Kentucky falls 28-18 to Tennessee in a close game

(KNOXVILLE, Tn. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Kentucky’s attempt at a second half comeback against the seventh ranked team in the country fell short at Rocky Top.

How it Happened

The Cats went into the half up by a field goal until Tennessee scored two touchdowns and held Kentucky scoreless in the third quarter.

In the final fifteen minutes, backup quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, in for the injured Brock Vandagriff, led UK on drive that ended with two passes to wide receiver JaMori Maclin for a touchdown and a two-point conversion.

The 21-18 deficit was as close as Kentucky would get. Tennessee put the game out of reach with a Dylan Sampson rushing score with just under five minutes left in the game.

The Same Story

Miscues, penalties and injuries were the usual maladies that helped bury the Wildcats’ chances at winning their first game in four weeks. UK is in the midst of a four game slump heading into the second bye week.

Despite Kentucky having about half of the possession, they made it to the redzone twice in the game and scored on one of those chances.

The offense was 4/14 on third down and 0/2 on fourth down as well. Penalties added up too. Ten for over 70 yards.

Head Coach Mark Stoops says that the battle against the Volunteers cost them 10 starters who couldn’t finish the game. That’s on top of an already long injury list.

What’s Next

Kentucky comes home to Kroger Field to host Murray State at 1:30 p.m. on November 16. UK will now need to win all of its remaining games to be bowl eligible.

Under Stoops, Kentucky has made it to eight bowl games in a row. Another loss would automatically disqualify them from eligibility.