A look back at Benny Snell's most memorable Kentucky football moments

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Benny Snell’s decision to leave UK for the NFL draft after the Citrus Bowl was no surprise. But with the final decision announced, it’s a perfect time to look back on Snell’s Kentucky career.

There are no shortage of highlights for arguably the best running back in program history. Here is a look at five of his most memorable moments.

5. The coming out party

It’s hard to believe now, but Snell actually did not record a carry in the first two games of his freshman season. When he finally did get his chance in the offense, Snell made sure to stake his claim to a key role for the rest of his career with 17 carries for 136 yards and a UK-record four touchdowns in a Week 3 come-from-behind win over New Mexico State in 2016. Snell would split carries with Boom Williams for most of his freshman year, but the New Mexico State game was the first of five 100-yard games that year, including a 192-yard showing at Missouri.

From 2016: UK's Snell carrying on family legacy at RB

4. The ejection

No list of Snell’s memorable moments is complete without mention of one of the rare low points: his ejection for contacting an official in the 2017 Music City Bowl. The referee's decision to eject Snell, which was almost universally criticized on social media, elevated his profile nationally and provided motivation heading into the offseason. “It was a blessing in disguise, me being kicked out,” Snell said in July. “More people know who I am now because of that, so it’s not all negative.” It also played a role in his decision to play in the Citrus Bowl this year. “Last year we know what that was so I don’t really gotta speak on that, on how they did me,” Snell said Friday. “A bowl game was took from me, so I wanna play in a bowl game.”

MORE:UK responds to Snell ejection with 'we get up' theme in Super Bowl commercial

3. Ending the streak

The impact of few wins will last longer than Kentucky’s victory at Florida this season, snapping the program’s 31-game losing streak in the series. Snell played a key role in that victory with 27 carries for 175 yards. His performance was all the sweeter considering Florida players had cast doubt on his abilities before the game. “Even when we went to shake the captains’ hands, disrespectful,” Snell said. “Guys not shaking our hand, saying little comments about me, my team. Me saying I’m the best running back at the (SEC) media day, I feel like there’s a target on my back because the media says it to them. You know what I’m saying? I overcome adversity, this team overcomes adversity. So, watch your mouth.”

MORE:How Ohio State missed on Benny Snell, helped change Kentucky football

2. The rivalry games

Snell often reserved his best performances for Kentucky’s games against its biggest rivals. In the Wildcats’ upset of Lamar Jackson and Louisville in 2016, Snell contributed 11 carries for 51 yards and a key third-quarter touchdown. As a sophomore, he recorded a career-high 211 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries against the Cardinals as most of his teammates walked away embarrassed from a blowout loss. He tallied 27 carries for 180 yards and three touchdowns in UK’s win over Tennessee, just the program’s second win in the series since 1984. In the Wildcats rout of Louisville this season, Snell recorded 18 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

MORE:Benny Snell, Josh Allen and the end of an era for UK football vs. MTSU

1. His personal favorite

Asked what his best memory as a Wildcat was, Snell quickly pointed to the September win over Mississippi State in which he tied his own record with four rushing touchdowns to go with 165 yards on 25 carries. The upset win marked the moment Kentucky finally started earning national respect this season and catapulted the Wildcats to their best year since 1977. “Mississippi State was probably the best,” Snell said. “That was the funnest I’ve had in a long time.”

Jon Hale: jahale@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @JonHale_CJ. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jonh.