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Mark Stoops Talks About Brock Vandagriff’s Debut, “He Did Look Like Will (Levis)”

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Mark Stoops and teammates react to Brock Vandagriff's debut against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, a 31-0 win for the Kentucky Wildcats.
© Carter Skaggs-USA TODAY Sports

The circumstances of Kentucky’s season opener were not ideal. Kickoff was delayed for over two hours, and the Wildcats were only able to play two and a half quarters before another lighting delay ultimately ended the contest.

However, they were able to cover the spread and give fans a promising first look at this Kentucky team, especially Georgia transfer quarterback Brock Vandagriff.

In his first collegiate start, Vandagriff’s performance was not mistake-free. In fact, there was miscommunication on Kentucky’s first offensive drive, which ended with an interception.

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But as the delay heightened anxiousness of his first start wore off, and he grew more comfortable, he helped lead the Wildcats down the field to score on five of their last six drives, including three passing touchdowns.

What was most impressive was his ability to navigate the pocket, and use his legs to extend or make plays. To some, even head coach Mark Stoops, Vandagriff looked Will Levis-like in that regard.

“He did look like Will on a couple of those runs,” Stoops said after the game.” He’s tough and physical, and he played about like I expected him to. That is a big piece of it when a guy can run like him. You always have to be alert for that, and I thought he was tough and showed maturity, but he showed some toughness. He’s grown up. Again, it’s a great starting point for him.”

Kentucky transfer linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson has had a front-row seat to Vandagriff’s college career, committing to Georgia along with Vandagriff as part of the 2021 class and following him to Lexington this offseason. What did he think of his QB’s performance?

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“To be live, he did a good job,” Dumas-Johnson said during postgame interviews. “It will only go up from here. Expectations are only going up from here. SEC opponent next week, so have to turn it up a little bit and keep moving on.”

For the shortened game, Vandagriff totaled 169 yards passing on 12/18 passing, 35 yards rushing on five attempts, and three passing touchdowns. These aren’t eye-popping numbers, but a very good start nonetheless.

For his efforts, Vandagriff earned an 82.1 Pro Football Focus grade, which led all Kentucky offensive players, was third-best on the team, and is the 35th-highest mark of 123 college football QBs who’ve played at least 20% of their team’s offensive snaps.

Next week, Vandagriff will get his first start against SEC competition as the Wildcats take on South Carolina in what is considered a must-win for Kentucky to have a 7+ win season.

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Thousands of Dollars in Theft Reported at Kentucky-Georgia Game

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During the Kentucky-Georgia football game, fans reported multiple vehicle break-ins amounting to thousands of dollars in stolen property.
Chet White | UK Athletics

While Kentucky was battling No. 1 Georgia in Kroger Field on Saturday, multiple fans had their vehicles broken into. Following the game, University of Kentucky police received multiple reports of break-ins.

According to WKYT, five vehicles were broken into during the game. Fans reported that windows were shattered and that purses, electronics, and debit cards were stolen. One of the victims, who made the trip to the game from Pennsylvania, claims that an estimated $7,000 worth of items were stolen from her truck while it was parked in the purple lot.

While UK police say they patrol lots during the game with bike officers, the victims say they did not see security after the game when they noticed shattered glass by their vehicles.

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UK Police Chief had this message for fans. “Lock your valuables up. Put them in an area, a trunk, or something people will not see very easily. Don’t leave them laying out. That’s going to make you an easy target.”

If you plan to attend Kentucky games this season, please be vigilant and store away and valuables to where they cannot be seen.

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Thirteen Players Listed on Kentucky Injury Report, Includes Brock Vandagriff and Maxwell Hairston

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Kentucky Wildcats struggled against South Carolina in a 31-6 loss, and so did quarterback Brock Vandagriff

Starting this season, the SEC implemented a new policy requiring teams to provide availability reports for conference games. The initial report is published on Wednesday and comes with daily updates, with the final report coming 90 minutes before kickoff. Players must listed as: out (0% chance to play), doubtful (25% chance to play), questionable (50% chance to play), or probable (75% chance to play),

Going up against No. 1 Georgia, the Wildcats had 13 players listed on this week’s report and will not be at full strength with several key names featured, starting with the quarterback.

After not being featured in the initial injury report, Vandagriff was listed as “probable” when it was updated on Thursday. No details of the injury have been reported, but after getting hit as much as he did last week against South Carolina, it is no surprise that he is a bit banged up. Listed as “probable”, he is likely to play.

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More concerning though is preseason All-American Maxwell Hairston and OL Gerald Mincey. Both were initially listed as probable, but were downgraded to questionable on Friday, with just a 50% chance to play on Saturday.

Looking at the rest of the report, many of the injures came during the offseason or fall camp. However, guard Jager Burton and running back Jason Patterson were added as “out” this week.

Georgia has four players out, including first-round prospect Mykel Williams.

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Kentucky QB Brock Vandagriff Ready to Take on His Former Team the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs, “Welcoming the Challenge”

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Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff will have the opportunity to face his former team the Georgia Bulldogs, and make a statement.
Grace Smith-UK Athletics | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff is set to face off against his former team on Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs. Competing against not just his former team, but also the No. 1 team in the country in his third career start is a tough task. However, he and the rest of the offense welcome the challenge.

“We’re welcoming the challenge,” Vandargriff said after practice on Wednesday. “At the end of the day, it’s the same game, the same rules, all that kind of stuff.”

Spending three years in Athens before transferring to Kentucky, the familiarity with the Georgia defense may provide some internal comfort for Vandagriff. The Bogart, Georgia native has had extensive practice reps against the stout defense, which has included 17 draft picks over the last three seasons. Similarly, that defensive unit has also defended against Vandagriff in practice.

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During his time as a Bulldog, Vandagriff was roommates with Chaz Chambliss, Cash Jones, and Brock Bowers and built lifetime friendships with them. “We called it the B’s and the C’s: me and Brock vs. Cash and Chaz,” Vandagriff said. Those relationships continue to this day with a group chat.

Vandragriff said he also still talks a lot with former teammate and Heisman candidate Carson Beck, valuing his friendship. When Beck was asked about Vandagriff earlier this week, he said, “I’ll probably give him a text this week.” Beck continued, “He’s a great friend of mine. Maybe not so much Saturday.”

Setting aside those relationships and making a crucial statement on the field will be key for Vandagriff on Saturday as a strong offensive showing can go a long way to reinvigorate the fanbase. You would have to believe that he relishes the opportunity to prove himself on a national level, against his former team.

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