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LEXINGTON, Ky. (UK Athletics) – Will Levis connected on 23 of 35 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns as Kentucky overcame a slow effort to beat Chattanooga 28-23.
As the Cats clung to a 21-16 lead in the fourth quarter, Tyrell Ajian pulled off the game-saving play. Ajian intercepted a Chattanooga pass in the UK five and returned it for 95 yards for what turned out to be the deciding touchdown.
Wan’Dale Robinson was Lévis’ favorite target on Saturday, catching eight passes for 111 yards. He became the first British player since Derek Abney in 2001 to play three straight 100-yard games.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the UK with 46 rushing yards, although Kentucky’s running game was not as effective as last week against Missouri. The Cats rushed for 102 rushing yards on 27 carries in the game.
Kentucky took the opening kickoff and methodically roamed the field, using a combination of running and passing. The nine-game disc consisted of five games and four rushes and ended with an 11-yard touchdown by Josh Ali, the first rushing touchdown of his career. Matt Ruffolo added the extra point and the Cats took a 7-0 lead with 10:43 left in the first quarter.
Chattanooga managed to tie the first UK score. The Mocs themselves ran 75 yards, helped by a 48-yard run from Ailym Ford. The Mocs would tie the game on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cole Copeland to Reginald Henderson. Aaron Sears added the PAT and the game was tied 7-7 with 6:56 left in the first.
The teams exchanged punts. But Kentucky’s next possession, which covered the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, ended in a scoreline. The Cats covered 68 yards in seven games, ending with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Levis to Isaiah Epps, the first touchdown of Epps’ career. Ruffolo added the PAT and the Cats took a 14-7 lead with 13:29 left at halftime.
After a Chattanooga punt, the Cats took over on their own 14-yard line. On the third down, Levis was intercepted by Chattanooga’s CaMiron Smith, who sent him back to the British 15-yard line. The Mocs didn’t do much with the possession that followed, but Sears converted a 27-yard field goal to reduce the UK lead to 14-10 with 8:47 left in the half. .
The teams would trade punters before Kentucky entered Chattanooga territory with their next possession. But on the fourth and five of the Chattanooga 30, Levis fumbled and the Mocs recovered to their own 38. However, UTC made a three-and-out and were forced to punt.
Neither team scored the remainder of the half and the Cats took a 14-10 lead at the break.
The Mocs took first possession in the second half and led into Kentucky Territory. But practice stalled and the Mocs were content with a 43-yard field goal by Sears that reduced the UK lead to 14-13 with 10:43 left in the third period.
Later in the third, Levis was intercepted again, this time on a dive from Rashun Freeman, giving the ball to Chattanooga on his own 34-yard line. The Mocs would have possession at the end of the third quarter, behind the Cats 14-13.
The Mocs would take possession of Kentucky territory before the drive stops inside the red zone. Sears would field 30 yards to give Chattanooga a 16-14 lead with 13:26 to go.
Kentucky responded immediately with an impressive score. The Cats covered 77 yards in seven games and regained the lead on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Lévis to Isaiah Cummings, the first touchdown for the Louisville native. Ruffolo added the PAT and the Cats took a 21-16 advantage with 10:18 to go.
On the ensuing drive, Chattanooga again drove into Kentucky Territory. But this time the Cats had the answer. Copeland was intercepted by Ajian, who picked him on his own five-yard line and sent him back 95 yards for a touchdown. Ruffolo added the PAT and the Cats extended the lead to 28-16 with 7:40 to go.
Chattanooga would not go away quietly. The Mocs entered the UK’s red zone and, on third and on goal, Copeland rushed to the right end for a touchdown. Sears added the PAT and the British lead was reduced to 28-23 with 1:20 remaining.
The Mocs attempted a back kick, but Ali recovered at UK 43. After the Cats took a pair of knees, the game was over.
Kentucky returns to action next week, hitting the road for the first time this season. The Cats will travel to Williams-Brice Stadium to face South Carolina at 7 p.m. ET. The game rod is visible on the SEC network.
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