It was an ugly, ugly Homecoming game, boys and girls. Squandering away all the goodwill a mid-season win against then-number 1 LSU provided, the University of Kentucky Football team lost to the steadily improving Mississippi State by the paltry score of 31-14. In one of their worst showings in two seasons, the Cats came out flat on both sides of the ball and never recovered.

The scoring of only 14 points -- one touchdown per half -- for a team that averages 42 a game -- point glaringly at the ineptitude of UK's offense. The 31 points by MSU implicate the defense - not to mention the Bulldog's 200-yard rushing attack.

Kentucky turned the ball over a WHOPPING 8 TIMES in the second half (4 fumbles, 3 interceptions and a loss of possession on 4th down... and I think I'm forgetting another one)... all-in-all, not their best performance, wouldn't you say?

Anyway, UK's much-needed bye-week is this upcoming week and hopefully they can get healthy for their 3-game stretch run.

Because of injuries, they were down to the 5th string running back and Keenan Burton did not play. However, this IN NO WAY takes away from MSU's performance. They were the better team today and they certainly deserve all the credit for causing the crucial turnovers that helped win them the game.

Now the Bulldogs are only one win away from bowl eligibility, a huge stride for Sylvester Croom and his Mississippi State football team. For UK, they have a tough road to salvage what could've been a fantastic season. Now they are just looking to maintain the momentum last year's season gave them.

It won't be easy. The next three games see the Cats travel to Nashville to play a solid Vanderbilt team; to Georgia to play a Bulldog team wanting payback for last year; ending the season with Tennessee, a team they haven't defeated in 24 years.

Also, Andre' Woodson played himself out of the Heisman discussion this afternoon.

Cats, your destiny is in your hands. Do with it what you will.

The Florida Gators escaped from Commonwealth Stadium today with a hard-fought 45-37 victory over the University of Kentucky Wildcats. In a game that saw plenty of offensive fireworks (and little defense), Tim Tebow and the Gators ultimately proved to be too much to handle for UK; particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

While the Cats never quit, they could never overcome their 1st half mistakes that saw them leave almost 21 points on the field. However, UK deserves a lot of credit for their efforts... as do the Gators, who reminded everybody their season isn't done.

Kudos to Florida who deserved to win, but they should probably thank some prominent deities they faced the Cats with an off-week to prepare... not to mention having the Cats after a taxing battle with LSU. True, that last statement sounds like a bitter loser, but after today's game, yeah, this one hurt. I'll be back later with a look back at the game.

Until then, GBB!!!

PS: I'm proud of this Cat team... more than words can say.

Well, I'm happy to report when I woke up this morning, UK's 43-37 victory over LSU was NOT a dream. ESPN has been happy to repeatedly remind me of the feat with Sportscenter and their site. It's quite liberating to navigate to ESPN.com and be greeted by this picture:

The Herald-Leader also posted a video of the game's fantastic finish:

If the GIF doesn't, you know, animate, try going to this thread at Catspause.com to see it.

As for analysis, what else is there really to say? UK just beat the number one team in the country and as a homer for UK, we are all kinda speechless. Nevertheless, game balls go out to Lones Seiber, Andre Woodson, Jeremy Jarmon, Dicky Lyons, Jr, Jacob Tamme, THE ENTIRE UK OFFENSIVE LINE (who held LSU to 0 -- that's right, ZERO -- sacks), Trevard Lindley, Steve Johnson, T. C. Drake, Braxton Kelley, Coach Brooks... the list goes on and on.

Another thing, many are questioning Les Miles' decision to run the ball in the 3rd overtime... well, UK did come in with the reputation of NOT being able to stop the run and I think he was just playing the odds... Perhaps he should've called pass, but it's not like Matt Flynn was burning it up during the game, although, he was victimized by a ton of dropped passes.

In this case, I think some credit is due to UK's defense and particularly Braxton Kelley for making a helluva stop on 4th and 2.

Enjoy this Cat fans because it doesn't come around very often (I feel like I've typed this sentence already this season) and there are more games to be played. We can't get caught being hungover with beating LSU because a team some of you may have heard of is coming to town on Saturday: The Florida Gators... and we all know just who great UK has done against them in, oh, the last 22 or so years.

Until later, GBB!!!

Stepping up for an ineffective Keenan Burton, Stevie Johnson once again played savior for the 2007 UK Football season.  His catch against LSU gave the Cats the go-ahead score as UK beat a number 1 team for the first since -- say it loud -- 1964.

Go on with your bad self, Stevie.  Should be an interesting college poll tomorrow.

Until later, GBB!!! 

You gotta love this if you are a UK Fan... or a college football fan in general - well, except the LSU fans. Way to go Cats!!!!

Ain't it beautiful?!

After a 3-overtime war, the University of Kentucky Wildcats did something they haven't done since 1964:

BEAT A NUMBER 1 RANKED TEAM!!!!!!!

That's right, the UK Wildcats beat the LSU Tigers in a 3-overtime classic by the score of 43-37. The Cats stopped the Tigers on 4th and 2 in the 3rd OT to preserve the win. Stevie Johnson, the destroyer of previous programs like Louisville, caught the winning touchdown pass.

I'm speechless right now and I haven't been able to form coherent sentences for about 30 minutes. I'll be back later with a full write-up. My God... they DID IT!!!!!

GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!

I may have to walk to Lexington from KC now... anyone wanna sponsor a charity walk?

EDITED at 7:30pm, 10/13/07
Football Fanatics already has a t-shirt commemorating the historic victory:

If you want one, go here. Damn boys, that was quick... You think the had these things ready-made? ;)

Pop quiz: Let’s say you are Bobby Petrino, first year coach of the Atlanta Falcons, still reeling from the Michael Vick debacle and let’s say you are presented with a choice of starting quarterbacks: either Joey Harrington or Byron Leftwich. What would you do?

The obvious solution is to cancel the season and try your luck with the Brian Brohm/Andre Woodson sweepstakes, but that’s not an option. So which is it? Harrington or Leftwich? Do you pick the perennial underachiever or the guy who just got cut in favor of another quarterback?

When greeted with such a dilemma, most people’s knee-jerk reaction would be to start Leftwich mainly because of Harrington’s reputation… but before you answer, let’s look at a little closer at the particulars involved.

As mentioned, Byron Leftwich, after a semi-successful stint at Jacksonville was cut in favor of David Garrad, who was particularly less heralded than his predecessor. The reasons for Leftwich’s release are related to his work ethic, poor mechanics and his inability to move around the pocket (or out of it for that matter). With such a glowing critique, it’s no wonder Leftwich was shown the door by Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio.

While it’s true Jacksonville won when Leftwich was the quarterback, he owed a great deal of that to the team surrounding him. During his reign, the Jags had a dominant defense and a good running attack, meaning all Leftwich had to do to keep his job was play Trent Dilfer/Baltimore Raven football and not make mistakes; something that obviously eluded him, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been cut.

A closer look at his career stats furthers the knocks on Leftwich’s game:

First of all, he’s never completed a full season, meaning he’s injury-prone. He’s never thrown more than 15 touchdowns in the seasons he did stay on the field and he’s had double-digit interceptions two out of the five full seasons he’s played. Leftwich’s best year was 2005 where he played 11 games, threw for 2000-plus yards and had 15 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions.

However, a lot of this credit goes to the quality of talent Leftwich had surrounding him. Having a sterling defense and a great running game takes a whole lot of pressure away from the quarterback position; something Joey Harrington has not had the joy of experiencing. Throw in the rumors of Leftwich’s poor work ethic and he becomes less and less attractive of an option.

Of course, it’s not like Harrington has set the world on fire, either. In fact, he’s done just about the opposite. Starting his career in Detroit, the future looked bright for Joey “Heisman.” He had, on paper anyway, a good receiving corps and decent running game, especially when Kevin Jones emerged. However, Matt Millen, Detroit’s general manager, made some absolutely baffling draft-day moves and never built a solid team around Harrington, especially where it matters the most: the offensive line. Because of this, Harrington struggled mightily.

After his stay at Detroit, Harrington spent a lackluster season with Miami, but again, you can blame the lack of talent as much as you can blame Harrington, a fact at least some Dolphin fans agreed with:

When comparing the two strictly as quarterbacks, it comes down to this: even with an exceptional team around him, Leftwich underachieved. However, even though Harrington played on ####-poor teams, his stats outperformed Leftwich’s on a regular basis. Harrington’s career high for touchdowns in a season is 19 (he only threw 12 picks that year as well), whereas Leftwich has a career high of 15… and again, that’s with a much better team around him.

To wit, during Harrington’s stay in Detroit, the Lions never won more than 6 games. On the other hand, the Jags won 12 games in 2005 and 9 games in 2004, although, Leftwich wasn’t the catalyst for these wins because he’s so injury prone. He only played in 17 total games during these two seasons. Whereas with Detroit, Harrington played less than 14 games only once, indicating he’s much more durable than his counterpart and more productive... even when he’s on a sorry team (something the 2007 Atlanta Falcons embody to a T).

The biggest concern for Harrington is his propensity to throw interceptions, but it’s hard to be an accurate quarterback when your offensive line plays like a sieve, forcing you to fire the ball out before plays can develop.

Former Dallas Cowboy, Troy Aikman took up for Harrington in 2005 by saying he can still be a good quarterback in the NFL and he was NOT to blame for Detroit’s failures (that distinction belongs to Millen). Aikman’s thoughts were echoed by Phil Simms as well.

In order to succeed in Petrino’s system (take it from UK fan who watched Petrino’s Louisville Cardinals dismantle the Cats with sterling passing attacks), you need to have a quarterback that can make quick decisions and can get rid of the ball quickly, two things that have NEVER been attributed to Leftwich. However, Harrington can and if he’s given enough time, he tends to make adequate choices with his passes.

When deciding between the two, many people will look at last week’s loss to the Titans, which saw Harrington pulled in favor of Byron, only to see Leftwich go 1-2 with an interception, a move the Atlanta press did not agree with. From their perspective, Petrino should not have replaced Harrington. In fact, it was the coach’s play-calling that got the majority of their ire, something Atlanta Falcon bloggers endorse.

To make a long story short, I’m going to go with Joey Harrington over Byron Leftwich; although, neither quarterback is the most attractive of options. But since you have to play the cards you're dealt, Harrington just fits Petrino’s system better than the cumbersome Leftwich… and apparently, Coach Petrino thinks so as well.

Harrington was named the starter for the Falcons game against the New York Giants on Monday. However, a part of me feels the Falcons are just biding their time until the 2008 draft so they can have a shot at either Brohm or Woodson, two quarterbacks Petrino is quite familiar with.

Until then, ride or die with Joey Harrington, an idea Coach Petrino apparently endorses:

“It’s in our best interest and gives us our best chance to succeed to stay with Joey,” Petrino said Monday (10/8). “He understands our offense. He knows what we want to do, what we want to execute.”

It also helps that Leftwich is already hurt, even though he’s only been with the Falcons for a couple of weeks now.

Joey Heisman FTW.

As a UK fan, I'm always excited when former players succeed on their next endeavors, be it pro sports or perhaps the Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky (Richie Farmer anyone?).  So it brings me great pleasure to introduce this next image of ex-Cat and current Golden State Warrior Kelenna Azubuike dunking on the Los Angles Lakers at their exhibition game in Hawaii:

Kobe certainly looks like he's enjoying himself... as does Turiaff.  

Good on you, Kelenna.  I just wish you would've stayed for your senior season at UK.

;)

Until later, GBB!!!

I'm still licking the wounds from the South Carolina debacle... there's nothing like watching your team give games away AFTER you thought they had turned such a corner. Oh well, at least my preseason predictions are still intact (I picked the Cats to lose to the Cocks). I really don't have much else to say about the game because if I have to relive those damn mistakes, I'll probably put my keyboard through my monitor.

I did, however, enjoy the live-blog exercise, although, it would've been nice if you all would've participated. Perhaps I need to spam myself a little more around here. ;) Oh yeah, I have a laptop now so future live-blog events will be MUCH easier.

Anyway, this upcoming weekend is going to be huge if you are a fan of UK Athletics. First off, on Friday, the first practice of the upcoming college basketball begins (better known as Big Blue Madness). The basketball Cats will kick-off the 2007-08 season at 9pm EST in front of a sold-out Rupp Arena.

I am expecting the roof to be torn off because the hype surrounding the Billy Gillispie hire and the Patrick Patterson signing has got Cat fans frothing at the mouth. Can BCG (Billy Clyde Gillispie) return the Cats to upper-prominence? It certainly looks that way... at least from an initial prognosis.

While most of the player hype is focused on Patterson, I personally can't wait to see Alex Legion. I got to watch him in a couple of scrimmages during the summer and let me just say this kid is INCREDIBLY explosive.

He absolutely has springs in his legs and one of the quicker releases I've ever seen.

It will be damn near impossible to keep him out of the line-up... Not to mention he's quite confident in his abilities, an attribute I certainly admire. Speaking to the Herald-Leader, his confidence is very apparent.

On adjusting to college:

"I think I've made the adjustment quite well. Some days I dominate. Some days I look like the best player out there."

When asked about starting and playing time importance:

"Real important. I'm not going to lie. I came here to start and play. I don't think any college player comes to be the sixth man. If (starting) doesn't happen, I'll want to be the best man off the bench."

Who his game is comparable to:

"Most AAU analysts compare me to Ray Allen, which is fairly accurate."

You have absolutely got to love a player with that much skill and self-assuredness. Legion will be a joy to watch while he's in a Cat uniform and beyond.

Of course, if basketball's not your thing (a UK fan? Yeah, right), there is a football game of note to be played on Saturday as well. That's right, the number one team in the country travels to Lexington for what most see as a beatdown of the Cats. While I'm not silly enough to say we are going to beat LSU, I do think if the offensive line gives Woodson time to throw, we'll be in it at the end.

I'm also not that impressed with LSU offense, but of course, as I say that, they'll probably score 1000 on Saturday. Although, if Wesley Woodyard and company can contain Hester and the Trevard Lindey can take his side of the field away, I think the Cats can make this a competitive match-up...

Of course, we all remember what happened the last time LSU came to Lexington: they made the college football play of the year with the Bluegrass Miracle (no links, if you are that curious, go YouTube it).

All I'll say is this, if UK is in a position where another Bluegrass Miracle is needed for LSU to win, I'll be ecstatic.

Enjoy the weekend Cats fans. It's gonna be a big one.

Here's another pic of one of the UK Dance Team members. Just because. Her name is Regan Judd. No relation to Ashley... that I know of.

Until later, GBB!!!

While the final score reads 38-23, 21 of SC's points came from turnovers -- two directly and one from a late UK non-4th down conversion. A hat-tip goes out to SC's defense, who played a big part in UK's 5 cough-ups, including South Carolina's first score of the game.

During the play, Woodson fumbled while being sacked. SC's Eric Norwood recovered and took it in for the TD, one of two fumble returns Norwood returned for six.

While the Gamecocks deserve credit for covering UK's down-field attack, Woodson and Burton seemed out of sync on passes beyond the dink-and-dunk variety. The two missed a number of times on deeper passes that Burton normally makes plays on. Same for Woodson who overthrew Burton once one a WIDE open play and another under throw that resulted in a Woodson interception... in the red zone, no less.

On the other hand, the defense did the best it could do. In fact, UK's defense initiated a number of 3-and-outs in the 1st and 2nd half... alas, the offense couldn't respond. In defeat, UK is now 0-15 against Coach Steve Spurrier. Awesome. Time to enter "maybe next year" mode.

A game-ball goes out the Raphael Little, who had 135 yards on 25 carries. Little also corralled 3 passes for 23 yards and was the KEY component to any of UK's positive drives.

I'll be back tomorrow with a longer write-up. Until then, GBB!!!

The season is FAR from over.

BB in a few...

2043
SC Kicking off. And we are underway!

2047
Bad decision by Woodson who was getting sacked. A lateral to John Conner goes behind him and SC scores on the recovery.  That's 2 defensive touchdowns.  And now, UK fins itself in a 14-point hole.... No more blogging for a while.  I wanna watch this beat down without having to worry about the updates. 

Note to self: get a laptop for this stuff..

I'll be back after the game is decided.

What's up folks. 20 minutes til game time and we are ready to go. This is my first attempt at live-blogging any sporting event and it's funny that it's a Cat game... a football one at that. Tonight UK goes travels to Columbia, SC to face Steve Spurrier and his South Carolina Gamecocks.

The principals
SC: Steve Spurrier and surprisingly, his defense. The Gamecock running game, featuring Cory Boyd and Mike Davis, is pretty stout as well. The Spurrier offense is led by true freshman quarterback Chris Smelley, who steps in for senior Blake Mitchell.

UK: The Cats are led by Andre Woodson and his explosive offense. The Cats' defense is improving as well. Look for Wesley Woodyard to have a big game if they are to succeed tonight.

Your Host: Me and I'm armed with a 12-pack of Coors Light, although, I'm not sure if it's gonna be enough. Stay tuned.

Update:
Mark May just picked us to win on Sportscenter and of course, ex-#### coach Lou Holth picked us to lose. Kick-off is almost upon us.

Alright!!! Erin Andrews. We can overlook the fact that she's a Gator grad...

This Just In
Lou Holth SUCKS... did it ever occur to you that losing streaks can come to an end?

Here We Go!!!!!!!!
I need a freaking timestamp. UK is kicking off in a soggy Columbia. Let's GET IT ON.

6:49pm (CST)
Why do these celebrity introductions look like they are reading a cue card? Because they aren't trained speakers. Do something else ESPN.

SC call timeout before it's first play from scrimmage. Spurrier's got something up...

1852
UK sucks on 3rd and long...

1854
A good block on Woodyard gets SC to midfield...

1856
Jesus Christmas!!!!!!! UK dodges a bullet and forces a fumble at the goal line that goes out of the end zone for a touchback for UK... however, it's under review.

Upheld!!!

1900
Well ####... on the resulting possession, Woodson fumbles it after a sack and SC recovers and scores.

7-0 SC Ugly start.

1904
After a big run by Little, UK is forced to punt. They look sloppy... Good punt by Mastay... inside the 10. The defense needs to not give up 3rd and longs anymore, either. SC is pumped up too. UK needs to match their intensity.

1909
Good D... SC - 3 and out. My buddy Pete Yoder is here (he says what's up) and we are enjoying some Coors and UK... btw, he's an IU grad but is supportive of UK. Interesting but it works. ;)

1918
Woodson misses Little from the 7-yard line... it looks like he missed Burton in the flat as well. In positive news, Seiber hits a field goal inside 30 yards. Worse things have happened.

SC - 7
UK - 3

1923
UK is getting killed by 3rd and long. They've had the Cocks in 3rd and 6 or more a number of times... 1st down EVERY TIME.. a suspect penalty helped SC's cause as well. OVER THE HEAD.

1926
As if prophetically, UK gives up 3rd and 16... Addendum: SC calls time out on 3rd and 8 on their 11, annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd: UK holds them to a FG. Thank them all.

10 - 3 SC

1934
Woodson misses a WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE open Keenan Burton (who could've moonwalked into the end zone...) &*&%&$*#&&*$(*#... End of the 1st quarter. Woodson needs to calm down a tad, I think. You don't miss the best receiver in the SEC when he's THAT wide open...

SC - 7
UK - 3

1942
TOUCHDOWN KENTUCKY!!!!!!! A FANTASTIC catch by Jacob Tamme of####REAT throw by Woodson who had mad pressure in his face. However, Rafael Little gets the game ball on that drive. He got them down there.

UK - 10
USC - 10

1950
3rd and 20, SC.... Holy ####!!! Intentional Grounding SC. Great hit by Ventrell Jenkins. 4 and LOOOOOOOOOOONG. Nice job D!!!

2000
Bad throw by Woodson that results in an interception... and Woodson gets shaken up trying to make the tackle. And we were in the blue zone as well. ####. Even worse, it was good drive that got them down there. However, UK holds them to 3 and out.

Nicely done Defense!!!!!!!

2012
BACK!!!! Had to feed the animals... anyway, UK goes 3 and out, but a booming punt by Mastay moved SC back. However, SC is driving.

2017
After a 10-play, 89-yard drive, SC's Davis takes it in the end zone from about 2 yards out. UK's 3 and out hurt their defense who probably needed some more time on the bench...

SC - 17
UK - 10

Halftime
UK's down after not playing so well on offense. They are saying SC's D played well, I say UK screwed themselves with turnovers, ESPECIALLY the one on the goal line. Throw it away, Dre... That Burton miss wasn't great, but Tamme and Woodson more than made up for it. I am optimistic about the way we've been able to move the ball, except on that possession before that last drive by SC, an impressive 89-yarder in no time. A good half for Rafael Little, who has 59 yards rushing on some STRONG carries.

I'll be back in the second half with another post.