HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - Stephen Johnson threw for 176 yards and a touchdown and Kentucky's defense recovered two crucial fumbles in the second half to lead the Wildcats over Southern Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday.
Kentucky was clinging to a 17-10 lead in the third quarter when Darius West slammed his helmet into Southern Miss quarterback Kwadra Griggs' arm, forcing a fumble that Denzil Ware scooped up and ran 20 yards for the touchdown.
Then with the Wildcats leading 24-17 in the fourth quarter, the Kentucky defense killed another Southern Miss drive when Chris Westry forced a fumble that was recovered by Courtney Love at midfield.
Kentucky's offense had some success during the first half over the middle of the field on two pass plays from Johnson to tight end C.J. Conrad. The second completion was a 23-yard touchdown that put the Wildcats ahead 14-3 midway through the second quarter.
The Southern Miss offense improved significantly in the second half when Griggs replaced Keon Howard at quarterback. Griggs hit Korey Robertson for two touchdowns - one in the third quarter and another in the fourth. The second pulled the Golden Eagles within 24-17 with 12:42 remaining.
Griggs finished with 222 yards passing and two touchdowns, all in the second half.
THE TAKEAWAY
Kentucky: It wasn't always pretty, but Kentucky was able to pull ahead in the first half and shake off a Southern Miss rally in the second half to win the season opener. The Wildcats' offense was just so-so, but the defense was solid. Ware's fumble recovery for the touchdown was a crucial play.
Southern Miss: The Golden Eagles made this one interesting, but a sputtering offense and a few big mistakes ended their chance to beat Kentucky twice in a row. Griggs gave the offense a lift with his play in the second half, making the case that he's the team's best option at QB going forward.
UP NEXT
Kentucky: The Wildcats host Eastern Kentucky next Saturday.
Southern Miss: The Golden Eagles host Southern next Saturday.
