Game Day Central: Kentucky vs. Alabama

Cat Walk

Pregame

1st Quarter

Kentucky had the first possession of the game, and the Cats made two first downs, crossing midfield in the process. However, Minchey was sacked and the drive stalled, forcing the Cats into a punt. Alabama took over at its own 20 yard line with 11:04 to play in the first quarter.

The UK defense stepped up huge on the Tide’s first possession. Grant Godfrey forced Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell into an intentional grounding call. The second down play saw Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace tackle Alabama’s Daniel Hill for a two-yard loss. Then on third down, Humphrey-Grace tipped Russell’s pass into the air, caught it and dove into the end zone for a touchdown. Adam Zouagui added the PAT and Kentucky led 7-0 with 10:11 to play in the first period.

On Alabama’s next possession, the Tide got three first downs and drove into UK territory. However, Humphrey-Grace struck again, forcing a fumble that was recovered by teammate CJ Works at the Kentucky 27. The Cats took possession with 7:09 left in the quarter.

On Kentucky’s ensuing possession, Minchey was intercepted by Alabama’s Luke Metz, who returned it 34 yards for a touchdown. Conor Talty added the PAT and the game was tied 7-7 with 6:35 left in the first quarter.

Kentucky would respond with a drive that got the Cats into the red zone as the first quarter ended.

2nd Quarter

On the first play of the second quarter, Minchey found tight end Henry Boyer for a 20-yard touchdown, capping a 13-play, 83-yard drive. Zouagui added the point after and Kentucky led 14-7 with 14:56 left in the first half.

Alabama would score on its first possession of the second quarter. The Tide went 68 yards in 11 plays, but a sack by Ty Bryant and Tavion Gadson stopped the drive and Alabama settled for a 25-yard field goal from Talty to cut the UK lead to 14-10 with 9:27 left in the half.