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Taxslayer Gator Bowl: Kentucky vs. NC State

By Randy Lefko Sports Editor
Posted 1/6/21

JACKSONVILLE - University of Kentucky had to fend off a 21 point second half after scoring a 13-0 halftime lead to preserve a 23-21 win the Taxslayer Gator Bowl Saturday afternoon in TIAA Bank Field …

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Taxslayer Gator Bowl: Kentucky vs. NC State


Posted

JACKSONVILLE - University of Kentucky had to fend off a 21 point second half after scoring a 13-0 halftime lead to preserve a 23-21 win the Taxslayer Gator Bowl Saturday afternoon in TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville.

Kentucky, 4-6 in the Southeastern Conference East Division, got two first half field goals and a four yard rushing touchdown to get their 13-0 lead at the break, but the North Carolina State offense, led by quarterback Bailey Hockman, fought back despite three interceptions by Kentucky and three sacks to outscore the Wildcats in the second half, but it wasn’t enough.

In the fourth quarter, NC State, 8-3 and fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference, got two rushing touchdowns; a two yarder from running back Jordan Houston and a 13 yarder from Zonovan Knight to close the gap to three wth 1:33 left in the game.

Kentucky’s lone score in the second half was a 26 yard rumble from fullback Chris Rodriguez, Jr. Rodriguez also scored in the first quarter from four yards out.