Kentucky beat South Alabama 45-21 in Lexington, leading 24-21 at halftime before shutting out the Jaguars after the break. CJ Baxter rushed for 149 yards, Jason Patterson for 137, and Jovantae Barnes exceeded 100 on eight carries.
Kentucky's first half included a muffed punt that allowed South Alabama to tie the game, and the Jaguars later took a 21-14 lead. Kentucky entered the matchup ranked 112th nationally in third-down defense and 129th in third-down offense; South Alabama converted two of five fourth downs, while Kentucky converted one of three.
Jason Patterson rushed for three touchdowns, including a 75-yard score; Baxter and Barnes each added one. Barnes rolled an ankle late, and the writer said it might be minor but provided no confirmed assessment.
