Rodriguez Jr. leads the charge in UK’s win vs. MS State

LEXINGTON, Ky. — – Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 196 yards and two fourth-quarter scores, Will Levis returned from a 1-video game absence to throw a go-forward touchdown move and No. 22 Kentucky topped No. 16 Mississippi Condition 27-17 on Saturday night time to halt a two-activity slide.

Rodriguez had a occupation substantial with 30 carries and a season significant in yardage in his 3rd recreation back from a suspension. He rushed for touchdowns of 16 and 7 yards. The Wildcats (5-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) sorely desired his second rating for insurance policies, coming right after Emmanuel Forbes returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown to get the Bulldogs (5-2, 2-2) inside of 20-17.

“That working back again pounded us,” Mississippi Point out mentor Mike Leach explained about Rodriguez. “We didn’t tackle extremely effectively. The offensive line took turns acquiring penalties. All of this is my fault due to the fact I call the offense.”

Levis started off immediately after lacking past week’s 24-14 reduction to South Carolina with a left foot injuries and started promisingly, even however Kentucky had only a industry target to exhibit for it in a 3-3 very first 50 % marred by 16 combined penalties for 124 yards. His 33-yard completion to Barion Brown led to a go-in advance field intention in the third quarter, but he landed tough on his shoulder immediately after becoming hit although throwing and went to the locker home for assessment.

Levis was again for the next possession and at some point threaded a 3-lawn touchdown go to Rahsaan Lewis on fourth down to place Kentucky up 13-10 with 4:10 remaining in the third. Rodriguez bulled forward to make it 20-10 with 11:43 remaining, and Kentucky experienced a opportunity to prolong its direct in advance of Levis threw the interception that got the Bulldogs shut.

Forbes had it browse correct absent and jumped the route for an straightforward pickoff. It was his second choose-six in three video games and the fifth of his profession, tying an SEC file.

Levis rapidly regrouped to hit Dekel Crowdus with a 50-yard strike, and Rodriguez dragged quite a few defenders with him for the 7-garden TD run that was upheld on review.

Levis completed 17 of 23 passing for 230 yards to outdo history-breaking MSU counterpart Will Rogers, who was 25 of 37 for 203 and a 1-property TD to Austin Williams.

FLAG Day

This game was noteworthy for the quantity and yardage dropped to penalties by both groups. MSU was flagged 13 moments for 109 yards, with blame shared on equally sides of the line. Kentucky was whistled 11 times for 81 yards.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Mississippi Condition should really keep on being rated, albeit a few spots decrease just after its successful streak ended. Kentucky will continue being ranked right after redeeming by itself.

THE TAKEAWAY

Mississippi Point out: The Bulldogs entered the match clicking in all phases and averaging in excess of 40 points for the duration of their three-recreation winning streak. Every little thing came to a screeching halt as they attained the stop zone just after, and that was halfway via the third time period. The ground sport managed just 22 yards.

Kentucky: The Wildcats appeared extra full with Levis back again and Rodriguez including an additional reliable effectiveness. Their protection bounced back massive time from a flat second fifty percent last week, pressuring Rogers and limiting his receivers’ house immediately after the catch. Matt Ruffolo skipped a 51-lawn discipline goal, but transformed from 28 and 37 yards for points his group desired.

“I did not know the result going into this recreation, but I knew we would participate in like that, like we play,” coach Mark Stoops mentioned. “Challenging, resilient, together and engage in difficult like we do. And that we would respond.”

UP Future

Mississippi State visits No. 3 Alabama on Saturday.

Kentucky has a bye ahead of viewing No. 6 Tennessee on Oct. 29.

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