Wildcat Quickies: First Victory Edition

The Wildcats finally got their first win of the season in Week 3.

By Jeremy Chisenhall@JSChisenhall Sep 18, 2016, 8:30am EDT

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NCAA Football: New Mexico State at Kentucky

Good morning BBN, these are your Sunday Wildcat Quickies. Kentucky’s victory yesterday was essentially the definition of “a win is a win,” as the defense got gashed rather badly and Drew Barker suffered a leg injury. However, there were plenty of positives; Stephen Johnson impressed and has started some debate about the quarterback situation, Boom Williams and Benny Snell were dominant on the ground, and C.J. Conrad caught passes and scored touchdowns all over the field.

One notable aspect of the Kentucky game is the fact that the Cats (for the first time in several years) were a strong second half team. The defense strengthened, and the offense actually continued to score. Hopefully this is a sign that the team will at least not go 2-10 this season.

Tweet of the day

Because at the lowest depths of Kentucky Football, Kansas was somehow worse. At least we have that.
— Jason Marcum (@marcum89) September 17, 2016

Well put, Jason!

Your quickies

Kentucky proved you can lose while winning - SEC Country

Kentucky put up 62 points, but with the spotlight bright in another part of the state, Kentucky looked rather weak in every aspect of their game.

Mark Stoops’ comments after the win - Herald-Leader

Stoops recognizes that there’s a lot of room to improve, but is relieved that he’s got his first win of the season.

Cats find unexpected offensive firepower - Herald-Leader

Stephen Johnson and Benny Snell stole the show this week, aided by contribution from C.J. Conrad.

Charles Walker scores first special teams touchdown since 2010 - Herald-Leader

Charles Walker’s impressive punt return touchdown made up for a miscue earlier in the game, and snapped a drought for the Wildcats special teams.

Did Johnson play his way into UK’s starting quarterback job? - Herald-Leader

It’s certainly possible; Barker’s injury led Johnson to play and have an outstanding game.

Kentucky pulls away from NMSU late - ESPN

ESPN recaps the interesting (to say the least) victory for Kentucky, detailing the loss of a quarterback, Benny Snell’s excellence and more.

Johnson plays poised in win over NMSU - 247 Sports

Johnson certainly excelled, and has gained recognition from many news outlets across the country.

Other sports news

Ohio State steamrolls Oklahoma - ESPN

OSU has sent a message to the nation with their win over Oklahoma, showing that they belong in the playoff conversation early on.

Louisville destroys Florida State - USA Today

I really hate to admit it, but this Lamar Jackson guy might be a good football player. Louisville, like OSU, may have put themselves in the playoff conversation.

Michael Johnson knocks out Dustin Poirier at UFC Hidalgo - ESPN

It was a first round KO for Johnson.

Canelo Alvarez knocks out Liam Smith - LA Times

Alvarez is edging closer to a bout with Gennady Golovkin.

Jacob deGrom likely to miss rest of 2016 - ESPN

Looks like the Mets will be without their top starter for the rest of 2016 due to arm surgery.

North Dakota State tops No. 11 Iowa - USA Today

An FCS team over the No. 11 team...upset of the year?