The juices don’t always flow when it’s the Vanderbilt Commodores on the other side of the field, but Saturday was different.

It was a long day waiting for the Kentucky Wildcats to kick off against a Vandy team that inexplicably upset Alabama a week ago.

Kentucky opened as double-digit favorites, but it felt like winning this game would take a focused effort.

The first half was strong as Kentucky was plagued by early penalties and poor execution. They would go into the break at 14-7.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was 9/11, throwing for two scores in the first half.

The Commodores would take advantage of Kentucky’s lack of execution and control for most of the second half.

Britain never really had a chance at this, simply because they couldn’t get out of the way.

Vandy makes it two in a row in Lexington. The Cats are now 2-10 in the week following their last 12 SEC home games.

Unacceptable.

Here are four things to know about Kentucky’s third loss of the season.

Diego Pavia can play

After his monster performance against Alabama, Pavia threw for 143 yards and two scores. He led a 97-yard drive to start the game and really used his ability to keep the defense off balance.

He then closed the second half with another brilliant play, putting the Dores ahead 14-7 heading into half-time.

After a difficult takedown in the third quarter, Pavia left the match and returned with a knee brace. His raw performance was impressive.

When Pavia is cooking, there isn’t much the opponent can do to stop him.

That being said, Kentucky’s defense did enough to win this game. The attack was just woefully inefficient and Pavia did just enough to give the Dores the win.

Dane Key continues to shine

#6 showed again why he will play on Sunday. Key grabbed eight receptions and scored a fourth-quarter touchdown that gave the Cats some life.

It has become clear that Dane Key is the most consistent option for this Kentucky offense that continues to sputter.

At this rate, Key could hear his name called sometime in the 2025 NFL Draft if he chooses to leave.

Playing undisciplined

Kentucky couldn’t get out of the way in the first half, committing eight penalties for 71 yards, including several in critical situations.

The second half delivered much the same.

Late in the third quarter, a botched play would cost the Cats three points. After a touchdown from the Dane, the special teams unit failed to convert an extra point.

Special teams were a nightmare all night.

Kentucky would end the night with 12 penalties for 106 yards.

Undisciplined play is starting to become a problem, especially considering Mark Stoops’ team is coming off a bye week. On the other hand, his teams were always terrible coming out of byes. Somehow, in year 12, he still doesn’t know how to act coming out of a bye.

UK can be very frustrating to watch at times, and cleaning up the piece should be a primary focus going forward.

Next week the Cats travel to one of the noisiest environments in the country when they travel to the Swamp to take on the Florida Gators.

A trip to the swamp is on the agenda

Kentucky travels to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. Even though Britain has had recent success, playing in the Swamp is never easy.

If the Cats fail to execute the penalty and avoid penalties, it will be a long night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Florida will rejoice in its heartbreaking 23-17 OT loss to #8 Tennessee.

Let’s discuss these now.