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Open Game Thread: The Hilltoppers Come to Town

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Kentucky Wildcats, Sep 27, 2008 7:00 PM EDT


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This is the official open thread for Western Kentucky University at the University of Kentucky.

This is the last of the out of conference games before Kentucky ventures into the wild and wooly SEC, and for the Wildcats to have a chance at a bowl this year, it would seem that this game is absolutely critical to their hopes.  So far the last few years, the Hilltoppers have been mired in futility against SEC teams, losing every game against SEC foes since 2005.

For Kentucky, they need to show that they can be competitive in the SEC, and so far they have simply not done so.  UK has had some good moments, but for the most part, the offense has been extremely limited and unimpressive, even if the defense has been stalwart.

Five keys that will lead to a UK victory:

  1. Ramp up the running game.  Our much-vaunted stable of running backs need to show they can deliver.
  2. Offensive line play -- for a line with such experience and depth, they have not made holes for the backs.
  3. Vertical game -- we should have one.
  4. Keep the Toppers in front of them -- The defense has seen what the spread can do under the right conditions.  Kentucky must prove they can defend it.
  5. Kick field goals -- We have been solid on special teams except for field goals.  Tydlacka needs to prove himself, since Seiber has given him the opportunity.

Five things that could lead to a UK loss:

  1. Failure to defend the spread -- we have seen big yards gained on UK by the one spread team they have faced, and UK must show they can defend it better.
  2. Failure to score in the red zone -- Kentucky is 72nd in the nation in red zone conversions.
  3. Failure to keep Western out of the red zone -- Western Kentucky is 13-13 in red zone conversions, tied for the national lead.
  4. Special teams -- Kentucky has been very solid in special teams.  If they take today off, it could cost them the game.
  5. Turnover margin -- Kentucky is 12th in the nation, and Western is 18th.  Whoever wins the turnover battle will have a leg up in this game.

0 recs  |  Comment 120 comments

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Amen!

To point number 5 on the keys to a win, for my festering ulcer i hope we shine in tat department tonite…well hopefully it wont be that close but at the same time i hope it is not so lopsided its crazy. Thats why i HATE playing in state schools(except Louisville, but they are close enough to Indiana..ha)..Under any other situation i want WKU to do well, My wife is an alum there.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Magnolia...

Do you have TV?

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

TV...

Ummmm yes…matter of fact we have high speed internet, cable AND caller-ID all thru the good folks at SCRTC!! They call us High Tech Rednecks!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

what in the heck...

Is SCRTC? You are not far from me, and I never heard of it.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

SCRTC

South Central Rural Telephone Cooperative..or the phone company :)..outta Glasgow.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am here...

All I have is radio access as my satellite provider does not include that Lex station or the BG station. I am pissed to say the least :(

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I am watching ...

…espn360. The game hasn’t started yet, though.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I am fixing

to do a six o’clock newscast once the Michigan game is done…I’ll be flipping here during the commercial breaks!@!!!!!

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 7:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Referenced that touchback to JB’s drives.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Fieldgoal UK

Have we already got 2 injuries?

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 7:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tydlacka ...

… did a great job on that FG

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Amen Bro!

Ulcer pain lessens…..

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice FG

That kid could be hugh for us. I am excited about some of the kids getting chances.

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 7:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't take

Dixon and his 2 to 3 yd gains.

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

D....

Thats what imtalkinbout

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice

decision to run

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Dang!

Gotta catch that!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Moving the football ...

… but we’re hardly a well-oiled machine.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

ok....

im calling for open tryouts for wide rec. now!!!..gezzzzzz

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

What the ...

Hell!

Good grief. That’s just pitiful.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We look like Auburn.

Our offense stinks.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

As long as we beat UT

I’ll take looking like Auburn.

by GoLightning on Sep 27, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wonder....

how a re-match with the cards would go??

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Holmes boy...

there he is!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice throw ...

… by Hartline.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Woop!

Nice

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Holmes...

Yeah I heard they intro’d in the end zone…my hero among Perry and Boo and Kim…all the team!

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice to know..

Some Kentucky boys went and got it done!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Touchdown, Dixon.

Much better.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The defense ...

… has been more than impressive. We need more out of the offense, though.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Great job by the secondary.

That’s who deserves credit for that sack.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 7:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Prediction after tv break....

T. Dixon goes 99 2/3 yards for the TD and sets the UK and maybe the NCAA record for the longest TD run from scrimmage!…….You heard it hear first SoB!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Opppss,,

Throws crystal ball in trash!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Update

Alabama up 7-0 over Ga. with about 7 min. to go in first qrt.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Also...

Miss. St. and LSU tied at 3-3.. with 3 to go in first.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And

Tennessee down by 2 with no time left. Just had to say it again.

by GoLightning on Sep 27, 2008 8:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No Problem

LOL GO…..thats to funny!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

50 FG

Can we get that guy?

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

wow

Very nice FG by WKU

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Dagger

Double WOW

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

OMG

Touchdown UK

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hows that....

for a answer!!!!?

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey all.

How’s the game going for you all?

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 8:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

So far ...

 predictable. We are ahead, our defense is good and our offense is bad.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, I know that feeling.

Except for the ‘ahead’ part, of course. How does that feel?

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Saw the UT/Auburn game.

It was like a visit to the dentist. Man, those offenses were awful.

Defense looked strong. Tough loss for the Vols.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's going to be a long year.

Living in Knoxville is not very fun right now. Even the silver lining in the black cloud is demanding Fulmer’s resignation right now.

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mr Locke

Yeah that was damn fast!

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Going...

well :)

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hooper

Damn good! Got my Ky bourbon on the side here :)

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Heh.

I’ve been away for too long. Good to see my favorite Ky fans still at it! Go Cats!

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was the runback

beautiful to see? Damn!!! I wish I could watch this sucker.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Me 2

All I have is radio also.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe the runback...

Will be on ESPN tomorrow? I think some over there actually like the SEC :)

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Run back

was AWESOME!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Update

Alabama 17 Ga. goose egg..about 12 min. still left in 2ed qrt.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Sep 27, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you mean

Ala 17 Ga 0? I find that hard to believe folks.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also,,,

LSU 10 Miss. St. 3

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tru:

(continuing conversation from above)

FYI, this may very well be your year to break The Streak against UT. In Neyland, even.

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Beat Tn at home?

Would be nice, but the Vols always have their best against UK.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just got the radio

going on the computer as halftime hits. Better than nothing. :) Listening to halftime report now.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LSU...

Just scored again 17-3..game now off my radar.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Vols...

Will play the game of the year againist us…they ALWAYS seem to :(

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'll shut up in a sec...

Alabama int. threating to score again on Daws

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Alabama is dominating GA

17-0 and just Ala. just intercepted the ball

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Well I said earlier...

Been some upsets this week and today, but I don’t want UK to be one of those.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

24-0

i gotta believe Ga. will still make this a game..to much time left

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

GA's offense

struggled against SC defense.

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Georgia will

get back on track. Not looking forward to game at Alabama next week though.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Alabama has

a heck of a defense. There offense looks good also. It would be major upset for UK to beat them.

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That's what we need

to see (hear in my case), Ford showing leadership to the fellow receivers about blocking downfield!!! YESS!!!

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

GA done

Ala 31 Ga 0. 1 min left in half. This is good. GA, FL, UT. lose

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 9:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ga. coach

Better have one heck of a half-time speech or this is gonna get uglier…..if thats possible.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ala should be

over confident for little ol us. Maybe we can shock them like there doing to GA

by Grasslands1 on Sep 27, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Was thinking the same thing...

Should get us ready seeing what they are doing to Ga. and at the same time let them have a major letdown…..that would be sweet!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unreal...

But as we all know the SEC is very unpredictable.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Get Hartline some

confidence!!!! Thank you!!!!

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hartline

I am proud of this young QB.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 9:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It was looking grim

the first two games but Phillips and Co are doing a heckuva job building Hartline up. Gonna pay dividends here on out.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes...

His confidence is building. He has had calls from Woodson and Lorenzen to build his confidence per Tom Leach’s site and an interview with Hartline.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

GOTTA STOP EM!!!!

Hold em for a FG at the least!!!

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Another 8 minutes game time

and it’s time to bring out Fidler.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Moncell is a beast!!!

Going to get another TD!!!!

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Looks like UK is in good shape in this one.

BTW, Woodyard is doing a terrific job with the Broncos in his rookie year. He’s a very bright spot on their suspect defense, and he’s set for a great career. He’s an unsung gem who many teams regret not drafting.

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Woodyard

I always thought he had what it took..or atleast hoping he did :)

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minnesota Vikings...

Hey Hooper..do you know if the Vikes have a SBNation? I saw you were a member of the Broncs. Anyway i could find out if they have one? Thanks.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, here you go:

Daily Norsemen

For future reference, you can find all of the SBNation blogs at their main website: SBNation.com.

by Hooper on Sep 27, 2008 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is the kind of tune-up

game we’ve been looking for!!!!! Drink up my brethren!

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We need Boyd and Co

to get some experience. Great job by Phillips.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay make it

41. I’ll take it.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Up at 3AM Sunday

Have a great night all, enjoyed “watching” the game with ya…gotta work tomarrow :(..GO CATS! about that FG kicker….we kinda got one.

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Sep 27, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon defense!!!!

Let’s end this game and get Fidler a TD throw.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Night Magnolia

Enjoyed your comments.

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay heading back to work..

be back to see comments from those of you that were lucky enough to view the game.

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks bluecrip...

I always enjoy your input and comments on this blog.

Go Cats!

by kykat51 on Sep 27, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

For sure KYKAT!

Back at work now and now watching the rest of the ALA vs GA game. A little scouting….:)

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Looks like Oklahoma

is going to be the new #1. Damn Sooners. :)

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 10:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Uk could crack top 25 with win tonight....

lotta unranked teams beating up on ranked ones. Mayyyyyyyyyyybbbbbbbbeeeeeee……….. Course might not last more’n a week though. :)

by bluecrip on Sep 27, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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