Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
photo by Mark Cornelison
It was one of those days in Commonwealth. Beautiful weather, blue clear sky and a slight breeze to make sure it wasnt sweltering. But beneath all of the perfect weather was an undertone of difficulty. Why? Because the Cats just cant beat Steve Spurrier. I spent most of the day walking on both sides of the Old Ball Coach’s sideline. And throughout, I was mesmerized by him, in a way similar to looking at an evil genius. You just knew that no matter what UK did, no matter how it played, Spurrier would find a way to win. Kentucky by no means played perfect, and you can make the argument that they didnt even play well, but in the end it was Spurrier and the Cats just dont beat Spurrier. Four turnovers, four missed field goals…..doesnt matter. When Spurrier plays the Cats, he gets it done. Some notes from the game.
— The first half was one of the oddest halves of football that I have ever seen. At one point South Carolina had four turnovers in 20 minutes, and a seven point lead. The Cats played very well on defense, and essentially all of the Cocks’ points came from two mistakes on Special Teams. However the Cats couldnt capitalize on the gifts, getting one field goal blocked and losing field position on a number of occasions. Still yet, the Cats were up three at halftime and set up to win the game. Until….
— The second half was a disaster on many levels. Most importantly, on offense the Cats were inept in the second half. Whether it was Hartline throwing the ball high, receivers dropping catches off their fingers or the running game moving the ball one yard at a time, offensively there was no moment in the second half when the Cats looked capable of putting a drive together.
— When asked after the game about the problems in the second half, Rich Brooks put it succintly: The Cats inability to stop South Carolina on third down and long was the difference in the game, although Brooks didnt think that was all Kentucky’s fault, noting that they made “some great throws and catches.” Four times however, the Cocks had 3rd and 12 or longer…..and four times they converted. 8-17 on third down….You cant win with those statistics…..
— The fans clearly found the play of Michael Hartline disappointing, but Brooks didnt speak so harshly. He mentioned some “inaccurate throws” but otherwise was much more critical of the running game, which put UK in a position of having to throw on second and third down. He mentioned that “fans wanted Derrick Locke and they got him,” but noted that he didnt produce yardage much better than Dixon.
— The biggest issue at this time to me is that the Wide Receivers are simply not at the SEC level. Dicky Lyons was of course injured, Ford didnt play, Lanxter got hurt during the game and EJ Adams has hands made of brittle glass. As for the Freshmen, it is a tough go of it. Roark cant make the big plays, Boyd still doesnt know the routes, Adeyemi is a bit short….only Cobb really looks ready at this time. And it may only get worse.
— As for Dicky Lyons, he has a torn MCL. If that is his only injury, he will be out 3-4 weeks….we will know on Monday if it is anything else. Lyons is optimistic and told me “I have to get to play again…..I just have to.”
— Micah Johnson led the team in tackles, essentially playing on one leg. Watching him between plays, it was obvious that he was in a great deal of pain and limping into the huddle. A manly performance to say the least.
— Brooks was disappointed in the secondary although he did believe that some of the breakdowns were due to a difference in height and not coverage breakdowns. Either way, outside of Trevard Lindley, the defensive secondary had a tough day.
— As for special teams….eh, a bad day. I cant write about it now as it makes me sad.
We will have more later. But for now, count me thoroughly depressed.
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October 11th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
http://lexington.craigslist.org/npo/875441452.html
October 11th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
depressed is a good word today. Ruined my wkend.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
It was nice to see Coach Curry come back and hang around, call some plays, blame everybody but the person who was most responsible…..
What!? That was Rich Brooks! Could have fooled me.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
There is a huge disconnect on what is happening on the field and what most knowledgable people are seeing. Either the coaching staff is playing mind games so they don’t lose their team or they’re just flat out getting bitch slapped in every facet of the game.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
The Hunter, you obviously didn’t listen to the post game show on the radio. Brooks said the loss was on him. He didn’t give much kudos to Hartline either.
At this point, Cobb needs to be our QB, but at the same time with Lyons out, Cobb needs to be our wide receiver. He’s fast, but I don’t think he’s fast enough to pass it to himself.
That game was almost as bad as the Mississippi State game last year. Actually, considering how much I wanted to win this game, I think today may have even been worse.
(Oh, and to the idiot fan who told me to sit down so he could watch the game today, I’ll say it again. If you want to sit down and watch a ballgame, stay at home and watch it on your couch.)
October 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Blaming the running game and piss poor playcalling when every SEC D coordinator knows the tape is out on us is the very epitome of head in sand. I don’t need a radio show to tell me that.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Well hopefully UK can get things straightened out and win a couple of more ball games. I guess the good thing is we are 4-2. It may be disappointing right now, but at least we are not UT. It appears they are goin to lose another game.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Off subject, but, Ms. Palin gives me wood!
October 11th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Moreno just got jacked-up!!
October 11th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
That was a complete embaressment of a football game. Every team in the country knows that we are going to throw 3 yd passes then try and run the ball up the middle. If we don’t open up the playbook and throw something down field they are going to put 11 people in the box and just blow us up. Hartline is yet to throw a spiral in his short career and we now know it has nothing to do with the running backs but all to do with this piss poor offensive line. USC, MSU, and Arkansas i think were the only games we could definitely win. I f we get 4 turnovers and 4 missed field goals and can not beat an unranked team we are trash. The bright spot of the day is that Randall Cobb is a beast and is the best player on the team!!! Anyone that argues that is an absoloute idiot!!! He needs to pass run and whatever else it takes to keep the ball in his hands.
When I watch other teams around the country play they can move the ball and at least can rush for more than 60 yds a game. We are looking for a 100 yd rusher and we cannot even get 100 yds rushing. Damn good thing basketball season is here cause we have seen the last win for the football team. I hope that I am completely wrong with this but the rest of our games are a complete toss up and you know that the only games that Arkansas and Tennessee come to play will be the ones against us. Well I am done venting for now and I am going to go back and finish my Bloody Mary’s and try to drink away this embarrassing loss.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
By the way, the injuries have nothing to do with this loss. The only way we win this game is if Chris Smelley stays in!!!
October 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Matt, you give Spurrier too much credit. We never beat him (or Florida or Tennessee) only because we don’t believe we can.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
7- yup. Eye on the prize. Just gotta somehow make a bowl again this year and continue the forward momentum of this program. Should have won today, but we can still win some games we shouldn’t.
I think next year will be Brooks’ last b/c it looks to be that last tough year of a stable trnsition. IOW, I think he thinks next year will be another struggle with a still fledgling offense that loses it’s only playmaker and a D that loses 10 SR. defensive players (6 starters), and we may still need his guidance. Make it (somehow) thru this year and next with 6-8 wins, 2 more lesser-bowl appearances and a continuation of the recent improvement in recruiting and 2010 looks like our year of emergence. Just seems like things are pointing in that direction are far as roster and developement and it also seems like a good time for Brooks to walk away knowing Joker is in the best possible shape he can be in to start his HC career. (2 cents)
October 11th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
looks like the uphill battle began today!
October 11th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Question for anyone who might be able to help. Rivals is saying that a Anthony Kendrick gave the cats a solid verbal. He’s a 6′4” PF out of Texas. Looks like he’s a LB also. He’s listed on the basketball page with Hood and Vilarino though. Wondering if anyone knew.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Make the argument they didn’t even play well?
uh, yeah matt, you could definitely make that “argument”.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
We might as well just pack it in at this point. Today was the day we had ann opportunity to “turn a corner” … instead, we simply proved that we are, no matter what we’ve managed to accomplish over the past 25-30 games, still “KENTUCKY”. And that’s unfortunate.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
MIKE HARTLINE SUCKS!!!!!!! He looks like a HIGH SCHOOL player.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
With teams stacking the line of scrimmage, our little backs can’t break through. We need a big bruiser fullback. Tyler King out of Hargrave Military wants to be a wildcat. He is on the post high school team. I played football at Sheldon Clark High School with his dad, and he said Tyler would sign today. He is 6′2″, 260 pounds, runs a 4.6 40 and is being recruited by many SEC schools, and others. He is for real. Someone let the staff know. He played for Buford High School in Georgia. He plays against the UT volunteers in a week or 2. There is video of him, but I don’t know how to put it on here. Someone needs to let the coaches know.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
#18, don’t worry, he is headed to the bench and look like a high school player.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
HOPEFULLY Dicky Lyons Jr. is able to play again this season. Not from a fan standpoint as much as I wish him the best. This guy has poured his heart out on the football field and I wish him nothing but the best.
Folks, I think we are screwed. We have no offense. We can’t put Cobb every where and what happens if he get hurt again? As much as it pains me to say it….we have no option, but to stick with Hartline, especially since Cobb is the only receiver that appears to run routes and catch the ball effectively. I was hopeful we could run this ball this year, but our OL can’t line up and beat the man across from them. If I was coaching against UK, I would make Hartline have to beat me.
I don’t think all is lost. I think we beat Arkansas and go to 5-2. I think we can beat Vandy too to have 6 Wins. I also could see us not winning a game in the SEC. Nothing would suprise me.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
15- look at the football commits, he’s a real good Tight End who also plays basketball in high school (like Leonard Macon) that’s the only reason he’s listed, he’s a football stud for next year.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I think the best thing we can say about the QB position is that next year we have two top flight guys coming in. Hartline is in way over his head and obviously Cobb is not much better or the coaches would be playing him. It is unfortunate because other than inexperience at wide receiver this team is ready to compete game in and game out in the SEC. I really never thought I would say that. They need to switch to Cobb. At least he can make some plays with his feet.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I dont think the defense is going to be hurting any next year. There are still several juniors and younger guys that will easily step in. The good thing about next years offense is we really arent losing a whole lot and hopefully this young offensive group will improve. Woodson, Little, Burton, Tamme…they all did so we gotta hope for the best in that aspect. But I really thought UK would be runnin the ball all over the place with our fast backs and we were supposed to have a good OLine, we didnt lose many seniors from it. So I don’t understand why the runnin game isnt taking off. And Hartline has plenty of time (most of the time) to throw the ball, dont know what else he needs. He’s only been sacked what? 4 or 5 times this season, there was only one goin into the Bama game. Too bad we dont have another bye week.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Is Aaron Boyd just stupid? Wasn’t he a 4 star? I mean, the kid is worthless right now! Hartline is not a D-1 QB and needs all the help he can get and Boyd can’t help him?
This is the worst defeat since the Hail Mary game. I can’t believe that an SEC team has an offense that a) has no QB that can throw an accurate pass over 10 yards and b) no WR that can catch the damn thing.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Hartline sucks. That’s not to say he can’t get better. But right now, he sucks.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Between having to get up so early today for a 12:30 kickoff, a blazing hot sunny day in which I now have a major sunburn, an absolutely dead crowd today, a very very disappointing loss and very annoying Cocks fans as we left the stadium…well the day pretty much sucked balls in a big way.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
A little somethin about the pick up game.
http://www.kentucky.com/818/story/552809.html
October 11th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Even though the loss was bad and Hartline isn’t playing SEC QB football.The Cats are 4-2 with strong chance to go to 3 straight bowl games,not bad for a basketball school……ehh?
October 11th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Cobb does need more snaps, but we need him mostly at WR since Lyons is going to miss over half the remaining games at BEST. Cobb is the only other guy who has consistently caught the ball. When’s Ford coming back? He HAS to step up now. He and Cobb could give us at least two possible play makers at receiver. And we’re so deep at tailback, why not someone like Smith line up at slot receiver some? It get’s another burner on the field, and we’re short on play makers, so why not?
October 11th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
because that would be the smart thing to do
October 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Jeremy Tyler to Louisville.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Brooks is pitiful. Let Locke run outside you old fool. Starting to sound like Curry. Grumpy old man.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
28 Apparently Pilgrim is either highly competitive or a butt head. I hope it is the first as he apparently seems to get in these mano a mano’s a lot. When I used to play pickup games I used to think guys like that were buttheads. FWIW…
October 11th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
As disappointing as the game was, one thing that makes me sick to my stomach is the fair weather fans though.
One thing I strongly believe is that if you are going to get up and leave the game with 6 minutes or so left when the game is clearly not yet over…. Don’t come back next game.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
[...] Over at Kentucky Sports Radio, Matt Jones pins the problem here: The biggest issue at this time to me is that the Wide Receivers are simply not at the SEC level. Dicky Lyons was of course injured, Ford didnt play, Lanxter got hurt during the game and EJ Adams has hands made of brittle glass. As for the Freshmen, it is a tough go of it. Roark cant make the big plays, Boyd still doesnt know the routes, Adeyemi is a bit short….only Cobb really looks ready at this time. And it may only get worse. [...]
October 11th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
#35
My effin thoughts exactly!!!
October 11th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
35, Very true. There’s no such thing as a fair-weather fan. If they ain’t there when things turn bad, they are NOT real fans. And a two-hour drive home isn’t an excuse!
October 11th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
COACH BROOKS IS STARTING TO PISS ME OFF. I know it sounds bad, but of course you are going to have to throw the ball on second and third down. Joker did exactly what Joker always does and got us 5 or 6 yards with the first two downs. We were in a position to convert all day long and we couldn’t. We were horrid on third down. It would have been a perfect game to put COBB in for a few series to see if we could gain some momentum on offense. We weren’t going to play them in our normal offense and move the ball simple. I don’t know. I just really think we should have won this game. We are no doubt the better team and I believe that to be on both sides of the ball. We just simply got outcoached today.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
#34 I think it is definately that he is highly competitive and he believes in his game. He believes that he good enough to play with anybody. I love that about Pilgrim butthead or not. Also I think you might be reading a little to much into it. Pilgrim wasn’t highly recruited but should have been. Now he wants to show that he can play with the best. Guys who are buttheads are the guys talking trash that have no game. You know the little 5′9 guy who likes to act like he dunked over you when he just made a lay up. Tipton said nothing about any trash being talked.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
The way I feel about Cobb and Hartline is this: Hartline doesn’t throw the ball any better than Cobb does, but Cobb can make plays with his feet. I think you have to put Cobb in the ball game. We are going to make turnovers whether it is with our quarterback or not and for me that is the only advantage Hartline gives you over Cobb. Play Cobb, what good is it having him at reciever if Hartline can’t get him the ball. We can still beat UT that is all I want this year. I want to kick the shit out of UT and I hope Cobb starts that game at QB.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
#13 On D the only guy we lose that will be hard to replace with the same claiber player is Myron Pryor. We have plenty of Shomari Moores, David Jones and Vdentrell Jenkins ready to come in and pick up the slack. It may be hard to replace Braxton Kelley but I do not think it will hurt our D nor will it be to hard to replace Johnny Williams. Our D will be solid next year. Not quite as good as this year but will still be solid because we will still have Lindley, Micah, Peters and Jarmon./ Theyare the core of our D. What we need to worry about is Offense. I am not sure thatt a freshman QB no matter how good he is could help us of Offense. Although we do need a change at QB. Hartline is not SEC caliber.
October 12th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Ok here are 3 things I took away from attending the game today.
1. I feel horrible for DJ. Probably my favorite player since Derek Abney. But what happened today to Dicky is a direct reason why the NCAA should outlaw the horse-collar tackle because that is exactly what the tackle was.
2. Our Mascot Scratch totally kicked Cocky’s ass and made him retreat to the tunnel. What of the brightest points of the day.
And last 3. My wife pointed out to me today that my 14yr old 8th grade cousin throws the football better than Mike Hartline. I agree with her. If you don’t believe us you make a decision here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRUMNGG2raI
October 12th, 2008 at 2:00 am
I can’t wait until Pilgrim starts pissing off the OTHER team’s players.
October 12th, 2008 at 3:46 am
43, you’re cousin is better. call the football office at UK and see if they can’t get the scholarship papers out this week.
October 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I think Lindley goes pro after this year. He has NFL written all over him.
October 12th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
First off Cobb does throw the ball better in respect to arm strength. It has already been noted that he has the strongest arm on the team and can throw the ball 60yds on the fly. That alone will make defenses play us more honest. Second he can make plays with his feet and turn nothing into something. Thirdly he is by far and away our best offensive player. He should have the ball in his hands as much as possible. What do we have to lose. What’s going on now is not working. If Cobb taking the snaps doesn’t work then oh well. It’s not like we are moving the ball anyways. On a positive note, much props to the defense who plays their butt off every play. Maybe we’ll find a way to keep you off the field as much against Arkansas.