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2020 Kentucky Wildcats football team

{{Short description|2020 University of Kentucky football season}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox college sports team season

|year=2020

|team=Kentucky Wildcats

|sport=football

|image=Kentucky Wildcats logo.svg

|image_size=150px

|conference=Southeastern Conference

|short_conf=SEC

|division=Eastern Division

|CoachRank=

|APRank=

|CFPRank=

|record = 5–6

|conf_record = 4–6

|head_coach= Mark Stoops

|hc_year= 8th

|off_coach = Eddie Gran

|oc_year = 5th

|cooff_coach1 = Darin Hinshaw

|cooc1_year = 5th

|off_scheme=Spread

|def_coach= Brad White

|dc_year = 2nd

|def_scheme=3–4 or 4–3

|stadium=Kroger Field

|champion = Gator Bowl champion

|bowl = Gator Bowl

|bowl_result = W 23–21 vs. NC State

}}

{{2020 SEC football standings}}

The 2020 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats played their home games at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, and competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by eighth-year head coach Mark Stoops.

Preseason

=SEC Media Days=

In the preseason media poll, Kentucky was predicted to finish in fourth place in the East Division.{{cite web|url=https://www.secsports.com/article/29952339/preseason-sec-media-poll-all-sec-team-announced|title=Preseason SEC media poll, All-SEC Team announced|date=September 23, 2020|website=SECSports.com|publisher=Southeastern Conference}}

class="wikitable" style="display: inline-table;"

|align="center" Colspan="3" |Media poll (East Division)

align="center"

{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Kentucky Wildcats|Predicted finish|Team|Votes (1st place)}}

align="center"

| 1

Florida624 (53)
align="center"

| 2

Georgia613 (43)
align="center"

| 3

Tennessee434
align="center"

| 4

Kentucky405
align="center"

| 5

South Carolina287
align="center

| 6

Missouri224
align="center"

| 7

Vanderbilt101

Schedule

Kentucky had games scheduled against Eastern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, and Louisville, which were all canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Talty |first=John |date=July 30, 2020 |title=SEC moves to conference-only 2020 schedule, pushes back start of season |url=https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/07/sec-moving-to-conference-only-2020-schedule.html |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=AL.com}}{{cite web |last1=Dellenger |first1=Ross |title=Sources: SEC Adopts Conference-Only Schedule With Sept. 26 Start|url=https://www.si.com/college/2020/07/30/college-football-sec-schedule-2020|website=Sports Illustrated|access-date=30 July 2020}} This will be the first season since 1993 that the Wildcats do not play Louisville. As of 10/16/2020, the SEC swapped two teams and the dates of when they will play the Wildcats. This is because of an outbreak of COVID-19 among other competing SEC football teams. Missouri will be an away game on October 24, instead of an away game on the 31st and Georgia, at home, on October 31 instead of the 24th.

{{CFB schedule

| opprank = y

| rankyear = 2020

| rankdivision = NCAA Division I FBS

| poll = AP Poll and CFP Rankings (after November 24) released prior to game

| timezone = Central

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 26, 2020

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank = 23

| opprank = 8

| opponent = Auburn

| site_stadium = Jordan–Hare Stadium

| site_cityst = Auburn, AL

| tv = SECN

| score = 13–29

| attend = 17,490

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 3

| time = 4:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| rank =

| opponent = Ole Miss

| site_stadium = Kroger Field

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| score = 41–42

| overtime = OT

| attend = 12,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 10

| time = 7:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| score = 24–2

| rank =

| opponent = Mississippi State

| site_stadium = Kroger Field

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| attend = 12,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 17

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Tennessee

| opprank = 18

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Neyland Stadium

| site_cityst = Knoxville, TN

| tv = SECN

| score = 34–7

| attend = 22,519

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 24

| time = 4:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

|away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Missouri

| site_stadium = Faurot Field

| site_cityst = Columbia, MO

| score = 10–20

| tv = SECN

| attend = 11,738

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 31

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| rank =

| opprank = 5

| opponent = Georgia

| site_stadium = Kroger Field

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| score = 3–14

| attend = 12,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 14

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank =

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Kroger Field

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| score = 38–35

| attend = 12,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 21

| time = 4:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opprank = 1

| opponent = Alabama

| site_stadium = Bryant–Denny Stadium

| site_cityst = Tuscaloosa, AL

| tv = SECN

| score = 3–63

| attend = 19,424

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 28

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Florida

| opprank = 6

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| tv = ESPN

| score = 10–34

| attend = 14,453

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = December 5

| time = 7:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank =

| opponent = South Carolina

| site_stadium = Kroger Field

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| score = 41–18

| attend = 12,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = January 2, 2021

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| neutral = yes

| rank =

| opponent = NC State

| opprank = 23

| gamename = Gator Bowl

| site_stadium = TIAA Bank Field

| site_cityst = Jacksonville, FL

| tv = ESPN

| score = 23–21

| attend = 10,422

}}

}}

{{cite web |title=2020 Kentucky Football Schedule |url=https://fbschedules.com/kentucky-football-schedule/ |website=FBSchedules.com |access-date=February 17, 2020}}

Rankings

{{Further|2020 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}

{{NCAA Division I FBS CFP ranking movements

| year = {{2020}}

| finalpollweek =

| cfpfirstweek = 9

| AP_pre = RV

| coaches_pre = RV

| AP_1 = RV*

| coaches_1 = RV*

| AP_2 = 23

| coaches_2 = 20

| AP_3 = 23

| coaches_3 = RV

| AP_4 = RV

| coaches_4 = RV

| AP_5 =

| coaches_5 =

| AP_6 =

| coaches_6 =

| AP_7 =

| coaches_7 =

| AP_8 =

| coaches_8 =

| AP_9 =

| coaches_9 =

| cfp_9 =

| AP_10 =

| coaches_10 =

| cfp_10 =

| AP_11 =

| coaches_11 =

| cfp_11 =

| AP_12 =

| coaches_12 =

| cfp_12 =

| AP_13 =

| coaches_13 =

| cfp_13 =

| AP_14 =

| coaches_14 =

| cfp_14 =

| AP_15 =

| coaches_15 =

| cfp_15 =

| AP_16 =

| coaches_16 =

}}

Game summaries

=At Auburn=

{{See also|2020 Auburn Tigers football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=No. 23 Kentucky vs. No. 8 Auburn

|date=September 26, 2020

|time=12:00 p.m. EST

|road=No. 23 Wildcats

|R1=7|R2=0|R3=6|R4=0

|H1=8|H2=0|H3=7|H4=14

|home= No. 8 Tigers

|stadium=Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL

|attendance=17,490

|weather=Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|75|F|C}} • Wind: 5 mph W

|referee=Steve Marlowe

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline reporter)

|reference=Pregame line: Auburn –6.5 • Odds to win: Auburn 84.9% • Game summary: [https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401237034 ESPN]{{cite web|title=KENTUCKY (0-0) -VS- AUBURN (0-0)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/auburn-university-47/}}

|scoring=

;First quarter

  • (6:44) UK – Kavosiey Smoke 35 yd rush, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 11 plays, 93 yds, 6:23; Kentucky 7–0)
  • (4:30) AUB – D. J. Williams 1 yd rush, John Samuel Shenker pass (Drive: 7 plays, 70 yds, 2:07; Auburn 8–7)

;Second quarter

No scoring

;Third quarter

  • (5:42) AUB – Seth Williams 11 yd pass from Bo Nix, Anders Carlson kick (Drive: 9 plays, 76 yds, 4:19; Auburn 15–7)
  • (1:00) UK – Akeem Hayes 8 yd pass from Terry Wilson, Terry Wilson pass failed (Drive: 11 plays, 73 yds, 4:34; Auburn 15–13)

;Fourth quarter

  • (10:21) AUB – Seth Williams 4 yd pass from Bo Nix, Anders Carlson kick (Drive: 5 plays, 23 yds, 2:13; Auburn 22–13)
  • (8:17) AUB – Eli Stove 21 yd pass from Bo Nix, Anders Carlson kick (Drive: 2 plays, 27 yds, 0:50; Auburn 29–13)

}}

{{AmFootballGameStatistics

| Float = left

| Visitor = Kentucky Wildcats

| VisitorDisplay = UK

| Home = Auburn Tigers

| HomeDisplay = AUB

| VisFirsts = 21

| VisPlaysYds = 78–384

| VisRushing = 40–145

| VisPassYds = 239

| VisPassing = 24–38–1

| VisTOP = 36:29

| HomeFirsts = 16

| HomePlaysYds = 57–324

| HomeRushing = 30–91

| HomePassYds = 233

| HomePassing = 16–27–0

| HomeTOP = 23:31

}}

{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers

| Float = right

| Visitor = Kentucky Wildcats

| VisitorDisplay = Kentucky

| Home = Auburn Tigers

| HomeDisplay = Auburn

| VisPasser = Terry Wilson

| VisPassStats = 24/37, 239 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT

| VisRusher = Kavosiey Smoke

| VisRushStats = 7 carries, 62 yds, 1 TD

| VisReceiver = Josh Ali

| VisReceivingStats = 9 receptions, 98 yds

| HomePasser = Bo Nix

| HomePassStats = 16/27, 233 yds, 3 TD

| HomeRusher = Bo Nix

| HomeRushStats = 5 carries, 34 yds

| HomeReceiver = Seth Williams

| HomeReceivingStats = 6 receptions, 112 yds, 2 TD

}}

{{clear}}

=Ole Miss=

{{See also|2020 Ole Miss Rebels football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Ole Miss vs. Kentucky

|date=October 3, 2020

|time= 4:00 p.m. EST

|road=Rebels

|R1=7|R2=7|R3=7|R4=21

|home=Wildcats

|H1=14|H2=7|H3=7|H4=13

|stadium=Kroger Field, Lexington, KY

|attendance=12,000

|weather=Sunny • Temperature: {{convert|64|F|C}}

|referee= David Smith

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Taylor McGregor (sideline)

|reference=Pregame line: Kentucky −7 • O/U: 63 {{cite web|title=OLE MISS (0-1) -VS- KENTUCKY (0-1)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-mississippi-26/}}

|scoring=

;First Quarter

  • (12:38) MISS – Jerrion Ealy 1 yard rush, Luke Logan kick
    Ole Miss 7–0; 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:22
  • (7:36) UK – Terry Wilson 4 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick
    Tied 7–7; 4 plays, 29 yards, 1:54
  • (1:33) UK – A. J. Rose 2 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick
    Kentucky 14–7; 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:25

;Second Quarter

  • (13:19) MISS – Kenny Yeboah 14 yard pass from Matt Corral, Luke Logan kick
    Tied 14–14; 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:14
  • (0:29) UK – Terry Wilson 22 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick
    Kentucky 21–14; 9 plays, 83 yards, 3:25

;Third Quarter

  • (10:41) UK – Chris Rodriguez Jr. 22 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick
    Kentucky 28–14; 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:19
  • (9:17) MISS – Jonathan Mingo 24 yard pass from Matt Corral, Luke Logan kick
    Kentucky 28–21; 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:24

;Fourth Quarter

  • (13:37) MISS – Jonathan Mingo 16 yard pass from Matt Corral, Luke Logan kick
    Tied 28–28; 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:30
  • (8:23) MISS – Snoop Conner 1 yard rush, Luke Logan kick
    Ole Miss 35–28; 3 plays, 53 yards, 0:47
  • (2:04) UK – Chris Rodriguez Jr. 1 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick
    Tied 35–35; 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:19

;Overtime

  • UK – Terry Wilson 10 yard rush, PAT missed
    Kentucky 41–35; 3 plays, 25 yards
  • MISS – Elijah Moore 3 yard pass from Matt Corral, Luke Logan kick
    Ole Miss 42–41; 4 plays, 25 yards

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Ole Miss Rebels|border=1}}"|MISS

!style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats|border=1}}"|UK

First downs2626
Total yards459559
Passing yards320151
Rushing yards139408
Penalties5–338–81
Turnovers01
Time of possession23:5536:05

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Ole Miss Rebels|border=1}}; text-align:center;"|Ole MissPassingMatt Corral24/29, 320 yards, 4 TD
RushingMatt Corral13 carries, 51 yards
ReceivingJonathan Mingo8 receptions, 128 yards, 2 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats|border=1}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson14/18, 151 yards
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.17 carries, 133 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingJosh Ali7 receptions, 88 yards

{{Clear}}

=Mississippi State=

{{See also|2020 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Mississippi State vs. Kentucky

|date=October 10, 2020

|time=7:30 p.m. EST

|road=Bulldogs

|R1=0|R2=0|R3=2|R4=0

|home=Wildcats

|H1=0|H2=14|H3=0|H4=10

|stadium=Kroger Field, Lexington, KY

|attendance=12,000

|weather=Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|67|F|C}} • Wind: 5 SE mph

|referee= Ken Williamson

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference={{cite web|title=MISSISSIPPI STATE (1-1) -VS- KENTUCKY (0-2)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/mississippi-state-university-44/}}

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}"|MSST!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|UK

First downs1810
Total yards295157
Rushing yards2084
Passing yards27573
Turnovers61
Time of possession34:4925:11

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"|Mississippi StatePassingK. J. Costello36–55, 232 yards, 4 INT
RushingKylin Hill7 rushes, 17 yards
ReceivingKylin Hill15 receptions, 79 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson8–20, 73 yards, TD
RushingTerry Wilson13 rushes, 50 yards
ReceivingJosh Ali2 receptions, 22 yards

{{Clear}}

=At Tennessee=

{{See also|2020 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Kentucky–Tennessee football rivalry}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Kentucky vs. No. 21 Tennessee

|date=October 17, 2020

|time=12:00 p.m. EST

|road=Wildcats

|R1=0|R2=17|R3=10|R4=7

|home=No. 21 Volunteers

|H1=0|H2=7|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

|attendance= 22,519

|weather=Sunny, Temperature: {{convert|85|F|C}}

|referee= Marc Curles

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sidelines)

|reference={{cite web|title=KENTUCKY (1-2) -VS- TENNESSEE (2-1)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-tennessee-52/}}

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|UK!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Tennessee Volunteers}}"|UTK

First downs1818
Total yards294287
Rushing yards187175
Passing yards107112
Turnovers14
Time of possession33:5926:01

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson12/15, 101 yards, TD
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.13 carries, 73 yards, TD
ReceivingJosh Ali4 receptions, 38 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Tennessee Volunteers}}; text-align:center;"|TennesseePassingJarrett Guarantano14/21, 88 yards, 2 INT
RushingEric Gray24 carries, 129 yards
ReceivingBrandon Johnson4 receptions, 37 yards

{{Clear}}

=At Missouri=

{{See also|2020 Missouri Tigers football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Kentucky vs. Missouri

|date= October 24, 2020

|time= 4:00 p.m. EST

|road=Wildcats

|R1=0|R2=3|R3=0|R4=7

|home= Tigers

|H1=7|H2=3|H3=7|H4=3

|stadium=Faurot Field, Columbia, MO

|attendance= 11,738

|weather=Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|48|F|C}} • Wind: NW 12-17mph

|referee= Lee Hedrick

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference={{cite web|title=KENTUCKY (2-2) -VS- MISSOURI (1-2)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-missouri-45/}}

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|UK!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Missouri Tigers}}"|MIZ

First downs826
Total yards145421
Rushing yards95220
Passing yards50201
Turnovers10
Time of possession16:5043:10

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson4/11, 38 yards, TD
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.9 carries, 48 yards
ReceivingJosh Ali4 receptions, 47 yards, TD
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Missouri Tigers}}; text-align:center;"|MissouriPassingConnor Bazelak21/30, 201 yards
RushingLarry Rountree III37 carries, 126 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingJalen Knox5 receptions, 60 yards

{{Clear}}

=Georgia=

{{See also|2020 Georgia Bulldogs football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=No. 5 Georgia vs. Kentucky

|date= October 31, 2020

|time= 12:00 p.m. EST

|road=No. 5 Bulldogs

|R1=7|R2=0|R3=7|R4=0

|home= Wildcats

|H1=0|H2=3|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=Kroger Field, Lexington, KY

|attendance= 12,000

|weather=Mostly Sunny • Temperature: {{convert|54|F|C}} • Wind: 5 SE mph

|referee= Matt Loeffler

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst) and Cole Cubelic (sideline)

|reference={{cite web|title=GEORGIA (3-1) -VS- KENTUCKY (2-3)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-georgia-53/}}

|scoring=

;First quarter

  • (6:07) UGA - Stetson Bennett 2-yard Run (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 5:06; Georgia 7-0)

;Second Quarter

  • (2:44) UK - Matt Ruffolo 34-yard Field Goal (Drive: 19 plays, 77 yards, 10:28; Georgia 7-3)

;Third Quarter

  • (11:38) Zamir White 22-yard Run (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:22; Georgia 14-3)

}}

{{AmFootballGameStatistics

| Float = left

| Visitor = Georgia Bulldogs

| VisitorDisplay = UGA

| Home = Kentucky Wildcats

| HomeDisplay = UK

| VisFirsts = 20

| VisPlaysYds = 58-346

| VisRushing = 43-215

| VisPassYds = 131

| VisPassing = 9-14-2

| VisTOP = 25:00

| HomeFirsts = 15

| HomePlaysYds = 65-229

| HomeRushing = 39-138

| HomePassYds = 91

| HomePassing = 15-25-0

| HomeTOP = 35:00

}}

{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers

| Float = right

| Visitor = Georgia Bulldogs

| VisitorDisplay = Georgia

| Home = Kentucky Wildcats

| HomeDisplay = Kentucky

| VisPasser = Stetson Bennett

| VisPassStats = 9/13, 131 yds, 2 INT

| VisRusher = Zamir White

| VisRushStats = 26 carries, 136 yds, 1 TD

| VisReceiver = James Cook

| VisReceivingStats = 4 receptions, 62 yds,

| HomePasser = Joey Gatewood

| HomePassStats = 15-25, 91 yds

| HomeRusher = Chris Rodriguez

| HomeRushStats = 20 carries, 108 yds

| HomeReceiver = Josh Ali

| HomeReceivingStats = 5 receptions, 35 yds

}}

{{clear}}

=Vanderbilt=

{{See also|2020 Vanderbilt Commodores football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky

|date= November 14, 2020

|time= 12:00 p.m. EST

|road= Commodores

|R1=0|R2=14|R3=7|R4=14

|home=Wildcats

|H1=14|H2=10|H3=7|H4=7

|stadium=Kroger Field, Lexington, KY

|attendance= 12,000

|weather=Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|57|F|C}} • Wind: 7 SE mph

|referee= Alex Moore

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference={{cite web|title=VANDERBILT (0-5) -VS- KENTUCKY (2-4)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/vanderbilt-university-36/}}

}}

class="wikitable"

! Statistics

! style="{{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Vanderbilt Commodores}}"|VAN

!style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|UK

First downs2923
Total yards407458
Rushing yards180308
Passing yards227150
Turnovers00
Time of possession32:2627:34

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Vanderbilt Commodores}}; text-align:center;"|VanderbiltPassingKen Seals21/32, 225 yards, 2 TD
RushingKeyon Henry-Brooks29 rushes, 121 yards
ReceivingAmir Abdur-Rahman7 receptions, 89 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson13/15, 110 yards, 2 TD
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.13 rushes, 149 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingKeaton Upshaw2 receptions, 41 yards, TD

{{Clear}}

=At Alabama=

{{See also|2020 Alabama Crimson Tide football team}}

class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; display: inline-table;"
align="center"

! style={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}}|Pregame line!!style={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}}|Over/under

align="center"

| +30

58

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Kentucky vs. No. 1 Alabama

|date= November 21, 2020

|time= 4:00 p.m. EST

|road= Wildcats

|R1=3|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0

|home=No. 1 Crimson Tide

|H1=7|H2=21|H3=21|H4=14

|stadium=Bryant–Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

|attendance= 19,424

|weather=Partly Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|73|F|C}} • Wind: ESE 3mph

|referee= Ken Williamson

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline)

|reference={{cite web|title=KENTUCKY (3-4) -VS- ALABAMA (6-0)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-alabama-30/}}

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|Kentucky!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Alabama Crimson Tide}}"|Alabama

First downs1229
Total yards179509
Rushing yards59226
Passing yards120283
Turnovers11
Time of possession28:5531:05

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson10–19, 120 yards, 1 INT
RushingA. J. Rose10 carries, 68 yards
ReceivingJosh Ali4 receptions, 52 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"|AlabamaPassingMac Jones16–24, 230 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT
RushingJase McClellan10 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingDeVonta Smith9 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD's

{{Clear}}

=At Florida=

{{See also|2020 Florida Gators football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Kentucky vs. Florida

|date= November 28, 2020

|time= 12:00 p.m. EST

|road= Wildcats

|R1=0|R2=10|R3=0|R4=0

|home=Gators

|H1=7|H2=7|H3=17|H4=3

|stadium=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

|attendance= 14,453

|weather=Partly Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|75|F|C}} • Wind: NE 8mph

|referee= David Smith

|TV=ESPN

|TVAnnouncers=Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, and Marty Smith

|reference={{cite web|title=KENTUCKY (3-5) -VS- FLORIDA (6-1)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-florida-50/}}

|scoring=

;First quarter

  • Florida – Kyle Pitts 56-yard pass from Kyle Trask (Evan McPherson kick), 6:03

;Second quarter

  • Kentucky – Keaton Upshaw 4-yard pass from Terry Wilson (Matt Ruffolo kick), 11:18
  • Kentucky – Matt Ruffolo 22-yard field goal, 2:13
  • Florida – Kadarius Toney 50-yard punt return (Evan McPherson kick), 0:42

;Third quarter

  • Florida – Kyle Pitts 2-yard pass from Kyle Trask (Evan McPherson kick), 12:35
  • Florida – Evan McPherson 34-yard field goal, 5:58
  • Florida – Kyle Pitts 7-yard pass from Kyle Trask (Evan McPherson kick), 3:36

;Fourth quarter

  • Florida – Evan McPherson 40-yard field goal, 8:18

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}"|UTK!!style="{{NCAA color cell|Florida Gators}}"|FLA

First downs1521
Total yards221418
Rushing yards159104
Passing yards62314
Turnovers32
Time of possession33:1926:41

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson10/18, 62 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingA. J. Rose15 carries, 58 yards
ReceivingJosh Ali6 receptions, 32 yards
rowspan=3 style="{{NCAA color cell|Florida Gators}}; text-align:center;"|FloridaPassingKyle Trask21/27, 256 yards, 3 TD
RushingDameon Pierce8 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingKyle Pitts5 receptions, 99 yards, 3 TD

{{Clear}}

=South Carolina=

{{See also|2020 South Carolina Gamecocks football team}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=South Carolina vs. Kentucky

|date= December 5, 2020

|time= 7:30 p.m. EST

|road= Gamecocks

|R1=3|R2=0|R3=7|R4=8

|home=Wildcats

|H1=10|H2=17|H3=7|H4=7

|stadium=Kroger Field, Lexington, KY

|attendance= 12,000

|weather=Clear • Temperature: {{convert|35|F|C}} • Wind: 4 NW mph

|referee= Marc Curles

|TV=SECN

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference={{cite web|title=SOUTH CAROLINA (2-7) -VS- KENTUCKY (3-6)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/university-of-south-carolina-59/}} • [https://www.14powers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/12/201205gamebook_sc_kentucky.pdf Box Score]

|scoring=

;First Quarter

  • (5:41) UK – Matt Ruffolo 22-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:20; Kentucky 3–0)
  • (4:19) UK – Chris Rodriguez Jr. 1-yard run, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 2 plays, 26 yards, 0:28; Kentucky 10–0)
  • (1:45) SC – Parker White 47-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 10 yards, 2:25; Kentucky 10–3)

;Second Quarter

  • (10:30) UK – Asim Rose Jr. 8-yard run, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:01; Kentucky 17–3)
  • (1:14) UK – Chris Rodriguez Jr. 2-yard run, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:26; Kentucky 24–3)
  • (0:00) UK – Matt Ruffolo 41-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 10 yards, 0:42; Kentucky 27–3)

;Third Quarter

  • (7:28) UK – Terry Wilson 1-yard run, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:32; Kentucky 34–3)
  • (5:21) SC – Kevin Harris 15-yard run, Parker White kick (Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 2:03; Kentucky 34–10)

;Fourth Quarter

  • (5:12) SC – Dakereon Joyner 30-yard pass from Luke Doty, Luke Doty pass to Nick Muse for two-point conversion (Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 3:27; Kentucky 34–18)
  • (4:56) UK – Chris Rodriguez Jr. 79-yard run, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 1 play, 79 yards, 0:12; Kentucky 41–18)

}}

class="wikitable" style="float: left;"

! Statistics !! style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|South Carolina Gamecocks|color=white|border=1}}"|SC

!style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats|border=1}}"|UK

First downs2124
Total yards404492
Rushes/yards44/29745/291
Passing yards107201
Passing: Comp–Att–Int12-27-117-26-0
Time of possession25:4934:11

class="wikitable" style="float: right;"

! Team !! Category !! Player !! Statistics

rowspan=3 style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|South Carolina Gamecocks|color=white|border=1}}; text-align:center;"|South CarolinaPassingLuke Doty11–25, 85 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingKevin Harris21 carries, 210 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingDakereon Joyner4 receptions, 43 yards, 1 TD
rowspan=3 style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats|border=1}}; text-align:center;"|KentuckyPassingTerry Wilson17–26, 201 yards
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.14 carries, 139 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingJustin Rigg3 receptions, 72 yards

{{Clear}}

=Vs. NC State (Gator Bowl)=

{{see also|2021 NC State Wolfpack football team|2021 Gator Bowl (January)}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle= {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats}} ;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Kentucky vs. Florida (2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl)

|date=Saturday, January 2, 2021

|time=12:00 p.m. EST

|road=No. 23 NC State

|R1=0|R2=0|R3=7|R4=14

|home=Kentucky

|H1=3|H2=10|H3=0|H4=10

|stadium= TIAA Bank Field • Jacksonville, Florida

|attendance=10,422

|weather=Cloudy • Temperature: {{convert|74|F|C}} • Wind: SSW 13 mph

|referee=Reggie Smith

|TV=ESPN

|TVAnnouncers=Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Tom Luginbill (analyst) and Lericia Harris (sideline)

|reference=[https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=401256109 ESPN game summary]{{cite web|title=NC STATE (8-3) -VS- KENTUCKY (4-6)|url=https://ukathletics.com/boxscore/north-carolina-state-university-6/}}

|scoring=

;First quarter

  • (6:00) UK – Matt Ruffolo 25 yard field goal (Drive: 16 plays, 68 plays, 9:00; Kentucky 3–0)

;Second quarter

  • (6:23) UK – Chris Rodriguez 4 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:39; Kentucky 10–0)
  • (0:02) UK – Matt Ruffolo 26 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 1:21; Kentucky 13–0)

;Third quarter

  • (2:56) NCST – C.J. Riley 9 yard pass from Bailey Hockman, Christopher Dunn kick (Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 6:12; Kentucky 13–7)

;Fourth quarter

  • (5:45) UK – Matt Ruffolo 20 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:09; Kentucky 16–7)
  • (4:46) NCST – Zonovan Knight 13 yard rush, Christopher Dunn kick (Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 0:54; Kentucky 16–14)
  • (2:55) UK – Chris Rodriguez 26 yard rush, Matt Ruffolo kick (Drive: 1 play, 26 yards, 0:07; Kentucky 23–14)
  • (1:10) NCST – Jordan Houston 2 yard rush, Christopher Dunn kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 1:41; Kentucky 23–21)

}}

{{AmFootballGameStatistics

| Float = left

| Visitor = NC State Wolfpack

| VisitorDisplay = NCST

| Home = Kentucky Wildcats

| HomeDisplay = UK

| VisFirsts = 19

| VisPlaysYds = 66–318

| VisRushing = 26–50

| VisPassYds = 268

| VisPassing = 27–40–3

| VisTOP = 25:53

| HomeFirsts = 19

| HomePlaysYds = 68–380

| HomeRushing = 48–281

| HomePassYds = 99

| HomePassing = 12–20–0

| HomeTOP = 34:07

}}

{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers

| Float = right

| Visitor = NC State Wolfpack

| VisitorDisplay = NC State

| Home = Kentucky Wildcats

| HomeDisplay = Kentucky

| VisPasser = Bailey Hockman

| VisPassStats = 27/40, 268 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT

| VisRusher = Zonovan Knight

| VisRushStats = 12 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD

| VisReceiver = Thayer Thomas

| VisReceivingStats = 3 receptions, 46 yards

| HomePasser = Terry Wilson

| HomePassStats = 12/20, 99 yards

| HomeRusher = Asim Rose Jr.

| HomeRushStats = 12 carries, 148 yards

| HomeReceiver = Keaton Upshaw

| HomeReceivingStats = 2 receptions, 25 yards

}}

{{clear}}

Players drafted into the NFL

{{see also|2021 NFL draft}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Kentucky Wildcats|Round |Pick |Player |Position |NFL Club}}

119Jamin DavisLBWashington Football Team
244Kelvin JosephCBDallas Cowboys
6192Quinton BohannaDTDallas Cowboys
6200Brandin EcholsCBNew York Jets
6206Landon YoungOTNew Orleans Saints
7232Phil HoskinsDTCarolina Panthers

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Kentucky Wildcats football navbox}}

Kentucky

Category:Kentucky Wildcats football seasons

Category:Gator Bowl champion seasons

Kentucky Wildcats football