LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — The No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats overcame an early 10-point deficit Saturday to defeat Vanderbilt 34-17, improving to 7-1 on the season.
Vanderbilt jumped ahead 10-0 before Kentucky responded with two second-quarter touchdowns. Kenny Minchey connected with DJ Miller on a nine-yard scoring pass, and Willie Rodriguez added a one-yard touchdown run to give the Wildcats a 14-10 halftime lead.
Brennen Ward scored on a 10-yard run in the third quarter before Vanderbilt narrowed the lead to 21-17. Kentucky answered with 13 unanswered points, including two Adam Zouagui field goals and a one-yard touchdown run by Minchey.
Minchey completed 19 of 26 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown. Kenny Darby led Kentucky's receivers with 71 yards.
The Wildcats rushed for 173 yards while holding Vanderbilt to just 15 yards on the ground. Kentucky's defense also forced two turnovers, including an interception by Ty Bryant.
Kentucky improves to 5-1 in SEC play, while Vanderbilt falls to 3-5 overall and 0-5 in the conference. The Cats will head to Knoxville on Saturday to take on the Tennessee Volunteers fresh off their loss to South Carolina.
