The Kentucky Wildcats are playing with heavy hearts this week after OL coach John Schlarman passed away at the age of 45 after a 2-year battle with cancer.

Taking on Vanderbilt in Lexington, the Wildcats honored Schlarman’s memory on the first play of the game with a powerful tribute.

As you can see below, the Wildcats left the left guard spot (which Schlarman manned for Kentucky during his playing days) empty on the first play, taking a delay of game penalty. The Commodores declined the penalty:

OL Landon Young, who is wearing No. 65 to honor Schlarman, watched the first play from the sideline before entering the game:

https://twitter.com/UKFootball/status/1327659139556810752

In a drive that would have made Schlarman proud, Kentucky marched down the field for a touchdown to start the game. The Wildcats hold a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.