WATCH Kentucky beats Missouri on a miracle: 3 things to know and postgame banter

The Kentucky Wildcats lost 14-9 to the Missouri Tigers on Saturday. It was an ugly game from start to finish, and for the second time this season the defense could not overcome the offense’s lack of production.

CJ CONRAD.

The game down to the final play at the 2-yard line, and CJ Conrad (finally) was targeted and made a big play, this one being the play of his life.

WOOT.

Here are three things to know.

Offensive woes continue, but QB is solved

This was one of Terry Wilson’s best games of the season. If you had read that before the game, I am sure you would have assumed that the offense was productive. That assumption would be wrong.

Benny Snell really struggled to get anything going. Receivers (mostly Dorian Baker) dropped passes at the worst times. And the play calling was questionable at best. The offense looked lack direction for the entire game.

This offense has only scored 31 points in the last three and a half games. No matter how good your defense is, that is not going to get it done. Besides that last, magical drive, Eddie Gran seems lost on what to do with these guys.

Mark Stoops was telling the truth when he said he planned to play multiple quarterbacks on Saturday. Danny Clark came in to rush for a first down on 3rd and short, although he very nearly fumbled it away.

Gunnar Hoak got his chance in the middle of the 3rd quarter, and he immediately came in and three three consecutive incomplete passes. One was high, one was low, and one was into tight coverage. He finished the game 3 for 8 with 27 yards, all of which came on a Benny Snell screen pass.

Terry Wilson was obviously the most efficient of the group. He was 22 for 31 with 267 yards and a passer rating of 147.5, which was higher than Drew Lock’s 106.9. He also led a 95 yard, game winning drive throwing the game winning touchdown to CJ Conrad on an untimed down to win the game.

Wilson is solidified as the quarterback of this team. The conversation is over.

Defensive dominance

The defense showed again on Saturday that it is among the top units in the SEC. To hold Missouri to 14 points, all in the first half, is a very impressive feat. Josh Allen led the way with 11 tackles and two sacks.

Without some bonehead penalties in the first half, Missouri likely gets two field goals instead of touchdowns on their first two scores. That would have changed the game completely.

However, the defense more than did their part to win this game. They caused eight straight 3 and out series for the Tigers, a team that averaged more than 38 points per game coming into the match-up. That’s big time.

Lynn Bowden is electric

Bowden has had a solid season. He has been Kentucky’s best receiving option and has made some big plays. But he was a monster against the Tigers on Saturday.

He had a career high 166 receiving yards on a career high 13 catches, but his biggest contribution came on a 67 yard punt return for a touchdown to pull the Wildcats within one score with just over five minutes left in the game.

We have always known that Bowden is dangerous, but he finally put it on full display and gave Big Blue Nation something to get excited about on the offensive side of the ball.

Now, LET’S CELEBRATE!