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Kentucky Keeps Rolling With 45-21 Win Over South Alabama!
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- Kentucky Keeps Rolling With 45-21 Win Over South Alabama!
Photo by: Jordan Prather
The Kentucky Wildcats are continuing to build momentum.
After pulling off a huge road upset over No. 9 Texas A&M last weekend, Kentucky returned home Saturday and handled business against South Alabama, winning 45-21 at Kroger Field. The victory moves the Wildcats to 3-1 on the season and gives them back-to-back wins.
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It wasn't the cleanest start for Kentucky, but the Wildcats responded in a big way after halftime.
Kentucky's Ground Game Takes Over
The Wildcats dominated on the ground, rushing for 376 yards and five touchdowns.
C.J. Baxter led Kentucky with 149 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Jason Patterson added 137 yards and three touchdowns, while Javonte Barnes rushed for 100 yards and another score.
After South Alabama took a 21-14 lead in the second quarter, Patterson broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run to tie the game. Kentucky then added a field goal before halftime to take a 24-21 advantage into the break.
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From there, the Wildcats took control.
A Completely Different Second Half
Kentucky came out of halftime and immediately established itself.
Patterson scored another touchdown early in the third quarter to make it 31-21, and the Wildcats continued to pound the ball on the ground. Kentucky's defense also shut South Alabama out after halftime.
The Wildcats added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 15-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Minchey to Shane Carr, turning a three-point halftime game into a 24-point victory.
Kentucky Is Building Momentum
The win is another positive step for Kentucky after its massive victory over Texas A&M.
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The Wildcats entered the season 1-1 before traveling to College Station and beating the then-No. 9 Aggies 31-21. Kenny Minchey threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in that victory, while Kentucky's defense intercepted Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed twice.
Now Kentucky has followed that performance with another convincing win.
At 3-1, the Wildcats are gaining momentum at an important point in the season. The offense is finding its identity through a powerful rushing attack, while the defense showed its ability to make adjustments and shut down an opponent after halftime.
Another Big SEC Test Is Next
Kentucky won't have much time to celebrate.
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The Wildcats will travel to Columbia next week to take on South Carolina in another SEC matchup.
After beating Alabama earlier this season, upsetting Texas A&M on the road and now dominating South Alabama, Kentucky has put together a strong stretch of football.
The Wildcats aren't undefeated, but at 3-1, they are clearly gaining confidence and momentum.
And with conference play continuing, Kentucky has an opportunity to keep building on what has already been an impressive start under Will Stein.
