Kentucky was a tipped pass away from taking a 10-0 lead in Tuscaloosa, but the ball started to bounce Alabama’s way.
The Cats’ defense stood its ground on the opening drive. They didn’t let Alabama dominate the line of scrimmage. Backed up deep into their own territory, they did not flinch, forcing a turnover on downs.
The offense immediately responded. Boom Williams picked up 10 yards on the ground, C.J. Conrad earned tough yards after the catch and Stephen Johnson delivered a rifle on third down to Tavin Richardson to put the Cats in scoring position. Austin MacGinnis knocked down a 45-yard field goal to draw the first blood.