Milestones Reached in Kentucky's Victory over Vanderbilt

Kentucky sprinted out to an early lead over Vanderbilt and threw it into cruise control in Nashville to snap a three-game losing streak. The second half was not pretty, but the Wildcats still reached a few significant milestones in UK’s seventh victory of the season.

Winning SEC Record

Kentucky completed the 2021 SEC regular season with a 5-3 record. It’s just the second time since 1977 the Wildcats have posted a winning record in SEC play. Kentucky also recorded 5-3 SEC record in 2018. The Tennessee loss to Georgia also solidified a second place finish in the SEC East for Kentucky. It’s the first time UK has ever finished in sole possession of second place in the SEC East.

Extended Winning Streak

To climb the SEC ladder and finish second in the SEC East, you have to consistently beat divisional opponents. That’s exactly what Mark Stoops has done as the Wildcats’ head coach. During his tenure Kentucky had five-game winning streaks over Missouri and South Carolina that were snapped in the sixth game. That did not happen tonight. Kentucky has now won six straight over Vanderbilt.

Stoops Contract Extension

Mark Stoops now has 29 SEC victories as Kentucky’s head coach, four more than Fran Curci. The seventh win of the season automatically extended Stoops’ contract. His deal now runs through 6/30/2027. According to USA Today, the additional year is worth $6.5 million and is guaranteed for $4.875 million.

Another 1,000-Yard Rusher

Under Eddie Gran’s tutelage the Wildcats had at least one 1,000-yard rusher from 2016-19. The four-year streak was snapped in the shortened COVID-19 season.

Entering tonight’s game against Vanderbilt, Chris Rodriguez needed 83 yards to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the first time in his career. He reached that in the first half. Rodriguez finished with 114 yards and a touchdown on only 16 carries, his sixth 100-yard game of the season. JuTahn McClain took all of his snaps once Rodriguez crossed the 100-yard threshold. C-Rod now ranks ninth on UK’s all-time rushing list, trailing Boom Williams by only 119 yards.