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Report Card: Kentucky falls 20-10 in road loss to Missouri
By Jason Hall
Published:
Here’s how the Kentucky Wildcats graded after their 20-10 loss to Missouri.
OFFENSE: D
Quarterback Patrick Towles threw for 158 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 19-of-36 passing. Kentucky’s rushing attack combined for 102 yards on 36 carries, averaging 2.8 per attempt. The offense failed to see any production prior to a garbage-time touchdown by Javess Blue in the fourth quarter.
DEFENSE: D
Maty Mauk looked more like the quarterback many expected to see in preseason after an impressive freshman campaign. The sophomore threw for 164 yards and two touchdowns on 18-of-33 passing. Bud Sasser dominated the Wildcats secondary, catching both of Mauk’s touchdown passes and adding 67 yards on six receptions.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B+
Landon Foster attempted seven punts for 315 yards, with his longest netting 50 yards. The junior averaged 45 yards per punt and landed two inside the 20-yard line. Demarco Robinson returned three kickoffs for 64 yards and two punts for 24 yards, totaling 88 special teams yards.
COACHING: D
Kentucky’s offense saw very bland in Saturday’s game. The Wildcats did little to fool the talented Missouri defense, as was reflected by the final score. Kentucky also saw several mishaps on defense, including leaving wide receiver Bud Sasser open to score early.
OVERALL: D
Kentucky struggled on both sides of the football. After starting the season as the surprise team in the SEC East, the Wildcats are proving that their early success may have been the product of an easy schedule. Kentucky still needs one win to capture bowl eligibility for the first time since 2010, which looks less likely by the passing weeks.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky