A Bad Box Score from a Shocking Kentucky Loss to Vanderbilt

If you broke down the matchup between Kentucky and Vanderbilt on paper, the Wildcats should have ran away with a win. The stats Mark Stoops’ team put on paper tell a much more disappointing story for the Big Blue Nation.

There were multiple statistical anomalies. Vanderbilt had just 13 sacks in its first nine games. Will Levis was sacked four times. Kentucky’s third down defense ranked 13th nationally, Vandy’s third down offense ranked No. 13 in the SEC and the Commodores converted 11-of-17 attempts, including the game-winning touchdown pass to Will Sheppard.

Vanderbilt’s passing defense ranked No. 130 out of 131 FBS teams, allowing 314 yards per game. With an NFL Draft pick under center, Kentucky totaled just 109 passing yards.

Mike Wright got his starting job taken from him by a true freshman. After the true freshman got injured, he was put back into action and rushed for 126 yards, threw for 184 and scored two touchdowns.

Vanderbilt out-gained Kentucky 448-332, even though the Commodores’ ranked No. 126 in total defense by allowing more than 472 yards per game. Vandy also ranked No. 125 in scoring defense, allowing 36.8 points per game, yet Kentucky could only muster 21 points. The Wildcats’ woeful offense has not scored more than 30 points against a conference foe this season.

It’s difficult to discern how Kentucky played this poorly against Vanderbilt, but the numbers in the box score do not lie.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt Box Score