Kentucky football (3-2) upset No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels (4-1) by a score of 20-17.
The Wildcats entered the matchup following a 41-6 win over Ohio at home.
History was not on the Cats side heading into this matchup as they had dropped three straight to the Rebels dating back to 2011.
What already looked like a tall task became even more difficult when it was announced that star cornerback Maxwell Hariston was out for the game.
Kentucky won the toss and elected to defer to the second half, meaning the Rebels got the ball first.
On the opening kickoff, Willie Rodriguez forced a fumble recovered by the Cats, but it was overturned after review.
Kentucky got its first offensive opportunity of the day now down a touchdown.
Now back on defense, the Wildcats were able to stall the Rebels offense by forcing a three and out which that included a third down sack by Octavious Oxendine.
On the ensuing drive, Kentucky’s offense was unable to get a drive going which forced a punt after Brock Vandagriff was sacked on third down.
As the first quarter came to a close, the Wildcat defense faced a third down and seven as they tried to get the ball back to Vandagriff and the offense.
With their next possession, the Wildcats offense was forced to punt after picking up two first downs.
As the clock went under two minutes in the half, the Wildcats had the ball into Ole Miss territory and were marching.
The Rebels tried to get back on the scoreboard before halftime, but Oxendine got his second sack of the day to end the half.
The Wildcats got the ball to begin the second half and were unable to get anything going as they punted the ball back to the Rebels.
With the game now tied, it was up to the Vandagriff and company to respond.
Following the go-ahead score, the Wildcats tried to keep building upon the good day defensively.
Following the turnover, Kentucky’s offense was unable to convert it to points and were forced to punt.
Now trailing, the offense retook the field and ran one play before time expired in the third quarter. Due to a sack and a penalty, the drive went nowhere, which forced a punt.
The Cats defense returned the favor by forcing a three and out for the Rebels offense which gave the ball back to the offense as they looked to get going again.
However, they were unable to do so which forced a third consecutive punt and increased the pressure on the defense.
Backed up deep in their own territory, the Wildcats faced a fourth and seven that they chose to go for and Vandagriff connected with Barion Brown for a 63-yard reception.
Now trialing, The Rebels had the ball coming out of the two-minute timeout facing a third and 11 which they converted for a first down.
Kentucky returned to the field in victory formation to secure the victory.
Following its first bye week, Kentucky will return to action at home against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 12, with a kickoff time to be announced.
