The 2024 Wildcats were suppose to take the field at 7:45 versus Southern Miss to open the 2024 campaign, but mother nature got in the way of things as fans were halted from entering the stadium from the concourse at Kroger Field, it wasn’t until 7:30 that fans were allowed to sit in their seats. The kickoff was push back multiple times due to lightning reported in the area. The game was still set to be played although the kickoff wouldn’t happen until 10:05, regardless the late start time the nearly full stadium of faithful Kentucky fans were able to watch Cats kickoff the season.
After the long wait Kentucky and quarterback Brock Vandagriff received the ball first. The first drive was smooth until Vandagriff threw a pass intercepted by Dylan Lawrence of Southern Miss, at the Southern Miss 15 yard line, but this didn’t stop the Cats defense as the second play for Southern Miss quarterback Tate Rodemaker threw the ball across the middle which lead to a tipped interception from Georgia transfer Jamon Dumas-Johnson. This quick turn of events lead to Barion Brown getting a 12 yard touchdown for his first of the season finishing off a 10 play, 5 minute 54 second drive.
The game was smooth sailing the rest of the way some key plays included JQ Hardaway getting a interception in the endzone after it looked like Southern Miss would never get of the field after converting a 3rd in 18 in there own end of the field. After a shortened halftime the game was called in the 3rd quarter due to more lightning in the area at the 9:56 mark. The delay lasted 45 minuets until Kentucky, Southern Miss, and SEC officials decided to call the game off which lead to the SEC releasing this statement:
Kentucky starts the season 1-0, after the 31 point shutout, Kentucky’s Brock Vandagriff lead the way finishing 12 of 18 with 169 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception, he also impressed with his legs finishing up with 5 rushes for 35 yards. Running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye finished up with 8 rushes for 59 yards and a touchdown in place of Ohio State transfer running back Chip Trayanum who’s out with a broken hand. The leading receiver of the night was North Texas transfer Ja’Mori Maclin who caught 2 balls for 66 yards, Barion Brown also pitched in 4 reception for 28 yards and 2 touchdown in the season opener. Brad White’s defense was stout for the night giving up only 5 rush yards, 126 passing yards, and ending up with two interceptions from Dumas-Johnson and Hardaway.
Kentucky takes host to South Carolina who is coming off a rough 23-19 win over Old Dominion in there opener in Columbia, The game will be on ABC at 3:30 PM, Saturday, September 7th, Kentucky opens as a 9.5 point favorite over the Gamecocks.
The KY Press 