Was it pretty? Maybe to the fans it wasn’t but the 24-17 win at Southern Mississippi was a thing of beauty to Mark Stoops. The defense, especially the line, was much improved. But the offense struggled at times, something that offensive coordinator Eddie Gran noted:
“It was very frustrating,” said offensive coordinator Eddie Gran afterward, standing on the artificial turf just outside the end zone at M.M. Roberts Stadium as dusk visited Mississippi on Saturday night. “It wasn’t good.”
The defense was the saving grace, causing two turnovers and providing points with a Denzil Ware scoop and score. The one highlight on offense was that the connection between Stephen Johnson and CJ Conrad was on point, something fans loved after last season’s frustrations with that connection.
The offense will work it out. There’s more room to improve and there are new faces at new positions this season. Gran seemed to be a little conservative calling the game, probably wanting to preserve the chance to win over taking shots that may result in turnovers.
Whatever the case the ‘Cats will have another game to work things out as they face Eastern Kentucky next Saturday at 12:00 PM at Kroger Field.
Tweet of the Day
Shannon Dawson got a 15-yard penalty, which is the most yardage he ever helped UK get.
— TJ Beisner (@tjbeisner) September 2, 2017
BURN
Quickies
Mark Stoops postgame transcripts | Lexington Herald Leader- The head coach was mostly all smiles and positivity after a road win. He was especially pleased with the defensive line.
Eddie Gran “Too Stubborn” in the Wildcat | KSR- The Wildcat, a package that worked well last season, especially with Jojo Kemp running it, was mostly ineffective yesterday but Gran stuck with it; probably for too long.
Seeds of a special season in win over Southern Miss | Courier-Journal- John Hale still sees reasons for fans to be excited this season even if the ‘Cats struggled at times. I agree.
John Calipari and Kentucky basketball hosting Harvey telethon | UK Athletics- John Calipari, Ellen Calipari, Joe Craft, and Kelly Craft are putting on this telethon which will go from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM on WKYT affiliates. Former and current Wildcats will also be involved.
#13 Kentucky volleyball defeats #18 USC | UK Athletics- The ‘Cats improve to 5-1 and pick up another win over a nationally ranked opponent.
Florida State loses game and QB in loss to Alabama | ESPN- #1 Alabama took its tame, but in the end the Crimson Tide mad the #3 ranked Seminoles look downright inferior. FSU QB Deondre Francois went down late in the fourth quarter to what looked like a significant knee injury. Details are not known as to the severity, but there is an argument as to whether Francois should have been in the game at that point. He was getting pummeled by the Tide D-Line and linebackers.
Jeff Brohm give Louisville fits | WDRB- The Louisville Cardinals were 26 point favorites but defeated the Boilmakers 35-28 in Indianapolis. New coach Jeff Brohm gave Purdue fans hope for the future as he went toe-to-toe with the “mighty” Cards and ran circles around offensive “genius” Bobby Petrino. I really like Brohm.
Tom Herman flops in Texas debut | ESPN- For some reason the Texas Longhorns were ranked #23 in the country. That’ll change after the 51-41 beating they took in Austin at the hands of... wait for it... MARYLAND. I guess Charlie Strong wasn’t the issue.
Brock Osweiler cut by Browns, joins Broncos | CBS- The Browns still owe the QB $16 million. His only contribution to the team was summer training camp. He was beat out by rookie Deshone Kizer for the starting job.
Jeff Badet has 91 receiving yards in Oklahoma victory | CBS- The former ‘Cat helped Baker Mayfield put on an absolute clinic yesterday. Out of the Heisman hopefuls, Mayfield stood out the most. UK missed Badet’s home run ability.
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