LIVE BLOG: Kentucky vs. Texas
Can Kentucky play spoiler to Texas’ College Football Playoff dreams? We’re about to find out. KSR’s new and improved LIVE BLOG will bring you all the sights and sounds from Austin as the Cats take on the Longhorns at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
Kentucky (4-6, 1-6 SEC) must win out to go to a bowl. Step one is upsetting a Texas team (9-1, 5-1 SEC) that is No. 3 in the AP Poll and CFP Rankings. The Longhorns have the nation’s top defense and a balanced offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers. Kentucky’s defense is finally healthy again, but the Cats will need to be stellar in all three phases of the game to have a chance against the Longhorns under the ABC spotlight.
Refresh the feed below for updates and our takes on the game, from both Austin and the couch. You can also join the conversation on the KSBoard Game Thread or by texting your observations to 859-587-3828 (standard messaging rates apply).
Special thanks to Friends of Coal for keeping the lights on in today’s live blog.
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Advanced Stat Box: Texas dominated in the trenches
11/23/2024 06:27:37 PMThis game was won in the trenches. Texas controlled the football game with a strong rushing attack (260 rushing yards from three tailbacks) and took away the run (78 non-sack rushing yards for Kentucky) and consistently creating pressure on Kentucky dropbacks.
The Wildcats missed multiple opportunities to make this one a one-possession game in the second half. Kentucky had the ball inside the Texas 40 on four consecutive drives in the second half and scored zero points.
FINAL: Texas 31, Kentucky 14
11/23/2024 06:12:52 PMThe Wildcats made the game interesting in the second half as the defense made some plays and Cutter Boley (10-of-18, 160 yards) gave the offense some life but the loss ends with only one offensive touchdown. Kentucky scores just seven points in 11 drives against a top-five Texas defense.
Kentucky (4-7, 1-7) ends a season with one win or less in conference play for the first time since 2013.
Texas offensive line ends the game
11/23/2024 05:48:50 PMThat should do it from Austin. Steve Sarkisian does not ask starting quarterback to throw once in the game-clinching drive. The Longhorns march 86 yards on 15 straight run plays to pus the lead out to three possessions again.
That touchdown drive milked over eight minutes off the clock. Quintrevion Wisner is up to 158 rushing yards setting a new career-high.
Kentucky spoils another scoring opportunity
11/23/2024 05:33:13 PMAfter a third down scramble completion by Cutter Boley to Fred Farrier, Kentucky had a first-and-10 at the Texas 33. The Cats were in field goal range.
This drive ended with a punt.
A dropped snap by Boley created a second-and-20 and Kentucky never gained another yard with near misses to Barion Brown on Dane Key down the field. Then the Wildcats fail to recover a muffed snap.
Time is running out in Austin.
Kentucky gets a red zone stop
11/23/2024 05:27:14 PMA dropped snap on second down by Quinn Ewers led to a backwards pass. Then a third down misfired forced Texas to try a 47-yard field goal.
Placekicker Bert Auburn is now 4-of-8 this year on attempts of 40-plus yards. Kentucky defense got the job done. What can the offense do with some momentum.
We move to the fourth quarter
11/23/2024 05:22:24 PMTexas is back in the red zone for a second-and-seven as the fourth quarter comes to an end. Kentucky cannot allow a touchdown here. The Horns are committing to the run this drive with 39 yards on four attempts.
Texas 24, Kentucky 14
How about a non-offensive touchdown?
11/23/2024 05:17:55 PMThe Kentucky defense responds again. After missing a fumble recovery opportunity on first down, Quinn Ewers loses the football on a dropback. An Octavious Oxendine strip sack turns into a Jamon Dumas-Johnson touchdown.
Kentucky cuts the Texas lead to 24-14 after all of that with 17:41 left in this football game.
That was not complementary football
11/23/2024 05:11:08 PMWell then. On a second down run, Kentucky forces a fumble and Deone Walker jumps on the recovery. A first down off-script completion from Cutter Boley to Willie Rodriguez gets the Cats in the low red zone.
But then the offense moves backwards when a Jamarion Wilcox run on second-and-goal from the one turns into a tackle for loss. A Cutter Boley sack on third down brings Alex Raynor on the field and Mr. Automatic misses a field goal to the left.
Kentucky spoils another chance to climb back into this game.
Kentucky spoils a scoring opportunity
11/23/2024 05:03:41 PMA 10-yard run by Jamarion Wilcox moved the chains early before an 11-yard run created a fourth-and-one at the Texas 24. Kentucky goes to a shotgun run for Jamarion Wilcox and losses a yard. The Wildcats get no points on the edge of the red zone.
That felt like their chance to climb back in this game.
Kentucky defense plays complementary football
11/23/2024 04:56:02 PMA big tackle for loss on second down by Deone Walker helps Kentucky get off the field quickly. Now the Cats have some field position. Ja’Mori Maclin delivers a 14-yard punt return to start this drive on the plus side of the field.
Kentucky is 44 yards away from the paint at the halfway point of the third quarter.
Holding flag takes away a Kentucky red zone possession
11/23/2024 04:52:26 PMCutter Boley makes a great play on third-and-medium finding Ja’Mori Maclin on a deep crosser for a 38-yard gain but a holding call on Eli Cox turns into a 48-yard penalty. Kentucky is forced to punt shortly after.
First second half possession for Texas will start inside their own 10. Kentucky missed an opportunity to score a Middle 8 touchdown.
Cutter Boley time in Austin
11/23/2024 04:47:53 PMKentucky has made a change at quarterback. True freshman Cutter Boley checks in a delivers a big play after taking a first down sack. The Cats have reached midfield for only the second time today.
Texas dominates the play-by-play battle
11/23/2024 04:32:31 PMThe Longhorns doubled up Kentucky on total plays, had a 2.1 net yards per play advantage, created a ton of havoc on defense, and produced five scoring opportunities in six possessions. Kentucky only crossed midfield once in six total possessions.
Dominant half of football from the home team.
Halftime: Texas Leads 24-7
11/23/2024 04:25:33 PMBarion Brown almost returned the final kickoff for a touchdown. He had a one-on-one with the kicker when he inexplicably dropped the ball. He’ll get another chance to return one on the first possession of the second half.
Kentucky Forces a Texas Field Goal
11/23/2024 04:22:38 PMThe Wildcats did the one thing they couldn’t do: go three-and-out. The quick offensive series gave the ball back to Texas with just a little less than 2 minutes until halftime. The Horns couldn’t punch it into the end zone, but they did enough to put three more points on the scoreboard with a 49-yard field goal. Texas leads 24-7.
Another Tight End Touchdown
11/23/2024 04:05:56 PMKentucky got Texas into another third and long in scoring territory. The Cats could not get off the field. Ewers threw a pretty pass to Gunnar Helm for a 17-yard touchdown, the tight end’s second receiving touchdown of the first half. The wheels are shaking for Kentucky. They got three minutes before half to try to keep them from falling off.
Interception Opens the Floodgates
11/23/2024 04:00:51 PMIt wasn’t a great throw by Brock Vandagriff. It was one hell of a catch by Jelani McDonald. The interception gives Texas the ball only 34 yards away from the end zone. If they go up two touchdowns right before half, Kentucky will be in the danger zone. Not an ideal turn of events for the Cats.
4-Point Mistake for Maxwell Hairston
11/23/2024 03:50:04 PMThe Kentucky defense bowed up in the red zone. Things got tight and they delivered. Josaih Hayes swatted a pass down at the line of scrimmage. Then on third down Quinn Ewers had nobody to throw to and was forced to launch it out of bounds.
Texas was sending its field goal team onto the field when a late flag was dropped. Maxwell Hairston was penalized for unnecessary roughness after the play. One snap later the Longhorns were in the end zone. That’s not what you want to put on tape for NFL Draft scouts.
On replay, it appears that Hairston got his facemask smacked. As is always the case, the player who responds is the one who gets penalized. You can’t react. Period.
Look at that Touchdown!
11/23/2024 03:46:05 PMIt’s the fifth touchdown of a third-year tight end’s career.
We have Passing Yards, and Points!
11/23/2024 03:37:32 PMFolks, it’s a tie ballgame. A Texas penalty on third down kept a drive alive, then Brock Vandagriff made some ad-lib magic. While scrambling outside of the pocket, he found Ja’Mori Maclin wide-open downfield for a 42-yard gain.
The Cats still had some work to do once they got down there. Demie Sumo-Karngbaye fumbled on third and one at the 4-yard line. Fortunately, he recovered it. The Cats ran a play-action on fourth and one and the OL gave BVG enough time to throw one up to Josh Kattus for a Kentucky touchdown.
Zero Passing Yards After One Quarter
11/23/2024 03:28:28 PMKentucky trails 7-0 with the ball after one quarter of football. They will face a third and short, looking for just their second first down of the game. The Cats have zero passing yards. The rest of the 1Q stats:
Hairston got away with a PI
11/23/2024 03:26:36 PMTexas keeps throwing it at Kentucky’s best cornerback. Max made a great play early. This time he got a little lucky the officials kept the laundry in their pocket.
Following a holding penalty, the Longhorns faced a third and long. They took a deep shot and Hairston’s left hand grabbed the Texas wide receiver. The boo birds let the stripes hear it.
Helmet Communication is Out for Kentucky
11/23/2024 03:24:54 PMAccording to the broadcast, Brock Vandagriff shared on the sideline that he’s unable to hear Bush Hamdan in his helmet. Kentucky already has a tall task on its hands. This surely won’t make things any easier.
Quick Kentucky 3-and-Out
11/23/2024 03:20:07 PMKentucky only gained three yards on its second possession. A pass to Hardley Gilmore was nearly intercepted and Vandagriff’s third down throw to Dane Key was incomplete.
It feels like it’s going to be a long day for the Kentucky offense.
Fourth Down Stop!
11/23/2024 03:14:24 PMTexas was rocking and rolling until they got to the 40-yard line. Maxwell Hairston skied high to swat a pass down in the end zone. Sark went for it on fourth and short for the second time. This time Ewers couldn’t run away from the pressure put on by Tyreese Fearbry. The Texas QB threw it to no one, giving the Cats a stop and the ball near the UT 30-yard line.
Good things! Let’s get some more!
One Good Play, Three Bad Ones
11/23/2024 03:05:25 PMJamarion Wilcox earned his first career start. They handed the redshirt freshman the football on the first play and he toted the rock 18 yards down the field. That was good. The rest was bad. In the blink of an eye, Brock Vandagriff was sacked on the ensuing snap, effectively ending the drive and forcing an Aidan Laros punt.
Texas Capitalizes on Money Down
11/23/2024 02:58:20 PMThe Longhorns converted on a third and fourth down to get on the scoreboard first. An Alex Afari TFL forced a third and long, one where the Cats gave up a 19-yard gain. Texas marched down inside the five where JQ Hardaway made a PBU on third down in the end zone. Sark elected to go for it on fourth down. Ewers didn’t have anything initially, but the coverage broke down during the scramble drill for an easy pitch-and-catch touchdown to TE Gunnar Helm.
Tails Failed
11/23/2024 02:48:15 PMKentucky chose heads and IT WAS HEADS. Huge win to start the day. The coin flipped the Cats’ way. UK deferred, giving Texas the ball first. Let’s play some football.
Kickoff still set for 3:50 PM ET
11/23/2024 02:41:35 PMFlorida just handed Ole Miss an embarrassing loss that will likely oust the Rebels from the College Football Playoffs. Now, it’s time for Kentucky vs. Texas. Kickoff is still set for 3:50 PM ET.
Well Done, BBN
11/23/2024 02:29:08 PMThere’s a lot of blue inside this monstrosity of a stadium. Everything’s bigger in Texas.
The Minister of Culture is in the Building
11/23/2024 02:16:47 PMMatthew McConaughey is in the end zone chatting with boosters and firing up the Longhorns ahead of Senior Day. People forget that his father and mother met when his dad played football at Kentucky in 1949. On the way into the game, I spotted what could only be his vehicle.
Interesting Tailgate Scene in Austin
11/23/2024 02:01:25 PMThis isn’t your typical SEC environment. Austin is an enormous city, much larger than I expected, and DKR is just a stone’s throw away from the downtown entertainment district. That means there isn’t really any area to tailgate, aside from outside parking garages.
The alternative isn’t that bad though. Essentially the entire circumference of the stadium is filled with various ways to have a little pregame fun. One area was just for a pregame concert. “Smokey’s Midway” was a literal midway with carnival games and a Ferris wheel. Bevo Boulevard was similar, except with free giveaways and inflatables for kids. We ran into some friends who spent time at a beer garden. Beer and food vendors are at seemingly every turn. It was a great setup, especially for visiting fans. Check out the IG/FB story to get a closer look at it all.
Looking at a 3:50 p.m. ET start at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
11/23/2024 01:49:32 PMHello from Austin. I have to admit that this place is pretty cool. Not much traditional tailgating outside the stadium but there are multiple entertainment sections with a live band, pop-up bars, zip lines, bounce houses, and some fair games. Feels like the university is printing money. Quite the scene.
Inside the stadium, we’re getting a delayed start time with ABC on the call. Kickoff is scheduled to take place at 3:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. CT. Fans are slowly starting the fill the Stadium. The Texas student section has filled up quickly and is located very close to the Kentucky sideline.
I’m still looking for Bevo.
It is Hot on the Field
11/23/2024 01:45:49 PMIt may have snowed across the Commonwealth, but it is toasty in Austin. Met with my cousin for lunch and he said this is the coolest it’s been all fall. Temperatures are still near 80 for kickoff. Fans who deleted beers on Friday night will be sweating ’em out this afternoon at DKR. The heat doesn’t seem to bother Houston native, Zion Childress, who was rocking sleeves while getting loose before kickoff. Childress is one of four Texas natives on the UK roster.
Kentucky Fans are Everywhere
11/23/2024 01:40:33 PMBig Blue Nation showed out in a big way for the school’s first trip to Austin, Texas in a very long time. Everywhere you look, you see blue. It feels like an SEC Tournament crowd. Speaking of, I wouldn’t be mad if they played the event at the Moody Center in the future.
Mark Stoops Receives a Welcome Reception
11/23/2024 01:36:34 PMFor his first road trip to DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops received a warm welcome from the Longhorns. That included a cowboy hat and some spurs, the latter of which will surely be put to good use on a regular basis.
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