Pavia throws 2 touchdown passes, Vanderbilt tops error-prone Kentucky 20-13 for 2nd straight SEC win

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Diego Pavia passed for two touchdowns, Brock Taylor kicked two long field goals and Vanderbilt held off mistake-prone Kentucky 20-13 on Saturday night for its second consecutive Southeastern Conference victory.

The Commodores (4-2, 2-1) never trailed in following up last week’s historic 40-35 victory over top-ranked Alabama and earned back-to-back SEC wins for the first time since beating Kentucky and Florida two years ago. Pavia threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to AJ Newberry on their first possession before adding a tiebreaking 18-yard scoring pass to Richie Hoskins with 13 seconds remaining before halftime.

Taylor followed with field goals of 49 and 50 yards as Vanderbilt scored on four consecutive drives over the middle two quarters. The second followed a bizarre third-quarter sequence in which Kentucky holder Wilson Berry fumbled a field goal snap, rolled right and lofted a pass that De’Rickey Wright intercepted at the 1 and returned nine yards.

Brock Vandagriff’s 22-yard TD pass to Dane Key got the Wildcats (3-3, 1-3) within one score, but Berry fumbled the snap and tackled while trying to run the ball into the end zone. That play was among many miscues by the Wildcats, who were penalized 12 times for 106 yards and failed to follow up their 20-17 upset of then-No. 6 Mississippi two weeks ago.

Pavia completed 15 of 18 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, and he rushed for 53 yards on 14 carries.

Vandagriff was 15-of-25 passing for 158 yards.

Vanderbilt edge rusher Miles Capers left the game in the second quarter after being injured while getting caught under a rush of players while trying to make a tackle. He was stabilized, placed on a wooden board and stretcher and taken to a hospital for imaging, but returned to the sidelines in the second half in sweats.

THE TAKEAWAY

Vanderbilt: The Commodores were outgained 322-288 but always seemed in control thanks to Pavia's arm and mobility that extended plays. Though less emphatic than what he achieved against 'Bama, it set the tone for a game in which they got points when needed.

Kentucky: The Wildcats came out of the bye intent on adding to their signature win but couldn't get out of their way with penalties that killed drives. The blooper reel-style fumbles by Berry only added to their misery.

UP NEXT

Vanderbilt hosts Ball State on Saturday night in non-league play.

Kentucky visits Florida on Saturday night in SEC play.