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Wildcats Claim Season Opener Over WKU
Winston Guy tallies two interceptions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -
Josh Clemons scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, and Morgan Newton shook
off three interceptions in throwing a 31-yard TD pass to La'Rod King in
helping the Wildcats beat Western Kentucky 14-3 on Thursday night.
Kentucky
had only 75 yards total offense through the first three quarters before
Newton drove them 80 yards late in the fourth to put away the victory.
The Southeastern Conference team handed Western Kentucky its 16th
straight home. The Hilltoppers were the home team in this game played
at the home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Winston Guy had an
interception that set up Clemons' TD run on a night when the Wildcats
struggled with at least six three-and-outs on offense. They struggled
to beat a team they routed 63-28 last season with backups getting
plenty of playing time.
Kentucky had six starters back,
including four on the offensive line, from a team that reached a fifth
straight bowl last season. It didn't help as the Wildcats' line got
pushed around all night. Kentucky struggled to get its offense going
early with Newton settling in at quarterback with the departure of Mike
Hartline.
But the Wildcats led 7-3 at halftime despite being outgained 101-35 in total offense and 234-190 for the game.
The Hilltoppers also sacked Newton three times, and the Kentucky quarterback had at least three passes dropped by receivers.
Newton
got going just in time, shaking off two interceptions in the fourth
quarter, the last with 9:40 left and Kentucky driving. Newton's pass
bounced off an official's left arm and Wildcats guard Stuart Hines
before going to Western Kentucky defensive end Jared Clendenin.
Facing
third-and-14 at the Kentucky 16, Newton ran up the middle for 58 yards
in the game's longest play before being dragged down. He then found
King wide open for a TD with 4:35 left.
The offenses struggled
so much that the punters had the best plays most of the game. Ryan
Tydlacka had a 59-yard punt for Kentucky that pinned the Hilltoppers
deep, while Hendrix Brakefield had a 58-yarder for Western Kentucky.
Western
Kentucky held the ball for 34 minutes, and Bobby Rainey ran for 107
yards, his sixth straight game with at least 100 yards rushing.
But
the Hilltoppers scored their only points on a 41-yard field goal by
Casey Tinius after Vince Williams picked off Newton in the first
quarter. The Hilltoppers had a chance to pad the lead, but Kawaun Jakes
repeatedly overthrew receivers, including Jake Doyle in the end zone.
Then a low snap led Tinius to push a 34-yard attempt wide right. Guy
got his second interception on the final play of the game as Jakes
threw into the end zone.
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