The Kentucky Wildcats edged Missouri 35-28 on Saturday to improve to 2-0 on the young 2021 season. It was a back-and-forth affair, but since Kentucky held a seven-point lead in the first quarter, it never trailed for the remainder of the game.
Head coach Mark Stoops was pleased with his team’s effort but wanted more. Kentucky hosts Chattanooga next week before hitting the road to take on SEC foe South Carolina.
Quarterback Will Levis was solid in the contest, going 10-of-18 passing for 179 yards, one touchdown, one interception, 25 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. But the run game was the biggest positive for Kentucky on Saturday night.
Chris Rodriguez dominated on the ground with 27 carries for 206 yards and three touchdowns. It was tough sledding for the defense though, giving up a lot in the passing game to Missouri quarterback Connor Bazelak, who finished 34-of-51 passing for 294 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.After the game, Stoops spoke with the media and detailed what was good and bad from the win and also issued a tribute to the heroes of 9/11.
“I’d like to first recognize the heroes day today before I get into talking about the game. But just, you know, today, 9/11, just greatly appreciate all the folks that are on the frontline that work their tails off for us day in and day out. So thank you.
I’d also like to recognize the stadium and the fans. I thought it was a wonderful — it was just an awesome atmosphere. It’s been a while since we had an atmosphere like that. And thank you. We need it. Our players deserve it.
Continue…
