Kentucky’s running game hit full stride against a short-handed NC State defense in a 23-21 win in the Gator Bowl on Saturday. The Wildcats were also helped by three interceptions from their defense.
Posted January 2, 2021 1:30 p.m. ESTUpdated January 2, 2021 4:16 p.m. EST By Joe Giglio, WRALSportsFan NC State found different ways to win this college football season. The resourceful Wolfpack ran out of ways in the Gator Bowl. Kentucky ran wild against a short-handed NC State defense for a 23-21 win on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla. The Wildcats (5-6) got 148 rushing yards from Asim Rose, came up with three interceptions and got three field goals from Matt Ruffolo. NC State also missed two missed field goals in the loss. Kentucky’s running ability, the Wildcats finished with a 281 to 50 advantage on the ground, ultimately proved to be the difference. „We had our chances to make that a different game and we didn’t,“ NC State coach Dave Doeren said in the post-game press conference. NC State (8-4), No.23 in the College Football Playoff poll, has been resilient during the pandemic playing through significant injuries and COVID issues. The Wolfpack has won games on blocked kicks, last-second touchdown catches and even a fourth-down spike by an opposing quarterback. Bam Knight ran for a 13-yard touchdown with 4:46 to cut Kentucky’s lead to two points but the Wolfpack couldn’t complete the comeback.
