Chris Rodriguez came into the Georgia game as the SEC's leading rusher but gained just seven yards on seven carries. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky didn’t have to play perfect to beat No. 1 Georgia but coach Mark Stoops emphasized that his team had to avoid beating itself and have solid execution.
Kentucky didn’t do that Saturday and lost 30-13 in the SEC East showdown.
The Cats were not terrible, just not as efficient as it takes even for a team ranked 11th nationally to beat a team as good as this Georgia team is.
“We knew we had to play at a high level and had to have disciplined execution,” said Kentucky coach Mark Stoops. “I love our players and how hard they play but we just did not play very disciplined against a team that will expose you the minute you don’t do it like you are supposed to.”
Georgia did that. The Bulldogs, not known for their explosive plays, had 10 plays of 20 or more yards against Kentucky, the SEC’s second-rated defense. The Bulldogs had 416 yards — 166 rushing and 250 passing. Georgia’s top-ranked SEC defense also stymied UK’s running game — 51 yards on 27 carries — and even though quarterback Will Levis completed 32 of 42 passes he had only 192 yards.
Wan’Dale Robinson, the SEC’s leading receiver, had 12 catches for only 39 yards. Chris Rodriguez, the SEC’s leading rusher, had seven carries for seven yards.
“It was disappointing to not be effective a little better in the run game,” Stoops said. “They (Georgia) had a lot to do with that and are as good (defensively) as I have seen them. They know we want to run and they have difference makers at all levels.”
What about the big plays Georgia hit on his defense that had been so solid against South Carolina, Florida, and LSU?
“With the type of explosive backs they have, if you are not precise they are going to make you pay,” Stoops said before explaining how simple mistakes turned what should have been a 2-yard run into a play of 20 or 30 yards. “We just were not very precise tonight.”
Kentucky got through the first quarter in a scoreless tie before Georgia opened a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. It looked like the Bulldogs were going to blow the game open but UK responded with a 75-yard scoring drive. Georgia regained control in the second half but UK did have two solid drives — one ended with a blocked field goal and one ended with a touchdown with three seconds to play.
Kentucky did not have a turnover. It had only one false start. It did not get rattled by crowd noise. The Cats scored two touchdowns against a defense that had allowed only two touchdowns in the first six games.
Georgia was just too good.
“I didn’t like the outcome,” Stoops said. “I still love this team as much right now as I did this morning. I love this group and the way they played. But that is what the No. 1 team in the country looks like. That is what we are aspiring to be.
“So many things were self-inflicted (against Georgia). Not to take away anything from Georgia but we have to execute. We had execution issues we have not been making. Really, defensively is what perturbs me the most.”
Georgia coach Kirby Smart emphasized the win was not as one-sided as some might think looking at the score.
“That was a really physical football team we played. Every single time we play them it’s just tough,” Smart said. “They play tough, hard-nose football. They don’t make many mistakes, and when you have a team like that, you have to beat them methodically. It’s tough. They have a really good football team.
“It’s a physical football game and we’re going to stay aggressive, keep coming at them. Give them a lot of credit. They have a good football team.”
Levis made no excuses for UK’s often stagnant offense. Instead, he praised Georgia’s “great” defense.
“Obviously they have got the players. Long, athletic, strong. They scheme up well,” Levis said. “Definitely we had opportunities to do things and I could have done more. At the end of the day, they are the No. 1 team in the country and all credit to them for the way they played.
“They are as good as advertised. Obviously, guys are going to get beat. It’s going to happen. We just have to make plays and we didn’t make enough.”
6 Responses
Can still have a remarkable season, looks like MSU ( thank God for the bye ), UT & UL will not be easy however.
Not as easy as I thought when season started for sure Paul
Cats didn’t give up, they kept playing and gave Georgia more than any team has played.Still can be a special season just gotta take care buisness. Go Cats!!
Other than Clemson only game Georgia first team defense had to play whole game
UK played hard, just faced a strong Georgia team with talent, at home, and on a mission. I can’t believe they held C Rod to 7 yards rushing. Robinson was throttled too. To fix this Georgia thing in the future, UK just needs to recruit more talent, plain and simple. I know this staff knows that, and is working hard. UK will get it done!
I thought the Georgia QB, Bennett, played a great game, but the Georgia defense is a bunch of head hunters that can sure ruin your day. They go fast and furious for 4 quarters.
UK left 4 points on the field too. That has to get fixed, quickly! Also, cover the football when it is rolling around on the ground. UK had their chance to do that on that goofy looking play they said Bennett fumbled on.
With you Pup. Georgia just on a different level and sometimes just have to admit that