Takeaways: The Cats are able to get it done on the road to start SEC play 1-0

Kentucky beats Vanderbilt in Nashville to start SEC play 1-0.

Kentucky's defense looked really good against the Vanderbilt Commodores, leading to a blowout victory on the road. 

Devin Leary didn't have his best game ever, but there are many positives to take away from this ball game. 

The Cats will be 4-0 when the Florida Gators come into town next week. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's 45-28 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores? 

Maxwell Hairston is special

© Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston had an excellent game for the Cats, picking off two passes and taking them both to the house. He also had four tackles in this ball game. Hairston has graded out well on PFF this season so far, and you know he will once again after his performance in this ball game. Hairston has a real shot at winning SEC Defensive Player of the Week after this performance. 

#PickSix x2 @MHairston22

📺 - @SECNetwork: https://t.co/fw8ryZTQfJ pic.twitter.com/kOfssIWxXi

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 23, 2023

Drops are still happening

© William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

The offense wasn't all that great in this ball game as a whole, but drops are still killing this team. Dane Key and Barion Brown both had drops, and that kills drives. The offensive line had some struggles, and so did Devin Leary. There is a lot to figure out on the offensive side of the ball for the Cats, but their dominant defense will keep them in ball games. Things need to be fixed soon, as the Gators will make the trip to Lexington. 

Defense was good on third down

© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

The defense has been rough on third down this season but was much better against Vanderbilt. The Commodores were 6-17 on third down. This should give Kentucky fans a lot more confidence heading into the Florida game. Hairston, JJ Weaver, Deone Walker, and Trevin Wallace have this defense looking good, which will help the Cats stay in ball games against better opponents this season. So far this year, the defense has made up for the offensive struggles. 

What's next? 

The Cats will take their 4-0 record back to Lexington, where they will host Florida next Saturday. This game will be played at noon, and we will have all the coverage you need right here at Wildcats Today. 

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Watch Articles vs Vanderbilt

WATCH: Dane Key makes a great catch to score six more points for the Cats

WATCH: Maxwell Hairston takes an interception to the house

WATCH: JuTahn McClain scores the first rushing touchdown of his career

WATCH: Ray Davis scores his second touchdown of the day against his former team

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