and consistency have been a vital part of the team's success, with 17 out of 19 field goals, including a long of 49 yards and a perfect 30 for 30 on extra-point attempts. His incredible kicking skills have earned him a place on the Groza Award watch list, recognizing his significant role in Kentucky's special teams.

The Kentucky Wildcats continue to impress on the field, and these semifinalists for national awards are a testament to the team's overall talent and outstanding performances. As the season progresses, fans eagerly await the final announcements, hoping to see their Wildcats bring home some well-deserved accolades and recognition for their exceptional contributions to the sport.

[jasontoddwhitt]

[jasontoddwhitt]

Quote: Originally Posted by studbucket

What a game. Beautiful pictures. Seems like Kentucky's inability to stop the Tennessee running game was a big part of this loss. Does that concern you against some of the other great SEC opponents you may have to face?

Oh, it's a concern. Tennessee did a great job mixing it up, and Hooker was being Hooker. I don't think we have another mobile threat till we play Louisville to close out the season, so there's that, at least.

[jasontoddwhitt]

The momentum shifted noticeably in the second half when Missouri stuffed Chris Rodriguez Jr. on 4th down.

Kentucky Fall Short in Hard-Fought Battle Against Missouri

COLUMBIA, MO - The Kentucky Wildcats took on the Missouri Tigers in a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge. In a game showcasing both teams' resilience, the Wildcats fell short in the final moments, suffering a 27-24 loss.

The game got off to an exciting start, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess in the first half. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops acknowledged the strong performance in the early quarters, stating, "I thought we had a great first half. We were executing well and making plays on both sides of the ball."

Kentucky found the end zone on their opening drive when quarterback Will Levis connected with wide receiver Chauncy Magwood for a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats built on this momentum with two more touchdowns, including Levis's 5-yard rushing touchdown and another touchdown pass, this time to Dane Key.


[L] Chauncy Magwood makes an immediate impact taking over for Barion Brown. [R] Will Levis would not be denied the end zone.

However, the momentum noticeably shifted on Kentucky's opening drive in the second half when the Wildcats failed to convert on a fourth-and-two situation. Coach Stoops recognized the importance of this moment, stating, "That was a turning point, no doubt. We needed to keep that drive alive and maintain control of the game."

The Wildcats also faced challenges on the defensive side, particularly in generating a pass rush. "Our inability to pressure Brady Cook made him too comfortable with the ball. We needed to disrupt their offense more effectively," remarked Coach Stoops.

Missouri, led by quarterback Brady Cook, mounted a comeback with a series of successful drives in the second half. Cook's accurate passes and a balanced offensive attack allowed the Tigers to win. Kentucky made a late push to tie the game but ultimately fell short.


[L] Missouri WR Mookie Cooper makes a remarkable grab to close out the first half. [R] Brady Cook picked apart the Kentucky secondary as Kentucky's front couldn't generate a rush.

Despite the loss, there were standout performances from Kentucky players, including Deandre Square, who led the defense with nine tackles and a sack, and Matt Ruffolo, who converted a crucial 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game temporarily.

Coach Stoops remains confident in his team's ability to bounce back and finish the season strong, saying, "We have the talent and determination to overcome setbacks. We'll learn from this and come back stronger."

Kentucky Wildcats at Missouri Tigers
Nov 5, 2022	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#11 Kentucky Wildcats (7-2, 4-2 SEC)	7	14	0	3	24
Missouri Tigers (4-5, 2-4 SEC)	3	7	7	10	27

Team Stats Comparison
	UK	MIZZ
Total Offense	291	375
Rushing Yards	100	119
Passing Yards	191	256
First Downs	13	20
Punt Return Yards	28	24
Kick Return Yards	135	116
Total Yards	454	515
Turnovers	0	0
3rd Down Conversion	7-13 (53%)	9-14 (64%)
4th Down Conversion	1-3 (33%)	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Trips/Touchdowns/Field Goals	3-3-0 (100%)	6-3-2 (83%)
Penalties	3-15	3-15
Possession Time	15:43	16:17

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		UK	MIZZ
5:17	(MIZZ) FG: H. Mevis, 33 Yd FG	0	3
1:36	(UK) TD: C. Magwood, 12 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	7	3
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		UK	MIZZ
3:40	(UK) TD: W. Levis, 5 Yd run (M. Ruffolo kick)	14	3
1:25	(UK) TD: D. Key, 8 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	21	3
0:11	(MIZZ) TD: M. Cooper, 8 Yd pass from B. Cook (H. Mevis kick)	21	10
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		UK	MIZZ
3:16	(MIZZ) TD: K. Chepyator, 7 Yd pass from B. Cook (H. Mevis kick)	21	17
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		UK	MIZZ
7:56	(MIZZ) TD: T. Dove, 6 Yd pass from B. Cook (H. Mevis kick)	21	24
6:00	(UK) FG: M. Ruffolo, 40 Yd FG	24	24
2:31	(MIZZ) FG: H. Mevis, 35 Yd FG	24	27

Kentucky Wildcats PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Will Levis 17/28 191 2 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Chris Rodriguez Jr. 23 83 3.6 0 Jutahn McClain 3 7 2.3 0 Will Levis 3 10 3.3 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Dane Key 7 44 6.2 1 Jordan Dingle 5 42 8.4 0 Tayvion Robinson 3 57 19.0 0 Chauncy Magwood 2 48 24.0 1 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Eli Cox 1 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Deandre Square 9 1 0 0 Jordan Lovett 8 0 0 0 Jacquez Jones 6 0 0 0 Keidron Smith 4 0 0 0 J.J. Weaver 3 0 0 0 Carrington Valentine 3 0 0 0 Jordan Wright 3 0 0 0 Tre'vonn Rybka 2 0 0 0 Kobi Albert 2 0 0 0 Justin Rogers 1 0 0 0 Tyrell Ajian 1 0 0 0 Alex Afari 1 0 0 0 Taj Dodson 1 0 0 0 Deone Walker 1 0 0 0 Zion Childress 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Matt Ruffolo 1/1 3/3 6 41 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Colin Goodfellow 2 89 44.5 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Jutahn McClain 3 80 26.6 0 Kavosiey Smoke 2 55 27.5 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Tayvion Robinson 2 28 14.0 0

Missouri Tigers PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Brady Cook 21/38 256 3 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Cody Schrader 17 90 5.2 0 Brady Cook 7 14 1.9 0 Nathaniel Peat 5 15 3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Tauskie Dove 6 64 10.6 1 Dominic Lovett 4 67 16.7 0 Mookie Cooper 4 65 16.2 1 Barrett Banister 2 24 12.0 0 Kibet Chepyator 2 14 7.0 1 Tyler Stephens 2 11 5.5 0 Luther Burden III 1 11 11.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Zeke Powell 0 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Tyler Hibbler 8 0 0 0 Chad Bailey 6 0 0 0 Ty'ron Hopper 5 0 0 0 Kris Abrams-Draine 5 0 0 0 Trajan Jeffcoat 4 0 0 0 Martez Manuel 4 0 0 0 D.J. Jackson 3 0 0 0 Joseph Charleston 3 0 0 0 Josh Landry 2 0 0 0 Darius Robinson 2 0 0 0 Tauskie Dove 1 0 0 0 Ennis Rakestraw Jr. 1 0 0 0 Peanut Houston 1 0 0 0 D.J. Coleman 1 0 0 0 Devin Nicholson 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Harrison Mevis 2/2 3/3 9 35 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Sean Koetting 3 98 32.6 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kris Abrams-Draine 5 116 23.2 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kris Abrams-Draine 2 24 12.0 0

Dane Key would've needed a rocket to catch this lousy throw by Will Levis on a key fourth down in the fourth quarter when Kentucky needed a FG to tie.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Around the Nation - Week 11

Florida State Stuns #5 Miami with 27-16 Upset on the Road

The Florida State Seminoles pulled off a major upset in a stunning turn of events, defeating the fifth-ranked Miami Hurricanes 27-16 on the road. The Seminoles' quarterback, Jordan Travis, delivered a stellar performance with 249 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with wide receiver Johnny Wilson for a pair of scores, sealing Florida State's victory. Miami's high-powered offense, led by quarterback Tyler Van D., was held in check by a resilient Seminoles defense. This win marks a significant moment for Florida State and adds a thrilling chapter to the storied rivalry between these ACC powerhouses.

Georgia Stun Tennessee with Dominant 34-20 Victory

In a highly anticipated SEC showdown, #14 Georgia outperformed #3 Tennessee, securing a 34-20 victory. Georgia dominated from the outset, establishing a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Stetson Bennett orchestrated the Bulldogs' offense precisely, throwing for three touchdowns. Running back Daijun Edwards displayed his prowess with 149 rushing yards. Georgia's Jalen Carter had a standout performance on the defensive front, amassing eight tackles, three for loss, one sack, and forcing two critical fumbles. Tennessee's efforts, led by QB Hendon Hooker and WR Bru McCoy, fell short as they struggled to counteract the relentless Georgia defense, which forced six turnovers.

Oklahoma Handles Baylor with Strong Defensive Performance, Wins 27-13

The #16 Oklahoma Sooners delivered a strong performance against the #19 Baylor Bears, securing a 27-13 victory. Baylor faced offensive challenges after losing their starting quarterback, Blake Shapen, early in the game. Oklahoma's quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, had a solid outing with 219 passing yards and two touchdowns while running back Eric Gray contributed 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Marvin Mims caught eight passes for 100 yards and one touchdown. Baylor's quarterback, Kyron Drones, faced pressure from the Sooners' defense, finishing with 125 passing yards and an interception. Running back Qualan Jones led the ground game with 81 rushing yards, while tight end Ben Sims led the receivers with 51 yards.

Texas Dominates Kansas State with 35-13 Road Victory

In a highly anticipated matchup, #10 Texas delivered a commanding performance on the road, defeating #9 Kansas State with a final score of 35-13. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers showcased his skills with 225 passing yards and two touchdowns, while star running back Bijan Robinson contributed 82 rushing yards. Texas' victory further solidified their presence in the Big 12 race, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch as the season unfolds.

#7 Washington Prevails in High-Scoring Clash, Defeats Oregon State 38-27

In a thrilling Pac-12 showdown, #7 Washington emerged victorious, defeating Oregon State with a final score of 38-27. The game remained fiercely contested through the first three quarters, with both teams trading blows. However, in the decisive fourth quarter, Washington surged ahead, securing their undefeated record. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led the way with an impressive performance, amassing 290 passing yards and three touchdowns while contributing 50 rushing yards. Washington's Ja'lynn Polk stood out in the receiving game with 116 yards and one touchdown. Despite a valiant effort, Oregon State couldn't keep pace, with quarterback Tristan Gebbia totaling 160 passing yards and one touchdown. This victory further solidifies Washington's position at the top of the Pac-12.

Michigan State Shocks #6 Illinois with 35-18 Road Victory

In a surprising turn of events, Michigan State pulled off a stunning upset on the road, defeating the highly-ranked #6 Illinois with a score of 35-18. The Illinois offense, led by quarterback Tommy DeVito and star running back Chase Brown, struggled to find its rhythm as the Spartans' defense put up a formidable performance. Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne had a solid game, throwing for two touchdowns, and running back Jalen Berger contributed with a strong ground game. The victory marked a significant turning point for the Spartans in their quest for a better season, while Illinois faced an unexpected setback in their playoff aspirations.

Clemson Rolls Over Notre Dame with a 59-13 Victory on the Road

In a dominant performance, #21 Clemson left no room for doubt as they overwhelmed Notre Dame with a lopsided 59-13 victory on the road. Clemson's quarterback, Cade Klubnik, led the charge with four touchdown passes, while running back Phil Mafah provided a strong ground game. On the other hand, Notre Dame struggled to find their offensive footing, with quarterback Drew Pyne facing a challenging Clemson defense. The win for the Tigers improved their impressive season record, while Notre Dame faced another tough loss in their 2023 campaign.