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The Kentucky Wildcats were looking to bounce back after their opening week loss when they faced off with the Ole Miss Rebels for the 2020 home opener.
The Rebels came out swinging as they drove 75-yards to take a quick 7-0 lead in just 8-plays.
It looked like the Cats would tie it up in one play but early celebration and then a fumble by A.J. Rose gave the Rebels the ball back with the lead intact.
However, Kentucky’s defense stepped up and the Cats were able to quickly answer with a TD run by Terry Wilson and another by Rose to take a 14-7 lead late in the first.
The Rebels were able to get into the end zone early in the 2nd to tie the game at 14. After a series of exchanged punts, the Cats were able to drive down the field as Wilson ran it in from 22-yards out to give Kentucky the 21-14 halftime lead.
Kentucky received the 2nd half kick and drove it 75-yards capped off by a 22-yard TD run by Chris Rodriguez to make it 28-14.
Unfortunately, the speedy offense of the Rebels didn’t take much time to answer as they quickly cut it to 28-21.
Late in the 3rd, the Rebels seemed to be in for the game tying TD, but it was overturned, and the Cats’ defense came up with a huge stop on 4th and goal.
Kentucky wasn’t able to take advantage of the momentum swing as a three and out resulted in a quick Ole Miss TD to make it 28-28.
The Cats got into Rebel territory but went for it on 4th and 8 that resulted in a sack. Ole Miss quickly found the end zone and took a 35-28 lead.
With the game on the line, Wilson led a gutsy drive down the field to tie the game at 35 win 2 minutes to go.
Kentucky’s defense came up with a huge stop and this one headed to overtime.
Terry Wilson ran it a TD to take the lead but Matt Ruffolo missed the extra point. Ole Miss quickly scored and made the PAT to win it 42-41.
A brutal loss for the Cats and here is how Twitter reacted to the events of the day:
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2020
2020 Kentucky Football Intro Video pic.twitter.com/vekhXBpruO
Oh man, finally watching a replay of the A.J. Rose run. I thought he started celebrating around the 10. He started partying at the 27! Stoops gotta sit him for at least the half. Especially with Smoke running like that.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) October 3, 2020
For whatever it's worth AJ Rose remains engaged on the sideline. He cheered for Terry on the TD and he's received a hug from several players/coaches.
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) October 3, 2020
Surprised the referee didn’t say Terry was short on that touchdown run.
— Zac Oakes (@ZacOakes) October 3, 2020
Josh Paschal moves so well. That's an All-SEC talent out there.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) October 3, 2020
AJ Rose seems to be making it up for his early celebration. Drives it in to take the lead for Kentucky, 14-7.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) October 3, 2020
The Cats now have 150 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on three drives.
Big time answer for AJ Rose. Atta way to bounce back, kid!
— Travis Graf (@TravisGraf_) October 3, 2020
So the defense appears to be a total liability at this point
— Ian Teasley (@ianteasley) October 3, 2020
UK's front seven is getting good pressure. Secondary needs to pick it up and it's all good.
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) October 3, 2020
Well maybe got to get @Joey1gatewood ready for third and short NOW. Two failures today that Cats just cannot have
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) October 3, 2020
You're averaging 10.5 yards per carry. First and long and second and long shouldn't be automatic pass plays.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 3, 2020
A little pressure on Max Duffy, who does a quick punt for 56 yards with no return. Straight line drive there. He's fun to watch.
— Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL) October 3, 2020
Ali's on track for a 1,000 yard season against a 10 game SEC schedule
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) October 3, 2020
Kentucky rushed for 220 yards in the first half.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) October 3, 2020
Great read by Terry Wilson. That's the first time we've seen that burst.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) October 3, 2020
Rodriguez displayed text book ball security on that scoring run.
— Freddie Maggard (@FredMaggard606) October 3, 2020
Our mid-level Pass Defense has been very poor today
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) October 3, 2020
UK's secondary continues to be an issue. Yikes.
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) October 3, 2020
This defense is just....wow
— Ian Teasley (@ianteasley) October 3, 2020
Best undershirts in the SEC pic.twitter.com/Ap9B2lTqwA
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) October 3, 2020
Terry Wilson under threw DeMarcus Harris -- if he leads him it's an easy score -- but that's a catchable pass you gotta haul in.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) October 3, 2020
The ref that threw that PI flag was 30 yards away. Lol
— Travis Graf (@TravisGraf_) October 3, 2020
This has been a pretty crazy college football game.
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) October 3, 2020
Stoops giving the field judge an earful during an injury timeout on the field. A couple of plays prior, official threw a PI flag against UK about 25 yards downfield. Didn't get to see a replay. It looked suspect in live time.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 3, 2020
STUFFED.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) October 3, 2020
Does anyone else see all these Ole Miss holds they aren’t calling? #BBN
— Dalton Jones ® (@DaltonJJones19) October 3, 2020
Defense :( https://t.co/VeAdf3GVjw
— The Kentucky Logo (@TheKentuckyLogo) October 3, 2020
UK has an offense that can't pass & an defense that can't stop the pass.
— Michael Bennett (@justthecatradio) October 3, 2020
Gusty drive there
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) October 3, 2020
Gotta have a stop
WHAT A FREAKING TACKLE BY TYRELL AJIAN.
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) October 3, 2020
I'll ask this. Have you missed this nervous feeling? 2020 finally feels normal.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) October 3, 2020
I'm at a loss of words.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) October 3, 2020
I am dead inside
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) October 3, 2020
Kentucky football.
— Travis Graf (@TravisGraf_) October 3, 2020
Did we really miss sports pic.twitter.com/CMt8BYaUIg
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) October 3, 2020
What I thought this team could be and what they actually are are two totally different things. The defense is absolutely putrid.
— Travis Graf (@TravisGraf_) October 3, 2020
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