2021 Kentucky Wildcats football
Citrus Bowl champion
Citrus Bowl, W 20–17 vs. Iowa
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionEastern Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 15
APNo. 18
Record10–3 (5–3 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorLiam Coen (1st season)
Offensive schemeMultiple pro-style
Defensive coordinatorBrad White (3rd season)
Co-defensive coordinatorJon Sumrall (1st season)
Base defense3–4 or 4–3
Home stadiumKroger Field
2021 Southeastern Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
No. 1 Georgia x#^  8 –0   14 –1  
No. 18 Kentucky  5 –3   10 –3  
Tennessee  4 –4   7 –6  
Missouri  3 –5   6 –7  
South Carolina  3 –5   7 –6  
Florida  2 –6   6 –7  
Vanderbilt  0 –8   2 –10  
West Division
No. 2 Alabama x$^  7 –1   13 –2  
No. 11 Ole Miss  6 –2   10 –3  
No. 21 Arkansas  4 –4   9 –4  
Mississippi State  4 –4   7 –6  
Texas A&M  4 –4   8 –4  
Auburn  3 –5   6 –7  
LSU  3 –5   6 –7  
Championship: Alabama 41, Georgia 24
  • # – College Football Playoff champion
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2021 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky (UK) in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats played their home games at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, and competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by ninth-year head coach Mark Stoops.

Offseason

Position key

Back B Center C Cornerback CB Defensive back DB
Defensive end DE Defensive lineman DL Defensive tackle DT End E
Fullback FB Place Kicker PK Guard G Halfback HB Kicker K
Kickoff returner KR Offensive tackle OT Offensive lineman OL Linebacker LB
Long snapper LS Split end SE Punter P Punt returner PR Quarterback QB
Running back RB Safety S Tight end TE Wide receiver WR

Preseason

Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released

Award Player Position Year

SEC Media Days

Preseason All-SEC teams

Personnel

Coaching staff

Name Position Years at Kentucky
Mark StoopsHead coach9th
Vince MarrowAssociate head coach/tight end coach9th
Liam CoenOffensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach1st
Brad WhiteDefensive coordinator/Outside linebackers coach4th
John SettleRunning backs coach1st
Jon SumrallInside linebackers coach /co-defensive coordinator3rd
Frank BuffanoSafeties coach2nd
Eric WolfordOffensive line coach1st
Scott WoodwardWide receivers coach1st
Anwar StewartDefensive line coach2nd
Mark HillStrength and conditioning6th
Reference:

Schedule

Spring game

The Wildcats were scheduled to hold spring practices in March and April 2021 with the Kentucky football spring game, which took place in Lexington, KY in April 2021.

Regular season

The 2021 Kentucky regular-season schedule consisted of seven home games and five away games. UK hosted four SEC opponents: Florida, LSU, Missouri, and rival Tennessee. UK traveled to four SEC opponents: Georgia, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. Kentucky was not scheduled to play SEC West opponents Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M in the 2021 regular season. The Wildcats' bye week was during week 8 (on October 23, 2021).[1]

Kentucky's out-of-conference opponents represented the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Southern Conference (SoCon), and Sun Belt Conference (SBC), as well as one FBS independent. The Wildcats hosted SoCon member Chattanooga, SBC member Louisiana-Monroe, and independent New Mexico State. The Wildcats closed out the regular season by traveling to Louisville, KY to face in-state rival Louisville for the Governor's Cup.

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 4, 202112:00 p.m.Louisiana–Monroe*
SECNW 45–1047,693
September 117:30 p.m.Missouri
  • Kroger Field
  • Lexington, KY
SECNW 35–2858,437
September 1812:00 p.m.Chattanooga*
  • Kroger Field
  • Lexington, KY
ESPN+/SECN+W 28–2355,214
September 257:00 p.m.at South Carolina
ESPN2W 16–1077,559
October 26:00 p.m.No. 10 Florida
  • Kroger Field
  • Lexington, KY (rivalry)
ESPNW 20–1361,632
October 97:30 p.m.LSUNo. 16
SECNW 42–2161,690
October 163:30 p.m.at No. 1 GeorgiaNo. 11
CBSL 13–3092,746
October 307:00 p.m.at Mississippi StateNo. 12
SECNL 17–3149,487
November 67:00 p.m.TennesseeNo. 18
  • Kroger Field
  • Lexington, KY (rivalry)
ESPN2L 42–4561,690
November 137:00 p.m.at Vanderbilt
ESPN2W 34–1725,798
November 2012:00 p.m.New Mexico State*
  • Kroger Field
  • Lexington, KY
SECNW 56–1647,749
November 277:30 p.m.at Louisville*
ESPN2W 52–2155,018
January 1, 20221:00 p.m.vs. No. 15 Iowa*No. 22
ABCW 20–1750,769

[2]

Game summaries

Louisiana–Monroe

1 234Total
Louisiana–Monroe 7 003 10
• Kentucky 14 14314 45
  • Date: September 4
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 12:03 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:11
  • Game attendance: 47,693
  • Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: SW 7 MPH
  • Referee: Jason McArthur
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
  • Source: Official Box Score
     
Scoring summary
108:53ULMKadyn Roach 3-yard rush (Calum Sutherland kick)
(12 plays, 42 yards, 5:01)		ULM 7–0
06:13UKWan'Dale Robinson 33-yard pass from Will Levis (Matt Ruffolo kick)
(5 plays, 84 yards, 2:40)		TIE 7–7
04:20UKJosh Ali 58-yard pass from Will Levis (Matt Ruffolo kick)
(1 play, 58 yards, 0:09)		UK 14–7
210:40UKChris Rodriguez 2-yard rush (Matt Ruffolo kick)
(14 plays, 84 yards, 6:37)		UK 21–7
05:44UKWan'Dale Robinson 15-yard pass from Will Levis (Matt Ruffolo kick)
(4 plays, 80 yards, 2:24)		UK 28–7
303:54UKMatt Ruffolo 45-yard field goal
(7 plays, 51 yards, 3:40)		UK 31–7
413:07UKBrenden Bates 4-yard pass from Will Levis (Matt Ruffolo kick)
(9 plays, 76 yards, 4:00)		UK 38–7
04:39ULMCalum Sutherland 29-yard field goal
(11 plays, 48 yards, 5:11)		UK 38–10
01:00UKMichael Drennen II 4-yard rush (Matt Ruffolo kick)
(8 plays, 68 yards, 3:39)		UK 45–10
Pregame lineOver/under
UK −31.054
StatisticsULMKentucky
First downs1224
Total yards87564
Rushing yards17145
Passing yards70419
Turnovers03
Time of possession28:1331:47
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ULMPassingRhett Rodgriuez9/17, 56 yards
RushingChandler Rogers7 carries, 11 yards
ReceivingBoogie Knight6 receptions, 58 yards
KentuckyPassingWill Levis18/26, 367 yards, 4 TD's
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.19 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJosh Ali5 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD

Missouri

1 234Total
Missouri 7 777 28
• Kentucky 14 777 35
  • Date: September 11
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 7:38 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 58,437
  • Game weather: Sunny, 74°F, Wind S @ 8 mph
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsMissouriKentucky
First downs2526
Total yards398520
Rushing yards104341
Passing yards294179
Turnovers12
Time of possession27:1232:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MissouriPassingConnor Bazelak34/51, 294 yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT
RushingTyler Badie14 carries, 61 yards
ReceivingTyler Badie10 receptions, 88 yards, 1 TD
KentuckyPassingWill Levis10/18, 179 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.27 carries, 207 yards, 2 TD’s
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson5 receptions, 101 yards

Chattanooga

1 234Total
Chattanooga 7 3310 23
• Kentucky 7 7014 28
  • Date: September 18
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 12:02 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 55,214
  • Game weather: Sunny, 81°F, Wind E @ 3 mph
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (ESPN+, SEC Network+): Mike Morgan (play-by-play), Ben Hartsock (color), Paul Carcaterra (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsChattanoogaKentucky
First downs1620
Total yards339356
Rushing yards171102
Passing yards168254
Turnovers13
Time of possession31:4228:18
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ChattanoogaPassingCole Copeland21/35, 168 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingAilym Ford21 carries, 128 yards
ReceivingReginald Henderson9 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
KentuckyPassingWill Levis23/35, 254 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.13 carries, 46 yards
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson8 receptions, 111 yards

At South Carolina

Game Four – Kentucky Wildcats (3-0) at South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1)
Period 1 2 34Total
Kentucky 7 3 3316
South Carolina 0 0 7310

at Williams-Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina

Game information
First quarter
  • (8:27) UK – Kavosiey Smoke 15-yard run (Matt Ruffolo Kick). Kentucky 7-0. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:33.
Second quarter
  • (0:00) UK – Matt Ruffolo 43-yard field goal. Kentucky 10-0. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 4:39.
Third quarter
  • (10:52) SC – Jalen Brooks 5-yard pass from Luke Doty (Parker White Kick). Kentucky 10-7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:08.
  • (3:43) UK – Matt Ruffolo 21-yard field goal. Kentucky 13-7. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 7:09.
Fourth quarter
  • (4:26) UK – Matt Ruffolo 27-yard field goal. Kentucky 16-7. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 5:17.
  • (2:31) SC – Parker White 54-yard field goal. Kentucky 16-10. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:55.
Statistics UK SC
First downs2212
Plays–yards66–33251–216
Rushes–yards23058
Passing yards102158
Passing: comp–att–int15–22–117–25–0
Time of possession35:3624:24
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UK PassingWill Levis15/22, 102 yards, INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr26 carries, 144 yards
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson7 receptions, 65 yards
SC PassingLuke Doty17/25, 158 yards, TD
RushingKevin Harris12 carries, 38 yards
ReceivingJalen Brooks4 receptions, 63 yards, TD

No. 10 Florida

This was the Wildcats' first home win over Florida since 1986.[3]

1 234Total
No. 10 Florida 7 303 13
• Kentucky 7 067 20
  • Date: October 2
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 6:01 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 61,632
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 75°F, Wind SW @ 6 mph
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Dan Orlovsky (color), Kris Budden (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsFloridaKentucky
First downs2113
Total yards382224
Rushing yards171137
Passing yards21187
Turnovers11
Time of possession36:1823:42
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
FloridaPassingEmory Jones23/31, 203 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingEmory Jones13 carries, 63 yards
ReceivingJacob Copeland6 receptions, 59 yards
KentuckyPassingWill Levis7/17, 87 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.19 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD

LSU

1 234Total
LSU 0 0714 21
• No. 16 Kentucky 7 71414 42
  • Date: October 9
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 7:39 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 61,690
  • Game weather: Sunny, 72°F, Wind SE @ 5 mph
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsLSUKentucky
First downs2224
Total yards408475
Rushing yards147330
Passing yards261145
Turnovers10
Time of possession27:4832:12
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LSUPassingMax Johnson22/38, 261 yards, 1 TD
RushingTyrion Davis-Price22 carries, 147 yards, 2 TD’s
ReceivingKayshon Boutte8 receptions, 73 yards
KentuckyPassingWill Levis14/17, 145 yards, 3 TD’s
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.16 carries, 147 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson8 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD

At No. 1 Georgia

1 234Total
No. 11 Kentucky 0 706 13
• No. 1 Georgia 0 14106 30
  • Sources:
StatisticsKentuckyGeorgia
First downs1620
Total yards243416
Rushing yards51166
Passing yards192250
Turnovers00
Time of possession37:4722:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KentuckyPassingWill Levis32/42, 192 yards, 2 TD’s
RushingKavosiey Smoke5 carries, 14 yards
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson12 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD
GeorgiaPassingStetson Bennett14/20, 250 yards, 3 TD’s
RushingJames Cook6 carries, 51 yards
ReceivingBrock Bowers5 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TD’s

At Mississippi State

1 234Total
No. 12 Kentucky 7 307 17
• Mississippi State 0 14170 31
  • Date: October 30
  • Location: Starkville, MS
  • Game start: 6:09 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 49,487
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 55°F, Wind NW @ 5 mph
  • Referee: Lee Hendrick
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsKentuckyMiss State
First downs1427
Total yards216438
Rushing yards6694
Passing yards150344
Turnovers40
Time of possession18:5041:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KentuckyPassingWill Levis17/28, 150 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT’s
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.8 carries, 34 yards
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson9 receptions, 79 yards
Miss StatePassingWill Rogers36/39, 344 yards, 1 TD
RushingJo’Quavious Marks20 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJaden Walley6 receptions, 95 yards

Tennessee

1 234Total
• Tennessee 14 10147 45
No. 18 Kentucky 7 14147 42
  • Date: November 6
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 7:05 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 61,690
  • Game weather: Sunny, 46°F, Wind N @ 4 mph
  • Referee: Steve Marlowe
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (color), Dawn Davenport (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsTennesseeKentucky
First downs1735
Total yards461612
Rushing yards145225
Passing yards316387
Turnovers11
Time of possession13:5246:08
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
TennesseePassingHendon Hooker15/20, 316 yards, 4 TD’s
RushingJabari Small4 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingVelus Jones Jr.5 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD
KentuckyPassingWill Levis31/49, 372 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.22 carries, 109 yards
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson13 receptions, 166 yards, 1 TD

At Vanderbilt

1 234Total
• Kentucky 7 2403 34
Vanderbilt 3 086 17
  • Date: November 13
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Game start: 6:05 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 25,798
  • Game weather: Sunny, 42°F, Wind N @ 1 mph
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Mike Golic Jr. (color), Taylor McGregor (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsKentuckyVanderbilt
First downs2116
Total yards413266
Rushing yards23696
Passing yards177170
Turnovers11
Time of possession29:4630:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KentuckyPassingWill Levis14/22, 177 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.16 carries, 144 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson6 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
VanderbiltPassingKen Seals12/17, 87 yards, 1 INT
RushingPatrick Smith18 carries, 84 yards
ReceivingChris Pierce Jr6 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD

New Mexico State

1 234Total
New Mexico St 7 900 16
• Kentucky 21 14147 56
  • Date: November 20
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • Game start: 12:03 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 47,749
  • Game weather: Sunny, 52°F, Wind SW @ 9 mph
  • Referee: Alex Moore
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Tera Talmadge (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsNew Mexico StKentucky
First downs1329
Total yards282707
Rushing yards101248
Passing yards181459
Turnovers24
Time of possession26:0733:53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
New Mexico StPassingJonah Johnson16/35, 181 yards, 1 INT
RushingJuwaun Price11 carries, 51 yards
ReceivingJustice Powers1 reception, 41 yards
KentuckyPassingWill Levis21/31, 419 yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.16 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson8 receptions, 181 yards

At Louisville

Governor’s Cup
1 234Total
• Kentucky 14 101414 52
Louisville 7 0014 21
  • Date: November 27
  • Location: Louisville, KY
  • Game start: 7:41 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 55,018
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 48°F, Wind SW @ 3 mph
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Mark Herzlich (color), Jalyn Johnson (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsKentuckyLouisville
First downs2820
Total yards511352
Rushing yards362144
Passing yards149208
Turnovers01
Time of possession35:0424:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KentuckyPassingWill Levis14/18, 149 yards
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.16 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson9 receptions, 97 yards
LouisvillePassingMalik Cunningham12/20, 145 yards, 1 INT
RushingJalen Mitchell11 carries, 53 yards
ReceivingMarshon Ford6 receptions, 68 yards

Vs. No. 15 Iowa (Citrus Bowl)

Vrbo Citrus Bowl
1 234Total
No. 15 Iowa 0 377 17
• No. 22 Kentucky 7 607 20
  • Sources:
StatisticsIowaUK
First downs024
Total yards0354
Rushing yards0121
Passing yards0233
Turnovers31
Time of possession22:0637:54
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
IowaPassingSpencer Petras19/30, 211 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT’s
RushingGavin Williams16 carries, 98 yards
ReceivingSam LaPorta7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
KentuckyPassingWill Levis17/28, 233 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingChris Rodriguez Jr.20 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWan'Dale Robinson10 receptions, 170 yards

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
— = Not ranked. RV = Received votes.
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP—RVRVRVRV1611151218RVRVRV252518
CoachesRVRVRVRV231411141217RVRV25222015
CFPNot released18———2322Not released

Statistics

Scoring

Scores by quarter (All Home Games)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 49 32 31 44 156
Kentucky 77 63 58 70 268

Scores by quarter (All Away Games)

1 2 3 4 Total
Kentucky 35 47 17 33 132
Opponents 10 28 42 29 109

Scores by quarter (All Neutral Field Games)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 0 0 0 0 0
Kentucky 0 0 0 0 0

Scores by quarter (Home Games – SEC)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 28 20 28 31 107
Kentucky 35 28 41 35 139

Scores by quarter (Away Games – SEC)

1 2 3 4 Total
Kentucky 21 37 3 19 80
Opponents 3 28 42 15 88

Scores by quarter (Neutral Field – SEC)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 0 0 0 0 0
Kentucky 0 0 0 0 0

Scores by quarter (Home Games – NC)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 21 12 3 13 49
Kentucky 42 35 17 35 129

Scores by quarter (Away Games – NC)

1 2 3 4 Total
Kentucky 14 10 14 14 52
Opponents 7 0 0 14 21

Scores by quarter (Neutral Field – NC)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 0 0 0 0 0
Kentucky 0 0 0 0 0

Scores by quarter (All NC Opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 28 12 3 27 70
Kentucky 56 45 31 49 181

Scores by quarter (All SEC Opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 31 48 70 46 195
Kentucky 56 65 44 54 219

Scores by quarter (All opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 59 60 73 73 265
Kentucky 112 110 75 103 400

Media affiliates

Radio

TV

References

  1. ↑ "Seven Home Games Highlight Kentucky Football 2021 Schedule". UK Athletics. UK Athletics. January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  2. ↑ de Rond, Mark (March 1, 2017), "Hawkeye", Doctors at War, Cornell University Press, retrieved February 25, 2022
  3. ↑ "Kentucky rallies past No. 10 Florida 20–13 in SEC showdown". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
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