FINAL: Kentucky Football Opens Season with 37-13 Win over Miami (OH)

The Kentucky football team overcame a few early obstacles in the season-opener, eventually opening up the offense to defeat Miami (OH) 37-13. The win is Mark Stoops’ 60th as the Kentucky head coach, tying Bear Bryant for the most in school history.

Quarterback Will Levis led the way for the Wildcats, completing 21-of-32 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Tayvion Robinson was his primary target, catching six balls for 136 yards. The offense displayed some aerial firepower with new pass-catching weapons for Levis, but it was defense and special teams that changed the game.

The Wildcats started the second half with a bang. Freshman Barion Brown returned the opening kick 100 yards for a touchdown, Kentucky’s first kickoff return score since Derrick Locke in 2009. Two plays later senior safety Ty Ajian ripped the ball free right into Keidron Smith‘s hands, who returned it to the 8-yard line. Chauncey Magwood caught his first touchdown from Levis and just like that, the Wildcats scored 14 points in 71 seconds, erasing any early doubts by the Big Blue Nation.

Quick strike! @will_levis ➡️ @illest_magg!

Chauncey Magwood's first career TD catch.
📺 – SECN+/ESPN+: https://t.co/eHbAz0y6Ge pic.twitter.com/uYeeFOMs83

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 4, 2022

Fast Start for Kentucky Offense

Miami struck first, but the Kentucky offense quickly responded. On the first play-call from Rich Scangarello, Will Levis had all of the time in the world to throw to a wide open Tayvion Robinson, who quickly scurried 45 yards down the field. Two plays later Dane Key picked up 19 yards, then two plays after that Brenden Bates made an easy reception for the first touchdown of the season. The 2-minute touchdown drive was easy. The Wildcats were off to the races. Then, adversity struck.

Empty Red Zone Trips and Third Down Sacks

Instead of big plays, Kentucky brought a methodical approach to the second offensive drive. It took ten plays to get to the red zone. Typically the sweet spot for Chris Rodriguez, the reliable running back was not available to roll through the defense into the end zone. Mark Stoops chose to go for it on fourth and two. Instead of handing it off, Levis was late to Keaton Upshaw, resulting in an interception.

On the following possession Kentucky had another scoring opportunity in the red zone. A pass to Izayah Cummings went right through the tight end’s hands at the goal line. The following play Levis was sacked, forcing a field goal.

Kentucky’s star quarterback was harassed all night long. Starting a pair of redshirt freshmen at left guard and left tackle, Miami confused the inexperienced offensive linemen with twists and stunts. The Redhawks sacked Levis four times, including three on third down. The Big Blue Wall’s struggles weren’t exclusive to the passing game. Even excluding the negative sack yardage, Kentucky rushed for only ___ 76 yards (3.6 per carry).

Kentucky Defense Bends, Doesn’t Break

The ‘bend don’t break’ mantra of Mark Stoops defenses is alive and well. Kentucky was not the only team that struggled in scoring territory. After allowing a touchdown on the first Miami drive of the game, Brad White’s group held up once the rubber met the road. Kentucky forced the Redhawks to settle for field goals on two other scoring opportunities, and a J.J. Weaver strip sack kept Miami at arm’s length the rest of the night.

Kentucky True Freshmen Star

Mark Stoops warned us. He told us this was his best recruiting class ever. It’s only been one game, but they’re living up to the hype.

In addition to his kickoff return touchdown, Barion Brown caught three passes for 45 yards, while Dane Key had four receptions for 53 yards and his first career touchdown. Some of the biggest plays on the defense were made by true freshmen. Keaten Wade blew up a screen pass, absolutely destroying the Miami receiver to force a punt. Deone Walker also made a play on third down, bringing down a scrambling quarterback for one of his four tackles. Alex Afari played a significant amount of snaps too, tallying six tackles (second on the team), 1.5 for loss and a sack.

Box Score