Auburn 37 @ Kentucky 34: Postmortem
by Glenn Logan on Oct 9, 2010 11:16 PM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats Football
Email
Print
Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers for their win over the Kentucky Wildcats on the last play of the game, a 25 yard field goal. They played an outstanding game, and despite the strong effort by Kentucky, they defended their position as the only one of two undefeated teams in the SEC.
Yes, 'Cat fans, I know this is disappointing. In fact, it feels almost as bad as a 48-7 embarrassment I saw predicted in one of the threads today. Close is not close enough.
It would be easy to bash the coaches, or the players, or ... well, everyone associated with the loss. But let's be real. This wasn't a game Kentucky was supposed to be competitive in, let alone win. After being embarrassed by the Florida Gators and losing a winnable game to the Mississippi Rebels, Kentucky fans did not deserve to expect a win in this game, and they were properly rewarded with a loss.
Now that I've trashed the Wildcats, let me build them back up. There were a lot of positives to be taken away from this game, not the least of which was outscoring the powerful Tigers 17-6 in the second half, and giving the Wildcats a chance to win a football game that they lose on paper by 2+ touchdowns. A lot of that credit goes to the defense, which really showed heart in the second half after having 31 points dropped on them in the first stanza.
I hope, but am not too confident, that what we saw in the second half is what we can expect in the future -- a defense that understands the strength of a team and forces them to play to their weakness. As good as Cameron Newton is as a dual-threat quarterback, he is much better as a runner than as a passer. Forcing Newton to pass in the second half was what made Kentucky competitive, and even if they were not able to close the deal, you have to be impressed with the improvement from half to half.
Observations:
- Randall Cobb dropped two passes, yet without him, we were not competitive. Forgiven and forgotten. You are awesome, Randall.
- Sad to lose Derrick Locke in the second half, especially to a boneheaded play call. Jesus, Sanders, give me a break.
- Chris Matthews was almost invisible. Why?
- What a great game by Mike Hartline. He was great, period. Don't bore me with "but if's." Game ball.
- Donald Russell may have won his second-string spot back tonight.
- Kentucky's defense may have grown up tonight. We won't know until next week.
- Did I mention that I love Randall Cobb? Call it a man-crush, but any football fan who doesn't have a man-crush on him needs to have his pulse checked.
- Did Ryan Tydlacka really only punt twice?
- The fumble recovery by Burden was a very close call. The interference call in the first Auburn series was an unquestionably missed call that cost UK a touchdown.
- We need experience at linebacker. Our youth showed up in that position yet again.
- How hard is it to teach kids form tackling? Just askin'.
Tough loss by Kentucky, but at least they showed signs of having an SEC game. Losing by 3 to the #8 team, especially when you could have beaten them but for a couple of plays, sucks but is an oft-repeated despair. What we need to do now is take the positives and make them mean something, particularly defensively.
Great game, Tigers. We'll see you again next decade, and going 1-1 is probably as good as we could have asked, historically. Now, it's time to prepare for the Elephant-killers, and stick one to the 'OIe Ball Coach.
Go, 'Cats!
70 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Moral victories are for losers
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
Yes.
I know. But you can’t just look at the downside.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
In this picture, imaging Cam Newton as Jom Carey
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
um....typos
Should read imagine Cam Newton as Jim Carey
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
and thats my point...
But let’s be real. This wasn’t a game Kentucky was supposed to be competitive in, let alone win.
The perception of Kentucky football will never chance…
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Nope.
Not until they win games like these. And Ole Miss. And … well, you get the idea.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Agreed, that is weak
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
Let's be honest, though.
This is a game 90% of the division 1 teams were not supposed to be competitive in.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Sure, if UK was in the MAC or the Sun Belt
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
I did say 90%.
I think that includes more than just the MAC or the Sun Belt.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Well.
A lot more, acutally. But technically correct.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Have to agree that the first AU drive interference call
Was pure BS. in some parallel universe, that call goes our way and we win the game. However, in the universe in which we live…..
Excellent 2nd half from the Cats. Great game from Hartline. No question.
well...
…the late hit on Locke was a little weak… ya think?
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Well ...
… we have more than 3 games, and two of them look winnable.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I think we have 2... If we can beat Vandy
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
And UGA.
Believe me, despite their pounding of Vandy, they are beatable in Lex. Heck, we beat them last year in Athens.
Have to beat Tennessee
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
It'st about time we did that.
Don’t you think?
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Was it me or...
…Did it look like Auburn’s QB was running in quicksand..?
And we still couldn’t catch him… lol
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Dude looked like he was jogging half the time
bastard…
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
Cam was running "under control"
Kinda like Randall… Plus, Cam is so big even when he’s going fast he looks slow!
If your wings don't sweep....
It was hard to watch the last drive-
When we all pretty much knew what the outcome would be….This would have been such a big win. I’m like R. Cobb. I’m sick of losing. Maybe this game will lead to better things down the road. Like a win at Tennessee!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
happens once it's luck...
Twice it’s a coincidence…
Three times it’s a trend…
Les is a good coach…
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Heh.
Les is God. Only God could do what he has done. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Les is a class act I hear, but I can't call him a good coach.
I think he has a deal with Satan, and Satan is getting mighty tired of pulling out these incredible goofy wins. Don’t stop the clock and kick in the last seconds? Ok, a demon makes sure the desperate throw is caught for a winning TD. Don’t have a play called for the second goal line play? No problem – let me send two demons in UT jerseys out on the field (notice that the 12th and 13th players aren’t even on the UT roster). It goes on and on. I can see the meeting now after an LSU loss to Arkansas:
Les: Satan, remember out deal? How could you let me loose to Petrino?
Satan: Well, c’mon Les. You know I have a deal with Petrino too. And besides, what could I do after your boneheaded calls and lack of situational coaching? I tried, but sometimes you are just too much to overcome with simple supernatural powers.
Tru...
back to your “competitive” statement…
Auburn was only favored by 6, which blows my mind really… lol
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Yeah.
Well, they were only 3 points off, I guess..
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Any word on Locke..???
I would hate to loose him…
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Just a stinger.
He’ll be ready by Satruday, I’m sure.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Great news....
…But did ya’ see what SC did to Bama’ today..???
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
One Key
That blown fumble call on the last drive
by ukbulldog on Oct 10, 2010 12:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
not sure i agree...
would have loved to have gotten the ball, but i thought it was the right call. uk did not have possession of it as he went out -imo. however, had it been called our ball on the field, i do not believe it would have been over ruled…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Oct 10, 2010 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions
right, it was blown on the field
the same thing happened earlier when three UK defenders landed on a ball and it was ruled out of bounds. On the jumbo-tron he had both hands underneath the ball in-bounds.
That call deflated the entire stadium, and, let’s face it, UK was overmatched, and needed one break to win this game. I don’t want to hear that UK could have done more, because they did enough to win, and getting that fumble taken away meant that the offense never set foot on the field again.
As an auburn fan
, and I know it’s easy for me to say since we won, but we have alot of respect for you after that game. Your guys played very well and with alot of heart and that saying something after two very dissapointing losses and being in the underdog role. I think this shows the potenial of this UK team and that coach joker has you on the right path. So for what it’s worth good game and see ya next year.
by Johnnycolorado on Oct 10, 2010 12:52 AM EDT reply actions
thanks - but its tough.
despite the fact that we won the games where we were favored and lost the ones where we were not. i guess i was thinking we had a shot of being 4-2 at this point and hoping for 5-1. guess 3-3 was what my head was saying, but my heart would not listen….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Oct 10, 2010 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Got to admit it...
I have not been a Hartline fan. That being said, I have not been a hater either – just somewhat agnostic and wondering why the most hyped recruit in recent memory is not starting.
that being said – i agree with Tru – Game ball to Hartline (along with Cobb, of course).
also, while there were some questionable calls, i do believe the play calling was better tonight. and while tackling was an issue, it was better than ole miss.
If we keep on improving, maybe vandy, ut, charleston and msu are possible wins. clearly looks like USC is in the loss column. not sure what to think of uga….
Which brings up another point – Cobb should be in the Heisman talk – period.
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Oct 10, 2010 1:32 AM EDT reply actions
For once...
Can we play a game where someone doesn’t torch us for 4 or more touchdowns?? I’m getting a little tired of guys having “season highs” against us!
Mr Brown, if you didn’t know Newton’s capabilities before the first half, you need your butt kicked for not studying film! Kid’s been doing this all year and we act like we’ve never see it before in the first half… Good adjustment in the 2nd half, no question, but the kid had already put 28 up on the board by then!
If your wings don't sweep....
Mr. Brown gotta keep blitzing
It’s sad to say it took UK’s defensive coordinator this long to realize that he has to blitz very often with this D to have any chance to be competitive in the SEC. If run blitzes were used in that last drive UK gets a chance to win in the end. Blitzes should’ve of been used for three weeks now.
I was right the UK Offense played its guts out but the UK defense couldn’t play well enough for the victory, but they are improving, but how long will it take for them to get good enough to help gain a victory in the SEC. My fear is the UK Offense will get tired of losing and give up on the season before the D learns how to win in the SEC.
Auburn only undefeated team?
Why does everyone keep saying Auburn is the only undefeated team in the SEC? Isn’t LSU 6-0? Just wondering.
Forgot about LSU.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Oct 10, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep,
but the chances of that continuing are the same as Tebow staying a virgin. Ummmm….on second thought…..
Some people are like Slinkies, they're really good for nothing........but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
Any loss is tough --
KY came extremely close last night to beating a team they “shouldn’t” – but, to this Auburn fan, your team played to the level that Coach Phillips requested. Were it not for one Cam Newton that game would definitely have ended differently. The Kentucky Wildcat fans and team should be proud of the effort displayed yesterday/last night in Lexington. There’s still football to be played and KY will end up with some good wins.
DWWD -- WDE!
Can't wait until next Saturday
The gamecocks will most certainly be overrated and they’ll think they poop ice cream… oops, wrong universe.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Heh.
I hope you’re right.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Oct 10, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
4 Things
.
2 things I did not know for sure before the season:
- Hartline really was going to be improved
- The defense was going to be…. well …..
1 thing I thought I knew before the season:
- A big dose of “more of the same” from the coaching staff
1 thing I did know before the season:
- Randall Cobb is the best to ever play the position of “football player” in the history of our program. He will show up on some NFL team’s list of “Our biggest draft steals in team history” at some point within the next 5-6 years. (We’ll have to keep an eye on the blogs and team sites.)
.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
What if?
If UK recovers either of those two Auburn fumbles near the sideline, I think the Cats win the game. For more of my thoughts on the loss, go to dennyscatscratches.blogspot.com
Proud of the team
this week, after being sick and tired after the debacle last week. One play away from a win against a ranked AU team, a few reasons to leap off the couch, and over all a fun game to watch. GO CATS lets get em next week.
That is very true.
The second half eclipsed the first for me and was as refreshing as a mint julep on a hot August afternoon, soothing my soul, left hopeless after last weeks sorry, misery inducing debacle. I was, am searching for the positive and wishing for the best, knowing we could put it all together for a couple of surprise wins. Blue colored lens maybe, I want to believe, I need to believe
I think there's a lot of reason for optimism for the rest of the season after this game
For one, UK has an offense that can score points on just about anybody – that bodes well for the remaining SEC schedule. Tennessee, Vandy, and UGA have all struggled with putting points on the board and those are three games UK could win with just its offense alone, regardless of how the defense performs.
There’s really only two games left on the schedule where it looks as though the defense will need to play well for the Cats to win and that’s USC and at Miss St. I know SC looks big and bad after thumping Alabama, but they did lose at Auburn and had more trouble scoring points against the Tigers than the Cats did. I’m not expecting a win there, but it’s possible. UK has the offense to stick around – the question is if the D can come up with a few well-timed stops.
What more can be said about Randall Cobb that hasn’t already been said a thousand times? UK should retire his jersey the first year after he goes pro.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
my only concern....
is that ole miss and auburn do not have good defenses according to the stats. yes they are sec defenses but not sure they are good enough to say we “can score points on just about anybody”.
that being said, i do not see vandy, ut or uga having a better defense. usc and maybe msu are better. charleston not worth talking about.
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Oct 10, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Cobb Wins National Honors
Randall Cobb is national WR/RB of the week.
Socialism is not an alternative to capitalism; it is an
alternate to any system which men can live as human
beings." Ludwig von Mises
Fantastic for him
Hope that takes some of the sting of a loss out of him; but it won’t, he’s such an incredible team player.
Some people are like Slinkies, they're really good for nothing........but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
Nice write up Tru
We saw the same game. First half – WTF? Second half – Attaboy.
I think Sanders called a great offensive game with two caveats. Obviously, the draw play on 3rd and 12 was a head scratcher. He must have gone out for a hot dog and left a visiting Daryl Dickey to call the play. The other point is not throwing to Matthews, specifically downfield. The weakness of Auburn was purported to be the defensive seconday and I can’t remember any passes over 25 yards. The offense was very effective (second half) with the plan they used, I just would like to see them stretch the field a bit to assist the running game. Its not like Hartline didn’t have time, the line blocked well and roll-out pockets were timed into the plan to great effect.
Defensively, its a crapshoot. First half they couldn’t stop anything and any punt/kickoff was an automatic, death march touchdown for Auburn. Second half Kentucky comes out remembering how to tackle, how to protect gaps and generally play like they know what the hell was going on. Newton made ridiculous completions but his running was disheartening to watch.
The two instances that really got me in the second half were, first, Bailey’s “Oh, I’m supposed to tackle him?” maneuver then the final drive for the field goal when everyone this side of the sun knew Newton was going to run the ball and our defense is still only showing seven in the box. And before we forget – the defense actually blitzed one time and did it effectively – could we see a little more of that, please?
Overall, the second half turnaround alone may have saved the season. At halftime we were down by at least 80 points (it seemed) and no hope in sight for the game and thinking about next weeks team that just beat Alabama. I was beyond depressed and bourbon futures were skyrocketing. The second half gave us a glimpse of this team’s potential. They’re coming together and if they can gel before the season slips away, we’ve got some great moments ahead of us this year.
Some people are like Slinkies, they're really good for nothing........but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
Again,from a non football respect!
I watched another UK loss. Now, in the first half I nearly turned it off. Their quarterback,Newton did anything he wanted. Later I thought UK had a chance. All the time knowing we should not beat a Nationally rated team. If they play like the second half the rest of the way-who knows?
Happy Days are here again! Wildcat's have #1 recruiting class again!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
[UPDATED 01/18/2012]
Related FanPosts on A Sea Of Blue
Related FanShots on A Sea Of Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
