Three Plays: Explosives lead Kentucky to blowout win

Efficiency is the name of the game in college football, but explosive plays can turn close wins into blowouts. Kentucky has struggled to create explosives for parts of the 2021 season.

That was not the case in the 56-16 win over New Mexico State on senior day. Behind some big plays from both the offense and defense, the Wildcats blew open the game.

KSR has the three plays that made the biggest difference in the 40-point win.

Offensive response

The game got off to a bad start for the Kentucky offense. After picking up a first down following a three-and-out by the defense, Will Levis double-dipped on an error.

On a shotgun snap, Levis did not catch the ball and then was unable to pounce on the ground to secure the fumble. That led to a mad scramble.

New Mexico State scored a defensive touchdown, and Kentucky found itself in an early hole. However, the offense quickly responded.

After just two plays, Kentucky created the first scoring opportunity of the game. Levis then found tight end Justin Rigg wide open for an explosive play touchdown.

On the RPO concept, Levis correctly reads the Will linebacker who crashes down when a handoff is shown. Rigg sneaks out, and Kentucky scores an easy touchdown.

The response calmed the nerves and allowed the Wildcats to settle into the game. Creating a chunk to play to a veteran tight end was a sign of things to come later in the game.

Super senior cornerback makes impact play

The cornerback position has had a plethora of issues this season. Sophomore Carrington Valentine has gone through some growing pains, and redshirt senior Cedrick Dort Jr. has had issues getting off blocks. There is not much depth, and teams have posted big numbers.

However, super senior Quandre Mosely has been a constant. The junior college product can play both field and boundary spots and paced the unit with four pass breakups entering Week 12. However, the Georgia native had yet to make a huge momentum-swinging play.

That changed in the third possession of the game for the Kentucky defense.

After consecutive three-and-outs, New Mexico State came out and tried to get a quick completion into the field. Mosely was ready for the play.

In his drop, Mosely does a great job of reading the quarterback’s eyes and knowing where the football is going to go. On the quick-out, Mosely cuts off the path and makes a great anticipatory interception. The veteran goes on to end the play in the endzone.

Kentucky desperately needed their cornerbacks to start making some more plays. A veteran made the biggest play of the game on senior day to give Kentucky a 14-7 lead to begin the blowout.

YAC opens the floodgates

Coming out for the second half, Kentucky owned a comfortable 35-16 lead, but it felt like the team could play so much better. After a Josh Ali drop on third down to begin the third quarter, things were really feeling sluggish for the offense.

However, the defense quickly got the ball back and the offense answered. Will Levis went right back to Ali, and the super senior made things happen after the catch.

On a key third down, Levis gets a clean pocket and finds his super senior wideout over the middle. After one missed tackle, the deep safety gets too wide and leaves a wide-open lane towards the endzone. Ali takes advantage and gives the Wildcats their longest touchdown play of the season.

From that point, the game was officially over and the passing game got into a great rhythm as Levis tossed for 419 yards.

On senior day, Kentucky accomplished the mission. There were some bumps in the road, but explosive plays on both sides allowed Kentucky to run away from New Mexico State.

Now it’s time to put that game in the rearview mirror. Rivalry week has arrived.