It was not pretty, BUT it WAS a WIN!

Kentucky Squeaks out Victory, and gets to Bowl Eligible

It was not pretty, but the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 14-13 in Starkville.

The game started slow for the Cats, as the Randall Cobb led offense failed to get any offense in the opening quarter combining for a mere 12 yards. The lack of offense, coupled with a dominant opening drive by the Bulldogs, which spanned 5 minutes and went 79 yards, aided to worry in Lexington. But the Wildcats buckled down and came from behind to get the much needed win.

To open the second quarter, Rich Brooks inserted Mike Hartline in at quarterback once again. He seemed to add a small spark, but the offense continued to stall at mid field, as they have all year, and were forced to punt. Further on in the second quarter, the Cats drove the field and got into the redzone. With time waning down, Kentucky hoped to get some points on the board before heading into half, but the special team woes, continued as Lones Seiber missed a 23 yard kick.

Coming out of halftime, the Cat offense surged for a 53 yard, 9 play drive which resulted in a 5 yard Randall Cobb rushing touchdown.

The Wildcat defense was able to stop Mississippi State’s first drive out of the half and gave the ball back again to the Cats.

In their second drive of the half, once again the offense showed promise by driving the length of the field in 8 minutes to lead to a Randall Cobb touchdown pass to tight end Maurice Grinter. The pass would give the Cats the lead and the eventual victory.

There were struggles, and the Kentucky Wildcats by no means, have solved any of its offensive woes. Randall Cobb DID struggle early and was replaced in the 2^nd quarter in favor of the more experienced Mike Hartline. But, Cobb did come on late with two needed drives.

Cobb finished the game going 7/16 for only 56 yards and a touchdown. He added yards on the ground and received 3 passes for 33 yards from Mike Hartline. The talent and play making ability of Cobb was a TREMENDOUS asset to the Cat victory.

bu they were able to do what was needed to get the victory.

A worry for the Cats though is the defense. After a strong showing early in the season, the defense has slipped into mediocrity. They gave up 304 yards to the worst offense in the SEC. Looking ahead to coming opponents, the defense will need to get back to form as they host the 2^nd best offense in the conference, the Georgia Bulldogs.

Also a cause for concern is the special teams unit. The inadequacy of an efficient kicking game again cost the Cats points. The lacking of a predicable kicking game has hurt the team drastically.

However, a win is a win and for the first time in more than 50 years, the Kentucky Wildcats will go bowling for the 3^rd straight year!