The Kentucky Wildcats looked to be dead in the water at Commonwealth Stadium against one of the least frightening opponents on their slate, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. What they showed the fans who decided to stay in the cold weather would shock just about all of the Big Blue faithful.
Kentucky's Cory Johnson made the biggest play of the game when he sacked Arien Beasley for negative eight yards on the final play of the game in overtime. Kentucky's Johnson finished the game with a stunning 19 tackles.
Kentucky's star offensive player on the night easily goes to wide receiver Dorian Baker. Baker made two huge plays near the end of the game, running a corner route for a touchdown to tie the game with 52 seconds remaining, and another touchdown in overtime to give Kentucky their first lead since halftime and secure the win for the 'Cats. Baker finished with 86 yards and three touchdowns on eight receptions.
It wasn't all blue skies for Kentucky on offense, as they found themselves in a hole down 27-13 with less than eight minutes remaining. The Kentucky offense then turned on the heat and got into position to score which allowed running back Jojo Kemp to walk in for the easy touchdown.
Kentucky then followed with a quick three-and-out to get the ball back with three minutes left. The 'Cats looked poised to stage their comeback when Kentucky wide receiver Ryan Timmons returned the ball to the EKY 39. This set Kentucky's offense up to get over the hill and get to overtime.
Kentucky got the ball first in the overtime period per Eastern Kentucky's choice. Kentucky then executed well until they found themselves in a sticky third-and-seven at the 10 yard line. Baker would just get the first down marker and set himself up for the game winning touchdown the next play.
On defense, almost everything went Kentucky's way. Kentucky was penalized for pass interference which caused Eastern Kentucky to be in great position to tie. The Wildcats followed up the penalty with a 12-yard sack to bring the ball right back. After a gain of 10, the Colonels were faced with a fourth-and-12. Kentucky ended any hopes of an upset after another sack in the backfield.
If there's any reason for the lack of energy in Kentucky's offense for 53 minutes of this game, it's the fact Stanley "Boom" Williams was out due to coach's decision. Kentucky's best running back and possibly their best offensive player couldn't provide the spark they get from him being on the field.
Running back Dy'shawn Mobley made his return to Commonwealth, this time he was with a different Kentucky squad. Mobley transferred from the Wildcats back in 2013 and put up 74 yards and one touchdown against his former team.
Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles looked to be a concern while running the offense, starting the game with two interceptions and missing easy passes. Towles, however, did finish with 329 yards, three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown of his own.
Eastern Kentucky quarterback Bennie Coney didn't fill the stat line due to the Colonels running the ball more than passing. Coney ended with 184 yards, two touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in the loss.
Kentucky narrowly avoids what could've been one of their worst upsets, and after this program spent so much time building back to this contention area, it would have been difficult to come back from a loss like that.
Each Kentucky fan can breathe a sigh of relief; their team got the win and is only two more away from bowl eligibility.