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TNCHAT |
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Levis, Ajian help Kentucky rally past FCS Chattanooga 28-23
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Will Levis overcame two interceptions to throw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Izayah Cummings, safety Tyrell Ajian returned an interception 95 yards with 7:40 remaining, and Kentucky rallied past Chattanooga 28-23 on Saturday.
Considered overmatched in their first meeting against the Southeastern Conference school, the FCS Mocs (1-2) slowly turned a seven-point deficit into a 16-14 lead early in the fourth on Aaron Sears' 30-yard field goal. The Wildcats (3-0) awoke to drive 77 yards for the go-ahead TD, helped by Levis' 21-yard run and a defensive pass interference penalty before the QB hit Cummings with a 31-yard TD pass with 10:18 left.
Kentucky's TD was huge considering it had either turned it over or punted the six previous possessions. For a minute the Wildcats appeared on the brink of becoming this season's latest upset victim to an FCS school, a concern Levis sensed during Friday's practice.
''It all starts with preparation,'' he said, ''and (Friday) we didn't have a good day of practice. You don't want to let that leak into today, but obviously it did. ''
Chattanooga was on the Kentucky 35 when Cole Copeland, pressured by Wildcats defensive tackle Octavious Oxendine, threw down the middle to an open Ajian for an easy pick. The senior safety found a hole near the left sideline and was almost untouched to provide a needed cushion in a tighter-than-expected contest.
The Mocs weren't done as Copeland ran for a 2-yard TD with 1:20 left to cap a 75-yard, 14-play drive. Receiver Josh Ali, who ran 11 yards for Kentucky's first score, recovered the onside kick that allowed the Wildcats to run out the clock.
''Obviously, the best thing about this sitting right here is we are 3-0 but not very pleased,'' Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. ''Just got to be better in all areas, starting with myself. I knew early in the week I said (Chattanooga) was a very well-coached football team that wasn't going to beat themselves. And they didn't.''
Levis completed 23 of 35 passes for 246 yards and two TDs, hitting Wan'Dale Robinson eight times for 111 yards, as Kentucky edged Chattanooga 348-339 in yardage. After easily outgaining Louisiana-Monroe and Missouri with consecutive 500-yard efforts, the Wildcats needed every bit of turf to get past a Mocs squad that wouldn't go away.
''I knew my kids wouldn't quit playing,'' Chattanooga coach Rusty Wright said. ''I knew they'd play hard and they did. There were some times where their ability took over our ability and moved us and did things and stuff like that. But I knew we'd go play and give ourselves an opportunity.''
Copeland was 21 of 35 for 168 yards while Ailym Ford carried 21 times for 128 yards.
NUMBERS AND SUCH
After rushing for 340 yards last week against Missouri, Kentucky gained its fewest yards since last season at Alabama (59). ... Wildcats back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who ran for a career-best 206 yards against Mizzou, finished with just 46 on 13 carries. ... Cummings recorded his first career TD, while Ali rushed for his first score. ... Ford is just 25 yards rushing away from 1,500 for his career. ... Chattanooga finished plus-2 in turnover margin and scored six points off three takeaways. ... Sears kicked field goals of 27, 43 and 30 yards.
THE TAKEAWAY
Chattanooga: The Mocs had nothing to lose and at times were the aggressors against the bigger Wildcats. That effort eventually seized the lead before they allowed the Wildcats to score and then committed a costly turnover that ultimately decided the outcome.
Kentucky: The Wildcats' offensive efficiency over the first games gave way to a tentative, lethargic and mistake-prone effort more befitting an opening game. Levis' interceptions were of his own making as opposed to ricocheting off receivers' fingertips, though he did settle down to lead the pivotal drive. Ajian followed with the clinching takeaway and TD, allowing the Wildcats to exhale in a game that Stoops insisted earlier in the week wasn't a ''breather.''
UP NEXT
Chattanooga has a bye before hosting Western Carolina on Oct. 2 in its Southern Conference opener.
Kentucky returns to SEC play next Saturday at South Carolina, seeking its seventh series win in eight meetings.
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C. Copeland
18 QB 168 PaYds, PaTD, INT, 2 RuYds, RuTD |
|
W. Levis
7 QB 246 PaYds, 2 PaTDs, 2 INTs, 18 RuYds |
Team Stats | ||
---|---|---|
1st Downs | 16 | 19 |
Rushing | 6 | 6 |
Passing | 9 | 12 |
Penalty | 1 | 1 |
3rd Down Conv | 7-15 | 6-12 |
4th Down Conv | 0-0 | 0-1 |
Total Net Yards | 328 | 363 |
Total Plays | 63 | 63 |
Avg Gain | 5.2 | 5.8 |
Net Yards Rushing | 161 | 109 |
Rush Attempts | 28 | 27 |
Avg Rush Yards | 5.8 | 4.0 |
Yards Passing | 167 | 254 |
Comp. - Att. | 21-35 | 23-36 |
Yards Per Pass | 4.8 | 6.9 |
Penalties - Yards | 5-40 | 9-60 |
Touchdowns | 2 | 4 |
Rushing TDs | 1 | 1 |
Passing TDs | 1 | 2 |
Other | 0 | 1 |
Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
Fumbles - Lost | 0-0 | 1-1 |
Int. Thrown | 1 | 2 |
Punts - Avg | 5-46.8 | 4-50.8 |
Return Yards | 16 | 99 |
Punts - Returns | 0-0 | 1-4 |
Kickoffs - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Int. - Returns | 2-16 | 1-95 |
Safeties | 0 | 0 |
|
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
C. Copeland
18 QB
|
C. Copeland | 21/35 | 168 | 1 | 1 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
A. Ford
32 RB
|
A. Ford | 21 | 128 | 0 | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Price
23 RB
|
T. Price | 6 | 41 | 0 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Copeland
18 QB
|
C. Copeland | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
R. Henderson
12 WR
|
R. Henderson | 15 | 9 | 74 | 1 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
K. McKinnon
2 WR
|
K. McKinnon | 2 | 1 | 25 | 0 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Arnett
11 WR
|
T. Arnett | 3 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
C. James
17 TE
|
C. James | 4 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Ford
32 RB
|
A. Ford | 3 | 3 | 15 | 0 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Mayes
26 WR
|
J. Mayes | 2 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Smith
85 WR
|
T. Smith | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
K. Toney
83 TE
|
K. Toney | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Price
23 RB
|
T. Price | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT |
J. Person
30 LB
|
J. Person | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Smith
5 DB
|
C. Smith | 0-0 | 0.0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. Freeman
3 DB
|
R. Freeman | 0-0 | 0.0 | 1 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
A. Sears
62 K
|
A. Sears | 3/3 | 43 | 2/2 | 11 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
J. Pierce
43 P
|
J. Pierce | 5 | 46.8 | 2 | 51 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
W. Levis
7 QB
|
W. Levis | 23/35 | 246 | 2 | 2 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
C. Rodriguez Jr.
24 RB
|
C. Rodriguez Jr. | 13 | 46 | 0 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Smoke
0 RB
|
K. Smoke | 7 | 27 | 0 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||
W. Levis
7 QB
|
W. Levis | 3 | 18 | 0 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Ali
6 WR
|
J. Ali | 1 | 11 | 1 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. Drennen II
5 WR
|
M. Drennen II | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
W. Robinson
1 WR
|
W. Robinson | 14 | 8 | 111 | 0 | 39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Ali
6 WR
|
J. Ali | 7 | 5 | 53 | 0 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
I. Cummings
84 WR
|
I. Cummings | 3 | 1 | 31 | 1 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
I. Epps
81 WR
|
I. Epps | 3 | 2 | 21 | 1 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Harris
86 WR
|
D. Harris | 1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Rigg
83 TE
|
J. Rigg | 3 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
M. Drennen II
5 WR
|
M. Drennen II | 1 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
B. Bates
80 TE
|
B. Bates | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT |
T. Ajian
23 DB
|
T. Ajian | 0-0 | 0.0 | 1 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
M. Ruffolo
96 K
|
M. Ruffolo | 0/0 | 0 | 4/4 | 4 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
W. Berry
93 P
|
W. Berry | 4 | 50.8 | 2 | 59 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Z. Johnson
28 DB
|
Z. Johnson | 3 | 21.0 | 23 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
W. Robinson
1 WR
|
W. Robinson | 1 | 19.0 | 19 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
C. Magwood
10 WR
|
C. Magwood | 1 | 11.0 | 11 | 0 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
W. Robinson 1 WR
|
W. Robinson | 1 | 4.0 | 4 | 0 |
1st | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
10:43 | TNCHAT 25 | 3:47 | 6 | 75 | TD |
2:57 | TNCHAT 15 | 1:37 | 3 | 3 | Punt |
2nd | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
13:29 | TNCHAT 35 | 4:08 | 3 | -4 | Punt |
10:17 | UK 15 | 1:29 | 4 | -6 | FG |
6:38 | TNCHAT 6 | 0:54 | 3 | 3 | Punt |
3:39 | TNCHAT 38 | 1:47 | 3 | 8 | Punt |
0:42 | TNCHAT 20 | 0:42 | 1 | 1 | Half |
3rd | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
15:00 | TNCHAT 25 | 4:21 | 10 | 49 | FG |
7:35 | TNCHAT 20 | 3:21 | 7 | 26 | Punt |
1:03 | TNCHAT 34 | 2:35 | 7 | 53 | FG |
4th | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
10:18 | TNCHAT 25 | 2:38 | 5 | 40 | INT |
7:40 | TNCHAT 25 | 6:20 | 14 | 75 | TD |
1st | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
15:00 | UK 30 | 4:17 | 9 | 70 | TD |
6:56 | UK 22 | 3:59 | 8 | 27 | Punt |
1:20 | UK 32 | 2:51 | 7 | 68 | TD |
2nd | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
11:22 | UK 18 | 1:05 | 3 | -1 | INT |
8:48 | UK 37 | 2:10 | 3 | 8 | Punt |
5:44 | TNCHAT 46 | 2:05 | 6 | 16 | Fumble |
1:52 | UK 3 | 1:10 | 6 | 39 | Punt |
3rd | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
10:39 | UK 24 | 3:04 | 5 | 17 | Punt |
4:14 | UK 7 | 3:11 | 6 | 34 | INT |
4th | POSS | PLAYS | YDS | RESULT | |
13:28 | UK 23 | 3:10 | 7 | 77 | TD |
1:20 | UK 43 | 1:20 | 2 | -2 | Game |
- Touchdown (9 plays, 70 yards, 4:17 poss)
Result | Play |
---|---|
Kickoff | (15:00 - 1st) A.Sears kicks 54 yards from CHT 35 to the KEN 11. W.Robinson returns the kickoff. Tackled by CHT at KEN 30. |
+7 YD | 1 & 10 - UK 30 (14:54 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to KEN 30. Catch made by W.Robinson at KEN 30. Gain of 7 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 37. |
+18 YD | 2 & 3 - UK 37 (14:27 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to KEN 37. Catch made by J.Ali at KEN 37. Gain of 18 yards. Tackled by CHT at CHT 45. |
+1 YD | 1 & 10 - TNCHAT 45 (14:17 - 1st) M.Drennen rushed to CHT 44 for 1 yards. Tackled by CHT at CHT 44. |
Penalty | 2 & 9 - TNCHAT 44 (13:10 - 1st) PENALTY on KEN-C.Magwood False Start 5 yards accepted. |
+9 YD | 2 & 14 - TNCHAT 49 (13:09 - 1st) K.Smoke rushed to CHT 40 for 9 yards. Tackled by CHT at CHT 40. |
+8 YD | 3 & 5 - TNCHAT 40 (12:23 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to CHT 40. Catch made by J.Ali at CHT 40. Gain of 8 yards. Tackled by CHT at CHT 32. |
No Gain | 1 & 10 - TNCHAT 32 (11:57 - 1st) W.Levis steps back to pass. W.Levis pass incomplete intended for W.Robinson. |
+11 YD | 2 & 10 - TNCHAT 32 (11:48 - 1st) K.Smoke rushed to CHT 21 for 11 yards. Tackled by CHT at CHT 21. |
+10 YD | 1 & 10 - TNCHAT 21 (11:19 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to CHT 21. Catch made by D.Harris at CHT 21. Gain of 10 yards. Pushed out of bounds by CHT at CHT 11. |
+11 YD | 1 & 10 - TNCHAT 11 (10:50 - 1st) J.Ali rushed to CHT End Zone for 11 yards. J.Ali for 11 yards TOUCHDOWN. |
PAT Good | (10:43 - 1st) M.Ruffolo extra point is good. |
- Touchdown (6 plays, 75 yards, 3:47 poss)
Result | Play |
---|---|
Kickoff | (10:43 - 1st) M.Ruffolo kicks 65 yards from KEN 35 to the CHT End Zone. Touchback. |
+4 YD | 1 & 10 - TNCHAT 25 (10:43 - 1st) A.Ford rushed to CHT 29 for 4 yards. Tackled by KEN at CHT 29. |
+5 YD | 2 & 6 - TNCHAT 29 (10:06 - 1st) A.Ford rushed to CHT 34 for 5 yards. Tackled by KEN at CHT 34. |
+48 YD | 3 & 1 - TNCHAT 34 (9:22 - 1st) A.Ford rushed to KEN 18 for 48 yards. Tackled by KEN at KEN 18. |
+9 YD | 1 & 10 - UK 18 (8:30 - 1st) T.Price rushed to KEN 9 for 9 yards. Tackled by KEN at KEN 9. |
-3 YD | 2 & 1 - UK 9 (7:42 - 1st) T.Price rushed to KEN 12 for -3 yards. Tackled by KEN at KEN 12. |
+12 YD | 3 & 4 - UK 12 (7:06 - 1st) C. Copeland pass complete to KEN 12. Catch made by R.Henderson at KEN 12. Gain of 12 yards. R.Henderson for 12 yards TOUCHDOWN. |
PAT Good | (6:56 - 1st) A.Sears extra point is good. |
- Punt (8 plays, 27 yards, 3:59 poss)
Result | Play |
---|---|
Kickoff | (6:56 - 1st) A.Sears kicks 65 yards from CHT 35 to the KEN End Zone. Z.Johnson returns the kickoff. Tackled by CHT at KEN 22. |
+6 YD | 1 & 10 - UK 22 (6:51 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to KEN 22. Catch made by J.Rigg at KEN 22. Gain of 6 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 28. |
+5 YD | 2 & 4 - UK 28 (6:20 - 1st) C.Rodriguez rushed to KEN 33 for 5 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 33. |
+5 YD | 1 & 10 - UK 33 (6:08 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to KEN 33. Catch made by W.Robinson at KEN 33. Gain of 5 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 38. |
No Gain | 2 & 5 - UK 38 (5:32 - 1st) C.Rodriguez rushed to KEN 38 for 0 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 38. |
+10 YD | 3 & 5 - UK 38 (4:31 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to KEN 38. Catch made by J.Ali at KEN 38. Gain of 10 yards. Pushed out of bounds by CHT at KEN 48. |
Penalty | 1 & 10 - UK 48 (4:01 - 1st) PENALTY on KEN-E.Cox False Start 5 yards accepted. |
+6 YD | 1 & 15 - UK 43 (3:51 - 1st) W.Levis pass complete to KEN 43. Catch made by W.Robinson at KEN 43. Gain of 6 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 49. |
No Gain | 2 & 9 - UK 49 (3:16 - 1st) W.Levis steps back to pass. W.Levis pass incomplete intended for W.Robinson. |
No Gain | 3 & 9 - UK 49 (3:10 - 1st) W.Levis steps back to pass. W.Levis pass incomplete intended for I.Cummings. |
Punt | 4 & 9 - UK 49 (3:04 - 1st) W.Berry punts 37 yards to CHT 14 Center-KEN. Fair catch by B.Dowdell. |
- Punt (3 plays, 3 yards, 1:37 poss)
Result | Play |
---|---|
No Gain | 1 & 10 - TNCHAT 15 (2:57 - 1st) C. Copeland steps back to pass. C. Copeland pass incomplete intended for R.Henderson. |
+2 YD | 2 & 10 - TNCHAT 15 (2:49 - 1st) A.Ford rushed to CHT 17 for 2 yards. Tackled by KEN at CHT 17. |
+1 YD | 3 & 8 - TNCHAT 17 (2:06 - 1st) C. Copeland pass complete to CHT 17. Catch made by A.Ford at CHT 17. Gain of 1 yards. Tackled by KEN at CHT 18. |
Punt | 4 & 7 - TNCHAT 18 (1:26 - 1st) J.Pierce punts 50 yards to KEN 32 Center-CHT. Fair catch by W.Robinson. |
- Touchdown (7 plays, 68 yards, 2:51 poss)
Result | Play |
---|---|
+9 YD | 1 & 10 - UK 32 (1:20 - 1st) C.Rodriguez rushed to KEN 41 for 9 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 41. |
+5 YD | 2 & 1 - UK 41 (0:45 - 1st) C.Rodriguez rushed to KEN 46 for 5 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 46. PENALTY on KEN-A.Dotson Unnecessary Roughness / Offense 15 yards accepted. |
+5 YD | 2 & 11 - UK 31 (0:31 - 1st) K.Smoke rushed to KEN 36 for 5 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 36. |
No Gain | 2 & 5 - UK 36 (15:00 - 2nd) W.Levis steps back to pass. W.Levis pass incomplete intended for W.Robinson. |
+5 YD | 3 & 5 - UK 36 (14:53 - 2nd) W.Levis scrambles to KEN 41 for 5 yards. Tackled by CHT at KEN 41. < |