LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky piled up 390 rushing yards Saturday afternoon as the Wildcats pulled away from South Alabama for a 45-21 victory at Kroger Field.

Kentucky improved to 3-1 on the season behind three 100-yard rushers. C.J. Baxter led the Wildcats with 149 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, while Jason Patterson rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns on 12 attempts. Jovantae Barnes added 100 yards and a score on eight carries.

The Wildcats finished with 567 yards of total offense, averaging 8.3 yards per play.

South Alabama briefly took control during a 21-point second quarter, going ahead 21-14 with 1:28 remaining before halftime. Patterson answered just six seconds later with a 75-yard touchdown run to tie the game. Adam Zouagui’s 34-yard field goal with 20 seconds remaining gave Kentucky a 24-21 halftime lead.

From there, Kentucky took over.

The Wildcats outscored South Alabama 21-0 in the second half, with Patterson scoring twice more and quarterback Kenny Minchey connecting with Shane Carr for a 15-yard touchdown.

Minchey completed 19 of 25 passes for 177 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Kentucky’s defense intercepted South Alabama quarterback Jared Hollins twice, while holding the Jaguars scoreless after halftime.

Kentucky now returns to SEC play next Saturday, Oct. 3, traveling to Columbia to face South Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium.