As is almost inevitable in a spring game setting, it’s hard to say whether Kentucky coach Mark Stoops will be happy or upset as the White team, consisting of 2nd and 3rd team players, kept things interesting before falling to the Blue squad of starters 31-14 on Friday night.

Starting QB Stephen Johnson struggled, missing multiple open receivers on deep throws, and then firing a pass into coverage which was intercepted by defensive back Kei Beckham, which led to a White touchdown three plays later. Johnson was 8-for-18 passing for 106 yards and the aforementioned interception. With UK’s quarterbacks in non-contact jerseys, and thus whistled down when touched, Johnson was also sacked three times by freshman linebacker Jamar Watson.

On the other side of things, redshirt freshman Gunnar Hoak was impressive in leading the White squad in the first half. Hoak was often under pressure from the starting defense, but finished his action for the White team 12-for-18 passing for 92 yards and a pair of scores, one a tiptoe end zone grab by wide receiver Kayaune Ross.

Freshman receiver Clevan Thomas caught Hoak’s other touchdown.

Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran had both spoken of Hoak’s leadership and understanding of Kentucky ‘s offense, and both were on display as he led the White team to both of its touchdowns. Hoak took over the Blue team in the 4th quarter, and helped them put the game away. He set up the final score with a 48-yard pass and then ran for a 5-yard TD.

In the battle of the ground game, junior back Sihiem King did nothing to hurt his chances of replacing NFL bound “Boom” Williams as the speedy back to team with power back Benny Snell. King had 19 carries for 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Snell himself played only briefly, rushing three times for 22 yards, but showing the physical strength that helped him surpass the 1,000 yard mark in 2016. Redshirt freshman A.J. Rose was impressive, cracking a 27 yard run against the starting defense, but he was forced to leave early after taking a hard shot following a 14 yard reception.

Defensively, linebacker Jamin Davis led the White team with eight tackles, including a tackle for loss. The Blue squad was led by defensive tackle Adrian Middleton, who had five tackles, one of which was a QB sack. Linebacker Eli Brown also had a sack for the Blue team.

Special teams were rarely tested as Kentucky did not attempt kickoffs, and had only skeletal placekicking and punting. Senior kicker Austin MacGinnis made a field goal from 28 yards, but missed one from 43 yards. Sophomore punter Grant McKinniss continued to struggle, averaging under 35 yards per punt despite facing literally no rush or return.

Kentucky either held out or barely played many significant contributors including presumed backup quarterback Drew Barker, Snell, wide receiver Garrett Johnson, tight end C.J. Conrad, defensive end Denzil Ware, linebacker Jordan Jones, and safety Mike Edwards. Numerous walk-ons who are unlikely to see SEC action in 2017 filled out both rosters, and were especially busy for the White team and in the latter stages of the game.

Still, the positive play of Hoak, the continued emergence of Siheim King as Kentucky’s second back, and the increasing depth of the entire team, especially on defense, were positives for the Wildcats as they wrapped up spring camp, and will now look ahead to taking on Southern Miss on the road on September 2nd.