Kentucky picks up hard-earned victory over Central Michigan

The Kentucky Wildcats probably weren’t planning to fall behind 17-7 at one point to the Central Michigan Chippewas. They probably didn’t think they’d be down 20-14 late in the 2nd quarter, either. And yet, the Wildcats still broke into the win column to start the 2018 campaign. Thanks to the fact that they pitched a shutout in the 2nd half, combined with scores by David Bouvier, Benny Snell, Jr.. and Asim Rose, UK rose to victory 35-20 over CMU.

QB disarray was the purveying storyline throughout the game. Unfortunately for Terry Wilson, he came out of this on the wrong end of it, as he was indecisive and a bit inefficient as well. He completed 11-of-18 passes but threw two picks and didn’t amount to even 80 yards passing. Gunnar Hoak wasn’t that much better, but he didn’t commit any turnovers and threw a TD pass to the aforementioned Bouvier.

UK’s ground game, meanwhile, was terrific. Snell got off to a fast start, gaining 125 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. Rose, meanwhile, ran wild for 104 yards on just eight carries. He, too, picked up two rushing touchdowns on the afternoon. If this kind of production can be replicated, then BBN will have themselves a fierce run game. And it already was with Snell alone.

The Wildcat defense was tested a bit but they were obviously able to hold claim to their lead in the 2nd half. Josh Allen, UK’s star linebacker, picked up a sack while Jordan Jones and Tymere Dubose picked up 0.5 a sack each. They held CMU to just 146 yards rushing on 39 carries and kept Tony Poljan quiet, as he threw for only 137 yards with no passing touchdowns. The lone scores for the Chippewas came on a few field goals, a rushing TD by Kumehnnu Gwilly, and a fumble recovery by Devonni Reed, which led to a score.

UK will have to clean up their QB situation and hope to see things improve, as they face the Florida Gators in The Swamp next week. For now, wins are wins, and UK can celebrate one in earnest.