Rapid Reaction: Kentucky falls 20-10 on the road to Missouri
By Jason Hall
Published:
The Kentucky Wildcats (5-4, 2-4 SEC) suffered a 20-10 loss at Missouri (7-2, 4-1). The Tigers held a 321-260 advantage in total yards and a 33:15-24:47 edge in time of possession. 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.
Here are a couple of thoughts on the game:
What it means: Kentucky is stuck in a tough stretch of games to end the season. After holding a 5-1 record, the Wildcats have lost three straight games and are in danger of falling into a tailspin. Kentucky has three tough matchups remaining, including two rivalry games on the road.
What I liked: Kentucky converted on an onside kick in the fourth quarter. Despite the deficit, Mark Stoops’ team continued to fight late into the game. Still, it was not enough to provide any additional scoring in garbage time.
What I didn’t like: Kentucky struggled on both sides of the ball. The offense failed to see any production prior to a garbage-time touchdown by Javess Blue in the fourth quarter. Defensively, the Wildcats allowed Maty Mauk to see his best performance of the season in SEC play. Kentucky
Who’s the man: 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.
Key Play: With 5:26 remaining in the second quarter, Mauk connected with Bud Sasser for his second touchdown of the game, a 26-yarder to put Missouri ahead 14-3. Sasser scored earlier on a 3-yard catch to give the Tigers an early lead, holding momentum throughout the contest.
What’s next: Kentucky will host No. 11 Georgia at Commonwealth Stadium. The Bulldogs are coming off a 38-20 loss to Florida in Week 10.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
