Florida Hands Kentucky worst loss in 12 years

Florida takes a CHOMP out of the Cats

When a school chooses a team to play on homecoming, the norm is to play a team that you can easily beat and that is exactly what Florida did, as they demoralized the Kentucky Wildcats 63-5.

Kentucky stopped Florida on their initial drive and then mistakes made on Kentucky’s punt unit caused a quick 14-0 deficit within less than the first five minutes of play. With an early deficit it was important for the Wildcats to match the scores or at least show some type of offensive promise, which failed as well. In the first quarter the Wildcats had just 1 first down on 46 yards and were 0 for 5 on third downs.

To switch things up in the second quarter, Rich Brooks went to Randall Cobb at quarterback. Cobb instantly sparked the offense but could not amount it to points. As the offensive woes continued, the Gators continued to capitalize with scoring drives of 90, 76, and 80 yards. Entering half time, the game was already a run away with the Gators on top 42-3.

Out of half time, again was inserted Mike Hartline at quarterback and on the first play he threw into coverage. The ball was picked off and ran back to the endzone for another easy score for the Gators. With a 49-3 lead, the Gators continued to pour it on the Cats in order to make a statement to the rest of the college football world. On Florida’s next offensive drive, they controlled the ball for nearly 9 minutes to amass 78 yards and score yet again.

The Kentucky Wildcats had no answers for the SEC’s best offense. To this point in the season, the Wildcat defense prided themselves on stingy defensive play as they have held their opponents to a mere 11.9 points per game, Florida however, was able to exploit Kentucky’s weaknesses and have their way in both the rushing and passing game. The Gators converted on 50% of thier 3^rd downs and amassed 446 total yards.

The Wildcats offense could not build any momentum on the late emotional win a week ago against Arkansas. Drives continually failed as Kentucky went 5 for 17 on third downs. Kentucky accrued only 268 total yards and NO offensive touchdown scores.

This loss was the worst since 2005, when the Wildcats went into Baton Rouge and lost 49-0. The Cats had not lost by more than 55 since 1996, when Steve Spurrier’s Florida Gators shut out Kentucky 66-0.

With the momentum killing and demoralizing loss it is hard to see where the Wildcats can go from here. Next week they will head to Starkville and play a Mississippi State team that embarrassed a ranked Kentucky squad in the Commonwealth last year.

Route is on in Gainesville...

Kentucky 3, (10) Florida 42

HALFTIME Report--

With eyes and pressure on the Florida Gators not to look ahead to next week some thought the Gators would be in trouble. And when the Kentucky Wildcats were able to stop the Gators first drive in three plays, the game looked as if it would be a LONG AND PHYSICAL battle. However, the first stop was the only positive the Cats could find as they had two 3 and out offensive series which resulted in blocked punts and Florida points. The Gators were able to tack on two more quick strike scores and stun the Wildcats with a 28-0 lead in just the first 10 minutes of play.

The initial sting by the Gators proved to be unable to overcome. Following the first four offensive series’, Coach Rich Brooks benched Mike Hartline in favor of freshman Randall Cobb. Cobb was able to make an instant impact leading the offense down the field and into the redzone. Kentucky in the redzone for the season ranks 11^th in touchdown conversions and this weeks redzone woes continued. Cobb’s first series under center stalled and forced Lones Seiber onto the field to attempt a 35 yard field goal. Seiber was blocked and a Gator defender was able to pick up the ball and give Florida the ball at mid-field.

With the ball at midfield, Tim Tebow and company were able to capitalize again. Tebow hit running back Jefferey Demps across the middle of the field. Demps then ran 50 yards untouched through the defenders and into the endzone for a 35-0 lead.

Getting the ball again and trying to save face, Randall Cobb was able to get some kind of offensive production. Cobb lead Kentucky to a 12 play 76 yard drive. But the redzone woes again came back to haunt the Cats, as the offense stalled and was forced to settle for a field goal.

Upon getting the ball back before half, the Gators were once again able to drive the ball down the field and put points on the board. The quick drive took four in a half minutes and resulted in a ten yard Tim Tebow scamper into the endzone.

Kentucky V Florida Breakdown--

Kentucky Faces BIG Test

It is another HUGE week for Kentucky this week as the Wildcats will head to Gainesville and take on the #10 team in the nation. History is not on the Cats side as they have not beat the Gators in 21 years and it has been 28 years since Kentucky has won in Florida. Not only will history be working against the five win Cats, but they are also riddled with injuries and uncertainties at several key positions.

The defense is reeling. Defensive tackle Myron Pryor, all three linebackers; Braxton Kelly, Micah Johnson, Johnny Williams, and corner back David Jones have all missed practice this week due to various ailments and status is uncertain heading into Saturday. The loss of any or all of these players is going to severely hurt the team’s chances to pull out a win Saturday. Currently, the Wildcats stand as the #1 scoring defense in the SEC, and have held opponents to a mere 280 yards per game. The fierce hitting defense has been this team’s strength through the season and will need all its play makers and leaders in order to stop a Florida offense that put 51 points on the board two weeks ago against LSU.

On offense, the main question is if last week was emotion or a moment where everything clicked. If it is the latter the Cats will have take a huge step by continuing the solid play which was displayed the last four minutes of the Arkansas game. Wide out slash quarterback slash play maker Randall Cobb said Tuesday that he is stepping up and becoming more of a leader.

“I felt like at that time I had the opportunity to step up and be a leader (Following the catch and game winning score against Arkansas). That was what I was trying to do and trying to push these guys to keep working. We have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation and we need to come out and perform better than we have been.”

And if Kentucky can perform better than they have been the sky is the limit for this 5-2 team. Every team in the SEC has a loss but it is still possible for Kentucky to win the East by winning the rest of their conference games…It might be, well it is a long shot but with the emotion filled victory on Saturday, the sky could possibly be the limit.

KEYS TO A KENTUCKY VICTORY---

1) Continue the momentum gained from the Arkansas game on OFFENSE. In order for Kentucky to have a shot at pulling the upset, the offense needs to stay consistent and play as a cohesive unit. Mike Hartline needs to get the ball into the hands of his play maker, Randall Cobb and NOT make costly errors!

2) THE DEFENSE MUST MAINTAIN the TEBOW offense. The defense has done well thus far at stopping its opponents, BUT when the Wildcats have faced running quarterbacks: NORFOLK, MIDDLE TENNESSEE, and SOUTH CAROLINA, the defense has struggled. The defense must stick to their assignments and not allow Tim Tebow to rush all over the field.

3) SPECIAL TEAMS MUST BE SPECIAL. Week in and week out Kentucky has made SEVERAL mistakes in the area of special teams. Missed kicks, blown kick return coverage and muffed returns have haunted the Cats and continually put them in bad positions. With Florida having the most explosive return man in Percy Harvin, Kentucky needs to go back to the fundamentals and not give Florida any EASY scores or positive field positions.

Projection/Outlook--

Kentucky will enter as 23 point underdog into a rested Florida Gators stadium. Following the embarrassing loss in the SWAMP to Ole Miss, Tim Tebow guaranteed a better effort from that point forward, and thus far he has been able to deliver on his promise by defeating Arkansas big 34-7 and LSU 51-21. Now, after a bye week and a feeling of being shunned by the BCS voters, the Gators are angry and wanting on improving past their current #10 standing…Florida’s coming off a bye is huge. They were able to rest a sore and beaten up Percy Harvin as well as prepare for the coming challenges which remain on the schedule. Although Kentucky is coming off a emotional HIGH of taking down Arkansas in the waning moments by offensive fire power, the Gators should over match and out man this Cats team.

OVERALL PREDICTION---Kentucky loses and will still be looking for the 6^th win and bowl eligibility….

FLORIDA 34

Kentucky 17

Week 9 in College Football

Good Morning! Once again it is a huge week in college football! Last week Texas and Alabama won respectively and maintained their top rankings. A surprise to me is the way that Penn State is playing. I have not been high on them and keep waiting for them to show their true colors and be exposed as a middle of the road team, but they keep winning convincingly. This week, THAT ALL CHANGES. Since Penn State joined the BIG TEN they have NEVER won at the Horse Shoe in Columbus and that will continue this week. In another upset, I think that Tennessee is primed to shock #2 Alabama. Bama has struggled since getting their #2 ranking nearly losing to both Kentucky and Ole Miss at home.

Now to Kentucky…Last week was a HUGE and emotional win for the Cats. The last four minutes were amazing as Mike Hartline connected on two quick strike touchdowns to Randall Cobb to overcome a 13 point deficit and win. With the stadium only half full, Commonwealth Stadium faithfull fans made the stadium alive as it was the loudest I have ever heard since the epic upset of LSU last year…With the win the Cats are hoping to build on the momentum…BUT injuries and a rested Florida Gator team loom ahead…so the prospects are NOT that promising.

In the press box last Saturday, once again BOWL REPRESENTATIVES were in the building. This week people from the Liberty Bowl and Outback Bowl came to take in the game.

In an interesting conversation with a KEY ARKANSAS talent scout, said he was more impressed with Colt Mccoy of Texas than the current Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. When the Razorbacks played the Longhorns and Gators in secession, he said it was clear that Texas had a better quarterback and leader in Colt Mccoy.

Anyways, last week I did not hit my upset special of Texas falling to Missouri as the Horns were able to stay focused and not buy into the #1 hype which they gained after beating Oklahoma….This week should be a BIG and DECIDING week for BCS contenders to emerge, and here are the PRE-GAME PROJECTIONS---

ACC- Miami o Wake Forest

BIG 10- Northwestern o Indiana

Pac 10- USC o Arizona

Big 12- Texas Tech o Kansas

Big East- Cincinnati o UConn

***Upset Special***

1) Ohio State o Penn State

2) Rutgers o Pittsburgh

SEC PREDICTIONS

1) Auburn o West Virgina- The Tigers need this game…no questions about it and with the week off, Coach Tommy Tuberville will have found some kind of quck fix on offense…AUBURN…ACTUAL-Thursday WV 34-17(L)

2) Tennessee o Alabama- Last year the Crimson Tide EMBARRASSED Tennesse by taking them down 41-22. Alabama is due for a upset and Rocky top will be where it occurs….TENNESSEE

3) Missippi State o Middle Tennesee- With the lack of offense, the game will be close but Sly Croom will get enough out of his team to find a way to win….MISS ST

4) Arkansas o Ole Miss- When Houston Nutt fled Arkansas for in division rival Ole Miss, the Razorbacks circled the game on the schedule…the fans will be hostile, the offense is coming together and this is a MUST win…ARKANSAS wins BIG…ARK…

5) Vanderbilt o Duke- Duke isn’t terrible but the Commadores will win this one and become BOWL ELIGIBLE…VANDY

6) Florida o Kentucky- Florida coming off a bye and AT home, Gators will win and win big….FLORIDA

Kentucky Opponent News- Florida Gators

A look ahead game for Florida? Quarterback Tim Tebow thinks not…

With the Gators coming off a commanding win over the 2008 National Champion LSU Tigers and having the Georgia Bulldogs to come next week, do not think that the Gators are overlooking the Kentucky Wildcats this week.

“They are stout. Everything they do is very sound and they always have someone in the gap and are in the right place, “ stated Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow of the Kentucky defense. With the respect to the defense it appears that the focus is on the Wildcats this week, although a the Eastern division and National title appearance hang in the balance next week against Georgia.

Tebow analyzed his team in the bye week last week and feels that the Gators are primed to take every team seriously from this point on.

“In the SEC every team is a great opponent and so you need to stay focused and play each week and not look ahead.” Looking ahead is what the Gators did when they played at home with a #4 national ranking against Ole Miss. Looking ahead caused an embarrassing loss 31-30. During this game the Gators continually made mistakes as they turned the ball over three times and were not able to convert in critical times during the game.

With the loss now behind them, the Gators are attempting to claw themselves back into the national championship landscape. With a initial #10 ranking in the BCS Saturday, the Gators have their work cut out for them, and in regards to the game with Kentucky, Tebow and his teammates are focused in on the challenge in ftont of them Saturday.

Auburn Loses 3rd Straight

AUBURN @ West Virginia (Thursday)- West Virginia 34-17

AUBURN- The Tigers led the entire first half in Morgantown and appeared to be ending their struggles on offense as quarterback Kodi Burns both threw and ran for a touchdown in the first half to enter halftime with a 17-10 lead. Auburn’s 17 first half points was the most all season in the opening sleight and it looked like Auburn was finally evolving into the team they were thought to be at the beginning of the season, but then came the second half. War Eagle began struggling on offense and continually put forced their defense into bad positions. As Auburn’s offense continued to stall, the Mountaineers took advantage of a tired Auburn defense. West Virginia was able to have their way with the Tigers as they passed and rushed all over the field. In the second half of play West Virginia gained 288 total yards, while holding Auburn to just 250 yards the entire game. The lack of production of Auburn’s offense and poor defensive effort has given the Auburn Tigers their third straight loss, and now are out of contention for any serious bowl this season. Coach Tommy Tubberville says it is a youth movement with his Tigers and that 90% of his players will all be back next year….but as for this year, the Tigers have now slipped into mediocrity and are facing missing a bowl for the first time in 8 years. The Tigers have now seen their record fall to 4-4 and must travel to Oxford and take on an Ole Miss team that needs a victory for bowl eligibility themselves.

Third Saturday in October

The rivalry deemed as the Third Saturday in October tends to have two teams playing for the same thing: SEC supremacy. This year, however, things are much different. Alabama is hoping to stay undefeated and quite possibly receive a number #1 ranking as they currently stand at #2. For Tennessee, it is a hope to redeem an already rough season in which they have already lost 3 SEC conference games.

The current records will be thrown out Saturday as the rivalry will get the best play from both teams. Phillip Fulmer is 11-4 in his tenure against the Crimson Tide.

KEYS TO TENNESSEE VICTORY-

Defensiveley- For the Vols to compete with the second best team in the nation, they must stop Alabama’s rushing attack. Currently the Vols are giving up a mere 95 yards a game. If the Volunteers can stop the run early and force quarterback John Parker Wilson to throw, the Volunteers gain a tremendous advantage. They lead the nation with interception takeaways with 14 and must get turnovers from the Tide and put the struggling offense into positive positions.

Offensively- Tennessee’s offense has truly struggled this year as they rank near the bottom in every offensive category. However, the Volunteers have progressed schematically with the insertion of sophomore Nick Stephens at quarterback. Stephens has thrown for 542 yards and three touchdowns in the past three games he has started. He also led the Vols to the COLOSSAL win last week against Mississippi State, which could be the catalyst to a saved season.

The Crimson Tide enter Rocky Top off of two poor performances and need a win to stay atop the SEC west as well as the national rankings.

Keys to a CRIMSON TIDE Victory-

Defensivley- Alabama is stacked on both sides of the ball upfront. The Tides defensive front has caused problems for each team they have faced due to their overwhelming size advantage. This week however, the Tide will be without nose tackle Terrence Cody. The Alabama defense must stop the Tennessee offense early and get them to begin to question themselves. The Tide clearly overmatch the Vols and need hit early to set a precident.

Offensiveley- Again, Alabama’s successes can be attributed to the large bodies up front. The line averages over 300 pounds and has been able to open gaping holes for Glenn Coffee all season. It is crucial for the Tide to score quick and not turn the ball over. The last two games, Alabama has made 5 turnovers. That is NOT they way a NATIONAL CHAMPION should play. The mistakes need to be held to a minimum in order to get the win and continue with their undefeated record.

SEC Game of the Week-

SEC Game of the Week: Georgia @ LSU

It is a West vs. East battle that will catapult one team into the national championship contention. While the other will go back to the drawing board and lose all hopes in a championship this year.

In college football its winning down the stretch that is so crucial to the ranking voters. Two weeks ago, the LSU Tigers were undefeated but a trip to Gainesville exploited this team as they were pounded by the Gators 51-21. That loss revealed a lot of Tiger weaknesses, most importantly the lacking of a quarterback or offensive leader. Until that point in the season the duel quarterbacks which LSU had been running had seen it’s troubles but proved to be ineffiecent and uneffective against a upper esculon team.

LSU’s quarterback woes are a major concern going into the showdown with the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia ranks third in total defense and have riddled offenses across the nation with differeing coverage schemes. For LSU to be successful, they need to attack on the ground early and often, With a working running game, LSU can gain momentum and control the clock. Clock control and good defense can win the game for the Tigers.

And then there is the Georgia Bulldogs. The team who entered #1 in the nation faced a BRUTAL September in which they went into South Carolina, into Arizona State, and took on the current #2 ranked Alabama. The Dogs were able to get through the rough sleight at 2-1 and now MUST win the remainder of their games to reach the SEC championship and get to the title game in January. For the Dogs to win in Baton Rouge, they must stop LSU efficiently and confuse the duel quarterbacks of Tyson Lee and Andrew Hatch. If the defense can cause problems, like the Gators did a few weeks ago, Georgia should roll through the Bayou Bengals with ease.

Heading into the game, both teams know what hangs in the balance as LSU’s Coach Les Miles said Tuesday, “I’m going to be ready. I’ll be excited.” The implications will continue to mount all the way until kick off when the Georgia Bulldogs battle the LSU Tigers.

Injuries Abound for the Cats

Tuesday Practice Notes:

News continues to be bad out of Kentucky camp as the showdown with Florida looms ahead. Five defensive starters are injured and missed the first practice of the week. The five players include tackle Myron Pryor, linebackers Braxton Kelly, Johnny Williams and Michah Johnson, as well as corner David Jones. The Cats lead the SEC in scoring defense and rank in the top 5 in total defenses with in the conference. Without these key players, Kentucky hopes to pull an upset for the first time in 21 years appears to get more and more grim as yesterday the most productive offensive piece to the Kentucky offense, Derrick Locke, was ruled out for the season with torn ligaments in his knee.

Following the announcement that 5 key defensive starters missed practice Coach Rich Brooks explained that “We have a lot of work to do in the training room, in the film room and on the practice field to get some people who haven’t played that much ready to play.” As new players begin getting reps, Kentucky must begin preparing without the keys to the successful defense which it has established thus far this season.

Florida Week Begins with a Blow to the Cats

Bad News for the Bluegrass

Coach Brooks confirmed Monday Kentucky fans worst fears: Sophomore running back Derrick Locke tore ligaments in his knee and will be lost for the season. This is the second consecutive week that the Cats have lost a key piece to the offense, with last week Dickey Lyons Jr injuring his knee in the game against South Carolina. This is a key loss for the Cats heading into Florida because Derrick Locke was Kentucky’s leading rusher with 303 yards and a touchdown. Locke was also the 2^nd leading receiver for the offense with 23 catches for 195 yards and a touchodnw. This injury will be costly as the Cats have struggled all season for offensive production and with another key producer out, the Cats face a difficult challenge this week agains the #3 defense in the SEC.

Also on Monday, Coach Rich Brooks said that defensive tackle Myron Pryor would also likely be out with a high ankle sprain. This is another costly loss as Pryor is ranked second in the SEC with 6 sacks and leads the SEC in tackles for loss.

With a hobbled and injured roster, the Kentucky Wildcats will have a tough road to hoe this week as they begin practice today for Florida week.

SEC Week 8 Wrap Up

It was another BIG week in the SEC, some teams pulled ahead, while others dug a hole that might be to large to overcome for the remainder of the season. The MOST impressive team this week was the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky trailed by 13 points with four minutes left in the game and overcame the deficit with OFFENSIVE fire power. IF the Wildcats can take the offensive rhythm from late in the game verse Arkansas and carry it over, this could be a SCARY team to face down the stretch....The MOST DISAPPOINTING performance was the SEC West overall. #2 Alabama looked unimpressive against Ole Miss as the nearly blew a 14 point lead in the game...this teams struggles show that the HIGH ranking is weining on them and will soon result in a LETDOWN. LSU won as well, BUT could NOT muster any offense in the vicortory, the defense can only take a team so far and these guys look suspect to more losses down the stretch. And poor, poor Arkansas...a 13 pont lead and couldn't seal the deal with Kentucky...With a 3-4 record, the hole dug will be hard to overcome in the remainder of the season.

SEC Standings--
West Next week East Next Week
1) Alabama 7-0(4-0) @ Tennessee 1) Georgia 6-1(3-1) LSU
2) LSU 5-1 (3-1) Georgia 1) Florida 5-1(3-1) Kentucky
3) Auburn 4-3(2-3) @WV 3)Vanderbilt 5-2 (3-2) Duke
4) Arkansas 3-4(1-3) Ole Miss 3) Kentucky 5-2 (3-2) @Florida
5) Ole Miss 3-4(1-3) @Arkansas 5) South Carolina 5-3(2-3) IDLE
6) Mississippi St 2-5(1-3) Middle Tennessee 6) Tennessee 3-4 (1-3) Alabama

SEC Game of the Week Final--Georgia Wins

VANDERBILT(22) @ GEORGIA(10)- Georgia 24-14

GEORGIA- The Georgia Bulldogs were able to covert two EARLY Vanderbilt turnovers into touchdowns as they entered the half with a touchdown lead. The Dawgs were led by running back Knowshawn Moreno who had a career day on the ground rushing for 172 yards and a touchdown. The Dawgs were forced to battle all game however, as their freshman kicker Blair Walsh missed two of three field goal attempts. The Georgia offense seemed to EXPLODE against a lesser physical Vanderbilt team. The amassed a total of 425 yards and controlled the ball for over half the game.

VANDERBILT- Vanderbilt’s mistakes early appeared to be too much to overcome. Each of the two MacKenzie Adams interceptions resulted in Georgia points. In a 14 point hole early, the Dores were unable to make any type of comeback, The overall stats don’t look spectacular for the Commodores, as it isn’t so much an impact play or player as it is team play that keeps them in games. I am expecting ANOTHER upset to come somewhere in the rest of this schedule. QB MacKenzie Adams is a fighter and seems to have good command and lead over the offense.

Alabama squeeks by again to remain unscathed

Ole Miss @ Alabama(2)- Alabama 24-20

Alabama- Off the bye, Alabama had a scare against the Rebels. Glenn Coffee had his worst day of the season as he was held to just 52 yards on 13 carries. The Crimson Tide were obismal on third downs as they went just 3-11 all game. The Alabama vulnerability is definitely beginning to show and it appears that this young team will slip up somewhere down the road.

Ole Miss- Houston Nutt and the Rebels nearly did it again and pulled an upset against a conference big boy. The most impressive thing about their showing was that they shut down Glenn Coffee. Coffee has ripped every defense he has faced apart, but the Rebels were able to create a scheme to prevent any large sums of yards to be gained. ALSO surpising is the Ole Miss Rebels out gained the Alabama offense by a total of 359 yards to 326 yards. The reason for the loss however, was the turnovers. Three key turnovers gave Alabama the ball in favorable positions and go on to be unscathed in SEC play.

Tennessee Gets a much needed first win in conference play

Mississippi State @ Tennessee- Tennessee 34-3

Tennessee- The Volunteers were finally able to put it all together and get a much needed first conference win. Tennessee controlled the game as they exploded to score 21 fourth quarter points. In quarterback Nick Stevens third game as a starter, he managed the game well and did not make any mistakes agaist a stingy Mississippi State defense. Rocky Top was led to the win by it’s defense. UT forced three turnovers, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Tennessee NEEDED this game to save face in the SEC. Their offense did not win the game, but they did not lose it either. They must get MORE production this week as the Volunteers host an Alabama team that has struggled of late and might be primed for a let down.

Mississippi State- The ups and downs for the Bulldogs continued this week, as the lack of a quarterback led to another loss and completely finished their chances to reach post season game. Mississippi State’s defense kept them in the game until the fourth quarter when the offense gave up two interception touchdowns. In total, the offense only amounted to 189 yards. You can not win with such little output as the Bulldogs now fall to 2-5 and will now host a non SEC opponent Middle Tennessee for its homecoming.

LSU takes down South Carolina

LSU(13) @ South Carolina- LSU 24-17

South Carolina- Following the game versus Kentucky, Steve Spurrier threw subtlty to the wind and gave freshman Stephen Garcia the starting nod at quarterback. It was uncertain how long this would last, but it definitely made an impact on Saturday. Garcia played flawlessly as the Cocks entered the fourth quarter with a 17-10 lead. But the Gamecocks faltered late and squandered the game to be handed their third loss in SEC play. The loss is not contributed to defense or woes in the passing game, as both pulled their weight efficiently. IT was however the lack of a running game, as the Gamecocks only got 39 total yards production from the backs. This loss eliminates the Gamecocks from an SEC East championship, but the strong play by Garcia and near upset against the Tigers can give hope for the garnet and black faithful. South Carolina now gets a bye before a showdown with Tennessee in two weeks.

LSU- LSU struggled early as the offense continued its struggles and the defense continued picking up the slack. The defense played fierce as they forced South Carolina into three turnovers. The Tigers offense continued to use the two quarterback system with both Hatch and Lee combining for 200 yards passing, a touch down and an interception. The win keeps LSU in contention for a West conference championship and an outside shot at a national title. The offensive struggles however, will likely be costly down the stretch. They now must face Georgia and in two weeks Alabama. The tough stretch will reveal how good the Tigers are.

Late Heroics Save Kentucky's Season!

Kentucky comes back late to win!

Arkansas 20, Kentucky 21

Things were bleak for the Kentucky Wildcats season with ten minutes left in regulation. The Wildcats trailed Arkansas It continued to get worse as the Cats offense struggled to move the ball and were forced to punt on the ensuing drive. But it was what occurred with four minutes left and Kentucky’s back against the wall that defined this game, saved this team, and gave all of the Blue Grass faithful a reason for hope. 20-7 as the Razorback offense had just concluded a 20 play, 87 yard drive which lasted ten minutes and resulted in a field goal.

Through three quarters of play the Kentucky Wildcats struggled on both sides of the ball. The offense had a mere 250 yards and only 7 points to their score. With the offense lacking to get any type of momentum the defense too was struggling. Arkansas running back Michael Smith had the best day of his career. He amounted to 192 yards on 35 carries. The pounding of Smith opened tremendous passing lanes also, which Casey Dick took full advantage of as he hit 7 different receivers all game. Arkansas pure domination over the Cats was most prevalent in the time of possession battle. Arkansas held the ball for nearly forty minutes of the game.

But all the struggles, some how the Kentucky Wildcats were able to turn their season around. With the ball and four minutes left Mike Hartline engineered a quick strike drive which lasted two plays and ended with Randall Cobb in the end zone. The touchdown put the Cats down six, with a little more than three minutes left.

Kentucky’s special teams unit was able to pin the Razorbacks deep in their own territory and prevented the Razorbacks from moving the ball at all as their drive went three plays for negative five yards and a punt. Following the punt, the Wildcats 35 yards away from the go-ahead touchdown, but the only question mark was if the offense could finally capitalize and make a play to decide the game. Surprisingly enough, they did find a way and a play to win the game. Again on a two play scoring strike, quarterback Mike Hartline was able to hit Randall Cobb down the left sideline to take the lead and win the game.

“I am so filled with emotion right now….I am just all over the place and I don’t know what I want to do,” exclaimed Mike Hartline after the game. Hartline finished the game with 239 passing yard

and two touchdowns. He went onto say that, “For the past few

years, the motto over here has been we believe and that’s what we still need to do. The win was really big to put us in the position to get to the best bowl possible.”

The offense seemed to turn the corner late in the game as they made the plays they needed in the end of the game to win. With the win the Kentucky Wildcats are tied with Vanderbilt for 2^nd place in the SEC East and a HUGE game with the Florida Gators looming in

Gainesville.