Sorry for the lack of Cat posts this week -- duties at work prevented some day post (something they want me to do when I have time)... although, judging by the amount of responses to the Hope Solo post, maybe I should switch to covering women's soccer. ;)
Anyway, the Cats rolled over the Howard Schnellenberger-led Florida Atlantic Owls by the score of 45-17. Leading the way for the Cats was Heisman hopeful, André Woodson, who was
26-33 for 303 yard and 5 touchdowns, a career high. Alas, as awesome as Dré was, his streak of pass attempts without an interception ended in the second half when he threw an errant pass that was corralled in by Tavious Polo.
FWIW, Polo -- a freshman -- leads the nation with seven interceptions, meaning it takes the best to beat the best. Dré's streak ends with 325 attempts without an interception, obliterating the old record of 271, which was held by Trent Dilfer.
Also, it's kind of satisfying on the day his no-interception streak ends, he passes for his career high in touchdowns. That's a give-and-take I don't mind witnessing. Not only was Dré spectacular, his pass distribution was as well. Four of his five TDs went to four different receivers, further demonstrating just how potent the UK offense has become.
Not to be forgotten in all the André Woodson hype is the workman effort by running back Rafael Little. Little carried the ball 20 times for 117 yards. He continues to pace the Cats and SEC while making sure opposing defenses can't dial in on the passing attack.
Balance is good.
Keenan Burton Watch Number 19 was his normally-spectacular self, delivering 6 carries for 100 yards and a sick 34-yard touchdown catch. If you read this blog, you are well aware of my affection for Burton. I will unabashedly call him the best receiver in the SEC and performances like this -- fresh of his dominant second half against Arkansas -- make my argument for me. He's not just another horse in a stable of thoroughbreds, he's the leader of said stable.
More on this subject later this week. Meanwhile, enjoy the pics from his awesome touchdown:
Other thoughts For some reason, the defense was getting an amount of criticism I didn't expect. They held the Owls to seven second-half points, and those came in the fourth quarter after a long kick-off return. Personally, I don't think they played all that badly against a team that put 42 on Minnesota, twelve more than the "almighty" Ohio State...
Kudos to sophomore linebacker Micah Johnson. He led the Cats with nine tackles and an interception that was returned for UK's final touchdown. Nicely done, Micah. BTW, don't sleep on the UK linebacking corps. Led by Wesley Woodyard, they've identified themselves as a legitimate force in the SEC.
Oh yeah, in light of all the upsets today, many of the pundits are saying UK is a top-5 team. On a national scale. The first to make this declaration was ESPN's Mark May... I'm kinda speechless. More on this tomorrow.
Oh yeah, the Lones Seiber kicking experience continued its herky-jerky ride today. While UK's placekicker looks like he's FINALLY over his extra-point woes, his field goal kicking is suspect. He missed BADLY on a 42-yarder to end the first half, but looked pretty competent on a 33-yarder in the second half. I'm just waiting for the day a game comes down to the feet of Seiber. I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep my sanity...
Up next for the Cats: a Thursday night showdown with Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. ESPN will be hosting the festivities. Coach Superior has never lost to Kentucky. Now would be a great time to end that little streak. Kick-off is 7:30 pm and I'll probably be live-blogging it here at Fox Sports... Stay tuned.
