Kentucky football torches New Mexico enabling seniors to make memories

Josh Ali ends his final game at Kroger with a spectacular touchdown

Another senior Josh Ali also was the target for some milestone moments as the Hollywood, Florida receiver pulled in seven receptions for 164 yards and also two touchdowns, including a breakaway 62-yard score.

Ali snagged a pass from Will Levis at the New Mexico 46-yard line and, slipped from one defender, and kicked it into full sprint mode taking it to the house untouched for his second score of the afternoon.

He was asked how those 50 to 60-yard plays felt.

"“Oh, it felt great. I wish I didn’t get hurt, so I could have gotten more of those this year, but I did what I could today so that I could have a good last game here at Kroger Field .”"

Levis and Ali connected in the second quarter with a nine-yard touchdown that made it 28-10.

It was unfortunate that Ali had to miss two games with injuries this season, but his presence on the field has not only helped him, but Robinson as well giving defenses two weapons they have had to defend against.

He had a season-high day as well in reception yards (164), touchdowns (2), and the 62-yarder was the longest catch of the season.

With his big day, Ali now has amassed 1,399 receiving yards in his career, vaulting from 22nd to 15th place in the UK history books. The 23.4 yards per catch today, sets his place as the second-highest in school history for a player pulling in at least seven catches. You have to back to 1987 when Dee Smith averaged 24.3 yards per catch (7 for 170) against Tennessee.

Stoops also spoke about his senior receiver.

"“You know, Josh really stepped up tonight. I thought Josh really played a big game, being strong. They were bringing all kinds of pressure, you know, getting the ball out. Josh made some people miss, creating some first downs, making some good catches. He bounced back. He had the one drop early, and then he responded and played well the rest of the second half.”"

Ali and Robinson will be eager to showcase their high-octane explosiveness next week at Louisville.