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This was the game I was dreading for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Not because of the opponent or because of what was on the line, but because I’ve been wondering in the back of my mind when the Kentucky Football team that I’ve come to know over the years would return. Unfortunately, when the stage was biggest this season, that game came today.
The defense never seemed to be in the game and the Georgia Bulldogs had their way on offense. After Josh Allen forced two fumbles (his first two career fumble recoveries) in the first half to save scoring drives by Georgia, the Wildcats defense didn’t seem to have much fight in the second half.
The Bulldogs ran for 3 touchdowns; coming in to the game Kentucky had only allowed 6 rushing scores on the season. Georgia also hung 34 points after the Wildcats had held opponents to an average of 13 points per game, tied for first in the country.
But on a day when the defense wasn’t so hot, the offense showed up. After being picked up by the defense all season, Terry Wilson, Benny Snell, and the rest of their offense did their best to return the favor.
Wilson again showed that he has what it takes to lead a major Division 1 football team. He showed poise down the stretch and when he needed to make plays he stepped up and made the play. Snell, Jr. also set yet another rushing record becoming the first UK player ever with 3 straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Snell also added a touchdown to add to his career total.
Kentucky fell to 7-2 on the season (5-2 in the SEC), but a special season is still within their grasp. Here’s hoping the Cats can get back on track next week in Knoxville.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the game:
Mood in Lexington #SECNation pic.twitter.com/Fc7Lbc5qLo
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 3, 2018
I'll be honest, this is the most fun I've had watching football. UK's competing vs. GEORGIA FOR THE SEC CROWN!
— A Real American (@fakegimel) November 3, 2018
Y'all can stick to grumping about Eddie Gran or whoever. The future is bright and this game, win or lose, is a sign things are different!
THERE'S THAT GROWN MAN, AGAIN!!!@JoshAllen41_ with his second fumble recovery of the half and it stops a UGA drive at the UK 29 seconds before the half.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 3, 2018
Josh Allen with his second fumble recovery of the game. pic.twitter.com/rPEmC7hIPz
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 3, 2018
Congrats to @benny_snell for being the first player in school history to have three 1,000-yard-rushing seasons!#SnellYeah | #GetUp pic.twitter.com/kQfTMHNVPN
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 3, 2018
Players in SEC history with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in each of their first 3 seasons: Herschel Walker, Darren McFadden, Benny Snell
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) November 3, 2018
Here it is. Looks the ref is actually the one to initiate contact? https://t.co/sh23TBARvy
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) November 3, 2018
Proud of this team. Proud of their effort on a very big stage. Still an amazing season we are witnessing. #BBN
— Max Godby (@OhMyGodby64) November 3, 2018
We're choosing to believe @ajrose_10 did that on purpose. https://t.co/tHHlNM3F8N
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) November 3, 2018
Disappointing game but Kentucky is still likely to go 10-2 and go to a very good bowl game. Georgia is just a better team. No shame in that.
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) November 3, 2018
Georgia beats Kentucky and will go on to play for the SEC title. Georgia was simply the better team today, but doesn't change a simple fact: What Mark Stoops has done in Lexington to get UK in a position to even be COMPETING for SEC East titles in nothing short of incredible
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) November 3, 2018
Reality in Lexington is 7-2 with 3 games left.
— Jennifer Palumbo (@JenNimePalumbo) November 3, 2018
I still like my team!! #BBN #WeAreUK https://t.co/P4Cxs7Am1R
Kentucky is still in position to go 10-2 and go to a major bowl (Peach, Citrus, etc.) Felt a spark in the offense when things opened up late, and Terry Wilson looked incredible. Tough loss on the big stage, but the future is very bright.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) November 3, 2018
One of the most disappointing things about the way things went down is that we were unable to get the crowd involved in a way that this crowd tonight was capable of.
— Jacob Tamme (@JacobTamme) November 3, 2018
H/t @SirSethTamme
Georgia was just better.
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 3, 2018
This can still be a GREAT season and a 10-2 finish.
Kash Daniel: “I’ve got one hand. Jordan Jones has one hand. That’s pretty touch.” Says he doesn’t want to make any excuse, but the only reason he and Jones are playing is “for our brothers.”
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 3, 2018
This week may be the most difficult coaching job of Mark Stoops' career. He has to convince his team to completely readjust their goals after believing anything was possible, because back-to-back wins against Tennessee, a 10-win season and maybe a major bowl are at stake.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) November 3, 2018
If we're blaming anybody for Kentucky's 18-point deficit, I'm going to blame Georgia for being really, really good at football.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) November 3, 2018
We now know how far we need to go but dont forget how far we’ve come. #bbn #WeAreUK @UKFootball
— CAMERON MILLS (@CameronMillz) November 3, 2018
I know folks may be disappointed but Georgia played for the National Championship last year and they could be in the hunt again in 18. Things that happened today will help the Cats next time they’re in this spot #alotstilltoplay4
— Dave Buzz Baker (@buzzbaker) November 3, 2018