Three takeaways from Kentucky football’s opening night win against Southern Miss

Three takeaways from Kentucky football’s 31-0 win against Southern Miss at Kroger Field on Saturday night:

1. This wasn’t the light show that UK officials had in mind

Much was made of the new LED lights that were installed at Kroger Field for the 2024 season. Ah, but that light show was overshadowed by Mother Nature’s light show.

The start of the game was delayed by two hours and 20 minutes because of weather, i.e. lightning strikes in the area. Kickoff was moved from 7:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m. Then with 9:56 left in the third quarter — 11:52 p.m. — play was stopped again when officials announced that lightning had been detected in the area.

To its credit, most of the BBN stuck around for the late start. And the brave of heart were rewarded with a first half that saw the home team compile a 24-0 lead over the first two quarters. UK had extended its lead to 31-0 when play was halted in the third quarter.

“Very strange situation there,” UK coach Mark Stoops said afterward. “Been here 12 years never been through delays like that. Proud of our team. Felt like that this could happen today. Proud of the team, coming out and playing relatively clean.”

And as for the fans, “I can’t even begin to thank the fans. That was truly amazing.”

2. Brock Vandagriff showed his toughness

One thing was immediately apparent about new Kentucky starting quarterback Brock Vandagriff. The Athens, Georgia, native and University of Georgia transfer is a tough dude. Unlike his predecessor, North Carolina State transfer Devin Leary, Vandagriff was a prominent piece of new coordinator Bush Hamdan’s run game, especially early. And the 6-foot-3, 217-pound QB often bounced off Southern Miss tacklers.

Vandagriff showed strong in the pocket, as well, standing in to deliver the ball despite being hit. And Vandagriff showed some mobility in the pocket, as well, evading rushers or rolling away from defenders.

“Thought Brock did a super job just managing the game,” Stoops said. “Thought he did an excellent job of making good decisions.”

How as Vandagriff throwing the ball? He was 12-of-18 for 169 yards and three touchdowns with one interception when play was halted. He found Barion Brown open in the right corner of the end zone for UK’s first score, a 12-yard TD pass. His second TD pass to Brown was a pop pass. It also covered 12 yards. His third scoring pass was a 5-yarder to tight end Jordan Dingle.

3. UK’s defense came up with turnovers

Southern Miss’ first two possessions ended in interceptions. New UK linebacker Jamon “Pop” Dumas-Johnson came up with the first pick on the visitors’ second play from scrimmage. Cornerback JQ Hardaway made the second interception, his coming in the end zone to end a Southern Miss march that covered 75 yards.

Brad White’s unit did give up three third-down conversions — including a third-and-18 — on Southern Miss’ second drive. But that was the possession that ended with the Hardaway interception in the end zone, which came off a ball tipped by UK linebacker D’Eryck Jackson. When play was halted, Southern Miss was 3-for-8 on third down.

Remember, Kentucky ranked 81st nationally in turnover margin last season. The Cats ended up with 18 takeaways in 13 games. They’re off to a better start this season.

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