CATS recover from slow start to defeat Rockets
LEXINGTON – August 31, 2019 – Bradley Charles – BSN
The Kentucky football team started their season today in a
home game against Toledo. Toledo got off to a quick start, with Bryant Koback
scoring a rushing touchdown from 5-yards out on the first possession of the
game. After a three-and-out by Kentucky, the Toledo offense was unable to
score, but did get into Kentucky territory. Toledo was forced to punt, and
pinned Kentucky on the Cats own 3-yard line. Kentucky methodically marched
their way down the field on a 14-play drive, capped off a fumble recovery in
the endzone by Justin Rigg for his first career touchdown.
Toledo responded with a 7-play 75-yard drive, which resulted
in a 21-yard touchdown run by quarterback Mitchell Guadagni. Toledo led
Kentucky 14-7 with 11:31 to play in the second quarter. Each team then traded
punts, and Kentucky got the ball on their own 44-yard line. A 29-yard catch by
Lynn Bowden followed by a 21-yard run by A.J. Rose setup the Cats at the Toledo
11-yard line. A.J. Rose did the honors with an 11-yard touchdown run, tying the
game at 14-14 with 6:01 to go in the first half.
The teams traded punts, and Toledo got the ball on their own
3-yard line with 1:21 to go before halftime. Toledo ran out the clock, and the
teams went into halftime tied 14-14.
Kentucky was forced to punt on the first possession of the
second half. On the first play of the drive for the Rockets, Bryant Koback fumbled,
and Kentucky’s Yusuf Corker recovered. The fumble was forced by Josh Paschal.
The Toledo defense held strong, and forced Kentucky to kick a field goal.
Chance Poore set his career long by connecting on a field goal attempt from
46-yards. Kentucky led Toledo 17-14 with 11:33 to go in the third quarter.
After the Kentucky defense forced a three-and-out, the
Kentucky offense marched down the field covering 67-yards in 5-plays; capping off
the drive with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Terry Wilson to redshirt freshman,
Bryce Oliver. Kentucky was ahead 24-14 with 7:17 remaining in the third
quarter.
After the Kentucky defense forced another three-and-out,
Kentucky turned the ball over via a fumble by Lynn Bowden. The fumble, resulted
in a 46-field goal kick by Toledo’s Evan Davis. Toledo’s field goal made the
score 24-17 in favor of Kentucky with 3:07 left in the third quarter.
Each team punted on their next two possessions. Kentucky had
the ball on their own 8-yard line with 10:17 left in the fourth quarter. A
17-yard catch by Allen Dailey and a 40-yard catch by Lynn Bowden led to a 40-yard
touchdown run by Kavosiey Smoke. Kentucky extended their lead to 31-17 with
8:26 to go in the fourth quarter.
A DeAndre Square interception in Toledo territory, setup a
2-yard touchdown pass from Terry Wilson to Josh Ali. Kentucky led Toledo 38-17
with 5:32 to go in regulation. Toledo would score a late touchdown, but it was
the Cats that took home a 38-24 victory.
Kentucky’s next game is at home against Eastern Michigan on
Saturday, September 7th at 7:30.
