Wildcats Today

Takeaways: Kentucky defeats Ball State to start the 2023 season 1-0

Kentucky's season opener vs. Ball State had some positives and negatives.

Andrew Stefaniak

Takeaways: Kentucky defeats Ball State to start the 2023 season 1-0
Takeaways: Kentucky defeats Ball State to start the 2023 season 1-0 /
In this story:

Kentucky was able to defeat Ball State 44-14 to open up their season. 

There were some positive things and negative things to take away from this ball game. 

A win is a win, but some things need to be cleaned up before Kentucky gets into the heart of its SEC slate. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's first win of the 2023 football season?

How long is Kenneth Horsey out

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive line play was one of the biggest question marks heading into the 2023 season, and there is not a lot of depth. Starting left guard Kenneth Horsey went down with a lower-body injury in this ball game and did not return. The question now is how long Horsey will be out and whether or not he will be back for the start of the SEC play. If Horsey is out for an extended period of time, it will really affect this Kentucky football team. 

Devin Leary wasn't sharp

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Leary did not have a great game, as he was 18-31 for 241 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He threw a few passes that were incomplete but were nowhere near an intended receiver. I am not concerned about Leary, as he is working the rust off from his injury last season, but he definitely needs to be sharp once SEC play begins. People will be quick to be concerned with Leary, but I feel confident saying next week will be much better for the Cats starter. His weapons and OC are too good for him not to have a big year. 

The offensive weapons looked great

Kentucky sophomore wide receiver Barion Brown answers questions from reporters on UK Media Day Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 at Kroger Field in Lexinton. Brown is the first Wildcat to win a SEC weekly award three times in a single season since Lynn Bowden Jr. in 2019.
© Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Barion Brown, Dane Key, and Ray Davis all had good games against Ball State. Key caught a touchdown pass from Devin Leary, Davis had two touchdowns on the ground, and Brown ran a kickoff back 99 yards for a touchdown. These offensive weapons the Cats have are some of the best in the SEC and will make OC Liam Coen's job a lot easier. I expect these three to be on All-SEC lists when the season comes to an end. 

The defense looked good

Kentucky s JuTahn McClain runs a fumble back for a touchdown against Ball State at Kroger Field. Sept. 2, 2023
© Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Kentucky defense, like the offense, had some bright moments and some rough patches, but all in all, I was happy with the performance. The defense had a touchdown and got pressure all game long. I think this defense is going to be better than advertised for the Cats this season, although they have a few things to clean up before EKU comes to town.

What's next?

The Cats will practice this week and prepare to host Eastern Kentucky at 3 pm EST on Saturday. We will have coverage all week and at this contest right here at Wildcats Today. 

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

Mark Stoops is trying to flip Michigan commits Jerod and Jacob Smith to stay home and play for the Wildcats

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!

Follow Wildcats Today on Twitter!

Subscribe to Locked On Kentucky on YouTube!

Published
Andrew Stefaniak
ANDREW STEFANIAK

Home/Football