Ranking the 4 Best Defensive Performances of the Mark Stoops Era

Before the BBN completely turns the page from Florida to LSU, let’s relish one more time in the Wildcats’ success against the Gators. Kentucky’s defense suffocated the Gators, limiting Dan Mullen’s team to just 13 points, the fewest in the series since the Wildcats’ last victory over Florida in Lexington. It was one of the best defensive performances of the Mark Stoops era, but it was not the best to date.

4. 2020 at Tennessee

Jarrett Guarantano threw more touchdowns to Kentucky than to his Volunteer teammates. The Wildcats recorded pick sixes on back-to-back possessions, creating an NFL Draft highlight for Jamin Davis when he took one 85 yards to the house. The Vols scored seven points and had just 4.2 yards per play in Kentucky’s first victory at Neyland Stadium since 1984.

3. 2020 vs. Mississippi State

Kentucky had not recorded an interception through the first two games of the 2020 season. They made up for lost time against Mississippi State.

The Wildcats picked off six passes in Mike Leach’s return to Lexington. Jordan Wright returned one for a score and Josh Paschal was tackled just a few yards shy of a pick six. Wright’s interception in the Kentucky end zone kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard right before halftime. The only Miss. State points came from a safety on a botched snap, shutting out a Leach offense for the first time in his high-flying career.

2. 2021 vs. Florida

The Gators entered the game as the nation’s third-ranked rushing offense, averaging more than 320 yards per game. Kentucky nearly cut that in half, limiting Florida to just 171 on the ground (4.4 ypc.). Florida had seven chances to tie the game from inside the nine yard-line, but Kentucky’s defense stood strong to secure the win over No. 10 Florida.

Josh Paschal played like a man possessed. He had 2.5 tackles for loss. One forced a Florida field goal. He pushed through the Florida offensive line, blocked that kick, then Trevin Wallace returned it 76 yards for a momentum-swinging score.

1. 2018 vs. Missouri

With Josh Heupel calling plays, the 2018 Missouri offense ranked 13th nationally in total offense, averaging just shy of 500 yards per game. The high-powered passing attack with Drew Lock came to a screeching halt in the second half.

Clinging to a 14-3 lead, Missouri did not get a first down in the second half. The Tigers had eight straight three-and-outs, giving Lynn Bowden enough time to return a punt for a touchdown, sparking an improbable fourth quarter comeback that ended with a walk-off touchdown. National Defensive Player of the Year Josh Allen had 11 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble to limit Mizzou to just 249 yards of total offense.