Some Optimistic Defense Notes Going Forward

by:Kindsey Bernhard09/25/16

kindseybernhard

[caption id="attachment_207810" align="alignnone" width="2417"]Mark Zerof / USA Today Mark Zerof / USA Today[/caption]   Kentucky had a season-high four sacks  Putting pressure on the quarterback had been an issue for the Kentucky defense in the first three games. Coming into Saturday's game, Kentucky had recorded only four sacks in three games. The four sacks against South Carolina were the most against an SEC opponent since Nov. 1, 2008. The defense limited South Carolina to only 16 first downs  The last time the defense allowed 16 or less first downs was against Vanderbilt last season. Kentucky's third-down defense was the best we've seen all season. The Gamecocks went 3-of-13 in third-down conversions, a season low for South Carolina. Jordan Jones is third in the NCAA in solo tackles The sophomore linebacker is everywhere. Jones recorded eight tackles in the win over South Carolina, and leads the team with 43. Jones has the third most tackles in all of FBS college football with 30, nine behind the leader from Kent State. Jones is ninth in total tackles with 43, 30 solo and 13 assisted. South Carolina had seven drives that went for less than 20 yards  The secondary played its best game of the season limiting South Carolina to only two pass play of 20+ yards. Derrick Baity tied a season-high with five tackles, two pass breakups and one quarterback hurry. The run defense which has struggled all year did not allow a rushing play longer than 12 yards. South Carolina had its lowest scoring game of the season  South Carolina's 10 points was the lowest for a Kentucky opponent since 2014 when Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 17-7.  

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