Kentucky at Alabama -- Open Game Thread
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 2:30 PM EDT
in Open Thread
76 comments
Kentucky Wildcats at Alabama Crimson Tide, Oct 4, 2008 3:30 PM EDT
This is your open game thread for Kentucky at Alabama. I am opening it early for a little pre-game virtual tailgating.
This is obviously a huge game for the 'Cats, and one of the rare circumstances where Kentucky can actually lose and still win. Not so fo Alabama. If Alabama fails to cover the spread, they are likely to fall in the polls, and unless Kentucky gets blown out, they are likely to rise.
But all that aside, this is a game Kentucky can win. It will be a very tall task, but the Wildcat defense, I believe, is good enough to stymie Alabama's extremely efficient offense, at least somewhat. What I am much less sanguine about is whether or not Kentucky can move the football against the Tide. If the receivers continue to break off routes and drop footballs, it won't happen -- 'Bama will stick eight in the box and stuff our run offense for sure.
So here are my keys to the game:
Kentucky can win if:
- The UK lines plays even with their Alabama counterparts;
- Kentucky is able to throw the football effectively;
- Kentucky can complete at least a few passes past 10 yards;
- Kentucky can keep Julio Jones from really hurting them;
- Kentucky can outplay the Tide on special teams.
Kentucky will lose if:
- The Alabama offensive line dominates;
- Kentucky cannot throw the football;
- Kentucky can't convert at least 30% of third downs;
- Alabama's defense stuffs the Kentucky running game;
- Kentucky turns the football over at all. If we lose the turnover battle, we lose the game.
Enjoy the game. Go Cats!
0 recs |
76 comments
Email
Print
Comments
I wasn't able to post last night, so I'll give my prediction here: UK - 13 'Bama - 23 ...
I must admit though that I like Tru’s prediction better :)
by Ken Howlett on Oct 4, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A few more points
I agree with keys to the game . If you want to upset a top 10 team on the road you can not kill yourself with turnovers, penalties and dropped passes or interceptions. At least give yourself the best opportunity to win.
by SevenRings on Oct 4, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Aw crap!
Where was the middle of the defense?!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Love our punt team!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There have been a few
offensive bright spots…get a stop here and we can score.
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gettin' manhandled at the line.
Not good.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chick name
Chick kick.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Need offense now.
Right now would be good.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WTF???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????????
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There was no reason to expect this offense to be ready for this game
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I'd prefer not to be embarrassed.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the third time this year ...
… Hartline has just dropped the football. Two have been for defensive TD’s for the other team.
Unacceptable. But he is going to have to buck up and play football.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
True dat.
Lotsa time left. We’ll see if that’s a good thing or not.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Woo hoo!
A heartbeat! Small, but a heartbeat. . .
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
This offense is inept. And this defense is really good. Not a good combo.
But we do seem to have a little success running the toss sweep. We need to abandon trying to go up the middle – we haven’t done it well all year, why would we start now? – and start running outside.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
observations
1) Our offense is not ready for public display against an SEC defense. It can only hurt our program for recruits to see this.
2) We have 3rd and 9, we throw 6 yards.
3) They have 3rd and 10, they throw 18 yards.
Is throwing past the sticks a new concept?
An occasional decent defensive play and Alabama’s penalties
are the only things keeping this where it’s at. Alabama has lost
focus after punching us in the neck to start the game. They’ll
likely get it back after halftime.
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's unfair.
We have no choice. Our offense is full of players that have no experience against SEC competition. They will only get better by facing it.
Joker Phillips still refuses to run at the edges. I am more disappointed with his play calling than anything else. Getting yardage between the tackles with a guy as huge as their nose guard isn’t going to happen. Force the pursuit. We have fast backs. Let them use their speed.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure why Joker thought we could do anything on offense in that short amount of time. They’re going to get to take some shots now.
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thinking positive
Our defense gave up only 7 points. If they only give up 7 next half, will I take my chances? Yeah, I would.
But 67 yards of offense in the first half is unacceptable.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Four ...
… holding calls against Alabama that should be seven or eight.
But UK played hard. Not great, but hard. We are not done. Two touchdowns at half is not insurmountable.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We were lucky...
Should be down 24-0. We got a timely fumble recovery and a missed field goal from Alabama.
Though our defense is getting some good stops, they’re obviously getting dominated at the line of scrimmage. They’re getting a good push on most of their runs.
I’m having a hard time figuring out how our offense is going to score. They simply weren’t ready to play a game like this. Maybe they’ll settle down in the second half.
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They need ...
… to:
A) catch footballs;
B) run more at the edge;
C) stop making stupid penalties.
That may not get us a victory, but if we can’t do any more than this, we will get drilled.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Second half
Is going to be really long if we dont get some offense moving. We stopped killing ourselves with mistakes some at the end of the 2nd quarter but we need to make some big plays past the line of scrimmage.
by BigBlue87 on Oct 4, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
2H
Gotta at least try downfield once a series. We’ll get a catch, an interference call, or if they pick it it’s as good as the punt that’s inevitable anyway.
I’m constantly amazed how these coaches can come up with a game plan consisting of: “We lost our experience from last year, we have no experience at all, we’re on the road, we’re weak at all offensive positions including the most important one…let’s try NOT bringing any originality to our offense! Maybe they don’t have game film watching facilities at Alabama! Let’s do a lot of things we’ve done before. They’ll never expect that.”
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We cannot ...
… run the ball into the middle of the ’Bama line. We must force their linebackers to run to the edges and tackle our backs. Phillips simply has to figure this out.
All Hartline needs to do is stop fumbling the ball. We are getting people open, they just need to catch the football. Don’t worry about YAC, just catch the dumb thing.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
17-0
The announcers keep saying it should be 24-0, because Alabama missed the FG and fumbled the ball en route to a TD.
Fine. Hartline shouldn’t have fumbled, either. The worst this should be right now is
17-0.
And yet we continue to 1) run up the middle and 2) throw short passes.
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Coffee needs to
stop percolating. We need him to burn out.
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 5:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what could have been...
last year’s offense and this year’s defense….
by khlim2 on Oct 4, 2008 5:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t understand the playcalling…
We haven’t tried to run outside the edges since the first half…maybe the first quarter. The two or three times we have, we’ve gotten a good chunk of yardage.
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Okay....
maybe not. :(
Yeah, any offense would be great with this year’s defense.
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I need to see some creative playcalling here. Something, anything but what we’ve been doing
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wanted that bad.
My wife didn’t like it, but I erupted.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nice
Nice playcalling by the coaches. Two plays we haven’t seen today.
Great job guys.
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 6:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
DEEE-FENSSSSSSSE!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHAT A CATCH! WHAT A PASS! MORE PLEASE!
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 6:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's okay....
like announcer said pressure is on Alabama..
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nobody hurt
That’s as good as a punt, just about. STILL the 3rd Quarter.
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
D-line wearing out.....
not stopping the run. Coffee percolating again.
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man up
Get a stop here, we’re in this.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 6:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We have ...
… to stay tough. This is where the rubber meets the road, right here.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Oct 4, 2008 6:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We need to own the 4th quarter.
This break should give defense a quick breather and give them some time to get the stop.
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
careful...
Watch the play action, here. They run 4 straight times with success, then
we stop it. Be careful they don’t slide someone deep…
This is honestly better than I than I thought we’d be at the start of the 4th on the road at #2 Alabama.
But this is where you find what you’re made of. Can’t play just 3 quarters and claim moral victory if you’re trying to further the program. Hope they can pull this out.
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Excellent!
Let’s go, offense!!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 6:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't get stupid here
If it’s not there, punt the football.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 6:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Defense can't let them take the air
out of the game..
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Have to capitalize on that…just have to get that ball.
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
anyone see it?
A huge block in the back was missed on that run before the fumble.
Still gotta come up with that.
Story of our lives.
by VentDependent on Oct 4, 2008 6:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate moral victories.
Much rather have that W! Still, I believe our defense has announced itself properly to the SEC.
Gotta remember the offense is young but improving every game.
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Better than expected
Many expected a massacre
by kentuckygirl0724 on Oct 4, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
1 for 3
Made the one that mattered. damn
by kentuckygirl0724 on Oct 4, 2008 6:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Until the clock reads 0:00
there’s still hope. Runback for TD and onside kick are our only hope Obi One
by bluecrip on Oct 4, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, I’ll take it…
Man, but Hartline’s throw…he just doesn’t have much of an arm. But still, great recognition.
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"They can beat ANYBODY at home."
I LOVE that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Oct 4, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sieber
On my last nerve.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Oct 4, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought UK performed
Very well against this ALA team.
by kykat51 on Oct 4, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
onside
what was with the onside kick? got to at least give your guys a chance…
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Oct 4, 2008 7:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps it’s time to start opening up the position of onside kicker during practice…
by BBallSophist on Oct 4, 2008 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was not a beat dowm...
Much better than Ga did…I never expected an upset…just a very decent showing and we did that!
Go Cats!
by kykat51 on Oct 4, 2008 7:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
[UPDATED 3/13/2010]
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
