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At The Half: Kentucky leads Akron by two TDs

Drew Franklinby:Drew Franklin•09/16/23•

DrewFranklinKSR

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(Photo: Dr. Michael Huang/KSR)

Kroger Field’s first night contest of the season pits your University of Kentucky Wildcats (2-0, 0-0) against those Zips from Akron (1-1, 0-0) out of the MAC. As things stand now, the first half of play is in the books with Kentucky leading 14-0, as both teams head to their respective locker rooms to regroup for the last thirty minutes.

Here’s how things have gone so far:

Kentucky’s Fast Start

The night began with the Wildcats winning the coin toss at midfield and electing to receive the opening kick for a third straight game. On the first snap, Devin Leary dumped off his first pass to Ray Davis, who ran 39 yards into scoring territory. After picking up two more first downs, Leary found Josh Kattus for Kattus’ first career touchdown, a six-yard reception for six points on the opening possession.

It was the fast start Kentucky needed after two poor first-quarter performances in Weeks 1 and 2. Leary completed all four of his pass attempts for 63 yards and the score.

Punt, Punt, Punt, Punt

Following Kentucky’s first strike, the defense forced a quick three-and-out to give Leary and the offense the ball right back, but the second drive wasn’t as successful as the first. A bad snap on first down set the Wildcats way behind the chains, leading to a punt two plays later.

Akron’s good fortune was not for long as the return man muffed the catch, giving the ball right back to Kentucky at Akron’s own 35. Unfortunately, UK could not capitalize on the field position, leading to a short punt back to the Zips.

Akron punted one more time before the end of the first quarter.

FIRST QUARTER: KENTUCKY 7, AKRON 0

Missed Opportunity

Early in the second quarter, Jordan Dingle pulled in a difficult one-handed catch downfield for a significant gain through the air, only to fumble the ball around the 10-yard line as he attempted to stay on his feet through a gang of Akron tacklers. The Zips recovered the ball at the goalline for the game’s first turnover, taking away a great strike from Leary to Dingle and the YAC that came with it. It would’ve been a 50+ yard gain.

The fumble also gave Akron a reason to wear its “turnover tire.”

Prior to Dingle’s turnover, Jutahn McClain shined in the backfield with three carries for 23 yards on the drive.

Akron’s Missed FG and Kentucky’s Response

After the takeaway, Akron’s offense moved the ball 53 yards on 12 plays down to the Kentucky 27. Eyeing the end zone or at least a field goal, the Zips moved the wrong direction when Trevin Wallace sacked DJ Irons on third down to put a stop to the drive.

Looking for three, Akron’s 47-yard field goal attempt was on line but just short of the crossbar. Kentucky took over with five and a half minutes to add points before halftime. The ‘Cats took advantage, too.

First, Leary found Dingle for a 25-yard gain. A few players later, Leary hit Tayvion Robinson. Then, a pass interference moved Kentucky within the 10-yard line, where, after moving in the wrong direction on yet another bad snap, Leary found Robinson once more for another Kentucky touchdown.

Leary ended the half on 12-of-16 passing for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson and Dingle were his favorite targets with four catches apiece and a combined 151 yards receiving.

McClain is the team’s leading rusher with his three carries for 23 yards.

HALFTIME: KENTUCKY 14, AKRON 0

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