Sept. 21, 2002
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Final Score: UK 44, MTSU 22
Records: UK — 4-0, 0-0; MTSU – 0-3, 0-0.
The Wildcats are 4-0 for the first time since 1984 and only the third time since 1950. Previous great starts by the Wildcats since 1950 were: 10-0 1950 4-0 1983 5-0 1984
Kentucky scored 17 first-quarter points against MTSU and has scored at least 10 points in the first quarter in every game this season. Through four games this season, UK is averaging 13.75 points in the opening quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Cats added another TD and for the season, have averaged 8.5 points per game in the fourth quarter.
In the three of the four games this season, the Wildcats have entered the fourth quarter with the game in doubt, yet, defensively, the Cats have not surrendered any points in the fourth quarter of those contests. The only points the UK defense has allowed this season in the final quarter was seven scored by UTEP.
Kentucky’s 44 points was the most points surrendered by the Blue Raiders’ defense this season. Note: MTSU has played three SEC teams thus far.
A brouhaha that began at the end of the second quarter resulted in the following players being ejected from the competition: UK -center Michael Aitcheson and offensive lineman Sylvester Miller; MTSU – defensive tackles Devarick Scandrett and Jerry Vanderpool. The UK duo will now have to miss the first half of next week’s Florida game.
For the third time in four games, UK did not lose a fumble. UK has had three total fumbles this season but only lost one, which came against UTEP. The Cats have only had three turnovers this season, which includes an interception vs. Indiana and one against Middle Tennessee.
UK has won the turnover battle in all four games this season.
Kentucky converted all three “blue zone” (20-and-in) scoring chances today, all three being touchdowns by Artose Pinner. For the season, the Wildcats have converted 17 of 18 chances in the “blue zone,” including 15 touchdowns and two field goals.
The SEC’s leading rusher this week, RB Artose Pinner, recorded his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game with a career-high 163 yards on 24 carries. He added three TDs rushing and one receiving as he continues to lead the Cats in scoring this season with 42 points.
The senior has now scored a TD in all four games this season. Pinner entered the weekend averaging 114.7 yards rushing per game, which ranked 20th in NCAA stats.
He added another remarkable run – a 54-yard score in the fourth quarter to help ice the victory.
Pinner caught three passes for 19 yards. He totaled 182 yards from scrimmage.
Jared Lorenzen finished 22-31 for 305 yards and three TDs, his first 300-yard game of the season and the 14th of his career.
Lorenzen entered the weekend second among active SEC quarterbacks in passing yardage (6,492), first in completions (530) and first in total offense (6,689).
DE Vincent “Sweat Pea” Burns and DE Deion Holts each forced his first fumble of the season in the first quarter. Andrew Hopewell made the first fumble recovery of his career and David Johnson had the third fumble recovery of his career.
Senior WR Aaron Boone had a career-high 111 yards, his first 100-yard game as a Wildcat. His 72-yard TD in the third quarter.
