Kentucky Loses first of the season

Progress is Made, But Cats Fail to Get Victory

Kentucky entered the game an untested 4-0, having defeated lesser opponents at home throughout the month of September. Their first true SEC test displayed the same Cats which have been displayed all season: great defense and inept offense. This style of play led to the Wildcat defeat to the hands of the Crimson Tide 17-14.

The game began with force, as the tenacious Cats defense forced the Tide to a quick and easy three and out. However, on Kentucky’s ensuing drive, a statement drive, they too failed to muster any offense as they gave the ball back.

Kentucky squandered so many opportunities to put points on the board. Alabama entered the game the LEAST penalized team in the SEC, however on Saturday the Kentucky defense caused problems for the Bama squad as they accrued 10 penalties for 92 yards. Not only were the Crimson Tide making mistakes that gave free yardage, they also were giving the ball away to the Cats. In all, Alabama had 3 turnovers which gave the Cats favorable field position, and each time the Cats squandered the possession and gave it right back.

Although, the Cats offense struggled, as they have all year, quarterback Mike Hartline continued in his progression to becoming a SEC quarterback. Hartline’s numbers tell a story of a quarterback that is getting the system and coming into his own. He threw for a total of 241 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The numbers were impressive; however, the entire yardage gained was for not as the offense was unable to capitalize at crucial times in the game. The offense altogether went just 5 for 17 on third downs and held onto the ball ELEVEN MINUTES less than Alabama.

On defense, it was business as usual. The Cats defense showed up to play and made huge stops but not enough to overcome the anemic offense. Kentucky’s defense riddled senior quarterback John Parker Wilson as he did not complete a pass in the 2^nd half until mid way through the fourth quarter. One singular weakness was exposed on the Cats defense, as what could be the best rusher in the nation; Glenn Coffee dominated through the second level of the Cats defense to amass 218 yards on 25 carries.

The Wildcats now fall to 4-1 and 0-1 in the SEC. However, the offense did show promise late and with a defense that stopped an Alabama team that put up 41 points last week in Athens, Cat fans can be hopeful for the coming tests to the Commonwealth.

The loss will sting, however improvements have been and will continue to be made as the season progresses. The hurt from the loss must turn around quick, as next week the Old Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier comes to town and the Kentucky Wildcats have NEVER beat a Spurrier coached team.