Dane Key, Barion Brown had Unfinished Business at Ole Miss

by:Nick Roush•09/29/24•

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Kentucky WR Dane Key catches a touchdown at Ole Miss, via Mont Dawson, KSR

One day later, Kentucky’s victory at Ole Miss feels surreal, yet somehow familiar. The situation in Oxford wasn’t so different in Oxford two years ago, yet this time Kentucky left with a win.

In 2022, Kentucky was Ole Miss’ first true test in week five of the season. It was an 11 am local time kickoff on ABC. Even though Kentucky took a couple of shots, you felt like they were the better team who should’ve walked away with a win, especially after Barion Brown‘s explosive play late in the fourth quarter. Instead, Dane Key‘s game-winning touchdown was overturned by a penalty.

This time there weren’t any late flags erasing big plays. The only mistake, a Gavin Wimsatt fumble, turned into a Josh Kattus score. Kentucky received redemption in a shocking manner.

“It just felt really good being able to come here and finish what we didn’t get to finish two years ago,” Key said on Saturday.

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Dane Key is on a Heater

For the second straight week, Dane Key tallied a career-high in receptions. He caught eight passes for 105 yards, the first time in his career that he’s posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. That doesn’t include the three pass-interference penalties he drew that moved the ball for almost 50 yards.

“I’m just super glad that the offense is clicking. I don’t really care if it is me,” said the junior wide receiver. “I just really hope the offense just keeps continuing to click, as long as somebody is making plays.”

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It’s clear Key has become Brock Vandagriff‘s favorite target. When in doubt, throw it up to No. 6.

“Dane’s definitely been having a great season. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, that’s a one-on-one matchup that we believe is in our favor,” said Vandagriff.

The two connected on a big-time touchdown to take a 10-7 lead right before halftime. On the previous play, the Cats schemed up Jordan Dingle wide-open in the corner of the end zone. Vandagriff instead opted to go to Key. He was prepared to make it up to the tight end on the following play. No. 85’s number was called, but this time Dingle wasn’t open.

“He’s a dude,” said the UK quarterback. “And so bam, get off of (Dingle), get off my second guy, third guy, fourth guy, whatever it was, just extending the play, and those guys are going to win. You just put the ball where he can get it. Big dude went up and made a play.”

Key is the 21st player in Kentucky football history to record 100 career receptions. He also moved into UK’s all-time top 10 at ninth with 1,524 career receiving yards.