The call and the cost: Every penalty UK committed vs. Missouri and the damage it inflicted

The yellow flags were flying at Kroger Field on Saturday night, and it’s far from the first time the University of Kentucky football team has failed to maintain discipline in an undeniable fashion this season.

The Wildcats were whistled 14 times for 122 yards in penalties during their 38-21 loss to Southeastern Conference rival Missouri.

That marked the third time in 2023 that Kentucky has totaled double-digit penalties.

UK committed 10 for 106 yards in a win over Vanderbilt and 10 for 70 yards in a victory over Eastern Kentucky. In four of Kentucky’s seven games this season, the Wildcats have been flagged more times than their opponent.

Missouri was called for six penalties totaling 65 yards on Saturday night.

“I’m the head coach and we’ve got to get the discipline under control,” Mark Stoops said after Saturday’s loss. “But, those players have to help, too, yes. They have to hold each other accountable as well. It is their football team.”

Here’s a look at the damage inflicted by Kentucky’s penalties against the Tigers.

First quarter

The call: Holding on tight end Josh Kattus (10 yards).

The cost: The penalty negated a 5-yard run by quarterback Devin Leary, pushing UK back from the Missouri 1-yard line to the 11. UK still scored a touchdown two plays later.

The call: Holding on offensive lineman Eli Cox (10 yards).

The cost: The penalty wiped out a 7-yard run by Ray Davis on third-and-1 from the Missouri 15. Again, UK found the end zone two plays after a big penalty.

Second quarter

The call: False start on wide receiver Dane Key (5 yards).

The cost: A third-and-4 became a third-and-9 and UK ended up punting.

The call: Unsportsmanlike conduct on defensive back Zion Childress (15 yards).

The cost: It propelled a Missouri drive forward from the UK 32 to the 17, a possession that resulted in a field goal.

Third quarter

The call: Holding on offensive lineman Eli Cox (10 yards).

The cost: Wiped out a 25-yard pass from Devin Leary to Dane Key, stalling a UK drive that ended three plays later in a punt.

The call: False start on tight end Josh Kattus (5 yards).

The cost: Inconsequential — the opening play of a drive that resulted in a Kentucky touchdown.

The call: Pass interference on defensive back Andru Phillips (15 yards).

The cost: Kept alive a Missouri drive on third-and-2 from the Mizzou 38. Seven plays later, the Tigers scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Fourth quarter

The calls: Roughing the passer and unsportsmanlike conduct on defensive tackle Kahlil Saunders (2 yards).

The cost: After Kentucky denied Missouri’s two-point conversion attempt, the Tigers successfully scored two points thanks to their second chance.

The call: Illegal motion on linebacker Martez Thrower (5 yards).

The cost: Gave Missouri possession at the UK 34 instead of the 39 after the Tigers received a Kentucky punt. That drive ended in a Mizzou TD.

The call: Pass interference on defensive back Andru Phillips (15 yards).

The cost: What would have been a third-and-10 became an automatic first down, spurring the Missouri drive just mentioned that resulted in the game-clinching touchdown at 35-21.

The call: Holding on unidentified player (10 yards).

The cost: A third-and-5 for Kentucky’s offense became a third-and-15, and Missouri intercepted Devin Leary on the next play.

The call: Offsides on defensive tackle Deone Walker (5 yards).

The cost: An interception by Kentucky’s Zion Childress was called back, allowing Missouri to retain possession.

The call: Personal foul on wide receiver Barion Brown (15 yards).

The cost: At the end of a Missouri interception return, Brown’s penalty moved the ball from the UK 31 to the 16, setting up a Tigers possession that resulted in a field goal.

This story was originally published October 15, 2023 at 7:40 AM.