Special-teams gems save Kentucky

KENTUCKY 24, E. MICHIGAN 20

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Benny Snell scored on a 12-yard run early in the fourth quarter after the second of Kentucky’s big special teams plays provided a cushion, and the Wildcats survived Eastern Michigan 24-20 on Saturday.

With both schools looking to get back on track after tough conference losses, the Wildcats (4-1) eventually succeeded despite uneven play throughout their inaugural nonconference meeting with the Eagles (2-2). A game that was tied at 14-14 at halftime began turning the Wildcats’ way when Tristan Yeomans recovered a muffed punt at EMU’s 42 and led to Austin MacGinnis’ 39-yard field goal.

Josh Paschal’s blocked punt early in the fourth was downed at EMU’s 12, and Snell busted through on the next play for a 10-point lead that stood just a week after Kentucky yielded 14 unanswered fourth-quarter points in a 28-27 loss to No. 21 Florida.

“We found ways to win the football game when we didn’t play our best,” Kentucky Coach Mark Stoops said. “There’s no excuse for not playing our best at home. I appreciate 4-1 because it’s better than 3-2.”

Kentucky’s run defense returned to its stingy ways by allowing Eastern Michigan just 13 yards rushing on 27 carries. That’s the lowest allowed since Samford finished minus-2 on the ground in 2012.

At the same time, the Wildcats managed just 53 yards on 37 rushing attempts.

Ian Eriksen’s 2-yard TD run got EMU within 24-20 and gave the Eagles one last chance, but Brogan Roback’s desperation pass was intercepted by Mike Edwards in the end zone in the final seconds.

AP/DAVID STEPHENSON congratulates running back Benny Snell Jr. after scoring a touchdown Saturday during the Wildcats’ 24-20 victory over Eastern Michigan in Lexington, Ky.