When the Vanderbilt Commodores faced off against the Kentucky Wildcats on October 12, 2024, at Kroger Field, the SEC faithful knew they were in for a treat. Both teams entered the game riding the high of monumental upsets—Vanderbilt had just toppled No. 1 Alabama, while Kentucky stunned No. 6 Ole Miss. What unfolded was a gritty, defensive slugfest that ended with Vanderbilt prevailing 20-13, cementing their status as a surprising force in the 2024 season. This article dives deep into the player stats, standout performances, and key moments that defined this matchup, offering a detailed, data-driven look at a game that had fans buzzing.
Whether you’re an SEC die-hard, a stats enthusiast, or simply curious about how this rivalry unfolded, we’ve got you covered with an engaging analysis packed with insights. Let’s break it down—starting with the numbers that shaped the day.
Game Recap: Vanderbilt Outlasts Kentucky in a Defensive Showdown
The October 12 clash wasn’t a fireworks display of points, but it was a chess match of strategy and willpower. Vanderbilt, quarterbacked by the dynamic Diego Pavia, exploited Kentucky’s 12 penalties for 106 yards and leaned on a balanced attack to secure their second consecutive SEC road victory. Kentucky countered with a bruising ground game led by Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, but special teams blunders and missed opportunities sealed their fate in a 7-point loss.
The final score—20-13—underscored a game where every possession mattered. Vanderbilt’s clock-chewing 8:03 drive in the fourth quarter and Kentucky’s self-inflicted wounds were the difference-makers. Now, let’s zoom in on the players who lit up the stat sheet.
Key Player Stats: Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky 2024
Here’s a detailed table of the top performers from both squads, showcasing the stats that fueled this SEC showdown.
| Player | Team | Position | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | TDs | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | QB | 143 | 53 | – | 2 | 15/23 completions, 65.2%, 0 INTs |
| Brock Vandagriff | Kentucky | QB | 158 | -11 | – | 1 | 15/26 completions, 57.7%, 0 INTs |
| Demie Sumo-Karngbaye | Kentucky | RB | – | 61 | 29 | 1 | 15 carries, 90 total yards |
| Dane Key | Kentucky | WR | – | – | 83 | 1 | 8 receptions, 22-yard TD |
| Richie Hoskins | Vanderbilt | WR | – | – | 44 | 1 | 3 receptions, 18-yard TD |
| AJ Newberry | Vanderbilt | RB | – | 11 | 20 | 1 | 1 reception for 20-yard TD |
| Jamarion Wilcox | Kentucky | RB | – | 52 | – | 0 | 6 carries, 16-yard long run |
Who Were the Offensive Standouts?
- Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt): Pavia was the game’s linchpin, throwing for 143 yards and two touchdowns while adding 53 yards on the ground. His 15-of-23 passing performance included no turnovers, and his dual-threat ability kept Kentucky’s defense off balance.
- Dane Key (Kentucky): Key led all receivers with 8 catches for 83 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown that gave Kentucky late hope. His reliability was a lifeline for an offense struggling with consistency.
Quarterback Showdown: Pavia vs. Vandagriff Under the Microscope
The quarterback battle was a study in contrasts—Pavia’s scrambling flair versus Vandagriff’s pocket-passing potential. Here’s how they stacked up.
What Made Diego Pavia the Game’s Hero?
Pavia’s stat line—143 passing yards, 53 rushing yards, two touchdowns—only tells half the story. His 97-yard opening drive, capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to AJ Newberry, set an aggressive tone. A 31-yard scramble in the first quarter showcased his elusiveness, and his 18-yard touchdown toss to Richie Hoskins just before halftime gave Vanderbilt a 14-7 edge. Even a third-quarter knee scare couldn’t stop him; he returned with a brace and engineered an 8:03 drive to ice the game. His poise under pressure was the X-factor.
Why Did Brock Vandagriff Struggle to Keep Pace?
Vandagriff threw for 158 yards and a touchdown, completing 15 of 26 passes without an interception—a solid outing on paper. His 22-yard scoring strike to Dane Key in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 20-13, but sacks and scrambles left him with -11 rushing yards. Kentucky’s play-calling leaned heavily on the run, limiting his chances to stretch the field. He showed promise, but Vanderbilt’s defense kept him in check.
Running Backs and Receivers: The Supporting Cast Shines
Beyond the quarterbacks, the running backs and receivers delivered critical plays that kept both offenses humming.
How Did Demie Sumo-Karngbaye Power Kentucky’s Ground Game?
Sumo-Karngbaye was Kentucky’s bell cow, churning out 61 rushing yards on 15 carries and adding 29 receiving yards for 90 total yards. His 1-yard touchdown plunge in the second quarter tied the game at 7-7, highlighting his nose for the end zone. Vanderbilt’s defense stiffened in the second half, but his physicality kept Kentucky competitive.
Which Receivers Made the Biggest Impact?
- Richie Hoskins (Vanderbilt): Hoskins’ 44 yards on 3 catches included an 18-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left in the first half—a dagger that gave Vanderbilt a lead they wouldn’t surrender.
- AJ Newberry (Vanderbilt): Newberry’s versatility shone with 11 rushing yards and a 20-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, proving he’s more than just a backup running back.
- Jamarion Wilcox (Kentucky): Wilcox complemented Sumo-Karngbaye with 52 yards on 6 carries, including a 16-yard burst that set up a scoring chance.
Defensive and Special Teams Breakdown: The Hidden Game-Changers
Stats alone don’t capture the full impact of defense and special teams, but these units swung the momentum.
How Did Vanderbilt’s Defense Stifle Kentucky?
Vanderbilt didn’t dominate with sacks or turnovers, but their discipline and pressure forced Kentucky into 12 penalties—106 yards worth of mistakes. A key stop on third-and-short in the fourth quarter preserved their lead, and they held Kentucky to 13 points, well below their season scoring average of 20.5. It was a bend-don’t-break effort that paid off.
What Cost Kentucky on Special Teams?
Kentucky’s special teams imploded at critical moments. A botched snap on a 35-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter squandered 3 points, and a fumbled extra-point snap after Key’s touchdown left them at 20-13 instead of 20-14. In a game decided by 7 points, those miscues were backbreakers.
By the Numbers: Statistical Insights That Defined the Game
Let’s unpack the deeper stats that reveal why Vanderbilt emerged victorious.
- Time of Possession: Vanderbilt controlled the clock for 32:47 to Kentucky’s 27:13, with that 8:03 fourth-quarter drive draining Kentucky’s comeback hopes.
- Third-Down Conversions: Vanderbilt went 6-for-14 (42.9%), edging out Kentucky’s 5-for-13 (38.5%). Those extra first downs kept drives alive.
- Penalties: Kentucky’s 12 flags for 106 yards dwarfed Vanderbilt’s 5 for 45—a discipline disparity that tilted the field.
Why Did Vanderbilt Win the Statistical Edge?
Vanderbilt’s offense was balanced—143 passing yards, 108 rushing yards—and their two field goals from Brock Taylor (49 and 50 yards) provided a cushion. Kentucky’s 169 rushing yards were impressive, but their inability to finish drives (just one touchdown) and special teams gaffes handed Vanderbilt the win.
Contextualizing the Game: Where It Fits in 2024
This victory pushed Vanderbilt to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in SEC play, a remarkable turnaround for a program that’s often an afterthought in the conference. Kentucky, now 3-3 and 1-3 in the SEC, faces a crossroads after squandering their Ole Miss momentum. This game epitomized the SEC’s chaotic 2024 season, where underdogs like Vanderbilt are rewriting the script.
What Does This Win Mean for Vanderbilt’s Future?
Beating Alabama and Kentucky in consecutive weeks has Vanderbilt dreaming of a bowl game—a rarity for the Commodores. Diego Pavia’s emergence as a leader could propel them toward a 6- or 7-win season if they sustain this grit.
Can Kentucky Recover from This Setback?
Kentucky’s defense, which held Vanderbilt to 20 points, remains a strength. But their offense lacks explosiveness, and special teams woes need urgent fixing. With a tough SEC slate ahead, coach Mark Stoops has work to do.
Tips for Fans: How to Analyze Football Stats Like a Pro
Want to dissect games like this one? Try these practical tips:
- Look Beyond Raw Numbers: Focus on efficiency stats like yards per attempt or third-down success to gauge true impact.
- Study Game Context: A 50-yard rushing day means more in a low-scoring game than a shootout.
- Use Film to Supplement Stats: Watch Pavia’s scrambles or Key’s routes to see what the box score misses.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky matchup on October 12, 2024, was a testament to the SEC’s unpredictability. Diego Pavia’s clutch plays, Vanderbilt’s discipline, and Kentucky’s costly errors defined a 20-13 thriller that will linger in fans’ memories. The stats tell a story of a game won through balance and lost on the margins—a classic chapter in this rivalry.
For football fans, this clash is a reminder that numbers only scratch the surface of the passion and drama on the field. As the 2024 season unfolds, both teams have plenty to build on—or fix.
