HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Stephen Johnson threw for 176 yards and a touchdown and Kentucky's defense recovered two crucial fumbles in the second half to lead the Wildcats over Southern Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday.
Kentucky was clinging to a 17-10 lead in the third quarter when Darius West slammed his helmet into Southern Miss quarterback Kwadra Griggs' arm, forcing a fumble that Denzil Ware scooped up and ran 20 yards for the touchdown.
Then with the Wildcats leading 24-17 in the fourth quarter, the Kentucky defense killed another Southern Miss drive when Chris Westry forced a fumble that was recovered by Courtney Love at midfield.