Takeaways: Kentucky beats EKU to start the year 2-0

In this story:
Kentucky played EKU, and while it wasn't pretty, they were able to leave the game with the win.
The Cats won this ball game 28-17 after the offense woke up in the second half.
The Cats have a lot to improve on before the start of SEC play.
What can we take away from Kentucky's 28-17 win over the EKU Colonels?
The offense came out flat
Kentucky's offense came out flat against EKU and didn't really get things going until the second half. Devin Leary didn't have a good first half, but much like against Ball State looked much better in the second half. There wasn't a lot of pace for the offense in this game, and I expect that to be something the Cats work on this week. Kentucky has a lot to figure out before SEC play begins on September 23rd.
Tayvion Robinson went off
Tayvion Robinson had a big game for the Cats. He caught six passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The UK offense needed a spark against EKU, and the veteran Robinson gave it to them. Robinson having a big game really shows you how deep the Kentucky wide receiver room is this season. Kentucky's receivers are some of the best in the SEC.
Touchdown @DevinLeary1 ➡️ @RobinsonTayvion
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 9, 2023
📺 - SECN+: https://t.co/AZroBUa9V0 | ESPN+: https://t.co/oZJzEQKJEK pic.twitter.com/1Ahll3B2i2
What time is it? Touchdown @RobinsonTayvion time! ⏰
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 9, 2023
📺 - SECN+: https://t.co/AZroBUa9V0 | ESPN+: https://t.co/oZJzEQKJEK pic.twitter.com/qKhhTkQoII
Still need to be better on third down
Leaving last week's game, one of the big things the defense needed to improve on was the third down defense. It didn't get much better against EKU as the Colonels were 6-12 on third down in this ball game. If Kentucky wants to have a successful year, they need to get better on third down before SEC play begins. Kentucky has a lot to clean up, but time to do it before the schedule gets much more daunting.
Other Stories
Kentucky basketball ranked 17th in ESPN's recent Way-Too-Early Top 25
Kentucky basketball 2023 backcourt depth chart: Wildcats look extremely deep
Kentucky Briefing: Zvonimir Ivisic is officially a Wildcat
An updated look at Kentucky basketball's non-conference schedule
Kentucky football just outside Preseason AP Top 25 Poll
WATCH: Carrington Valentine picks off a pass in his first NFL game
Follow Wildcats Today on Socials!
Like Wildcats Today on Facebook!

Andrew Stefaniak is the publisher of Kentucky Wildcats On SI and host of the Wildcats Today Podcast.
Follow AndrewStefaniak