Kentucky football falls to the Vanderbilt Commodores: Final score, 4 things to know and more

Tensions don't always arise when the Vanderbilt Commodores are on the other side of the field, but Saturday was different.

It was a long day for the Kentucky Wildcats to face a Vandy team that inexplicably upset Alabama a week ago.

Kentucky entered the game as a double-digit favorite, but felt that winning this game would require a focused effort.

The first half was energetic as Kentucky was plagued by untimely penalties and poor execution. They went into the break with a 14-7 lead.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was 9/11 and scored two points in the first half.

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

Great Britain never really had a chance in this game, simply because they couldn't get out of their own way.

Vandy makes it to Lexington for the second year in a row. 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

Following his monster performance against Alabama, Pavia threw for 143 yards and two scores. Early in the game, he led a 97-yard drive, showcasing his ability to keep defenses off balance.

He then ended the second half with another brilliant performance, giving the Dores a 14-7 lead before the break.

After an unpleasant loss in the third quarter, Pavia left the game and returned with a knee brace. His powerful performance was impressive.

When Pavia is cooking, there is not much the opposing defense can do to stop him.

However, Kentucky's defense did enough to win this game. The offense was just woefully inefficient and Pavia did just enough for the Dores to pull out the win.

Dane Key continues to shine

#6 showed once again why he will play on Sundays. Key grabbed eight receptions and scored a fourth-quarter touchdown to give the Cats some life.

Dane Key has been confirmed to be the most consistent option for this Kentucky offense that continues to falter.

At this rate, Key could hear his name called at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft if he decides to leave.

Undisciplined game

Kentucky couldn't get unstuck in the first half, picking up eight penalties for 71 yards, including several in critical situations.

The second half brought much of the same.

Late in the third quarter, a botched snap would cost the Cats three points. After a touchdown by the Danes, the special unit failed to convert an extra point.

Special teams were a nightmare all night.

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

Indisciplined play is becoming a growing concern, especially considering Mark Stoops' team is coming off a bye week. On the other hand, his teams always performed poorly from byes. Somehow, in 12th grade, he still hasn't figured out how to behave after a bye.

Great Britain can be very frustrating to watch at times and sorting out the game needs to be a priority going forward.

Next week, the Cats travel to one of the loudest areas in the country when they travel to the swamp to take on the Florida Gators.

Next up is a trip to the swamp

Kentucky will travel to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. While Britain has had recent successes, playing in the quagmire is never easy.

If the Cats don't figure out how to take and avoid penalties, it's going to be a long night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Florida will be on fire after a heartbreaking 23-17 loss to No. 8 Tennessee.

Now let's discuss this.