Ray Davis Credits Big Blue Wall for Historic Performance
Only two Kentucky Wildcats have ever rushed for more yards in a single game. Herschel Walker had two 200-yard rushing games against Florida, but Ray Davis ran for more on Saturday against the Gators. The Kentucky running back was quick to issue a correction.
“I didn’t make history. Our O-line made history today.”
Ray Davis finished his Saturday with 280 yards and four total touchdowns, propelling Kentucky to its third straight win over the Gators. Accomplishing something that hadn’t been done in 72 years meant much more than the stats he wracked up at Kroger Field.
“Personally, it was a great day for me. But honestly, I didn’t really do much today. You gotta give credit to the O-line, to the tight ends and the receiving corps, those guys blocking down the field 20 yards just staying with it, constantly going. Obviously running the ball was something we were good at, so therefore the receivers decided, hey, we’re gonna step up and block. When it’s time to get the ball’s thrown, those guys stepped up and did what they had to do,” said the Kentucky running back.
“Honestly our O-line has been receiving a lot of criticism, but I think today they showed up and stepped up. They’re making strides. No one’s perfect in this world. We’re evolving and we’re getting better each and everyday. Those guys are getting better. As an offense, we’re getting better. We’re not going to be content with this performance. I think we have a lot more left in the tank. We just gotta get back to work on Sunday, enjoy this for a couple hours and get to work.”
Overcoming Adversity
This is not Davis’ first exceptional game in a Kentucky uniform. Against Akron he became the first Wildcat to tally a 50-yard rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. However, the week prior he wasn’t seeing the holes develop and missed a few runs. He took his medicine and learned from his mistakes.
“You gotta be able to take constructive criticism. Not everything’s going to be perfect,” said Davis.
“Ray is a very coachable young man,” said head coach Mark Stoops.
Davis appreciated his coaches and teammates for setting him straight. Stoops gives his coaching staff credit, but they can only do so much.
“We teach and coach them, and sometimes it is between him and God… he is a disciplined player, very coachable player, and he has very good instincts. You don’t need to over-coach it either.”
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Nebraska cancels on Vols
2026 & 2027 football series between Tennessee & Nebraska has been canceled
- 2
Beck, Cavinder car case
Suspect arrested after theft
- 3Hot
Lincoln Riley
USC coach sits down with J.D. PicKell
- 4
Paul Finebaum
CFB is at very dangerous point
- 5
Bracketology update
No. 1 seeds change in update
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Dinner is on Ray Davis (or Jeff Ruby?)
Davis is putting his money where his mouth is. He’s not just thanking the offensive line behind the podium. This week, dinner is on the running back.
“I’m definitely going to take those guys out to dinner. I’ll take the tight ends and the O-line. They’ll probably burn a hole in my pocket. I think rushing for 300 yards as a group, that might double my — I don’t know what that check’s gonna look like, but I’m not going to want to see it,” he laughed.
There are two guys in particular he’s worried might run up a tab, Jeremy Flax and Marques Cox.
“I’ve seen Marques take down some chips within a minute, and it was the big bag,” said Davis. “Marques might be the one to put the hole in my pocket, for sure.”
Fortunately, he might not have to pay at all. In the new world of Name, Image and Likeness, athletes can accept meals on the house. Jeff Ruby is open for business.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard