2017 Kentucky Wildcats football team

2017 University of Kentucky football season

2017 Kentucky Wildcats football

Music City Bowl, L 23–24 vs. Northwestern

Conference| Southeastern Conference
Division| Eastern Division
Record| 7–6 (4–4 SEC)
Head coach|

* Mark Stoops (5th season)

Offensive coordinator| Eddie Gran (2nd season)
Co-offensive coordinator| Darin Hinshaw (2nd season)
Offensive scheme| Spread
Defensive coordinator| Matt House (1st season)
Base defense| 3–4 or 4–3
Home stadium| Kroger Field

Seasons

<- 2016

2018 ->

2017 Southeastern Conference football standings

* v
* t
* e

| Conf |  |  | Overall

|
|
|
|

Team |  | W |  | L |  |  |  |  | W |  | L |
East Division
No. 2 Georgia x$^  |  | 7  | - | 1  |  |  |  |  | 13  | - | 2  |
South Carolina |  | 5  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 4  |
Kentucky |  | 4  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 6  |
Missouri |  | 4  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 6  |
Florida |  | 3  | - | 5  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 7  |
Vanderbilt |  | 1  | - | 7  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 7  |
Tennessee |  | 0  | - | 8  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 8  |
West Division
No. 10 Auburn xy  |  | 7  | - | 1  |  |  |  |  | 10  | - | 4  |
No. 1 Alabama x#^  |  | 7  | - | 1  |  |  |  |  | 13  | - | 1  |
No. 18 LSU |  | 6  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 4  |
No. 19 Mississippi State |  | 4  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 4  |
Texas A&M |  | 4  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 6  |
Ole Miss*  |  | 3  | - | 5  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 6  |
Arkansas |  | 1  | - | 7  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 8  |
Championship: Georgia 28, Auburn 7

* # - College Football Playoff champion
* ^ - College Football Playoff participant
* $ - Conference champion
* x - Division champion/co-champions
* y - Championship game participant
* * Ole Miss ineligible for postseason due to NCAA sanctions

Rankings from AP Poll

The 2017 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats played their home games at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky played as a member of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference. They were led by fifth-year head coach Mark Stoops. They finished the season 7–6, 4–4 in SEC play to finish in a tie for third place in the Eastern Division. They were invited to the Music City Bowl where they lost to Northwestern.

## Offseason

[edit]

### Spring Game

[edit]

The spring game took place on April 14, in Lexington.

Date | Time | Spring Game | Site | TV | Result | Attendance

|
|
|
|
|
|

April 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Blue vs. White | Kroger Field • Lexington, KY | SEC Network | 31–14 Blue | 37,172

### Departures

[edit]

Name | Number | Pos. | Height | Weight | Year | Hometown | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Jeff Badet | #13 | WR | 6'0" | 182 | Junior | Orlando, FL | Transferred to Oklahoma
Alvonte Bell | #92 | DE | 6'5" | 260 | Junior | Miramar, FL | Kicked off team
Tanner Fink | #49 | TE | 6'2" | 251 | Senior | Louisville, KY | Graduated
Nico Firios | #40 | LB | 6'2" | 245 | Sophomore | Longwood, FL | Transferred
Jabari Greenwood | #8 | WR | 6'3" | 195 | Sophomore | Washington D.C. | Transferred
J.D. Harmon | #11 | DB | 6'2" | 200 | Senior | Paducah, KY | Graduated
Jojo Kemp | #3 | RB | 5'10" | 200 | Senior | DeLand, FL | Graduated
De'Niro Laster | #44 | LB | 6'4" | 241 | Junior | Cleveland Heights, OH | Transferred
Blake McClain | #24 | DB | 5'11" | 200 | Senior | Winter Park, FL | Graduated
Marcus McWilson | #15 | DB | 6'0" | 210 | Senior | Youngstown, OH | Graduated
Courtney Miggins | #94 | DT | 6'5" | 285 | Senior | Lithonia, GA | Graduated
Zach Myers | #57 | C | 6'3" | 305 | Senior | Miamisburg, OH | Graduated
Ryan Timmons | #1 | WR | 5'10" | 198 | Senior | Frankfort, KY | Graduated
Jon Toth | #72 | C | 6'5" | 310 | Senior | Indianapolis, IN | Graduated
Roland Walder | #33 | LB | 6'3" | 215 | Freshman | Dayton, OH | Transferred
Kobie Walker | #8 | LB | 6'3" | 215 | Sophomore | Baltimore, MD | Transferred
Stanley Williams | #18 | RB | 5'9" | 196 | Junior | Monroe, GA | Entered 2017 NFL draft
Zane Williams | #78 | DT | 6'4" | 290 | Senior | Lexington, KY | Graduated

### 2017 signing class

[edit]

See also: American football positions, Glossary of American football, and Recruiting (college athletics)

Prior to National Signing Day on February 1, 2017, seven players enrolled for the spring semester in order to participate in spring practice and included six former high school seniors and one junior college transfer.[1] On National Signing Day, Kentucky signed an additional seventeen players out of high school and junior college that completed the 2017 recruiting class.[2]

US college sports recruiting information for 2017 recruits

Name  | Hometown  | High school / college  | Height  | Weight  | 40‡ | Commit date
Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald
#54 DE | Lakeland, FL | Lakeland Christian | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)  | 245 lb (111 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Tyrell Ajian
#17 ATH | Mansfield, OH | Madison High School | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  | 185 lb (84 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Josh Ali
#54 WR | Hollywood, FL | Chaminade-Madonna Prep | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 180 lb (82 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Quinton Bohanna
#69 DT | Cordova, TN | Cordova High School | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 320 lb (150 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Lynn Bowden
#4 ATH | Youngstown, OH | Warren G. Harding High School | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  | 185 lb (84 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Danny Clark
#15 QB | Columbus, OH | Archbishop Hoban High School | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 230 lb (100 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Yusuf Corker
#36 DB | McDonough, GA | Woodland High School | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 183 lb (83 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Jamin Davis
#60 LB | Ludowici, GA | Long County High School | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 210 lb (95 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Sebastien Dolcine
#39 OG | Hollywood, FL | Miramar High School | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  | 295 lb (134 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Cedrick Dort
#157 DB | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | William T. Dwyer High School | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)  | 170 lb (77 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Austin Dotson
#142 OT | Belfry, KY | Belfry High School | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)  | 305 lb (138 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Isaiah Epps
#206 WR | Jenks, OK | Jenks High School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 185 lb (84 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Phil Hoskins
#6 DT (JUCO) | Toledo, OH | Highland Community College | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  | 280 lb (130 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Lonnie Johnson Jr.
#5 S (JUCO) | Gary, IN | Garden City Community College | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 215 lb (98 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Alex King
#39 DE | Mason, OH | Mason High School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 225 lb (102 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Bryant Koback
#34 RB | Holland, OH | Springfield High School | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 200 lb (91 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Michael Nesbitt
#83 DB | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Boyd H. Anderson High School | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 185 lb (84 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Josh Paschal
#11 DE | Olney, MD | Our Lady of Good Counsel High School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 270 lb (120 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Javonte Richardson
#48 WR | Maple Heights, OH | Maple Heights High School | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 230 lb (100 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Clevan Thomas
#103 WR | Miami, FL | Charles W. Flanagan High School | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)  | 190 lb (86 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Naasir Watkins
#103 OT | Olney, MD | Our Lady of Good Counsel High School | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)  | 300 lb (140 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Chris Whittaker
#65 DE | Hollywood, FL | Chaminade-Madonna Prep | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 260 lb (120 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Walker Wood
#20 QB | Lexington, KY | Lafayette High School | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  | 190 lb (86 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Jordan Wright
#28 DE | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Dillard High School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 330 lb (150 kg)  |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:

*   * Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
* In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

* "2017 Kentucky Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
*   *   *   * "2017 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
* "2017 Kentucky Wildcats football team". 247sports.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.

## Personnel

[edit]

### Coaching staff

[edit]

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops enters his fifth season as the Wildcat's head coach for the 2017 season. During his previous four seasons he led the Wildcats to an overall record of 19 wins and 30 losses.

On January 18, 2017, Defensive Coordinator D.J. Eliot announced he would not return to the program for the 2017 season as the defensive coordinator to instead continue his career at Colorado.[3][4] In his place Kentucky promoted special teams coordinator Matt House as Defensive Coordinator at Kentucky.[5]

Name  | Position  | Consecutive season at
Kentucky in current position

|
|

Mark Stoops | Head coach | 5th
Eddie Gran | Offensive coordinator, Running backs | 2nd
Matt House | Defensive coordinator, Inside linebackers | 1st
Steve Clinkscale | Defensive backs | 2nd
Derrick LeBlanc | Defensive line | 1st
Lamar Thomas | Wide receivers | 2nd
Vince Marrow | Tight ends, Recruiting coordinator | 5th
John Schlarman | Offensive line | 5th
Darin Hinshaw | Quarterbacks | 2nd
Dean Hood | Special teams | 1st
Corey Edmond | Strength and conditioning | 1st
Reference:

### Roster

[edit]

2017 Kentucky Wildcats football team roster

Players  | Coaches
Offense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

WR | `1` | Lynn Bowden | Fr
WR | `2` | Dorian Baker |  Sr
RB | `3` | Jojo Kemp | Sr
WR | `6` | Blake Bone | Sr
QB | `7` | Drew Barker | Jr
WR | `9` | Garrett Johnson | Sr
RB | `10` | A. J. Rose | RFr
WR | `11` | Tavin Richardson | So
QB | `12` | Gunnar Hoak | RFr
QB | `13` | Danny Clark | Fr
QB | `14` | Luke Wright | Jr
QB | `15` | Stephen Johnson | Sr
QB | `17` | Walker Wood |  Fr
WR | `18` | Clevan Thomas | Fr
WR | `19` | Kayaune Ross | Jr
WR | `20` | Ryan Kendall | Jr
RB | `22` | Sihiem King | Jr
WR | `23` | Brayden Berezowitz | RFr
RB | `24` | Bryant Koback |  Fr
RB | `25` | Harold Turks | RFr
RB | `26` | Benny Snell | So
WR | `27` | Bryan Berezowitz | RFr
RB | `28` | Zach Johnson | RFr
WR | `31` | David Bouvier | Jr
RB | `32` | William Mahone | Sr
WR | `42` | Kynan Smith | Fr
FB | `48` | Will Collins | Sr
TE | `49` | Tanner Fink | Sr
C | `52` | Drake Jackson | RFr
G | `55` | David Baumer | Jr
G | `61` | Austin Dotson |  Fr
G | `62` | Dylan Greenburg | Sr
G | `64` | George Asafo-Adjei | Jr
G | `65` | Jervontius Stallings | Jr
OT | `66` | Naasir Watkins | Fr
OT | `67` | Landon Young | So
G | `68` | Nick Haynes | Sr
G | `71` | Logan Stenberg | So
G | `72` | E.J. Price |  So
OT | `73` | Kyle Meadows | Sr
G | `74` | Cole Mosier | Sr
OT | `75` | Tate Leavitt | Jr
OT | `76` | Sebastien Dolcine | Fr
OT | `77` | Mason Wolfe | RFr
OT | `79` | Luke Fortner | RFr
WR | `80` | JaVonte Richardson |  Fr
WR | `81` | Isaiah Epps | Fr
WR | `82` | Josh Ali | Fr
TE | `83` | Justin Rigg | So
WR | `84` | Charles Moushey | Sr
TE | `85` | Greg Hart | Sr
TE | `86` | Darryl Long | So
TE | `87` | C. J. Conrad | Jr
WR | `88` | Charles Walker | Sr
Defense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

CB | `3` | Jordan Griffin | So
DE | `4` | Josh Paschal | Fr
CB | `5` | Kendall Randolph | Sr
S | `7` | Mike Edwards | Jr
CB | `8` | Derrick Baity | Jr
CB | `9` | Davonte Robinson | RFr
CB | `13` | Zy'Aire Hughes | RFr
LB | `15` | Jordan Wright |  Fr
S | `16` | Marcus Walker | So
CB | `17` | Tobias Gilliam | RFr
DE | `20` | Kengera Daniel | Jr
CB | `21` | Chris Westry | Jr
DB | `23` | Tyrell Ajian |  Fr
S | `25` | Darius West | Jr
DB | `26` | Jack Jackson | RFr
DB | `26` | Michael Nesbitt |  Fr
DB | `27` | Cedrick Dort |  Fr
CB | `29` | Yusuf Corker |  Fr
CB | `30` | Isaiah Brown | Fr
LB | `31` | Jamar Watkins | RFr
LB | `32` | Eli Brown | So
LB | `34` | Jordan Jones | Jr
DE | `35` | Denzil Ware | Jr
DT | `36` | Jacob Hyde | Sr
LB | `37` | Spencer Foy | Jr
LB | `38` | William Nalty | Fr
LB | `39` | Elijah Barnett | So
LB | `41` | Josh Allen | Jr
LB | `43` | Logan Blue | Jr
LB | `44` | Jamin Davis | Fr
LB | `45` | Jaylin Bannerman | RFr
LB | `46` | Drew Schlegel | RFr
LB | `47` | Jordan Bonner | Jr
LB | `48` | Brett Slusher | So
LB | `51` | Courtney Love | Sr
LB | `56` | Kash Daniel | So
LB | `58` | Alex King |  Fr
DT | `59` | Kordell Looney | RFr
DE | `60` | Calvin Taylor | So
DT | `69` | Matt Elam | Sr
DT | `77` | Naquez Pringle | Sr
DE | `90` | T. J. Carter | So
DE | `91` | Kevin Kirby | Fr
DT | `92` | Phil Hoskins |  Fr
DT | `93` | Ja'Quize Cross | RFr
DT | `95` | Quinton Bohanna | Fr
DE | `96` | Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald |  Fr
DE | `97` | Chris Whittaker |  Fr
DE | `98` | Tymere Dubose | Jr
DT | `99` | Adrian Middleton | Jr
Special teams | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

LS | `42` | Tristan Yeomans | Jr
LS | `53` | Blake Best | So
P | `86` | Grant McKinniss | So
P | `91` | Tyler Pack | RFr
P | `93` | Matt Panton | Sr
PK | `95` | Miles Butler | Jr
PK | `99` | Austin MacGinnis | Sr

Head coach

* Mark Stoops[6]

Coordinators/assistant coaches

* Eddie Gran
Offensive coordinator/running backs

* Darin Hinshaw
Quarterbacks coach

* Lamar Thomas
Wide receivers

* Vince Marrow
Tight ends

* John Schlarman
Offensive line

* Matt House
Defensive coordinator/linebackers

* Derrick LeBlanc
Defensive line

* Steve Clinkscale
Defensive backs

* * *

Legend

* (C) Team captain
* (S) Suspended
* (I) Ineligible

* Injured
* Redshirt

* * *

Roster
Last update: August 1, 2017

## Schedule and results

[edit]

The Wildcats' 2017 schedule consisted of seven home games and five away games. Kentucky hosted three of its four non-conference games—against Eastern Kentucky from the Ohio Valley Conference, Eastern Michigan from the Mid-American Conference, and Louisville from the ACC. They traveled to Southern Miss for their only road non-conference game. The Wildcats played eight conference games, hosting Florida, Missouri, Tennessee, and Ole Miss and traveling to South Carolina, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Georgia.

Date| Time| Opponent| Site| TV| Result| Attendance

|
|
|
|
|
|

September 2| 4:00 p.m.| at Southern Miss*|

* M. M. Roberts Stadium
* Hattiesburg, MS

| CBSSN| W 24–17| 22,761
September 9| 12:00 p.m.| Eastern Kentucky*|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY

| SECN| W 27–16| 54,868
September 16| 7:30 p.m.| at South Carolina|

* Williams-Brice Stadium
* Columbia, SC

| SECN| W 23–13| 82,493
September 23| 7:30 p.m.| No. 20 Florida|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY (rivalry)

| SECN| L 27–28| 62,945
September 30| 4:00 p.m.| Eastern Michigan*|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY

| SECN| W 24–20| 50,593
October 7| 7:30 p.m.| Missouri|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY

| SECN| W 40–34| 57,476
October 21| 3:00 p.m.| at Mississippi State|

* Davis Wade Stadium
* Starkville, MS

| SECN| L 7–45| 58,963
October 28| 7:30 p.m.| Tennessee|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY (rivalry)

| SECN| W 29–26| 57,543
November 4| 4:00 p.m.| Ole Miss|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY

| SECN| L 34–37| 55,665
November 11| 4:00 p.m.| at Vanderbilt|

* Vanderbilt Stadium
* Nashville, TN (rivalry)

| SECN| W 44–21| 27,346
November 18| 3:30 p.m.| at No. 7 Georgia|

* Sanford Stadium
* Athens, GA (SEC Nation)

| CBS| L 13–42| 92,746
November 25| 12:00 p.m.| Louisville*|

* Kroger Field
* Lexington, KY (rivalry)

| SECN| L 17–44| 56,186
December 29| 4:00 p.m.| vs. No. 23 Northwestern*|

* Nissan Stadium
* Nashville, TN (Music City Bowl)

| ESPN| L 23–24| 48,675

* *Non-conference game
* Homecoming
* Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game
* All times are in Central time

Schedule Source:[7]

## Game summaries

[edit]

### At Southern Miss

[edit]

See also: 2017 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team

Kentucky vs. Southern Miss

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Wildcats | 0 | 14 | 10| 0| 24
Golden Eagles | 0 | 3 | 7| 7| 17

at M. M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

* Date: September 2, 2017
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 86 • Wind: N 4 mph • Weather: Mostly Sunny; 48%hum
* Game attendance: 22,761
* Referee: Hubert Owens
* TV: CBSSN
* [8]

Game information

Second quarter

* 14:54 Kentucky – Stephen Johnson 8 yard run (Austin MacGinnis kick), Kentucky 7–0.
Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 1:16
* 8:21 Southern Miss – Parker Shaunfield 22 yard field goal, Kentucky 7–3.
Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 6:29
* 7:01 Kentucky – C.J. Conrad 23 yard pass from Stephen Johnson (Austin MacGinnis kick), Kentucky 14–3.
Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 1:09

Third quarter

* 10:40 Southern Miss – Korey Robertson 42 yard pass from Kwadra Griggs (Parker Shaunfield kick), Kentucky 14–10.
Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:12
* 2:03 Kentucky – Austin MacGinnis 41 yard field goal, Kentucky 17–10.
Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 3:27
* 0:49 Kentucky – Denzil Ware 20 yard fumble return (Austin MacGinnis kick), Kentucky 24–10.
Drive: 3 plays, -5 yards, 1:14

Fourth quarter

* 12:42 Southern Miss – Korey Robertson 26 yard pass from Kwadra Griggs (Parker Shaunfield kick), Kentucky 24–17.
Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:07

Leading Passers

* USM – Kwadra Griggs, 15–26, 222 yards, 2 TD
* UK – Stephen Johnson, 11–20, 176 yards, 1 TD

Leading Rushers

* USM – Ito Smith, 16 carries, 37 yards
* UK – Benny Snell Jr., 20 carries, 67 yards

Leading Receivers

* USM – Korey Robertson, 7 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TD
* UK – C. J. Conrad, 3 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD

Leading Tacklers

* USM – Tarvarius Moore, 8 tackles
* UK – Courtney Love, 9 tackles

|

### Eastern Kentucky

[edit]

See also: 2017 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team

Eastern Kentucky vs. Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Colonels | 7 | 6 | 3| 0| 16
Wildcats | 3 | 7 | 7| 10| 27

at Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: September 9, 2017
* Game time: Noon EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 70 • Wind: 9 MPH E • Weather: Mostly sunny
* Game attendance: 54,868
* Referee: John McDaid
* TV: SEC Network
* [9]

### At South Carolina

[edit]

See also: 2017 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

Kentucky vs. South Carolina

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Wildcats | 7 | 7 | 3| 6| 23
Gamecocks | 6 | 0 | 0| 7| 13

at Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina

* Date: September 16, 2017
* Game time: 7:30pm EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 85 • Wind: NNE 4mph • Weather: Partly Cloudy
* Game attendance: 82,483
* Referee: Marc Curles
* TV: SEC Network
* [10]

### #20 Florida

[edit]

See also: 2017 Florida Gators football team

#20 Florida vs. Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

#20 Gators | 0 | 14 | 0| 14| 28
Wildcats | 7 | 7 | 10| 3| 27

at Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: September 23, 2017
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 80 °F (27 °C) • Wind: NE at 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h) • Weather: Clear
* Game attendance: 62,945
* Referee: James Carter
* TV announcers (SEC Network): Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers and Cole Cubelic
* [11]

Game information

First Quarter

* Kentucky – Blake Bone 14-yard pass from Stephen Johnson (Austin MacGinnis kick), 5:06

Second Quarter

* Florida – Kadarius Toney 36-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 14:16
* Kentucky – Garrett Johnson 9-yard pass from Stephen Johnson (Austin MacGinnis kick), 7:24
* Florida – Tyrie Cleveland 45-yard pass from Feleipe Franks (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 3:16

Third Quarter

* Kentucky – C. J. Conrad 23-yard pass from Stephen Johnson (Austin MacGinnis kick), 12:11
* Kentucky – Austin MacGinnis 42-yard field goal, 5:54

Fourth Quarter

* Kentucky – Austin MacGinnis 50-yard field goal, 11:33
* Florida – Brandon Powell 6-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 7:58
* Florida – Freddie Swain 5-yard pass from Luke Del Rio (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 0:43

Passing leaders

* FLA – Feleipe Franks – 7/12, 85 yards, 1 touchdown
* KEN – Stephen Johnson – 17/25, 196 yards, 3 touchdowns

Rushing leaders

* FLA – Malik Davis – 21 carries, 93 yards
* KEN – Sihiem King – 5 carries, 63 yards

Receiving leaders

* FLA – Tyrie Cleveland – 4 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
* KEN – Garrett Johnson – 4 receptions, 56 yards, 1 touchdown

Tackling leaders

* FLA – David Reese – 8 tackles
* KEN – Mike Edwards – 11 tackles

|

### Eastern Michigan

[edit]

See also: 2017 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team

Eastern Michigan vs. Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Eagles | 7 | 7 | 0| 6| 20
Wildcats | 7 | 7 | 3| 7| 24

at Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: September 30, 2017
* Game time: 4:00pm EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 71 • Wind: 12 ENE • Weather: Sunny, breezy
* Game attendance: 50,593
* Referee: Steve Marlowe
* TV: SEC Network
* [12]

### Missouri

[edit]

See also: 2017 Missouri Tigers football team

Missouri vs. Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Tigers | 0 | 14 | 13| 7| 34
Wildcats | 10 | 10 | 7| 13| 40

at Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: October 7, 2017
* Game time: 7:30pm EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 75 • Wind: S10 • Weather: Cloudy
* Game attendance: 57,476
* Referee: Ken Williamson
* TV: SEC Network
* [13]

### At Mississippi State

[edit]

See also: 2017 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

Kentucky vs. Mississippi State

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Wildcats | 0 | 7 | 0| 0| 7
Bulldogs | 7 | 10 | 7| 21| 45

at Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi

* Date: October 21, 2017
* Game time: 4:00p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature:83 • Wind:SE @ 12 • Weather:partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 58,963
* Referee: John McDaid
* TV: SECN
* [14]

### Tennessee

[edit]

See also: 2017 Tennessee Volunteers football team and Kentucky–Tennessee football rivalry

Tennessee vs. Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Volunteers | 6 | 14 | 3| 3| 26
Wildcats | 7 | 14 | 0| 8| 29

at Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: October 28, 2017
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature:38 • Wind:5mph NW • Weather:Cloudy
* Game attendance: 57,543
* Referee: David Smith
* TV: SECN
* [15]

### Ole Miss

[edit]

See also: 2017 Ole Miss Rebels football team

Ole Miss vs. Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Rebels | 7 | 10 | 10| 10| 37
Wildcats | 3 | 17 | 7| 7| 34

at Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: November 4, 2017
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 65 • Wind: 6mph S • Weather: Cloudy
* Game attendance: 55,665
* Referee: Marc Curles
* TV: SECN
* [16]

### At Vanderbilt

[edit]

See also: 2017 Vanderbilt Commodores football team and Kentucky–Vanderbilt football rivalry

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Wildcats | 7 | 13 | 21| 3| 44
Commodores | 7 | 0 | 14| 0| 21

at Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

* Date: November 11, 2017
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 61 • Wind: S6 • Weather: Partly Cloudy
* Game attendance: 27,346
* Referee: David Smith
* TV: SECN
* [17]

### At #7 Georgia

[edit]

See also: 2017 Georgia Bulldogs football team

Kentucky vs. #7 Georgia

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Wildcats | 6 | 0 | 7| 0| 13
#7 Bulldogs | 7 | 14 | 7| 14| 42

at Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia

* Date: November 18, 2017
* Game time: 3:45 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Temperature: 68 • Wind: 9 SW • Weather: Overcast
* Game attendance: 92,746
* Referee: Hubert Owens
* TV: CBS
* [18]

Game information

First quarter

* UK – Austin MacGinnis 37 yd field goal, 9:40. UK 3–0.
* UGA – Nick Chubb 8 yd run (Rodrigo Blankenship kick), 3:19. UGA 7–3.
* UK – Austin MacGinnis 35 field goal, 0:11. UGA 7–6.

Second quarter

* UGA – Javon Wims 27 yd pass from Jake Fromm (R. Blankenship kick), 4:56. UGA 14–6.
* UGA – Sony Michel 37 yd run (R. Blankenship kick), 1:51. UGA 21–6.

Third quarter

* UK – Benny Snell 1 yd run (A. MacGinnis kick), 11:29. UGA 21–13.
* UGA – Sony Michel 8 yd run (R. Blankenship kick), 8:16. UGA 28–13.

Fourth quarter

* UGA – Nick Cubb 55 yd run (R. Blankenship kick), 14:17. UGA 35–13.
* UGA – Sony Michel 4 yd run (R. Blankenship kick), 10:59. UGA 42–13.

Passing leaders

* UGA – Jake Fromm – 9/14, 123 yards, TD, INT
* UK – Stephen Johnson – 12/22, 138 yards

Rushing leaders

* UGA – Nick Chubb – 15 carries, 151 yards, 2 TD
* UK – Benny Snell – 22 carries, 94 yards, TD

Receiving leaders

* UGA – Javon Wims – 6 receptions, 83 yards, TD
* UK – Blake Bone – 1 reception, 45 yards

|

### Louisville

[edit]

See also: 2017 Louisville Cardinals football team and Governor's Cup (Kentucky)

Louisville at Kentucky

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Cardinals | 17 | 14 | 3| 10| 44
Wildcats | 7 | 3 | 0| 7| 17

at Kroger Field • Lexington, Kentucky

* Date: November 25, 2017
* Game time: Noon EST
* Game weather: Sunny
* Game attendance: 56,816
* http://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400933935

### #23 Northwestern–Music City Bowl

[edit]

See also: 2017 Northwestern Wildcats football team and 2017 Music City Bowl

Music City Bowl

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

UK Wildcats | 7 | 0 | 7| 9| 23
#23 NU Wildcats | 3 | 14 | 0| 7| 24

at Nissan Stadium • Nashville, Tennessee

* Date: December 29, 2017
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game attendance: 48,675
* Referee: Chris Coyte
* TV announcers (ESPN): Taylor Zarzour, Andre Ware and Olivia Harlan

Game information

First quarter

* 12:42 Kentucky – Benny Snell 3-yard run (Austin MacGinnis kick), Kentucky 7–0.
Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 2:18
* 3:14 Northwestern – Charlie Kuhbander 33-yard field goal, Kentucky 7–3.
Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:00

Second quarter

* 14:07 Northwestern – Justin Jackson 5-yard run (Charlie Kuhbander kick), Northwestern 10–7.
Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:09
* 5:12 Northwestern – Justin Jackson 2-yard run (Charlie Kuhbander kick), Northwestern 17–7.
Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:05

Third quarter

* 7:11 Kentucky – Stephen Johnson 3-yard run (Austin MacGinnis kick), Northwestern 17–14.
Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 2:30

Fourth quarter

* 7:49 Northwestern – Kyle Queiro 26-yard interception return (Charlie Kuhbander kick), Northwestern 24–14.
Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:35
* 4:24 Kentucky – Austin MacGinnis 48-yard field goal, Northwestern 24–17.
Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 3:25
* 0:37 Kentucky – Stephen Johnson 9-yard run (2-point pass by Stephen Johnson failed), Northwestern 24–23.
Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:54

Top passers

* UK – Stephen Johnson – 19/36, 257 yards, 2 INT
* NU – Matt Alviti – 4/11, 50 yards

Top rushers

* UK – Sihieim King – 7 carries, 30 yards
* NU – Justin Jackson – 32 carries, 157 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

* UK – Tavin Richardson – 5 receptions, 89 yards
* NU – Charlie Fessler – 1 reception, 28 yards

|

## Awards and milestones

[edit]

### SEC honors

[edit]

#### All-SEC First Team

[edit]

* Benny Snell, RB (AP)[19]

#### All-SEC Second Team

[edit]

* Josh Allen, LB (AP)[19]
* Benny Snell, RB (coaches)[19]

#### Freshman All-SEC

[edit]

* Lynn Bowden, RS[20]

### School records

[edit]

* Most touchdowns scored in a season: 18, Benny Snell (ongoing)
* Most rushing touchdowns in a season: 18, Benny Snell (ongoing)[19]
* Most career rushing touchdowns: 31, Benny Snell (ongoing)[19]
* Most points scored in a season: 110, Benny Snell (ongoing)[19]
* Most career points scored: 354, Austin MacGinnis (ongoing)
* Most field goals in a season: 21, Austin MacGinnis (ongoing; ties own record from 2016)
* Most career field goals: 71, Austin MacGinnis (ongoing)

### National awards and honors

[edit]

* Wuerffel Trophy — Courtney Love[21]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Roberts, Ben (January 13, 2016). "UK announces seven football recruits have enrolled early for spring semester". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
2. ^ Roberts, Ben (February 1, 2017). "Meet UK's football signees for the recruiting class of 2017". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on April 21, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
3. ^ Hale, Jon (January 18, 2017). "Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot leaving UK". The Courier-Journal. Louisville. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
4. ^ Crawford, Eric (January 19, 2017). "Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot leaving Kentucky for Colorado, according to reports". WDRB. Archived from the original on January 29, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
5. ^ Hale, Jon (January 30, 2017). "UK promoting House to defensive coordinator". The Courier-Journal. Louisville. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
6. ^ "Football – 2015 Coaches". University of Kentucky Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on January 3, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
7. ^ "2017 Kentucky Wildcats Football Schedule". FB Schedules. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
8. ^ "KENTUCKY (1-0) -VS- SOUTHERN MISS (0-1)". Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
9. ^ "EASTERN KENTUCKY (0-2) -VS- KENTUCKY (2-0)". Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
10. ^ "KENTUCKY (3-0, 1-0) -VS- SOUTH CAROLINA (2-1, 1-1)". Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
11. ^ "FLORIDA (2-1, 2-0) -VS- KENTUCKY (3-1, 1-1)". Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
12. ^ "EASTERN MICHIGAN (2-2, 0-1) -VS- KENTUCKY (4-1, 1-1)". Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
13. ^ "MISSOURI (1-4, 0-3) -VS- KENTUCKY (5-1, 2-1)". Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
14. ^ "KENTUCKY (5-2, 2-2) -VS- MISSISSIPPI STATE (5-2, 2-2)". University of Kentucky. Archived from the original on March 23, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2017.
15. ^ "TENNESSEE (3-5, 0-5) -VS- KENTUCKY (6-2, 3-2)". Archived from the original on March 23, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2017.
16. ^ "OLE MISS (4-5, 2-4) -VS- KENTUCKY (6-3, 3-3)". Archived from the original on November 14, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
17. ^ "KENTUCKY (7-3, 4-3) -VS- VANDERBILT (4-6, 0-6)". Archived from the original on November 14, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
18. ^ "KENTUCKY (7-4, 4-4) -VS- GEORGIA (10-1, 7-1)". Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
19. ^ a b c d e f "Kentucky's Josh Allen and Benny Snell Jr. Earn All-SEC Honors" (Press release). Kentucky Wildcats. December 5, 2017. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
20. ^ "Bowden Jr. Named to Freshman All-SEC Team" (Press release). Kentucky Wildcats. December 7, 2017. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
21. ^ "2017 College Football Awards: Baker Mayfield takes Davey O'Brien, Maxwell Awards". ESPN.com. December 8, 2017. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.

* v
* t
* e

Kentucky Wildcats football

Venues|

* Stoll Field/McLean Stadium (1916–1972)
* Kroger Field (1973–present)
* E.J. Nutter Training Facility (practice)

Bowls & rivalries|

* Bowl games
* Centre
* Florida
* Indiana
* Louisville: Governor's Cup
* Tennessee
* Transylvania: Battle On Broadway
* Vanderbilt

Culture & lore|

* The Wildcat
* Scratch
* Blue
* "On, On, U of K"
* "Kentucky Fight"
* Marching band
* Bluegrass Miracle
* 2003 Arkansas game
* Big Blue Nation

People|

* Head coaches
* Statistical leaders
* NFL draftees
* Starting quarterbacks

Seasons|

* 1881
* 1882–1890
* 1891
* 1892
* 1893
* 1894
* 1895
* 1896
* 1897
* 1898
* 1899
* 1900
* 1901
* 1902
* 1903
* 1904
* 1905
* 1906
* 1907
* 1908
* 1909
* 1910
* 1911
* 1912
* 1913
* 1914
* 1915
* 1916
* 1917
* 1918
* 1919
* 1920
* 1921
* 1922
* 1923
* 1924
* 1925
* 1926
* 1927
* 1928
* 1929
* 1930
* 1931
* 1932
* 1933
* 1934
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1938
* 1939
* 1940
* 1941
* 1942
* 1943
* 1944
* 1945
* 1946
* 1947
* 1948
* 1949
* 1950
* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959
* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

National championship seasons in bold
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Conf]: Conference record
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses
*[No.]: Number