The Cats revert back to their old ways.
Just when you think this Kentucky Wildcats team has turned the corner, they fall right back into their old habits. That was indeed the case Saturday night in the Wildcats’ lackluster 20-13 loss against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Saturday night was embarrassing not only because of the ending result, but most importantly, because of the team’s lack of discipline throughout the entire performance.
There were plenty of instances where this game could’ve turned out in the Cats’ favor, but they continued to shoot themselves in the foot with unnecessary penalties over and over again, which resulted in another head-scratching loss.
This not only marked the second loss in the last three years to the Commodores, but this loss is also the 10th home conference loss in the last 12 outings for the Cats. That is just flat-out unacceptable, and things will not get any easier as the Cats head to The Swamp to take on the Florida Gators this Saturday.
Although I found it very difficult to come out with anything positive after the Cats’ Saturday night performance, there were a couple individuals whose stock went up. Let’s dive into whose stock fell and whose stock rose after the Wildcats’ inexplicable loss.
Risers
Dane Key
Yes, he had the unsportsmanlike penalty and the fumble, but Dane Key was easily the MVP, as he came away with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. Key has undoubtedly been the best receiver for the Cats halfway through the season, and without him, it’s hard to imagine where the offense would be and, more importantly, where this team as a whole would be. If Key keeps this up, he could hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft if he opts to go pro.
D’Eryk Jackson
Despite Kentucky’s offensive woes, the defense continues to play at a high level. That continued vs. Diego Pavia and Vandy’s high-scoring offense, which was held to a season-low 20 points. Pavia also had his first turnover of the season, which was an interception thrown to D’Eryk Jackson, who continues to have an All-SEC season for the Cats. He also added seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and a key sack late that gave the offense a chance to tie the game.
Fallers
Special Teams
In an area that has been surprisingly solid for the Cats halfway through the season, last night was just flat-out abysmal for special teams, especially the kicking unit. On two different occasions, Kentucky was the victim of not one, but two botched field-goal attempts (one being the PAT). That pretty much summed up the entire night which included a game littered of errors.
Team Discipline
Coming off a bye week, you’d figure this team would’ve been pumped up and ready to come out and make a statement, especially after pulling off an upset just a week before the bye week, but no. Kentucky once again came out with undisciplined play which resulted in some early unsportsmanlike and holding penalties. Those took away potential scoring drives early in the game and carried over the rest of the way.
It’s no secret how undisciplined the Wildcats have been at times in the Stoops tenure, but last night might’ve been the worst we’ve seen in a good while. Kentucky was flagged eight times in the first half alone for 71 yards and had a total of twelve penalties for 105 yards. That is just inexcusable and unacceptable, especially considering the build-up for this matchup throughout last week.
Mark Stoops
Just two weeks ago, all was right, at least for a moment, between the BBN faithful and Mark Stoops, but that ship has sailed again quickly after this past week’s horrid performance. With that loss, Stoops is now 4-9 coming off a bye week. There’s no excuse, not one for having your team come out and play the way they did, especially in a jam-packed home atmosphere that was Kroger Field Saturday night. Coach Stoops has been on record voicing frustrations at the fans in the past, but it seems like BBN’s patience is starting to run its course with him as the middle stretch of the season nears.
Gerald Mincey
The starting right tackle was a mess in this one, committing two holding penalties while allowing several QB pressures. With Courtland Ford set to finally return from injury, Mincey’s starting spot could be up for grabs in the coming weeks if he doesn’t improve.
Ja’Mori Maclin
Remember when Maclin was viewed as one of the biggest transfer portal additions at wide receiver for any college team? After Maclin racked up 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns at North Texas, Maclin was expected to be a big-time performer in this offense. But after failing to catch a pass vs. Vanderbilt, he’s got just six grabs for 89 yards and no scores this season. He’s also been a ghost on special teams, returning one punt for -1 yards vs. the Dores.
Who was your biggest riser/faller from this one? Sound off in the comments!