With the exception of the conclusion of Kentucky’s overtime loss to Texas A&M, virtually the entire first half of the Wildcats’ season has been superlative. It has been awhile since a midseason saw UK at 5-1, ranked in the AP poll’s top 15, and contending for the SEC East. Before we look ahead, let’s look back at the best and most important contributors and moments of UK’s 2018 campaign to date.

Most Valuable Player: Josh Allen

No, it’s not the SEC’s leading rusher, Benny Snell (116.5 yards per game on the ground). Allen has been the backbone of the surprising Kentucky defense. In half of a season, the senior has amassed 37 tackles, a league-leading 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. His superb play off the edge had led UK to rank second in SEC scoring defense and yardage allowed. As spectacular as Snell has been, the defense has been the story of the season to date.

Most Likely to Be a Heisman Finalist: Benny Snell

Despite what we just said about Allen, Snell is the guy who could be a national Player of the Year if Kentucky’s second half matches the first. In six games, he has 699 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, and he has consistently answered the bell for a Kentucky offense that is incredibly dependent on him. Kentucky is 3rd in the SEC in rushing and 14th in passing. Mark Stoops has made a calculated decision to win with defense and Snell. The offensive line has been stellar (Bunchy Stallings especially so), but Snell has always done his part and then some to keep Kentucky rolling. But speaking of Bunchy …

Block of the Year: Bunchy Stallings

Sure, it created a critical first down in the Florida game. But this block is here because it was an absolute decleating.

Snell loved it, too.

Comeback Player of the Year: Darius West and Jordan Jones

West is a senior safety who has missed two full seasons due to injury, and finally saw his first consistent action last season. This year, his 47 tackles rank eighth in the SEC, and he’s tied for the SEC lead with 3 interceptions. His fumble return for a touchdown that forced UK’s game with Texas A&M into overtime. The other standout in this area is senior linebacker Jones, who had a disappointing 2017 campaign fraught with emotional outbursts that had many around the program wondering if he would return for 2018. Not only has he returned, but with 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4 passes broken up, he has been a cog in the Kentucky defense.

Most Likely to Parlay Football Success into a WWE Appearance: Kash Daniel

In complete seriousness, the junior linebacker filled a crucial spot vacated by the graduation of Courtney Love. Daniel has been a hit on the field — where his 41 tackles rank second on the team, and his 5 QB hurries tie for the lead. Personality wise, whether it was disrespecting South Carolina while eating a chicken sandwich or going WWE during the Florida game, Daniel has been heart and soul of the Kentucky team. Don’t buy the WWE thing? Take a look …

Most Unforgettable Moment

The play that ended a 31-year losing streak to Florida was unforgettable, but not for the reason that most assume. Sure, it showcased Josh Allen forcing a game-changing turnover. Sure it sealed a memorable victory. But most of all, the play was redemption for Mark Stoops.

A year before, Kentucky lost to Florida in a painful home game after Stoops was about the only person in the stadium who didn’t see Kentucky leaving a Florida receiver uncovered. This time, Stoops was the only man urging DB Davonte Robinson into the end zone on the final play. Everybody else though Feleipe Franks had thrown an incomplete pass, but Stoops helped his team finish the deal in the most redeeming way possible — by outfoxing 99.99% of the stadium, including the players on the field.