Kentucky Loses Crazy Music City Bowl 24-23

Kentucky responded to obscene adversity but could not complete a comeback.  The Cats dropped to 7-6 for the second consecutive season with a 24-23 loss to Northwestern. Benny Snell's first half ejection was the beginning of the chaos.  Fifteen-yard penalties flew frequently and injuries abounded.  Stephen Johnson was forced out of the game on two separate occasions.  Despite it all, Kentucky still had a chance to win the ball game. Trailing by ten at half, Johnson returned from an injury to rush for a touchdown and cap off a six-play, 74-yard scoring drive at the start of the second half.  Following a goal line stand, Johnson had a chance to work another comeback miracle, only to throw a pick six two plays later. Even though they were down by ten with less than eight minutes to play, Kentucky did not quit.  Johnson got the Cats close enough for Austin MacGinnis to drill a 48-yard field goal and cut the lead to seven.  Unfortunately, it was too little too late. Kentucky's defense made a stand and stopped Northwestern on fourth and one.  The Cats drove 40 yards in less than two minutes.  It all came down to one play after Johnson's nine-yard touchdown run. Mark Stoops made the right move to go for two, but the pass was just out of Tavin Richardson's reach. It was so close, so painfully close to a Music City Miracle. The Cats could've easily thrown in the towel when the ish hit the fan.  Instead of replicating another Louisville-like performance, they laid it all out on the field.  Kentucky came up short, but their persistence deserves praise. [mobile_ad]