Instant Analysis: No. 8 Alabama 49, Kentucky 21
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The West was won Saturday with a dominating effort for Alabama.
The Crimson Tide rolled up 21 first-quarter points before Kentucky fans got comfortable in their seats, enroute to a 49-21 victory to clinch the SEC West title. Alabama will likely play Georgia in the SEC title game in Atlanta on Dec. 2.
Jalen Milroe had a career day, passing for 234 yards and three touchdowns, while running for 36 yards and three touchdowns. Kobe Prentice caught four passes for 74 yards with a touchdown and Alabama put up 138 rushing yards.
“It’s great we won the SEC West and have a chance to play in the SEC Championship Game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “I’m very happy for this team that they were able to accomplish that. I think there were very many people after the Texas game and the South Florida game, a lot of naysayers out there who didn’t believe in these guys. I’ve always believed in this team and trusted this team and they were developing something special, and it has been special to me.”
The defense held Kentucky to 253 total yards. The Wildcats’ needed a 73-yard run midway through the fourth quarter just to get to 95 rushing yards.
The defense also sacked Kentucky QB Devin Leary three times and Terrion Arnold got his third interception of the season for Alabama.
Alabama (9-1, 7-0 SEC) returns home next week to face Chattanooga in its final home game before hitting the road to Auburn for the regular-season finale.
