Takeaways: Kentucky drops its first game of the season on the road to #1 Georgia

The Wildcats were routed by the #1 Georgia Bulldogs in Athens.

The Kentucky Wildcats lost their first game of the season by a wide margin as the Georgia Bulldogs were just too much for the Cats. 

Not a lot went right for the Cats, but they are still 5-1 on the year, and Missouri will be coming to town next week, which will be another big game for the Cats. 

The Cats need to keep their head held high and get home ready to fix things for next week. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's 51-13 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs? 

Penalties killed the Cats early

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Early in the game, Kentucky was moving the football on offense, but a few penalties from guard Jager Burton killed those drives. Georgia was then able to score on all of their offensive possessions in the first half. Deone Walker also had an awful penalty where the Cats had made a third down stop, and Walker threw a late hit, leading to a penalty. These big penalties really made it hard for Kentucky to stay in this ball game. The Wildcats need to be more disciplined going forward. 

Devin Leary was bad

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

It might be time to stop making excuses for Devin Leary, as he was just flat-out bad in this ball game. Leary did have two passing touchdowns in this game, but he was only 10-26 through the air for 128 yards. This gives him a completion percentage of 38%. The transfer from NC State has just not looked the same during his time wearing blue and white. Leary needs to be better going forward if the Cats want to have a good season. 

Injuries could hurt the Cats

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky had a lot of players go down with injuries in this ball game, including Trevin Wallace (shoulder), Barion Brown (hamstring), Keeshawn Silver (shoulder), and Jalen Geiger (elbow). All of these players have massive roles for this team, and they need to be out on the field for Saturday's matchup with Missouri. If these players are out long-term, the Cats are in trouble. 

You have to beat Georgia at some point

© Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Building a football program takes a lot of things, and Coach Stoops has done an incredible job during his time in Lexington. He ended a losing streak against the Florida Gators, which made the next team up on the Cats hit and lost the Georgia Bulldogs. If Kentucky wants to solidify themselves as a contender in the SEC, they need to beat Georgia at some point. Many fans thought it might be this year, as UK was coming in with tons of confidence. You have got to take down the top Dawgs at some point, and it won't be this season. 

What's next? 

Kentucky will take on the Missouri Tigers next week in a game that the time and channel are still up in the air. The game will either be played at 7 or 7:30 pm EST. We will have an update with the time when one becomes available. 

---

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

PODCAST: Kentucky basketball deserves your attention this season

Kentucky Briefing: Antonio Reeves is being disrespected by the national media

On3 listed their top ten One-And-Done NBA Draft Prospects and three of them are Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky basketball partners with Drake's apparel brand 'October's Very Own'

An updated look at Kentucky basketball's non-conference schedule

Follow Wildcats Today on Socials!

Like Wildcats Today on Facebook!

Follow Wildcats Today on Twitter!

Subscribe to Locked On Kentucky on YouTube!