Chris Rodriguez Moves Into Third on UK's All-Time Rushing List

The shocking loss to Vanderbilt overshadowed another outstanding performance from Chris Rodriguez. Facing a defense that ranked near the bottom of the FBS in multiple statistical categories, the Kentucky running back had to put the team on his back to give the Wildcats a chance to win.

Rodriguez carried the ball 18 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72-yard score that appeared to be the game-winner. If only Ty Ajian‘s interception was not overturned by a penalty…

Let's go @CROD_JR 72-yard TD to give us a 21-17 lead.

📺 – @SECNetwork: https://t.co/pJ4g1uo5Zg pic.twitter.com/hDbkmXBfjx

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 12, 2022

Today’s performance by Chris Rodriguez moves him by Moe Williams into No. 3 on UK’s all-time rushing list. He now only trails Sonny Collins and his former teammate, Benny Snell.

Entering Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt, Rodriguez needed to average just north of 140 yards over the Wildcats final four games to move by Benny and take the top spot. With Georgia’s top five rush defense looming, he needed to get ahead of schedule against the Commodores. Chris Rodriguez now has three games to gain 401 rushing yards, a little over 133 per contest. C-Rod is 363 yards away from catching Sonny Collins.

Rodriguez has already etched his name into the Kentucky football record book. Last year he set a single-season record with nine 100-yard rushing games. Today was the fourth 100-yard game of his 2022 campaign and 19th of Rodriguez’s career, tying the record set by Benny Snell.

Today his efforts were all in vein. In fact, the latest milestone is just more evidence that proves this season is a disappointment. With a pro prospect at quarterback, a pair of four-star wide receivers and an all-time great running back, the Kentucky offense has consistently struggled to score points. Instead of celebrating a special season, the Big Blue Nation is wondering what could have been.