Three Plays: Tavyion Robinson, Carrington Valentine make big impact

Kentucky has long been known as a ground and pound program under Mark Stoops. The Wildcats have been able to win games by finding an advantage in the line of scrimmage battle. However, things are a little different in 2022.

The Big Blue Wall is going through some growing pains and that means that Will Levis is being asked to throw the ball through the air. The early results have been very promising as the wide receiver group is making some big plays for the offense. However, the defense is also dominating the game when foes attempt to pass.

Live from the Kroger Field press box, here were the three plays that ultimately made the difference in Kentucky’s blowout victory over Youngstown State.

Tayvion Robinson sparks the offense

After a sudden change stop and a third consecutive three-and-out by the Kentucky defense to start the game, Kentucky had a golden scoring opportunity as the first quarter came to an end.

A 15-yard punt return by Tayvion Robinson allowed Kentucky to start the possession at the Youngstown State 35 and quarterback Will Levis would go back to the transfer on a key third down in the red zone.

Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello sends the veteran in motion pre-snap and Robinson runs a great route setting up the defense outside before breaking inside on a pivot. The rep moves the chains and gives Kentucky a goal-to-go possession.

A leap at the end nearly gave Robinson his first touchdown at Kentucky, but the big third-down conversion helped shake off a rough start for the offense and set the stage for a 21-point second quarter that allowed the home team to seize the game.

Effort play springs biggest run of the game

Tayvion Robinson wasn’t done making an impact after that big reception in the second quarter. On the next possession, Kentucky is faced with another third down just outside the red zone.

Will Levis is able to break contain on a scramble and is assisted by his senior wide receiver.

Robinson shows great effort get a knockdown block that frees up Levis to gain at least five more yards to give Kentucky a short goal-to-go situation. The awareness flashed was important because Kentucky has had some issues finishing low red zone opportunities with points due to the lack of a power run game.

The senior made two big plays in the second quarterback to give the offense a much-needed jolt after a sluggish start at Kroger Field. The Cats went up 14-0 one play later and never looked back for the rest of the afternoon.

Carrington Valentine takes points off the board

Opposing passing games have seemingly looked to attack Kentucky cornerback Carrington Valentine early and often through three games this season. The junior out of Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller has been up to the challenge.

Valentine has logged six pass breakups (PBU) through 12 quarters of football this season and picked a great time to record his first career interception.

Facing off against former Kentucky transfer Bryce Oliver, Valentine got a lot of action. On YSU’s first possession of the third quarter, a PBU created a turnover on downs as YSU was stopped at Kentucky’s 33 on a great effort play from the cornerback. The Guins went right back at Valentine with Oliver on the second possession with a goal-to-go opportunity. After a defensive pass interference, Valentine got the last laugh by turning a PBU into a pick.

After landing a hand on the throw, Valentine does a good job locating the tip and reeling in a big interception to take points off the scoreboard. The shutout does not happen unless the cornerback makes this play.

For the rest of the game, YSU would not enter the red zone, and Kentucky would be on cruise control.

Kentucky has now recorded 19 passes defended (16 PBUs, 3 interceptions) on only 91 pass attempts. The high PBU/INT rate (20.9%) has helped enhance Kentucky’s seemingly much-improved pass defense. Valentine is leading the charge.

Kentucky is separating itself from the competition when the ball is in the air on both offense and defense.