FINAL: Kentucky Snaps Losing Streak with Top 25 Win over Mississippi State
Kentucky fell out of the Top 10 after back-breaking mistakes in back-to-back losses. Saturday night the No. 22 Wildcats found a way to overcome self-inflicted adversity to snap a two-game losing streak by defeating No. 16 Mississippi State 27-17 at Kroger Field.
Will Levis was a warrior for the Wildcats. A week after he was sidelined by an injury, a hit sent him to the locker room. The Kentucky quarterback was unfazed. Accompanied by Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky’s one-two punch turned it on in the second half. Levis completed 17-of-23 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown, while the Kentucky running back had his best game of the 2022 season, tallying 196 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
The game changed in the third quarter on a third and long near midfield. Kentucky consistently knocked on the door, but could not get in until Levis made an NFL throw. Facing pressure, he changed his arm angle and found JuTahn McClain for a 31-yard gain. On the next play Rodriguez rushed for a 16-yard touchdown, opening the floodgates for a much-needed Kentucky victory ahead of the bye week.
So Many Penalties
After many folks watched Tennessee and Alabama play an all-time shoot-out, Kentucky and Mississippi State produced a big pile of poop in the first half. The officials got a workout, throwing flags on seemingly every other down. The Kentucky defense had two offsides to start the game and a punt return touchdown by Barion Brown waved off. The Wildcats committed 10 penalties for 70 yards, while Mississippi State had six penalties for 55 yards, combining for 125 penalty yard. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs only produced 96 yards of offense in the first half.
The Wildcats seemingly cleaned up their act in the second half, only flagged for one penalty. Mississippi State continued to shoot themselves in the foot, doubling up and finishing the night with 13 penalties for 109 yards.
Kentucky Misses Scoring Opportunities
The Wildcats’ drive-killing penalties kept points off the scoreboard. Kentucky entered enemy territory on all four first half possessions, yet only produced three points. That was the result of a field goal on third down from the 10-yard line with nine seconds on the clock in the first half. Mississippi State jumped offsides, yet Stoops still decided to take the points. It was a perplexing end to the half.
Kentucky came out hot on the first possession of the second half. Barion Brown hauled in an incredible 33-yard reception from Will Levis, but the Kentucky quarterback took a hit and injured his left shoulder. With UK’s starter in the locker room, Kentucky settled for another field goal to take a 6-3 lead.
Huge Fourth Down
Mississippi State responded immediately to recapture momentum. The Bulldogs threw for first downs on four straight plays to make it first and goal. Kentucky bucked up and forced a fourth down, thanks to a big play from Justin Rogers at the one-yard line. Instead of tying the game with a field goal, Mike Leach threw at true freshman Alex Afari and Austin Williams scored the Bulldogs’ 15th-straight red zone touchdown.
Rodriguez Eats in Tempo
Trailing 10-6, the air was seemingly sucked out of Kroger Field. Before doubt completely crept in, Levis returned to the sideline. Rich Scangarello injected more energy into the offense by running tempo with Chris Rodriguez. He carried it on seven straight plays for 73 yards, including a 47-yard gain, to get Kentucky within the 5-yard line. Stopped short of the end zone, Kentucky went for it on fourth down and it paid off. Levis found Rahsaan Lewis, the walk-on filling in for the injured Tayvion Robinson, to retake the lead.
Dominant Defense
Brad White continues to own Mike Leach at Kroger Field. The Bulldogs had 10 offensive points, only 22 rushing yards and 225 yards of total offense. Entering tonight, Will Rogers alone averaged 351 passing yards per game. The Kentucky defense has now only given up one touchdown in eight quarters to Mississippi State.
Unfathomable Kentucky Fourth Down and a Dagger
The Wildcats had a chance to deliver a dagger into the hearts of Mississippi State early in the fourth quarter. With the ball in Bulldog territory and a 10-point lead, Rich Scangarello forgot about Chris Rodriguez. The Cats threw three screen passes in four plays. The final screen, on fourth and two, was picked off and taken to the house for a Mississippi State touchdown.
It’s still difficult to understand how the UK offense could let Mississippi State back into the game, but Levis and Rodriguez would not let the Cats lose. On third and four Levis dialed up a 50-yard bomb to Dekel Crowdus, setting up a hard fought C-Rod score on the following play. DeAndre Square put the game away by picking off Will Rogers with less than five minutes to play.
Kentucky vs. Mississippi State Box Score
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