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.

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? ;)