Kentucky started this game with a quick 3-and-out on offense. A rough way for UK QB Drew Barker to begin his first game as a starter.

The Wildcats would respond with a 3-and-out of their own and the points started coming. RB Jojo Kemp gave Kentucky a lead they would never lose on a touchdown in the 1st quarter.

Barker didn't try to show off too much in his debut as a starter. Kentucky was getting whatever they wanted when running the football. Barker figured if it worked, why try anything else.

And worked it did as the running game collected 418 yards of offense. Kemp led the four running backs Kentucky used with 165 yards and three touchdowns.

Kentucky's offense was averaging exactly 10 yards per carry. With a run game working like that, the quarterback situation seems pointless.

It was a cold night in Commonwealth, but Charlotte's offense looked even colder. The 49ers struggled to move the football every drive, losing yardage a lot of the time.

Kentucky's quarterback pressure in this game gives fans hope after minimal sacks during that losing streak. The pressure lead to two interceptions, one being a pick-6. Another by Kentucky's Cory Johnson after he deflected it and caught it before falling out of bounds.

Kentucky's kicker Austin MacGinnis was out another game with an injury so freshmen back-up Miles Butler had to cover for him. Butler did his job without missing a beat hitting all seven extra points and 3/3 field goals.

Charlotte's defense had too many holes and Kentucky exploited them. The 49ers are far from being a program that makes noise while the Wildcats are a few missed plays here and there from being where they want to be.

Kentucky can use this win as a morale booster for what is coming up for these young 'Cats. Kentucky will face in-state rival Louisville in familiar position.

Kentucky is 5-6 going into their Governor's Cup matchup against Louisville. The Cardinals are 6-5. The Wildcats must win to be bowl eligible; a big step in rebuilding this program. A win over their biggest rival for the first time in four years wouldn't hurt either.

These young 'Cats would love to play an extra game of football. They are just starting their careers at Kentucky and some extra snaps will have them ready for the future.

Kentucky fans have been patient and have waited for head coach Mark Stoops to turn this program around. One game can change the feeling of this season, and one game determines this team's fate.

There will be a different Kentucky team in Commonwealth Stadium next week. It won't be easy, but it can be done.

Upcoming Schedule

Louisville at Kentucky 11/28/15

Charlotte at Rice 11/28/15

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