OPEN GAME THREAD: Kentucky at South Carolina

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 7:00 PM EDT in Kentucky Wildcats Football

I don't have to tell anyone that this game is huge. It is huge for the Gamecocks, huge for the Wildcats, and huge for the SEC East.

The ramifications of tonights tilt in Columbia are far-reaching. If UNC wins, they take firm control of the East with victories over contenders Kentucky and Georgia. If Kentucky wins, it goes to 6-0 for the first time since The Bear stalked the sidelines.

The Big Blue Nation's interest is aroused, as is the entire sporting universe. Never in memory has a Kentucky team been poised to do as much as this one is. Will we seize the moment, or fade back to our "place"?

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?? I'll let Steve Johnson take it from here (Hat tip: The Fake Gimel Martinez):

This is the official open game thread. Post your comments, let's root the Cats on to victory!

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Comments

Typo

I don't like to point out every little typo but... as a wildcat fan in tarheel country check out your second paragraph again. GO CATS!!!

by cthom on Oct 4, 2007 7:26 PM EDT reply actions

Great

I was hoping you'd get my email before the game.

I will have to say, its no Lazy Tuesday.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 7:39 PM EDT reply actions

I got it ...

I was just way behind, and I had to post the analysis and everything. It was just right for a lead-in in the game thread. Thanks for that.

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

lindley

all he does is make plays...what hustle.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Oct 4, 2007 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

So much for 41-17

Sounds like the weather is slowing everybody down.

This is going to be a heavyweight fight. Tamme pulled down a TD to tie the game at 10.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

Head-hit

Hope that hit to Woodson's head isn't gonna slow him down...

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

He threw ...

a pass that was shockingly wide of the mark.

I sure hope he doesn't have a concussion.

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions

We need ...

much more from our defense. But our offense is not getting it done, either. Woodson is throwing the football everywhere. But the INT was a blown route, no doubt about it.

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

I Never Understand...

friggin "prevent" defenses! The defense completely had Smelley runnin for his life, then on the last drive we drop back and boom they take it 80 yards... all in nice rhythm. drives me absolutely nuts.

by pattyscats on Oct 4, 2007 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah ...

we get burned on a slant and stop throwing in blitzes.

Sheesh.

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Cats looked rattled...

...at the end of the half. I think the confidence drained out of them with the INT as they were driving for the lead.

Woodson will be fine, I bet. But playing for halftime didn't work...I agree btw on "prevent".

As my dad always reminded me, it "prevents" you from winning.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Oct 4, 2007 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

defense

I guess we should all hope that the defense makes adjustments during halftime like they have historically. We'll pull it out.......(I hope)

Go Big Blue and let's go 'Canes!

by tmed on Oct 4, 2007 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

I hope...

our defense adjusts like they did at arkansas. I don't know what the time of possession was in the 1st half but we need our offense on the field more.

by cthom on Oct 4, 2007 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

UK

Run the damn football. Woodson is waaaaaay off tonight.

When was the last time our O Line was called for holding, on a completion, before tonight?

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 10:00 PM EDT reply actions

Still early

Boy, the offense is really trying to make this game interesting, eh? I ain't watching, but the radio guys seem to keep indicating that UK's offense is giving the ball away, instead of USC's players making great plays. Is this true?

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 10:01 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Gimel

Woodson throws the ball directly to a USC defender. Woodson attempts to avoid a sack and laterals the ball, very badly I might add, the ball is scooped up by USC and returned for a score. Woodson is pressured, as he runs away from the defender, he is hit and fumbles, the ball is scooped up and run in for a TD. Little drops a punt, after he waves for a fair catch.

Embarrassingly pathetic display!

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 10:07 PM EDT reply actions

D

On a positive note, the D looks fantastic.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

Yes...

... that's true. Kentucky would be leading this game 13-10 if they didn't keep turning the ball over to South Carolina. 14 of USC's 24 points came on two plays -- both fumble recoveries for TDs.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

Most important quarter

Suppose this 4th quarter is going to be where Woodson redeems himself, then. Insert your overused cliche about raising their game here.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

AH!

Can we not hold on to the damn ball!?!?! What the hell are they doing? It's like they're actively trying to lose the game.

...defense is rediculous right now though. I'm afraid we're gonna need a turnover to finish this out. Btw, we should fake this field goal :).

Go Big Blue and let's go 'Canes!

by tmed on Oct 4, 2007 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

Re:GP

13-10? More like 24-10. More if you count Little's fumble just now. That was 6.

This is a game that they don't deserve to win.

To play on national TV, and play in a way an 8th grade team would be ashamed of, they are not deserving of a W.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

Frustrations

Yeah, I was hoping UK would use this game to make a statement, especially on national TV. Still time left, but that completion inside the UK 25 isn't helping.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

Re:KH

Ken: yeah, 13-10. At the time the score was 24-13. The Cats gave USC two TDs. As to whether or not they might have scored more points if they hadn't turned the ball over, I don't make that assumption.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 10:38 PM EDT reply actions

left foot, watch out for gun

because you're companion has already been shot a number of times tonight.

by Purple Reign on Oct 4, 2007 10:41 PM EDT reply actions

This

SUCKS.....But I think we still have a chance, Last week, Three TD's in Eight Minutes

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 10:45 PM EDT reply actions

Fat lady is warming up...

11:00 to go and it's looking grim. Still hoping for a miracle for your Cats.

Real shame about the turnovers. Damn. Not to mention Little's fumble on that goal line draw play -- could easily have been a TD rather than a FG with the way the hole was opening up. Put 'em down 8 instead of 4. Now USC scores. Down 15.

Didn't have to be this way.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 10:46 PM EDT reply actions

These Cats,,...

Have found ways to win this year, The Fat Lady can sit back and watch. It's Ugly, but it aint over

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

Stevie Johnson

Keepin' us alive with his freestyling catch.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

YES!

TD. One possession game again. Fat lady is sent back to the dressing room but her muffled cries can be heard down the corridor. Someone shut her up... !

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 10:57 PM EDT reply actions

stop

If you don't quit rooting for us, I'll feel awful hating you (as a rival) so much. ;)

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Now then

If we come back and tie this thing up and put it in OT, I'm going to point to the "overrated" chant that went up with 10 minutes to go in the 4th as the deciding factor.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!

I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

BCG

Somebody get the girls away from Gillispie.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 11:00 PM EDT reply actions

overrated chant

If the comeback happens UK fans ought to be chanting "PRE-MAT-URE"

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:00 PM EDT reply actions

Speaking of which...

Speaking of premature, SC first down. Damn.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:01 PM EDT reply actions

Fat lady...

... she's crawling out into the hallway. The Wildcat mascot is beating on her with a megaphone.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:02 PM EDT reply actions

Sloppy game by UK

they look like a team that hasn't "been there before." Well.. they haven't.

But it is ok, UK is still better than Florida this year!

by WildcatinTampa on Oct 4, 2007 11:03 PM EDT reply actions

Really?

I was starting to feel a lot better about UF's chances vs. the 'Cats, WildcatinTampa... damn, you stole my confidence!

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:06 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry

Florida just isn't very good this year. tehy have yet to beat one decent team, and the teams they have beaten have a combined record of 1-50 or something like that.

UF may lose 4 games this year and that may be more than they lose the next three in total. It is ok, after the past couple years, UF has a decade of chest thumping saved up.

by WildcatinTampa on Oct 4, 2007 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions

UK

Great coverage. Needs 3 yards, and plays back 10.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 11:06 PM EDT reply actions

That's it.

Damn... this one's over.

Sorry, 'Cats. Wasn't your night. I was pulling for you the whole way.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

Overrated?

Possibly. Definitely didn't look like a top-10 team tonight.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireBilly.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Oct 4, 2007 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

That should do it ...

Just too many three-point trips when they had a chance to catch up.

Oh well, at least we'll likely still be ranked!

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Oct 4, 2007 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

Ranked

Yeah, I think they're deserving of keeping a Top 20 ranking, definitely. Columbia's a tough place to win, and UK will be leaving with their dignity intact. Especially if they can score once more.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

Stop It

Two Possesion Game, Enough time on the clock. Believe in these Cats. Andre' can do it, But he better do it soon

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 11:10 PM EDT reply actions

Seabass...

... we're in miracle territory here, buddy.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

I'm an optimist

Haven't had a reason to be one in years, I just don't want to let it go

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Nevermind

ALL Hope is dead

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I understand...

... but it's time to rest for tonight.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Well ...

If there is any such thing as an early Christmas gift ...

Merry Christmas, Gamecocks. You may have won the game anyway, but this one was a gift. 3 fumbles and an interception cost us at least 20 and arguably 28 points.

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

Defense

Wesley and the boys showed up tonight, I can't believe our defense is the only thing to brag about, but good game boys. And Andre' There is always Florida.

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep.

Have to agree with that Tru. I think USC looked like a more complete team and probably would have won it without the gifts but it would have been very, very close. Kentucky gave them way too many free points to make it a real game.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:17 PM EDT reply actions

Back to normal

The descent into the depths of the SEC basement began precipitously tonight I'm afaid. I think I may have felt sorry for South Carolina had we pulled this one out we played so badly. I guess we all knew deep down that this was just a dream anyway. I guess I don't really care that much as long as we beat Florida. This sucks.

Go Big Blue and let's go 'Canes!

by tmed on Oct 4, 2007 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

UK

We get to see how this team rebounds from adversity.

What an incredibly incompetent performance.

Perhaps this is this years version of last years LSU game. They reeled off 5 victories in 6 games after that defeat.

If I had a vote, UK would be around 18-20th in the polls.

It's not that they lost, it's how they lost. Make no mistake, they lost the game, SC didn't do much to win.

Mental errors, not forced TO's, were the culprit tonight. Play this way again, against ANY team remaining on their schedule, and defeat will be the sour taste in their mouths.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 11:20 PM EDT reply actions

André ...

has been phenomenal all year. This was bound to happen sooner or later, it's just the way of things.

I think the Cats will rebound from this, and if they play LSU tough, maybe we will regain our swagger.

Right now, I am sure the coaches are questioning the team's manhood, and Woodson must take most of the heat for this one.

by Glenn Logan on Oct 4, 2007 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Stats

1st Downs--26 UK 20 USC
Total Net Yrds-- 383 UK 350 USC
Average per Rush-- 4.1 UK 2.7 USC
Positive Rush Yrds-- 206 UK 118 USC
Negative Yardage-- -49 Woodson -24 Smelley(Like a rosey)
Cluster F cks-- 4 UK 1 USC.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2007 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Re:tmed

I'm afraid I cannot allow that. I'm sorry.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Oct 4, 2007 11:21 PM EDT reply actions

Pre-Season

Before this season Started, Coach Brooks Said he wanted this team to have a voice in who wins the SEC....He didn't say win it, just be a factor. I think these Cats will be a factor, I think we will have a say in who walks out of Catlanta a champ, Let's face it. except for the delerious fans like me, This team is doing much better than expected and should go down as one of the better teams for UK, and were not even half-way through the season yet......um, OK Just now halfway

by Seabass on Oct 4, 2007 11:22 PM EDT reply actions