UK Beats JSU To End 4 Game Skid

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- CoShik Williams ran for a career-high 148 yards and Kentucky snapped a four-game losing streak with a 38-14 win over Jacksonville State on Saturday.

With injuries in the backfield, Williams took up the slack as the primary ball carrier after sophomore Raymond Sanders left in the first quarter with an ankle injury. Williams, a junior, finished with 22 carries.

Freshman Josh Clemons, the Wildcats' leading rusher on the season, had already been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Williams' previous career best was 95 yards rushing -- set against Charleston Southern last season.

The Wildcats were able to break out after a bye week, earning a season-best 445 yards of total offense and 340 yards of total offense despite missing their two primary tailbacks.

Kentucky (3-4) struggled to move the ball in the first quarter with its first three possessions ended with two punts and a lost fumble. The Wildcats entered this game ranked 118th out of 120 FBS teams in total offense, earning just 229 yards per game this season. Their first three possessions carried held true to that reputation, ending with only one first down, two punts and a lost fumble.

But with 3:33 left in the first, safety Martavius Neloms sacked Jacksonville State quarterback Coty Blanchard, forced a fumble and ran it back 40 yards for the game's first score.

The offense began clicking in the second quarter for the Wildcats, and they finished with 253 yards of total offense at halftime. They had gained a total of 251 yards in their previous two games combined

Washaun Ealey rushed for 120 yards for the Gamecocks (5-2). He ran for 157 yards and five touchdowns against the Wildcats last year for Georgia before transferring to Jacksonville State in the spring.

Kentucky Takes Down WKU In Season Opener

Freshman RB, Josh
Clemons scored a
touchdown in his UK
debut

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Josh Clemons scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, and Morgan Newton shook off three interceptions in throwing a 31-yard TD pass to La'Rod King in helping the Wildcats beat Western Kentucky 14-3 on Thursday night.
Kentucky had only 75 yards total offense through the first three quarters before Newton drove them 80 yards late in the fourth to put away the victory. The Southeastern Conference team handed Western Kentucky its 16th straight home. The Hilltoppers were the home team in this game played at the home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Winston Guy had an interception that set up Clemons' TD run on a night when the Wildcats struggled with at least six three-and-outs on offense. They struggled to beat a team they routed 63-28 last season with backups getting plenty of playing time.
Kentucky had six starters back, including four on the offensive line, from a team that reached a fifth straight bowl last season. It didn't help as the Wildcats' line got pushed around all night. Kentucky struggled to get its offense going early with Newton settling in at quarterback with the departure of Mike Hartline.
But the Wildcats led 7-3 at halftime despite being outgained 101-35 in total offense and 234-190 for the game.
The Hilltoppers also sacked Newton three times, and the Kentucky quarterback had at least three passes dropped by receivers.
Newton got going just in time, shaking off two interceptions in the fourth quarter, the last with 9:40 left and Kentucky driving. Newton's pass bounced off an official's left arm and Wildcats guard Stuart Hines before going to Western Kentucky defensive end Jared Clendenin.
Facing third-and-14 at the Kentucky 16, Newton ran up the middle for 58 yards in the game's longest play before being dragged down. He then found King wide open for a TD with 4:35 left.
The offenses struggled so much that the punters had the best plays most of the game. Ryan Tydlacka had a 59-yard punt for Kentucky that pinned the Hilltoppers deep, while Hendrix Brakefield had a 58-yarder for Western Kentucky.
Western Kentucky held the ball for 34 minutes, and Bobby Rainey ran for 107 yards, his sixth straight game with at least 100 yards rushing.
But the Hilltoppers scored their only points on a 41-yard field goal by Casey Tinius after Vince Williams picked off Newton in the first quarter. The Hilltoppers had a chance to pad the lead, but Kawaun Jakes repeatedly overthrew receivers, including Jake Doyle in the end zone. Then a low snap led Tinius to push a 34-yard attempt wide right. Guy got his second interception on the final play of the game as Jakes threw into the end zone.