LEXINGTON, Ky. — UK had a good first quarter and bad second quarter to take a 17-3 lead over Eastern Michigan at the half.
Kentucky would get on the board first thanks to some big plays from Lynn Bowden. He would return a punt 20 yards down into Eastern Michigan territory. Then, he took a reverse for 13 yards to get UK down to the 8 yard line. A.J. Rose did the rest has he took the handoff up the middle to the end zone. UK up 7-0.
UK had a longer drive for its second score of the game. Starting at their own 10, Wilson would hit Allen Daily for a 14 yard gain. Bowden would run the Wildcat and hand off to Kavosiey Smoke for a 13 yard gain. Then, Bowden went to the air to hit Wilson for a 32 yard gain. Smoke would finish off the drive taking a hand off, bouncing it outside and turning on the speed for 32 yards and a touchdown. 14-0 UK.
UK was putting together another long drive and nearing a score. A.J. Rose would take a hand off but as he was nearing the goal line a hit forced a fumble and Eastern Michigan recovered.
The Wildcats defense quickly made up for the mistake as Jordan Griffin picked off a pass and returned it 15 yards to the Eastern Michigan 11. Kentucky would have to settle for a Chance Poore 40 yard field goal to take a 17-0 lead with 7:43 to play in the first half.
The UK defense went back to work. A tipped pass was intercepted by Kash Daniel and returned 18 yards to the EMU 30. Smoke would run a touchdown in but a holding call brought it back. The Cats had to settle for a 49 yard field goal attempt from Chance Poore but it was wide right.
Eastern Michigan finally got into UK territory late in the quarter and made it count. A Chad Ryland 24 yard field goal would be the last of the scoring.
Terry Wilson was just 9-of-21 for 61 yards. Kavosiey Smoke led the way on the ground with 3 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown.
