Kentucky vs. Mississippi State–UK Athletics

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1st Quarter

Mississippi State took the opening kickoff and quickly crossed midfield. But the Cats defense would force a punt, and UK would take over at its own 20.

Kentucky took the ball and was able to advance into Mississippi State territory. However, when Levis connected with Rahsaan Lewis, it appeared to be enough for the first down. Instead, Lewis was stripped and MSU recovered at its own 36 with 7:45 left in the first.

MSU was forced to punt on its next possession and the Cats appeared to have the games first big play. Barion Brown took the punt and raced down the right sideline for an apparent touchdown. But the Cats were flagged for a block in the back, negating Browns big effort.

Kentucky appeared to be stopped on its next possession before Levis hit Dane Key down the left sideline on a 31-yard completion, taking UK near midfield. Later in the possession, the Cats would convert a fourth-and-one on a Levis quarterback sneak. But a couple of penalties set Kentucky back and the Cats were set to punt as the scoreless first quarter expired.

2nd Quarter

MSU would break the scoring drought on its next drive. The Bulldogs would cover 57 yards in 13 plays and would get a 48-yard field goal from Massimo Biscardi to take a 3-0 lead with 8:24 to play in the first half.

Kentucky would sustain a drive on its next possession, riding on the back of Rodriguez, who carried for 27 yards on the drive. UK would face a fourth-and-eight from the 33 and would attempt a 51-yard field goal by Matt Ruffolo. The kick had the distance goal sailed wide left and the score remained 3-0.

MSU took over with 1:52 to play in the half and the Bulldogs were looking for points in their two-minute offense. The Bulldogs would advance to the Kentucky side of the field but the Cats defense again stood tall and, on fourth-and-eight from the UK 35, Will Rogers pass was too tall for his receiver and UK took over with 47 seconds to play in the half.

Kentucky would take advantage of the final possession. The Cats, with the help of a couple of MSU penalties, got into the Bulldogs red zone but would not be able to get into the end zone. Ruffolo would be called upon again, and would convert from 28 yards out, tying the game 3-3 with four seconds left in the half. That would be the halftime score.

Tied up at halftime. pic.twitter.com/HTkRDyr6DD

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 16, 2022

3rd Quarter

The Cats would get the opening possession of the second half and the Cats advanced into MSU territory quickly, but at a cost. Levis hits Brown on a 33-yard completion. However, Levis injured his left shoulder on the play and was forced out of the game. Backup quarterback Kaiya Sheron entered as the Cats got into the MSU red zone. But the drive stalled and Ruffolo was called on for a field goal, this one from 36 yards out, which Ruffolo converted, giving the Cats a 6-3 lead with 11:34 left in the third quarter.

MSU would answer with a drive that produced the games first touchdown. The Bulldogs would cover 75 yards in eight plays and would end when, on fourth-and-one from the one, Rogers connected with tight end Austin Williams in the front corner of the end zone for the score. Biscardi added the PAT and Mississippi State led 10-6 with 8:28 left in the third quarter.

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