By Matt Overing | Football beat writer

movering@kykernel.com

Sophomore quarterback Jalen Whitlow’s four total touchdowns led UK’s 48-14 victory of Alabama State University on Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium.

It was UK’s first win in six games and second win at home.

The Cats’ offense had its best conversion rate of the year on third down, going 8-of-17. UK outgained Alabama State in total yards, 422 to 297.

On the second play from scrimmage, Whitlow rushed 88 yards for a touchdown to the right side of the field.

The run is the longest rush in Commonwealth Stadium history and the longest run for a quarterback in the NCAA this year.

Whitlow said the play was a designed pass, but he saw an opening in the Alabama State defense.

“Initially it was a pass play, just a roll-out,” Whitlow said. “The first read wasn’t open and I saw green grass.”

Whitlow finished the game with 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. He completed 16-of-26 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns.

UK offensive coordinator Neal Brown said he was proud of the way Whitlow performed.

“Jalen did some good things,” Brown said. “He ran the ball well. We chose not to run him much at all after the game was in hand. He probably could have had a real big game rushing the ball.”

Whitlow had multiple receivers go down on Saturday night. Junior wide receiver Javess Blue did not play because of a ball hitting him in the eye during warmups. Freshman wide receiver Alex Montgomery caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter and was injured celebrating the play.

Freshman wide receiver Ryan Timmons injured his shoulder and ankle during the game. The ankle injury sidelined him in the third quarter and Timmons sat out for the rest of the second half.

On the defensive side of the ball, UK suffered no noticeable injuries. After a 32-yard touchdown run by Alabama State junior running back Isaiah Crowell in the first quarter, the visitors did not score until 2:51 remaining in the third quarter.

Stoops said the UK defense was hesitant early in the game when trying to tackle Crowell, a former running back for the University of Georgia.

“I thought he made us miss early,” Stoops said. “I thought we were hesitant, and that was frustrating … We were just sitting there and not reacting fast enough.”

Crowell finished the first quarter with seven rushes for 62 yards and a score, but managed 22 yards and five carries in the last three quarters.

Alabama State struggled to hold onto the ball. As a team, the Hornets had five fumbles, two of which were recovered by UK.

Stoops said he was proud of the turnover margin.

“We’re having a hard time getting interceptions, but we’re getting fumbles, which is a good thing,” Stoops said.

UK did not turn the ball over for the fourth straight game, a school record.

“Four straight games without a turnover. That’s pretty good by our offense and our players,” Stoops said.

UK rushed the ball 44 times for 233 yards. Whitlow led all rushers with 101 yards. Freshman running back Jojo Kemp received the start for UK and gained 67 yards on 13 carries, including one seven-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Kemp’s grandmother passed away earlier this week. He said he was inspired to play for her.

“I know she would want the best for me,” Kemp said. “I’m just going to have to keep my head up and (play) for her and my family.”

UK senior linebacker Avery Williamson said it felt good to win after losing five straight games.

“(Winning) gets our confidence back up,” Williamson said. “We’ve been working hard, and it finally paid off.”

UK’s next opponent, No. 9 University of Missouri (8-1, 4-1 SEC), defeated the University of Tennessee on Saturday, 31-3.