Mizzou falls to Kentucky in SEC opener

LEXINGTON, Ky. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou football team could not hang on for the win in the opening of conference play, as Kentucky took it 35-28 over the Tigers.

You can watch the full interviews with Eli Drinkwitz, quarterback Connor Bazelak, and safety Martez Manuel in the video players below.

The Wildcats came out of the gates strong with a more than 70 yard drive on the very first drive of the game. It all started with a 64-yard rush from UK standout Wan'Dale Robinson and ended with a short Will Levis pass to Chris Rodriguez for six.

Kentucky continued to roll over the MU defense in the first few minutes of the matchup. A few very costly penalties put the Cats at the two yard line, resulting in another touchdown from Rodriguez. At that point in the game, MU had more penalty yards than offensive yards, with 29.

The Tigers found some rhythm in their first touchdown drive. Running back Tyler Badie picked up some consistent short yardage plays, which led to a connection between Connor Bazelak and Daniel Parker Jr. to make it a one score ball game.

Kentucky did tag on another score courtesy of Levis, however, Mizzou went into half time swinging. Bazelak went 6-for-7 for 72 yards, ending in a 17-yard touchdown toss to Keke Chism. The Wildcats still led 21-14 at halftime.

After the half the Wildcats, once again, came out firing. Rodriguez trotted in for his second touchdown of the game, 28-14 UK.

Bazelak and the MU offense kicked it in to high gear though, taking two more than 70-yard drives into the end zone to tie up the ball game at 28 points apiece.

Kentucky fired back right away with Rodriguez's third touchdown of the night to take a one-score advantage.

MU linebacker Blaze Alldredge gave the Tigers one last chance by blocking Kentucky's field goal attempt, however, the offense could not capitalize.

Bazelak went 34-52 with 294 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.

Up next - Mizzou returns home to host Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 25.