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The Kentucky Wildcats were back in Kroger Field on Saturday looking to start the season 6-0 for the first time since 1950 as they faced the LSU Tigers.
It was almost a dream start for the Cats, as DeAndre Square forced a fumble that was recovered by Kentucky.
Will Levis then led a nine-play 44-yard drive capped off with a three-yard TD pass to Chris Rodriguez on 4th and goal to give Kentucky a 7-0 lead.
After the defense turned the Tigers over on downs, the offense went 69 yards in five plays for another TD as Levis hit Wan’Dale Robinson making it 14-0.
Kentucky’s defense would continue to shut down the Tigers’ offense the rest of the half as they took that 14-0 lead into halftime.
The second half, got off to a great start as Kentucky marched right down the field and Levis punched it in to give the Cats a 21-0 lead.
LSU was able to respond on their first drive of the 2nd half as they ran it in on 4th and goal to make it a 21-7 game.
The next drive was a heavy dose of ground and pound as the Cats went 75-yards in 10 play capped off with another Levis rushing touchdown extending the lead to 28-7.
Down the stretch, Kentucky was able to find the end zone two more times and LSU would not quit. But it was the Cats that rolled to a 42-21 victory.
Risers
Liam Coen- The offense has struggled in recent weeks leading to some deserved concerns from the BBN. Coen wasted no time in this one showing what potential the offense has as he called some brilliant plays to give the Cats the early lead over the Tigers. The offense continued after halftime.
Will Levis- Levis has also struggled during the Cats’ lull on offense but Saturday was a big step in the right direction. Levis made some questionable decisions in recent weeks that led to some interceptions. His decision-making was a lot better in this one as he finished 14/17 passing with 145-yards and three touchdowns. He also added 64 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Levis slump ended Saturday night.
Kavosiey Smoke- It wasn’t the start to 2021 that Smoke would have wanted but the past couple weeks have seen him start to turn it around. Saturday was arguably the best he has looked all season. He was actually leading the Cats in rushing at the half with 53-yards on 4 carries. He went on to finish with 12 carries for 104-yards. A breakout performance for Smoke!
Izayah Cummings- When Keaton Upshaw went down in the preseason, it was Cummings that made the move from wide receiver to tight end. He has had some big catches this season, and although he didn’t have a reception on Saturday, he was the lead blocker on a lot of Kentucky’s big run plays. It was a big day running the ball for the offense and Cummings was a massive part of that.
Chris Rodriguez- As if Rodriguez could see his stock get any higher. He brought it again in the matchup with LSU as he finished with 16 carries for 147 yards and a TD. He also had a receiving touchdown. This is what we have come to expect from Rodriguez, but it was still an outstanding performance.
JuTahn McClain- In just his second game back with the team, McClain scored his first career touchdown on a beautiful wheel-route strike from Levis that put the Cats up 35-7 and effectively ended the game. It’s clear Kentucky wants to get McClain involved more, and we saw why tonight as he’s clearly a better pass-catching back than Rodriguez or Smoke.
The BBN- Last week against the Florida Gators, the home field advantage was outstanding. The crowd delivered again tonight helping fuel the Cats in their big time victory. This is exactly the way Kroger Field should be for every Kentucky home game, and it’s helping this program continue to reach heights.
Fallers
Coach O’s Job Security- Coming into this week, there was a lot of talk about Coach O being on the hot seat (which is pretty wild considering he won the National Championship two years ago). Some LSU fans and some media thought a loss to Kentucky could be the final straw. Well, how about a blowout loss to Kentucky? Will Coach O be on the sidelines when LSU takes the field again?