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Content by – LUKAS WITT / JEFF McKINLEY – SPORTS VIEW AMERICA …
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Pregame Atmosphere
A light rain and a delayed start time — caused by No. 7 Texas finishing up against San Jose State in Austin — slowed fan arrival, but nothing stopped Big Blue Nation from packing Kroger Field to near capacity. Kentucky fans were especially energized by the return of “Grove Street Party,” which wasn’t played in Week 1 but blasted as the Wildcats took the field.
First Half
Kentucky’s defense set the tone early getting a stop on the opening possession. Kentucky would give the ball back to the Rebels on a punt, Ole Miss advanced deep into Kentucky territory, but a 51-yard field goal attempt bounced off the right upright — no good. After a slow start offensively, the Wildcats capitalized on a Ty Bryant intercepted pass by Rebels — his second career pick — setting up an 8-play, 31-yard drive capped by a Seth McGowan touchdown run to put Kentucky ahead.
Bryant struck again with another interception, this time leading to a field goal that stretched the Wildcats’ lead to 10–0. Ole Miss answered quickly, however, with two touchdowns to surge ahead 14–10. Kentucky trimmed the deficit with a field goal to make it 14–13 but squandered a chance to add more points before halftime due to poor clock management.
Second Half
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams leaning on their running games. Ole Miss found consistent success on the ground behind Kewan Lacy, who carried the ball 28 times for 138 yards. McGowan notched his second touchdown of the night to tie the game at 20–20, but Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons responded with a rushing score to push the Rebels ahead 27–20.
Kentucky added another field goal, but Ole Miss answered with one of their own to extend the margin. The Wildcats couldn’t muster a late comeback, falling 30–23 in a hard-fought battle.
Next game
Kentucky will take on Eastern Michigan next Saturday at 7:30 inside Kroger Field. The game will be televised on ESPNU.
Box Score
