Kentucky football is in a much needed bye week after defeating Vanderbilt to improve to 7-1 on the season. We reviewed the offensive and defensive performance from the Cats on Saturday. Now we will spotlight some players on the offense that made an impact in the 34-17 win over the Commodores. Kentucky controls their own destiny in the month of November.

Kenny Minchey

Kenny Minchey just continues to play extremely efficient at the quarterback position. He completed 19-of-26 pass attempts for 203 yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, Minchey did not throw an interception and he still has just one on the year which came against Alabama in week two. Minchey does a great job at playing with poise and in rhythm within the scheme, he does not force throws down the field.

DJ Miller

DJ Miller continues to come along and he caught his first touchdown pass of the season against Vanderbilt. Miller had five catches for 43 yards against the Commodores. Kentucky was without Nic Anderson in this game, but they hope to get him back after this bye week. This wide receiver room needs to be at full strength for this final stretch as they have four guys that they feel comfortable in making big plays.

Kenny Darby

Kenny Darby is so impressive as a true freshman and he is unbelievably important to this offense. Darby is far and away the best YAC threat on this offense, he is the go-to guy to create explosives in the passing game. We saw that on his 44-yard catch against Vanderbilt. Darby had four catches on the day for 71 yards.

Willie Rodriguez

Willie Rodriguez is a dynamic tight end and has absolutely lived up to the offseason hype that surrounded him. Rodriguez had six catches for 67 yards against Vanderbilt, and he is very consistent at making short to intermediate catches that move the chains. We also saw Rodriguez score a rushing touchdown in the wildcat formation where he took a direct snap and found the opening for a score. The coaching staff has leaned on the tight end group all season and are finding creative ways to get all three of them involved.