Kentucky took on #12 Alabama in a sold-out Kroger Field this weekend. The cards seemed to have aligned perfectly for a potential upset with true-freshman QB Keelon Russell making his first SEC start in a hostile Kroger Field environment.
Kentucky came out firing from all cylinders on defense in this one. Their offense came up short on their first drive of the game, but the defense picked up the slack by coming up with a huge first possession. A three-play drive by Alabama resulted in a 2-yard pick-6 by Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace after back-to-back negative plays, a 10-yard sack and a 2-yard tackle for loss. Kentucky looked to have all the momentum.
Alabama seemed to be driving down the field smoothly on their second possession until Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace had something to say about it.
Another big play by him resulted in a sack and fumble. Through two possessions he had a forced fumble, a sack, and a pick-6 to his name.
The defense continued to shine as the half went on. Going into the second quarter we were even at 7-7.
Kentucky’s offense scored on the first play of the second quarter, and Kroger Field and Big Blue Nation were at an all-time high in response.
Even though Alabama was able to gain some momentum on their first two drives of the second quarter, the Kentucky defense stepped up when needed, forcing two straight field goals on back-to-back possessions to hold the Tide off.
As the offense continued to have struggles, they punted the ball away with 1:05 to play in the half after a quick three and out. That was until the play of the Jay Batemen’s defense stepped up big time, again. Tavion Gadson was able to get to the quarterback for a sack of 9 yards to begin the drive. The very next play Kentucky was able to put pressure on Keelon Russell, resulting in his second interception of the day.
Kenny Minchey and Co. were able to take advantage of the short field position and end the first half on a high note with a 39-yard field goal from Adam Zouagui.
Kentucky’s defense could not be stopped, they ended the first half with two interceptions (1 pick-6), a forced fumble/recovery, 4 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss, while holding the Tides rushing attack to five total rushing yards in the half.
HALFTIME: Kentucky 17, #12 Alabama 13.
Then came the second half…
A strong start for Kentucky’s defense, forcing a quick 3 and out. Kentucky seemed to be in control — at least that’s what we thought.
Joe Sloan’s offense became stagnant as the moment started to seem to be too big, catching up to them slowly and dreadfully. A quick 5-play drive resulted in a punt, allowing Alabama to take advantage on their next possession with a field goal to make it 17-16.
That became a constant in the second half as the offense continued to struggle. This quickly became a game that Kentucky was trying not to lose, rather than one they were playing to win.
Kenny Minchey was strip-sacked on the second possession of the half, giving Alabama a short field to work with. The Tide did what they usually do and took advantage. Alabama scored on a quick demoralizing 5-play, 13-yard drive to take their first lead of the game 23-17
That was the beginning of the end. The whole second half the defense seemed to be gassed after multiple three and outs and turnovers. This resulted in Alabama taking dominant control of the game. The fun was essentially over for the ‘Cats.
Alabama shutout Kentucky in the second half 32-0. Keelon Russell and their offense began to roll as they racked up 215 total yards in the half (150 rushing) as well.
A tale of two halves it was. Kentucky fell to the tide 45-17 in Will Stein’s Kentucky SEC debut.
Up next? Kentucky defensive coordinator Jay Bateman will now look forward to putting together a game plan for his former team, the #8 Texas A&M Aggies.
Kentucky will travel to the hostile Kyle Field next weekend as they look to stop quarterback Marcel Reed and the high-powered Aggie offense who is averaging 49 PPG through their first two contest.
This will likely be Kentucky’s hardest games of the season. At 1-1 (0-1 SEC) overall, let’s hope the Wildcats can get out of there without any harm to themselves.
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