The Kentucky Wildcats looked ready to finish their 13-point comeback when they had the ball with two minutes left. The Wildcats worked their way into near field goal position but needed to convert a fourth and three to have a chance at tying or winning the game. Quarterback Patrick Towles couldn't find a receiver and scrambled to get the first down, but was stopped short and Kentucky's comeback was stopped too.
Auburn was in firm control of the game early, as they worked a 23-10 lead and had the Kentucky defense confused. The Wildcats had no idea how to stop the Tigers on third downs and found themselves having to climb back into a game.
Climb back they did, as Towles made big plays to his receivers Garrett Johnson and Jeff Badet. Big catches as well as some runs from Stanley "Boom" Williams put Kentucky in good shape with momentum on their side.
It was the Auburn offense that looked confused in the second half, as Kentucky got quick stops and used their crowd to pressure Auburn into making mistakes.
But it was Kentucky mistakes that would cost the Wildcats a win against a big name in the SEC, as the receivers for the 'Cats dropped game-changing passes near and in the end zone. Pass accuracy has been a big worry for Patrick Towles and the Wildcats.
Pass accuracy also cost Kentucky a touchdown, as Towles threw an interception in the end zone that would have tied the game early. Auburn would come back and covert a field goal. Little mistakes make all the difference against an SEC opponent.
Receiver coverage on Auburn's Ricardo Louis was hard to find as he had seven catches for 154 yards. Kentucky was lucky Louis had to leave the game after being poked in the eye; he later returned and made some big plays for the Tigers down the stretch.
Kentucky's defense was the big heartbreaker for the Wildcats as they allowed Auburn to go 11-for-18 on third downs. Allowing that many conversions gave Auburn too much momentum for Kentucky to handle.
"Boom" Williams was the X-factor for Kentucky with 16 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns. This was Williams' first game back after not playing a game due to personal reasons.
Auburn's Peyton Barber recorded 26 carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Barber's rushing was lethal on short third downs as Kentucky's defensive line could not find a way to keep him from powering through. They also found this same problem on the goal line against the running back.
Kentucky proved they can hang with big names of the SEC in their first six games; not having a single game decided by less than eight points. If Kentucky polishes their offense and keeps from making those small mistakes, they can be a contender in the SEC.
Auburn gets their first SEC win and finds out who their playmakers are. Auburn can make their return to the top of the SEC using this game as a kick starter.
Week 8 Schedule:
Kentucky at Mississippi State 10/24/15
Auburn at Arkansas 10/24/15