Game Day Central: Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt
Cat Walk
Pregame
1st Quarter
Vanderbilt got the first possession of the game and the Commodores made three first downs, crossing midfield in the process. However, Vandy quarterback Jared Curtis was sacked by Aaron Gates and C.J. Works to end the drive. Vanderbilt punted and Kentucky took over at its own 15 with 8:33 left in the first quarter.
Kentucky went three-and-out on its first possession and the Cats punted the ball back to the Commodores, who saw Martel Hight return it 45 yards to the UK 20 yard line. That’s where Vandy took over with 6:09 to play in the first quarter.
The UK defense came up with a stop, and Vandy was forced into a field goal attempt. Brock Taylor was good from 30 yards out and the Commodores led 3-0 with 3:57 left in the first.
The Cats went three-and-out again on their next drive and punted the ball back to Vanderbilt, who took over at their own five yard line.
As the first quarter ended, Vanderbilt was driving near midfield, holding a 3-0 lead.
2nd Quarter
Vanderbilt would increase its lead in the second quarter. The Commodores covered 95 yards in 16 plays, ending when Curtis found tight end Jayvontay Conner for a three-yard touchdown. Taylor added the PAT and Vanderbilt led 10-0 with 9:03 left in the half.
Kentucky would get its initial first down of the game on the ensuing drive. Mikkel Skinner rushed for 16 yards to get the Cats to the 41 yard line. Two plays later, Jason Patterson rushed up the middle for seven yards and another first down as the Cats got into Vandy territory.
On the next play, Minchey found Willie Rodriguez for a 21-yard gain, and Vandy was called for roughing the passer, giving UK a first down at the Vandy 13. Four plays later, Minchey connected with D.J. Miller for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Adam Zouagui added the extra point and UK cut the Vandy lead to 10-7 with 5:04 left in the half.
The momentum continued for the Cats on Vanderbilt’s next possession. The UK defense forced a three-and-out and the ‘Dores punted it and the Cats took over at their own 21 with 3:49 left in the half.
