Takeaways: For the first time since 2008 Kentucky wins a football game in Starkville

What can we take away from Kentucky's road win over Mississippi State?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Nov 4, 2023 10:59 PM EDT

In this story:

The Kentucky vs. Mississippi State series has been one where the home team wins more times than not.

The Wildcats hadn't won in Starkville since 2008, but that streak was finally snapped as the Cats won this ball game 24-3.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 24-3 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs?

The defense was outstanding

Nov 4, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker D'Eryk Jackson (54) runs the ball after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports — © Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky's defense played an excellent football game where they held the Mississippi State Bulldogs to three points. The Cats had a pick-six, five sacks, and eight tackles for loss in this game. The Bulldogs have an awful offense, but regardless, it was great to see the Kentucky defense have a good showing. The Cats have a big game coming up next weekend against Alabama, and the defense will need to have another good outing. If the defense plays this way against the Crimson Tide, the Cats have a shot.

The streak is over!

Oct 2, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops celebrates after Kentucky defeated the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky hadn't won in Starkville since 2008, but the streak is finally over! We often discuss narratives in sports, and you don't like them if you are a head coach. Mark Stoops has to feel better that the road losing streak with Mississippi State is finally over after a very long time. Just like ending the losing streak in the Swamp, this is another big streak to snap.

Is Devin Leary okay?

Oct 14, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Devin Leary (13) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Leary was banged up throughout the football game as the training staff was constantly working on his shoulder. Kaiya Sheron played the last ten minutes or so for the Cats in this football game while Leary was getting checked out and on the sideline. To me, it seems like Leary will be good to go next week against Alabama, but if he isn't, the Cats have next to no chance of pulling off the upset of the year. Big Blue Nation needs to hope #13 will be okay.