A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky Wildcats vs Georgia Tech in TaxSlayer Bowl 2016Online Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2017-01-02T10:21:04-05:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/136941492017-01-02T10:21:04-05:002017-01-02T10:21:04-05:00What They’re Saying: Bowl Hangover Edition
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<figcaption>Mark Stoops (center) looks on from the bench in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at EverBank Field. | Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Reactions and comments from the media following Kentucky’s Taxslayer Bowl loss to Georgia Tech.</p> <p id="Zy3j7P">In a season that turned out to be an absolute roller coaster ride for Kentucky Football fans, the Wildcats fell to Georgia Tech 33-18 in the Taxpayer Bowl in Jacksonville, resulting in a final record of 7-6 on the year.</p>
<p id="yNM2w0">While the final game of the season and first bowl appearance in six years did not go how we as fans would have wanted, there are still plenty of positive takeaways from the season. Coach Stoops has built a solid foundation in terms of the program’s facilities, talent, and depth. The Wildcats will return a great deal of starters from both sides of the ball in 2017, with perhaps a more favorable schedule than that of 2016.</p>
<p id="RcQyXx">The bottom line: all was not lost in this bowl game. Here’s a look at what they’re saying:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Great environment, beautiful stadium, gorgeous day." Congrats and credits Paul Johnson. "Played better and executed in critical moments"</p>— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) <a href="https://twitter.com/RowlandRIVALS/status/815282709849313284">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Stoops: I’m very proud of our team. There’s a lot to build on in the future. We’re going to miss our seniors.</p>— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenheraldleader/status/815282812232331266">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops says he's proud of his team: "I know we've taken very monumental steps to push this program further."</p>— Alex Forkner (@AlexForknerTCP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexForknerTCP/status/815282967530577920">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="NaJUZ8">Coach Stoops and Kentucky fans should be very proud of this team and of Coach Stoops after turning things around this season. Again, lots to build on in the future.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops on end of first half: "I was getting conflicting reports." Says he knew the GT receiver was inbounds.</p>— KSTV (@KSTV_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSTV_Sports/status/815283219276976129">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops says he was not "at all" upset with GT's blocking. He was upset with somebody "saying something to me."</p>— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) <a href="https://twitter.com/RowlandRIVALS/status/815283373585338368">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops: "I have great respect for Coach Johnson, but nobody else over there is going to say a word to me."</p>— Jon Hale (@JonHale_CJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHale_CJ/status/815283420293107713">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="Kw4a6S">Whether Stoops overreacted at halftime or not, you can tell he was going to fight for his players and keep fighting for the win.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops: Fourth downs were “very critical” early. They converted a fourth down. “Those were critical plays. I don’t regret going for it."</p>— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenheraldleader/status/815283873286418432">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops pleased with defense's discipline overall against triple-option but says they got "soft" inside a little.</p>— Jon Hale (@JonHale_CJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHale_CJ/status/815284821085843457">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="ayxpvN">Bowl games are tough. We can give Stoops a pass in his first one. But blame your team getting “soft” after you’ve had four weeks to help them prepare for this moment. That falls on the coaches, in my opinion.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Incredible environment, fun to be a part of that kind of support - Coach Stoops on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash">#BBN</a> presence in Jacksonville</p>— TaxSlayer Bowl (@taxslayerbowl) <a href="https://twitter.com/taxslayerbowl/status/815285418140778496">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="VVdxuZ">Kentucky fans definitely showed up to Jacksonville for the bowl game and it seemed that those behind the scenes working for the Taxslayer Bowl were very pleased to see how well traveled the Big Blue Nation is.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops says this team "set the tone for the future." Noting most of the team returning next season.</p>— KSTV (@KSTV_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSTV_Sports/status/815286295689887745">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="SkqCia">Agree 100 percent. Which means that finishing short of a 7-5 record next season will be a regression and probably a pretty big disappointment for the coaches and fans.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snell didn't touch the ball until UK's 14th snap. Got five totes on third series, then two more the rest of the game. Bizarre. <a href="https://t.co/x3Q2qgoBRC">https://t.co/x3Q2qgoBRC</a></p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_AJC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_AJC/status/815297830546010113">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="xXb5UV">I didn’t really understand why Bennie Snell didn’t get more touches. He played a huge role in getting us to the bowl game. The beauty of having a back like that is that the other team can know exactly what you’re going to do and you can still be successful doing it if you execute properly.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want to thank my Ky players from 06,07,08 for understanding it's great to get to a bowl but much, much better to win it. Great memories!</p>— Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKcoachbrooks/status/815271699872550912">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="D2kc2x">Coach Brooks throwing a little shade? A lot of fans on Twitter seemed to be upset in their reactions to this tweet. I don’t really have a problem with it. Hard to argue a win is much, much better than just getting there.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some news from the UK locker room. Boom's final game with the Cats. <a href="https://t.co/nowgwc1Fyi">https://t.co/nowgwc1Fyi</a></p>— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDrumUK/status/815289429069860872">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boom Williams announced after the game he'll declare for the NFL Draft. Good luck and thanks for a fun three years, <a href="https://twitter.com/boom_that_guy">@boom_that_guy</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreUK?src=hash">#WeAreUK</a> <a href="https://t.co/6jXWwYrDSD">pic.twitter.com/6jXWwYrDSD</a></p>— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKAthletics/status/815293179465498624">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boom Williams declares for the NFL draft <a href="https://t.co/m8kImq1eWj">pic.twitter.com/m8kImq1eWj</a></p>— Curtis Burch (@curtisburch) <a href="https://twitter.com/curtisburch/status/815296050558881793">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="a3cEyV">Sad to see Boom go but completely understand his decision. He is pretty small in terms of the size of an NFL running back. He seemed rather fragile at times when at UK. Running backs at the next level are a dime a dozen and I’m not sure Boom’s draft stock would have gotten better after staying for his senior season at Kentucky. If anything, he probably would have increased the potential for injury. I wish Boom the best of luck and do appreciate all he did for the program.</p>
<p id="A8XtEE">Back to Saturday’s game, here was <em>Scout.com</em>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/JDrumUK">Jeff Drummond</a> on what went wrong for the Wildcats:</p>
<blockquote><p id="IVpBUC">Kentucky seemed to be thrown out of sync by the early mistakes and never fully recovered. Miscues plagued all three phases of the team. The same offensive unit that methodically pounded defenses with the running game all season got away from its bread and butter. Williams had only 11 carries and Snell finished with seven. When Johnson dropped back to pass, there was more pressure than the UK offensive line typically allows. Meanwhile, a defensive front that had gradually improved against the run did not win the line of scrimmage against the Jackets. Through it all, Kentucky had one final chance for a comeback with just over two minutes remaining, but Tech surprised the UK defense with a 42-yard pass on third-and-four from midfield as the Cats sold out with a corner blitz to stop the expected run play.</p></blockquote>
<p id="5uQCZt">And<em> Kentucky Sports Radio</em>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/FredMaggard">Freddie Maggard</a> on managing expectations with the 2016 Wildcats:</p>
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<p id="l5myFs">Was the team ready to play, was preparation adequate? Yes categorically; bowl games are weird. The young Cats played a good, full-strength, ACC football team from arguably the best conference in college football in its first bowl game in 6 years. Let me declare myself as sunshine pumper before some feel the need to respond to call me such. But, I’m not a sunshine pumper without data or statistics to support opinion.<strong> Stoops returns 19/22 starters</strong> and a wealth of young talent that is only going to be improved next season.</p>
<p id="8wJfu9">Mark Stoops:</p>
<p id="0nT4p6">As I just told the team, we’re extremely disappointed with the way we finished in losing this game. But I’m very proud of them. That’s a great group to coach. There’s a lot to build on. I’m very excited about the future.</p>
<p id="bGJAWP">We return a whole bunch of football players. They deserve a little bit of time off right now, then we’ll get back to work when we get back when the second semester begins. But I’m proud of this team, their efforts, everything that we’ve asked them to do.”</p>
<p id="bujQva">I tend to agree with Stoops.</p>
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<p id="a087sg">Finally, <em>SEC Country</em>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_AJC">Kyle Tucker</a> laid out some potential lessons Coach Stoops can learn from his first bowl experience:</p>
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<p id="dKI6hx">And here’s the thing: Stoops, who was initially ignited by what he considered dirty blocks that took out two of his defensive linemen, had plenty of valid points. But his team needed a composed coach, not the one who harassed the officials all the way into the halftime locker room. Furthermore, the scoreboard was more directly affected by the Wildcats’ mistakes than the officials’.</p>
<p id="VgGw9s">To wit: The next time Kentucky makes a bowl game, perhaps Stoops will advise <a href="https://www.seccountry.com/kentucky/football-mark-stoops-eddie-gran-trust-wildcats-offense"><strong>friend and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran</strong></a> to stick with what got him there. Instead, Gran seemed Saturday like a man who’d overthought the game plan with a month to prepare.</p>
<p id="1ANJxd">He abandoned the running game, especially star freshman back Benny Snell, until the Cats were already trailing 10-0. Snell’s first carry came in the final minute of the first quarter, on Kentucky’s 15th offensive snap. He promptly ripped off 33 yards on his first six touches — then vanished again.</p>
<p id="Yt6LeH">Snell carried it twice more the rest of the game. Fellow 1,000-yard rusher Boom Williams didn’t fare much better: 11 carries for 35 yards, an unmemorable final game for one of the most electric players in program history. Williams announced after the loss that he’s entering the NFL draft.</p>
<p id="d3nifP">Neither he nor Snell, the freshman All-American, got the call on a fourth-and-1 run from Georgia Tech’s 5-yard line with 5:18 to go in the first half. Jojo Kemp was stuffed from there, and the Wildcats’ wheels soon came all the way off.</p>
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<p id="OgerLb">The next big date for Kentucky Football is national signing day on February 1, when the Cats expect to have one of the best recruiting classes in the program’s history for 2017.</p>
<p id="ddaPRx">On a personal note, I’ve enjoyed following this team and getting to write about the Cats on <a href="http://ASeaOfBlue.com">ASeaOfBlue.com</a> this season. I wish everyone a happy New Year and look forward to more blogging on Kentucky Football and Basketball in 2017. Go Cats.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/1/2/14144564/kentucky-football-what-theyre-saying-bowl-hangover-editioncoxtalks2016-12-31T14:35:11-05:002016-12-31T14:35:11-05:00Season ends with TaxSlayer Bowl loss, but a bright future is ahead
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A tough loss won’t cloud the bright future ahead for Kentucky Football. </p> <p id="pZfKUc">A memorable season for Kentucky Wildcats Football is now in the books. </p>
<p id="i0DMXZ">It didn’t end the way we’d all hoped as UK fell to Georgia Tech in the TaxSlayer Bowl, but the Cats were winners before the game even kicked off. Between the <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/31/14132412/wildcat-quickies-jacksonville-takeover-edition">amazing fan turnout</a> in Jacksonville, UK’s <a href="http://kentucky.247sports.com/Bolt/December-to-Remember-50044683">surge on the recruiting trail this month</a>, and just being in a New Year’s Eve bowl, the program is in a great spot heading into the offseason, especially when you consider where it was at when UK started 0-2 and was seemingly a lost cause.</p>
<p id="wZOnfP">So a 33-18 loss to the Yellow Jackets in a mistake-filled affair was frustrating, but it’s not taking away from the future ahead of the program. Most of the roster is back next year, and that should be paired with a top-25 recruiting class that’s 2-3 more guys from being completed. </p>
<p id="2jynpJ">Even if Boom Williams goes pro, this is a very promising UK team we’ll see running out onto the Commonwealth Stadium field when it’s football time in the Bluegrass next year. </p>
<p id="mNWPam">And if it helps, Duke, Indiana and North Carolina (hoops), as well as Louisville (football) all lost today, so that should help ease the pain. </p>
<p id="PQ3iFY">Go Cats! </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/31/14135742/kentucky-wildcats-football-season-ends-with-loss-taxslayer-bowlJason Marcum2016-12-31T13:00:55-05:002016-12-31T13:00:55-05:00Stoops kicked in referee room door at halftime
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<p>Peak Angry Stoops. </p> <p>Kentucky is in a bowl game for the first time in six years, but the first half was an utter disaster.</p>
<p>The Cats made far too many mistakes and found themselves trailing 20-3 at halftime to Georgia Tech. As you can imagine, Mark Stoops was not a happy camper at halftime, but a big reason was because of a horrific sequence at the end of the half that allowed the Yellow Jackets to convert a 52-yard field goal.</p>
<p>It happened when Georgia Tech quarterback <span>Justin Thomas</span> completed a pass to receiver <span>Brad Stewart</span> with one second left on the clock. Stewart was clearly in bounds when he hit the ground, and with just one second left, Georgia Tech very likely would have not gotten a field goal off in time, but the refs ruled Stewart made it out of bounds, which he clearly did not.</p>
<p>But because it was ruled he went out of bounds, the clock stopped, giving the Yellow Jackets plenty of time to set up the 52-yard field goal, which they converted and went into the half leading 20-3.</p>
<p>That sequence greatly angered Stoops, and he let the refs know about it, according to LEX18's Keith Farmer and Larry Vaught:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: At half Coach Stoops kicked the ref locker room door. Knocked over a Gatorade cooler. They had to pull him back to the locker room.</p>
— Keith Farmer (@KeithFarmer18) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithFarmer18/status/815252773268783106">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Being told SToops punched an equipment box on way to locker room after talking to officials</p>
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) <a href="https://twitter.com/vaughtsviews/status/815251626982252548">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p>But that wasn't all Stoops did. At one point in the first quarter, Stoops went out on the field to yell at Georgia Tech coach <span>Paul Johnson</span> while accusing his team of taking cheap shots at UK’s defensive linemen.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Stoops yelling at Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson over cheap shots/cut blocking <a href="https://t.co/0CJjXjwqYF">pic.twitter.com/0CJjXjwqYF</a></p>
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsTylerKSR/status/815234830266990592">December 31, 2016</a>
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<p>Hopefully, that fire is something the players have more of in the second half, or else this could turn ugly quick.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/31/14135408/mark-stoops-kicked-referee-room-door-halftime-paul-johnsonJason Marcum2016-12-30T20:46:30-05:002016-12-30T20:46:30-05:00Kentucky Football: 5 keys to victory vs Georgia Tech and Predict the Score
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<p>If the Cats are going to get a big win, here is how they need to do that. And give us your score prediction. </p> <p id="ugwur9">After a very long six years, the Cats are finally bowling! The Cats will face the <a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/">Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</a> Saturday morning at 11:00 AM ET on ESPN, in Jacksonville, Florida.</p>
<p id="nUIlXp">Kentucky is playing in one of the best possible bowls a team can be in, the TaxSlayer Bowl. The TaxSlayer Bowl is a top-10 BCS bowl. The game will be played on the same day as both national championship semi-final games and the Louisville vs. LSU game, which is kicking off at 11:00 AM ET as well, on ABC.</p>
<p id="6HmkbA">The Cats are a 3.5-point underdog going into Saturday’s matchup against the Jackets. If the Cats are going to get a big bowl game win, here is some keys to doing so.</p>
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<strong>Establish the run game.</strong> The Cats have an average of 40 pounds of extra weight across the offensive line over Georgia Tech. The Cats average 6’5 and 305 pounds on the offensive line, and the Yellow Jackets average 6’3 and 265 pounds across the defensive line. With such size difference across the board, the Cats should be able to get Benny Snell and Boom Williams going.</li>
<li id="Euo2oc">I’m not saying Boom Williams is going to the draft, but if he were really considering it, this game would be a showcase game to show NFL Scouts exactly what he is made of.</li>
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<strong>Win the turnover battle.</strong><strong> </strong>In the last three games, Georgia Tech forced nine turnovers, seven of which were interceptions. <span>Stephen Johnson</span> will need to make very good reads and complete a lot of short passes, which he has struggled with throughout the season. If <span>Stephen Johnson</span> and CJ Conrad can hook up a few times, that would help. With the advantage on the offensive line, Johnson should have plenty of time to make the correct reads.</li>
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<strong>Contain the edge.</strong> The Yellow Jackets offense is unlike any other offense in the country. The Yellow Jackets run a very good version of the option. Senior quarterback, <span>Justin Thomas</span> has rushed 562 yards on 128 attempts out of the unconventional offense. Freshman running back, <span>Dedrick Mills</span> has added 602 yards on 121 attempts for the Yellow Jackets. The Yellow Jackets come into Saturday’s game with the 10<sup>th</sup> ranked rushing offense in the country. The head coach, <span>Paul Johnson</span> is one of very few that still call plays from the mouth at the sideline. The offense may be unconventional, but after a lot of good seasons at Tech, the offense proves to keep on working.</li>
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<strong>Win the field position battle.</strong><strong> </strong>My guess is there will be a lot of punting during this game. The game will be fast and probably not that high scoring unless Kentucky gets the passing game going. Grant Mckinniss is averaging just over 36 yards-per-punt on the season. If Kentucky is going to win Saturday, Mckinniss really needs to be over that number. If Mckinniss can average 40 yards-per-punt, then I believe the cats should win the field position battle.</li>
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<strong>Convert 3</strong><sup><strong>rd</strong></sup><strong> </strong><strong>downs.</strong><strong> </strong>With Kentucky being primarily a run-first offense, they will have a lot of 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4 or 3<sup>rd</sup> and 3 to go. The Cats are ranked 75<sup>th</sup> in the country on 3<sup>rd</sup> down conversions, averaging just over 40 percent. The Wildcats have a lot of weapons and a lot of matchups in this game that should give them the edge, now all Eddie Gran has to do is exploit the mismatches.</li>
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<p id="jS96nh">This season has been one to remember, that’s for sure. <span>S</span><span>tephen Johnson</span> comes in early in the first quarter after <span>Drew Barker</span> injures his back against New Mexico State and wins by a score of 62-42. </p>
<p id="6GLBOR">Johnson Finishes the season with six wins and three losses as a starting quarterback at Kentucky. The Cats upset top-10 ranked Louisville at Papa John Stadium, and the Cards were 38-point favorites in the game. Now, the Cats are playing in one of the best possible bowls to be in, and they have a legit shot to win it.</p>
<p id="DTpdjR">If you are a true Kentucky fan, just being in this game should make you happy. If the Cats win that’s great, if they lose so what, at least they made it, and Kentucky Football is finally back, and I believe it is back for a while.</p>
<p id="EfGilK"><strong>My Prediction:</strong><strong> </strong>Kentucky 31 Georgia Tech 27</p>
<p id="nPrfUQ">What’s your prediction for the game? Let us know below!</p>
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<p id="czwrKD"> </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/30/14114232/5-keys-to-victory-vs-georgia-tech-and-predict-scoreJordan Abrams2016-12-30T18:42:50-05:002016-12-30T18:42:50-05:00Kentucky vs Georgia Tech: Game Time, TV Info, Online Stream, Odds, Predictions
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VeCB7Kdu7amFh7uwxL-9Xf5p-LU=/141x0:725x389/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52516383/12154556.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>USA Today Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wildcats take on the Yellow Jackets in the TaxSlayer Bowl Saturday</p> <p id="Y4ESC2">The long-awaited bowl appearance for the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> is upon us, as Kentucky is preparing to take on the <a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/">Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</a> as the opening game on a full slate Saturday. </p>
<p id="VM2gqq">Both teams come in riding a wave of momentum. The Yellow Jackets are winners of five of their last six, including a 30-20 win over ACC Coastal Division Champion Virginia Tech. Kentucky won five of their last seven, including the win on the road against the rival <a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com/">Louisville Cardinals</a>. </p>
<p id="KYMzHw">While most bowl games are more like exhibitions, a bowl win could prove to be quite valuable for the Wildcats. It would continue the impressive recruiting momentum the program has seen over the month of December, and would provide a great deal of momentum going into what could be a strong season for the Wildcats next year. Some even believe that a win could place the Wildcats in the Top 25 going into next season, which would be huge for the program. </p>
<p id="RzNeSU">However, the Yellow Jackets will be a tough matchup for the Wildcats. With their flexbone offense, the Yellow Jackets’ strength of their rushing attack bodes well going against the Wildcats’ weakness in rush defense. However, the Wildcats counter with a strong rushing attack and an improved aerial attack if <span>Stephen Johnson</span> can build off his huge performance against Louisville. </p>
<p id="sZcC11">For Kentucky to win, they will need to grab the early lead and force Georgia Tech to become a passing team. If the Wildcats hold the lead at halftime, I think they will win this game. If it is tied or the Yellow Jackets hold a halftime lead, I think the final result will swing toward the Yellow Jackets. </p>
<p id="Cp1mff">All in all, most fans are simply pleased that Kentucky is even in the TaxSlayer Bowl but excitement around the program could reach a fever pitch if Kentucky were to win. It’s an exciting time to be a Kentucky Wildcats football fan. </p>
<p id="TtE2pb">Here is everything you’ll need to watch and follow the game.</p>
<p id="SKQb5u"><strong>Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-4, 4-4 in ACC) vs Kentucky Wildcats (7-5, 4-4 in SEC)</strong></p>
<p id="paragraph4"><strong>Date and time: </strong>Saturday, Dec. 31, 11:00 a.m.</p>
<p id="paragraph6"><strong>Location: </strong>Jacksonville, Fla.</p>
<p id="paragraph7"><strong>Stadium:</strong> EverBank Field</p>
<p id="paragraph5"><strong>TV channel: </strong>ESPN</p>
<p id="b3j5mR"><strong>Live Online Stream</strong>: <a href="http://www.espn.com/watchespn/#type/upcoming/channel/espn/startDate/20161231/sport/football/"><strong>Watch ESPN</strong></a></p>
<p id="sBvJFN"><strong>Radio</strong>: <a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/page/marketing-radio"><strong>UK Sports Network</strong></a></p>
<p id="XD2RGz"><strong>Rosters</strong>: <a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sport/m-footbl/roster/"><strong>Kentucky</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/geot-m-footbl-mtt.html"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a></p>
<p id="8AM64i"><strong>Odds</strong>: Georgia opened as a 4.5-point favorite and are now favored by 3.5, <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds/line-history/750220"><strong>according to OddsShark</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="I8nTGZ"><strong>Live Stats</strong>: <a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/game-center/5844d4d4e4b058239ac4ed18/"><strong>UK Athletics</strong></a></p>
<p id="bPoS4U"><strong>Last year's game:</strong> Georgia 24, Penn State 17</p>
<p id="paragraph9"><strong>Last year's attendance: </strong>58,212</p>
<p id="paragraph12"><strong>Teams with the most all-time appearances:</strong> Clemson and Florida (9)</p>
<p id="H0TlfB"><strong>Teams with the most all-time wins:</strong> Florida (7)</p>
<p id="zKczj6"><a href="http://insider.espn.com/insider/pickcenter/ncf/game?gameid=400876113"><strong>Predictions</strong></a>: TeamRankings project a 33-29 Georgia Tech win over Kentucky. NumberFire project a 28-23 win for the Yellow Jackets. <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/georgia-tech-kentucky-odds-december-31-2016-750220">OddsShark</a> has Georgia Tech edging Kentucky by a 33-31 score. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/29/14101260/kentucky-wildcats-georgia-tech-time-tv-online-stream-odds-predictionsZac Oakes2016-12-27T13:08:52-05:002016-12-27T13:08:52-05:00Kentucky vs Georgia Tech Depth Charts Released
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<figcaption>USA Today Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="vK3gu9">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> have updated their depth chart ahead of Saturday’s clash with Georgia Tech in the TaxSlayer Bowl. </p>
<p id="X0LPBO">There aren’t many changes to speak of, but one of the few alterations is <span>Garrett Johnson</span> now holding down one of the starting receiver spots. Going into the Louisville game, that spot was listed as Johnson OR <span>Charles Walker</span>. </p>
<p id="5mp76J">Johnson responded with a career-high 164 yards on five grabs to go with two touchdowns. He certainly earned the right to hold one of those starting receiver spots. </p>
<p id="639gTJ">The only other change worth mentioning is Jordan Griffin now the lone backup behind Derrick Baity at one of the boundary corner spots. Griffin was battling fellow true freshman Davonte Robinson for that second-string spot behind Baity, but now it’s all Griffin, who has a bright future ahead of him. </p>
<p id="u5Wrkz">Here is the full depth chart: </p>
<h4 id="hjoEKM">OFFENSE</h4>
<p id="VOwHEe"><strong>Left Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="W5ZMcM">74 <span>Cole Mosier</span>, 6-6, 335, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="cBp8ez">67 Landon Young, 6-7, 305, Fr-HS</p>
<p id="6PnJh0"><strong>Left Guard</strong></p>
<p id="579Iyw">68 <span>Nick Haynes</span>, 6-3, 316, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="uX9Y5T">71 Logan Stenberg, 6-6, 318, Fr-RS</p>
<p id="4VKPrn"><strong>Center</strong></p>
<p id="Syzaz4">72 Jon Toth, 6-5, 310, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="l4azk7">65 Jervontius “Bunchy” Stallings, 6-3, 318, So-Sq</p>
<p id="wJo0o7"><strong>Right Guard</strong></p>
<p id="UitQK5">65 Jervontius Stallings, 6-3, 318, So-Sq</p>
<p id="Iiun32">69 <span>Ramsey Meyers</span>, 6-4, 305, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="X34MB5"><strong>Right Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="SMBHTb">73 <span>Kyle Meadows</span>, 6-5, 300 Jr-2L</p>
<p id="wkqahR"><strong>OR </strong>64 George Asafo-Adjei, 6-5, 315, So-1L</p>
<p id="cYCTRm"><strong>Tight End</strong></p>
<p id="x44fxL">87 C.J. Conrad, 6-5, 245, So-1L</p>
<p id="EHXpHu">85 <span>Greg Hart</span>, 6-5, 245, Jr-Tr</p>
<p id="QIzlzH"><strong>Wide Receiver 1</strong></p>
<p id="kt5mRS">13 <span>Jeff Badet</span>, 6-0, 180, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="DH8uie">6 <span>Blake Bone</span>, 6-5, 213, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="YObmYM"><strong>Wide Receiver 2</strong></p>
<p id="JZiGtb">1 <span>Ryan Timmons</span>, 5-10, 198, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="ICRFR2">31 David Bouvier, 5-9, 171, So-Sq</p>
<p id="lXFxCy"><strong>Wide Receiver 3</strong></p>
<p id="Rh0dNR">9 Garrett Johnson, 5-11, 175, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="V3dyzG">88 Charles Walker, 5-11, 203, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="AZdZIb"><strong>Wide Receiver 4</strong></p>
<p id="EITBY5">2 <span>Dorian Baker</span>, 6-3, 208, Jr-2L 80</p>
<p id="CcoFAJ"><strong>OR </strong>80 Tavin Richardson, 6-3, 216, Fr-RS</p>
<p id="B6BRKC">82 Jabari Greenwood, 6-3, 195, Fr-RS</p>
<p id="cdfL2u"><strong>Quarterback</strong></p>
<p id="FL5vVZ">15 Stephen Johnson, 6-2, 183, Jr-JC</p>
<p id="bUKCML">14 Luke Wright, 6-4, 206, So-TR</p>
<p id="J8QWXX"><strong>Running Back</strong></p>
<p id="rr8bFf">18 Stanley “Boom” Williams, 5-9, 196, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="gJLHAY">3 <span>Jojo Kemp</span>, 5-10, 200, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="KAO3ma"><strong>OR </strong>26 Benny Snell Jr., 5-11, 220, Fr-HS</p>
<p id="q2O3ws"><strong>Fullback</strong></p>
<p id="wMtMuy">48 Will Tom Collins, 5-11, 241, Sr-1L</p>
<p id="xeHA6i">49 Tanner Fink, 6-2, 251, Sr-Sq</p>
<h4 id="XvnWJn">SPECIALISTS</h4>
<p id="zT1KOd"><strong>Kicker</strong></p>
<p id="vE7Din">99 <span>Austin MacGinnis</span>, 5-10, 180, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="e2oH3A">95 Miles Butler, 5-9, 171, So-1L</p>
<p id="mUHHN6"><strong>Punter</strong></p>
<p id="ZPHQEC">86 Grant McKinniss, 6-1, 210, Fr-HS</p>
<p id="GPCqNV"><strong>OR </strong>93 Bryan Kirshe, 6-0, 150, So-Sq</p>
<p id="pJjtqW">Long Snapper</p>
<p id="vfzqC0">42 Tristan Yeomans, PS, 6-2, 190, So-JC</p>
<p id="pmD3VW">53 Blake Best, FG, PAT, 6-1, 246, Fr-RS</p>
<p id="l1UZMb"><strong>Punt Return</strong></p>
<p id="VDbZym">88 Charles Walker, 5-11, 203, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="MwETvT">1 Ryan Timmons, 5-10, 198, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="FtdzCU"><strong>Kickoff Return</strong></p>
<p id="pceUYa">26 Benny Snell Jr., 5-11, 220, Fr-HS</p>
<p id="tIqpgN">22 Sihiem King, 5-9, 172, So-1L</p>
<p id="4wDz31"><strong>Holder</strong></p>
<p id="tKH8Vm">42 Tristan Yeomans, 6-2, 190, So-JC</p>
<p id="OcZP1m">86 Grant McKinniss, 6-1, 210, Fr-HS</p>
<h4 id="jlVrdv">DEFENSE</h4>
<p id="GcLyhw"><strong>Strongside Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="0mIXL6">41 Josh Allen, 6-5, 230, So-1L</p>
<p id="djb6NB">47 Jordan Bonner, 6-5, 220, So-JC</p>
<p id="l8774p"><strong>Defensive Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="D2k2Qj">99 <span>Adrian Middleton</span>, 6-3, 303, So-1L</p>
<p id="GEtDHj">98 Tymere Dubose, 6-5, 320, So-1L</p>
<p id="9Ei7Gj"><strong>Nose Guard</strong></p>
<p id="YiQEAm">77 Naquez Pringle, 6-3, 320, Jr-JC</p>
<p id="tJyxxy">69 Matt Elam, 6-7, 360, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="Ccz1P6"><strong>Defensive End</strong></p>
<p id="UPel89">94 Courtney Miggins, 6-5, 285, Sr-1L</p>
<p id="iYW4Ei">92 Alvonte Bell, 6-5, 260, Jr-JC</p>
<p id="bYDDy4"><strong>Defensive End/ Outside Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="9p0nWC">35 <span>Denzil Ware</span>, 6-2, 255, So-1L</p>
<p id="Y7UWCg">20 Kengera Daniel, 6-5, 260, So-1L</p>
<p id="1468IR"><strong>Nickelback</strong></p>
<p id="JGycKd">24 <span>Blake McClain</span>, 5-11, 200, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="RQ6I9p">5 <span>Kendall Randolph</span>, 6-0, 182, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="zECYPj"><strong>Middle Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="DMhyVS">51 <span>Courtney Love</span>, 6-2, 242, Jr-Tr</p>
<p id="mi6IJy">56 Kash Daniel, 6-1, 241, Fr-HS</p>
<p id="AD3tbs"><strong>Weakside Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="ai0b99">34 Jordan Jones, 6-2, 220, So-1L</p>
<p id="s4Zdh4">32 Eli Brown, 6-2, 215, Fr-RS</p>
<p id="kY2w4E"><strong>Cornerback</strong></p>
<p id="WsPte2">29 Derrick Baity, 6-3, 182, So-1L</p>
<p id="3jqDx6">3 Jordan Griffin, 6-0, 177, Fr-HS</p>
<p id="7xrhFo"><strong>Cornerback</strong></p>
<p id="LwpK0K">21 Chris Westry, 6-4, 195, So-1L</p>
<p id="w8IK7U">11 J.D. Harmon, 6-2, 200, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="phNe3y"><strong>Strong Safety</strong></p>
<p id="t4YVuC">27 Mike Edwards, 6-0, 200, So-1L</p>
<p id="VDqqZL">5 Kendall Randolph, 6-0, 182, Jr-2L</p>
<p id="l9Xlsj"><strong>Free Safety</strong></p>
<p id="WIdySE">15 <span>Marcus McWilson</span>, 6-0, 210, Sr-3L</p>
<p id="hrRAtE"><strong>OR </strong>24 Blake McClain, 5-11, 200, Sr-3L</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="h74snM">
<p id="FJmwLP">As for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, here is their most recent depth chart heading into Saturday: </p>
<h4 id="vM3alo">OFFENSE</h4>
<p id="aJ9WQG"><strong>Quarterback</strong></p>
<p id="2jcNWE">5 JUSTIN THOMAS 5-11 185 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="JaorlK">11 <span>Matthew Jordan</span> 6-2 208 r-So.</p>
<p id="C1h8Sl"><strong>B-back</strong></p>
<p id="o86lQd">26 DEDRICK MILLS 5-10 217 Fr.</p>
<p id="4P2zzQ"><strong>A-back 1</strong></p>
<p id="Adbd0h">1 QUA SEARCY 5-11 174 r-So.</p>
<p id="413Fjy">or 22 CLINTON LYNCH 6-0 187 r-So.</p>
<p id="4Nf5KV"><strong>A-back 2 </strong></p>
<p id="eEeflr">28 J.J. GREEN 5-9 188 r-Jr.</p>
<p id="ZVpAVy">3 Isiah Willis 5-9 195 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="Esox4N"><strong>Wide Receiver 1</strong></p>
<p id="7q71lX">83 BRAD STEWART 6-1 197 So.</p>
<p id="XwG9ge">80 Jalen Camp 6-2 213 Fr.</p>
<p id="mQQEyi"><strong>Wide Receiver 2 </strong></p>
<p id="Wy5mNt">RICKY JEUNE 6-3 212 r-Jr.</p>
<p id="rR5MJV">37 Mikell Lands-Davis 5-11 208 So.</p>
<p id="ykAMUz"><strong>Left Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="VfUlZ9">53 JAHAZIEL LEE 6-2 267 Fr.</p>
<p id="cHQYOM">67 <span>Jake Stickler</span> 6-5 291 r-So.</p>
<p id="kc8Ut1"><strong>Left Guard</strong></p>
<p id="6ttzrf">75 PARKER BRAUN 6-3 280 Fr.</p>
<p id="esHQWN">60 Brad Morgan 6-4 282 r-Fr.</p>
<p id="PDRo8T"><strong>Center</strong></p>
<p id="QdX75U">58 FREDDIE BURDEN 6-4 299 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="ktFOtb">55 Kenny Cooper 6-3 307 Fr.</p>
<p id="ziknQZ"><strong>Right Guard</strong></p>
<p id="7OXGHl">70 WILL BRYAN 6-4 281 So.</p>
<p id="yf4zMM">71 <span>Shamire Devine</span> 6-7 370 r-Jr.</p>
<p id="FHzMmh"><strong>Right Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="aDBX3G">50 ANDREW MARSHALL 6-4 282 Jr.</p>
<p id="508Dbe">79 <span>Eason Fromayan</span> 6-4 285 r-Jr.</p>
<h4 id="5j1hIS">DEFENSE</h4>
<p id="NULrJT"><strong>Defensive End</strong></p>
<p id="yuOvUi">42 KeSHUN FREEMAN 6-2 250 Jr.</p>
<p id="SpzuMp">94 Anree Saint-Amour 6-3 247 So.</p>
<p id="4GDuos"><strong>Defensive Tackle </strong></p>
<p id="KDSFle">92 FRANCIS KALLON 6-5 294 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="68mBJv">or 54 KYLE CERGE-HENDERSON 6-1 295 So.</p>
<p id="hbrZPm"><strong>Defensive Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="2vgVg5">91 PATRICK GAMBLE 6-5 277 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="6PirgX">97 Brentavious Glanton 6-3 276 r-Fr.</p>
<p id="grbk7S"><strong>Defensive End</strong></p>
<p id="qgrbn4">41 ROD ROOK-CHUNGONG 6-3 245 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="ahcZP2">93 <span>Antonio Simmons</span> 6-3 235 Jr.</p>
<p id="z68WgY"><strong>Outside Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="KLa1IU">32 DAVID CURRY 6-2 217 r-Fr.</p>
<p id="RDVhot">or 52 TERRELL LEWIS 6-2 217 Jr.</p>
<p id="frE6vx"><strong>Middle Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="qgGQYr">51 BRANT MITCHELL 6-2 236 So.</p>
<p id="Y6jeO6">48 <span>Chase Alford</span> 6-1 222 Sr.</p>
<p id="RHnmcO"><strong>Outside Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="cAcj4V">40 P.J. DAVIS 5-11 231 Sr.</p>
<p id="aZWVMP">9 Victor Alexander 5-10 235 So.</p>
<p id="N1CtQk"><strong>Strong Safety</strong></p>
<p id="bwfQHF">14 COREY GRIFFIN 6-2 195 r-Jr.</p>
<p id="wGhFmY">20 <span>Lawrence Austin</span> 5-9 185 Jr.</p>
<p id="pp3Jwy"><strong>Free Safety </strong></p>
<p id="MVDY5Z">15 A.J. GRAY 6-1 215 So.</p>
<p id="Lfm48g">44 Shaun Kagawa 5-11 193 Jr.</p>
<p id="rB9nH1"><strong>Cornerback</strong></p>
<p id="DOlCl8">17 LANCE AUSTIN 5-10 183 Jr.</p>
<p id="AMvZGM">4 Dorian Walker 6-0 187 r-Fr.</p>
<p id="nEDccq"><strong>Cornerback</strong></p>
<p id="Ijwz7O">8 STEP DURHAM 5-11 194 Jr.</p>
<p id="lQ2Q87">6 <span>Lamont Simmons</span> 6-2 202 r-So.</p>
<h4 id="S52uCz">SPECIALISTS</h4>
<p id="zJwDeZ"><strong>Kicker</strong></p>
<p id="Ki8FoY">87 HARRISON BUTKER 6-3 210 Sr.</p>
<p id="HrQgE0">80 Shawn Davis 6-2 205 r-Fr.</p>
<p id="a7MT8r"><strong>Punter</strong></p>
<p id="qYgOPN">85 RYAN RODWELL 6-2 207 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="2pL4wA">82 Grant Aasen 6-2 207 Jr.</p>
<p id="WZXfjG"><strong>Longsnapper</strong></p>
<p id="vyMhfp">61 CASEY WILSON 6-2 207 r-So.</p>
<p id="1NqY3K">56 Lucas Patelles 5-8 211 Fr.</p>
<p id="VIyYPB"><strong>Holder</strong></p>
<p id="rJxjSx">85 RYAN RODWELL 6-2 207 r-Sr.</p>
<p id="zVlen1"><strong>Kickoff Return</strong></p>
<p id="cSMSb9">28 J.J. GREEN 5-9 188 r-Jr.</p>
<p id="Hjn26i">31 Nathan Cottrell 5-11 193 r-Fr.</p>
<p id="2NEMVC"><strong>Punt Return</strong></p>
<p id="6pP3a6">83 BRAD STEWART 6-1 197 So.</p>
<p id="4xecBO">1 <span>Qua Searcy</span> 5-11 174 r-So.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/27/14090032/kentucky-wildcats-vs-georgia-tech-depth-charts-released-taxslayer-bowlJason Marcum2016-12-23T09:15:02-05:002016-12-23T09:15:02-05:00Q&A With Georgia Tech Blogger
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Georgia Tech at Georgia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WUn7_TvN6mnH4R7MZO6A8QT2VmQ=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52229243/usa_today_9706173.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Previewing the TaxSlayer Bowl with our friends at From The Rumble Seat.</p> <p id="r5WTxR">I recently exchanged emails with Josh at SB Nation’s Georgia Tech blog <a href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/">From The Rumble Seat </a>in order to learn more about Kentucky’s match-up against the Yellow Jackets. As someone possessing a sizeable chunk of family living in Atlanta, two of which work for Georgia Tech (and are friends with Marcus Marshall’s parents against all cosmic coincidences), this game carries personal stake. </p>
<p id="5VCA8g">Thanks to the team, I was able to avoid crowing from the Louisville fans in my family over Thanksgiving. Hopefully the team helps me navigate one last obstacle, otherwise I’m turning my phone off and hitting the booze early on December 31st. Win just one for The Gipper!</p>
<p id="rheCht">I’d like to thank Josh for taking the time to provide thoughtful responses to this jumbo-sized Q&A. I suggest giving him a Twitter follow <a href="https://twitter.com/joshbrundage">@joshbrundage</a>. The answers to my questions will be posted soon, and I will link those here in the comments when that happens. </p>
<p id="tykGJA">Without further ado...</p>
<p id="f7H7Mp"><strong>1. Georgia Tech had a three game losing streak against Clemson, Miami, and Pitt in the first half of the season, but rebounded nicely winning five of its last six games including winning at Virginia Tech and at Georgia. Kentucky experienced its own turnaround this season, but for Georgia Tech, what were the biggest factors that contributed to the rally?</strong></p>
<p id="P2rlv8">Toward the end of the season, Tech just did a much better job of not beating themselves and capitalizing on turnovers and other opportunities. The Pitt loss in particular was incredibly fluky: our corner dropped a pick-six, Pitt tied the game on a tipped pass that landed in their receivers hands late in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter, and then won the game on a field goal that hit the upright and bounced through. We lost the Miami game after the forced a pair of fumbles returned for touchdowns on consecutive drives… it was a weird stretch of games.</p>
<p id="vGFrvJ">The offense has been pretty consistent all season, while the defense has been very up and down. If the defense can force turnovers, like they have later in the season, then it bodes well for the Yellow Jackets.</p>
<p id="37jJor"><strong>2. Leading rusher Marcus Marshall has decided to transfer, but back-up Dedrick Mills has had </strong><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/team/255/rushing/index.html"><strong>a nice season</strong></a><strong> himself. Do Georgia Tech fans think Mills is capable of a heavier workload at the "B-Back" position? Additionally, what style running back would you categorize Mills [fast and shifty or a bruiser]?</strong></p>
<p id="zoSGOi">Yes, Mills has actually been the starter all season, but has struggled to stay on the field between suspension and injury. He’s shown in the games that he’s played in that he’s capable of handling the workload and being the feature back, so hopefully he can make it through an entire season next year.</p>
<p id="ZvrtXR">To play the B-back position, you already have to be a bruising-style runner since you’re constantly running between the tackles and taking a hit on almost every play, but Mills has also shown great breakaway speed once he finds the open field. He also possesses the vision and elusiveness to make a quick cut or two in order to spring the big plays up the middle.</p>
<p id="0kruFH"><strong>3. Georgia Tech's offensive efficiency wouldn't be possible without at least a solid offensive line. Is it an experienced group and which players stand out? I noticed center Freddie Burden was Third Team All-SEC.</strong></p>
<p id="1c1GVH">Burden is the most experienced of the group and is the anchor of the line. The starting left side of the line are actually freshmen, with a true sophmore at RG in Will Bryan – the line played so poorly to start the season, that the upperclassmen, such as Shamire Devine and Eason Fromayan, lost their starting jobs. The younger players have played their tails off all year since, and besides the occasional missed assignment, have proven themselves to be the future at their positions. It’s pretty remarkable how quickly both Jahaziel Lee and Parker Braun came in and quickly earned starting jobs on the left side. The future of Tech’s O-line is very, very bright, albeit not very experienced right now.</p>
<p id="Zh0PnO"><strong>4. Quarterback Justin Thomas is third on the team in rushing, and has played in at least 10 games per season since his freshman season. The senior quarterback also had his </strong><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/team/255/passing/index.html"><strong>highest QB rating</strong></a><strong> yet this season. How will Georgia Tech fans remember Thomas after he plays his final game in the TaxSlayer Bowl?</strong></p>
<p id="044m7a">Us Tech faithful will have nothing but the fondest of memories for Thomas when he graduates – he’s the most successful quarterback under Johnson’s tenure, and has made some truly dazzling plays in his 3 years as a starter. It seems like yesterday that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sDPR0av_Co">he was juking a Mississippi State player of his shoes</a> in the Orange Bowl win. He’s also beaten Georgia twice in Athens, which is not a small feat for a Georgia Tech quarterback.</p>
<p id="Gebbgh">He’s also the best passer Johnson has had, and I don’t mean just statistically, though he is that as well. He’s the first flexbone quarterback that doesn’t make all of us collectively groan when he drops back to pass – he’s got a quick release, is very accurate, and has only thrown 2 picks on the year. His arm is a definite upgrade from many of the wounded-bird looking passes we’ve seen in previous years. We’re going to miss JT5 immensely. </p>
<p id="tDfH1Z"><strong>5. I noticed Georgia Tech's receivers don't catch a lot of balls, but four with at least nine catches this year </strong><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/team/255/receiving/index.html"><strong>all average over 15 yards per catch</strong></a><strong>. On paper, this looks to me like the receiving corps makes big plays off of play-action given GT's offensive scheme. Would you say this is correct, but also which receivers should UK's defensive backs be the most concerned about?</strong></p>
<p id="XiGEsr">Yes, this offense basically forces single coverage on the outside, so our receivers usually only have 1 man to beat for a big play. The play-action pass in non-obvious passing situations has been lethal for most of the year, which explains our receiver’s high yardage averages.</p>
<p id="q9QD2m">Our A-backs are hybrid slot receivers and running backs, so despite lining up in about the same formation every play and running 75% of the time, you really have to scheme your defense against the run game while the ever-present threat of a 4-verts audible lingers when the safeties start creeping up.</p>
<p id="g59Dsj">On the perimeter, Ricky Jeune is probably the biggest threat at WR, but for some reason defenses like to forget about Brad Stewart, who starts opposite him. It seems like Stewart will have a couple catches a game for big gains with seemingly no defender within 15 yards of him. Stewart averages about 5 ypc more than Jeune. </p>
<p id="vgJdfV">Our leading receiver is actually A-back Clinton Lynch who averages over 30 yards per reception, so Kentucky would do well to cover him as well.</p>
<p id="2vr8Sn"><strong> 6. Shifting gears to the defense, can you give a basic overview of Georgia Tech's defensive scheme? Do they play four- or three-man fronts? Is it an aggressive blitzing defense, or more of a bend-don't-break conservative style?</strong></p>
<p id="aeClQP">Tech’s base defense is a 4-3, but they’re in a 4-2-5 just as regularly, if not more. With the amount of spread teams we play over the course of the year, we’ve ended up with more DB’s on the field just by nature.</p>
<p id="ovbENx">Our defense is an incredibly maddening bend-don’t-break that does a lot of breaking. We’ve discussed ad-nausea on our blog how much better an aggressive D would suit our offense, but instead you’ll see soft coverage on the outside in order to not let receivers get behind our secondary. Part of the issue is also that we generate next to no pass rush with just our front four, so it’s been a bad combination of things all year… The QB’s we’ve faced usually have all day to throw, which leads to wide open receivers all over the field.</p>
<p id="RdIYmy"><strong>7. A month ago, Joey </strong><a href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/georgia-tech-football/2016/11/4/13524616/georgia-tech-defense-huge-problem-ted-roof-bend-dont-break-fei-stats"><strong>wrote a post</strong></a><strong> criticizing the defense, but he recommended several tweaks in his conclusion. How would you categorize the defense since that post published? Specifically, the rush defense because UK's offense is predicated first and foremost on running the ball this season.</strong></p>
<p id="R2qLyG">I can’t say we really noticed anything different since then – the defense bowed up when it needed to against Georgia and Virginia, but the rest of both of those games were pretty miserable on that side of the ball. Most of the game against UGA, our D-line was getting blown off the ball on rushes, and it was pretty miserable to watch. With the game on the line, Ted Roof, our DC, started sending more pressure with linebackers and safeties and got crucial stops when we needed it. We just wish he would be more aggressive all game… it usually works when he is.</p>
<p id="jit6sp">Kentucky should be able to move the ball on the ground – the front 7 for Tech is definitely not a strength of the team. Especially if UK can complete some early passes to soften up the middle, it could be a long day for the Tech defense.</p>
<p id="csJSqZ"><strong>8. Defensive tackle Patrick Gamble was named to the All-ACC Honorable Mention Team, and cornerback Lance Austin led the ACC in 12 passes broken up this season (along with three interceptions) along with being named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week twice in 2016. These two players seem poised to cause UK problems. Where do you think they'll make the biggest impact, and are there other players UK fans should be on the lookout for?</strong></p>
<p id="9CGpIg"><strong> </strong>It’s funny you mention Lance Austin, because he’s not even our best corner. Step Durham plays opposite him, but he doesn’t have the stats because he’s so lockdown that he hardly ever gets thrown at. Austin stresses us out at corner, and he honestly gets picked on a lot by opposing defenses… which is why he has more stats. I’m not saying he’s terrible or anything, but Durham is so good on the opposite side, that offenses seem to only throw at Austin over there. He’s been up and down this season, but he’s made the big plays when the game was on the line. He’s definitely someone to keep an eye out for if the game is close in the 4<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p id="NGQ0eu">The other player you should keep an eye out for on defense is safety A.J. Gray – he’s been all over the field the season, and he’s been dynamic in run support. He’s just a mean, hard-hitting safety who has great coverage skills. He seems to always be around the ball. </p>
<p id="0d9015"><strong> 9. Make your prediction on the game, and provide one or two of the most significant factors contributing to the outcome.</strong></p>
<p id="ThqQ1T"><strong> </strong>Not to besmirch Wildcat football, but I think Tech wins this one fairly easily. I think the option plays combined with play-action passes stumps the UK defense and Tech takes a fairly big lead into the half. Tech hasn’t been a great 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter team this year, so I could see UK coming back and making it close, but I would guess a final score somewhere in the area of 38-24, with a Tech victory.</p>
<p id="UKI1KC">We’ll look forward to seeing you guys NYE in Jacksonville!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/23/13868134/kentucky-wildcats-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets-taxslayer-bowl-previewwamarsh2016-12-09T14:07:07-05:002016-12-09T14:07:07-05:00Mark Stoops and Paul Johnson preview TaxSlayer Bowl
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nD_tBlrBum-c8aMw7EY_gmLP9d8=/0x97:1859x1336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52218715/usa_today_9706482.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Stoops looks ahead to the TaxSlayer Bowl and gives an update on recruiting among other topics. </p> <p id="V66ty1">We’re still over three weeks until Kentucky and Georgia Tech face off in the TaxSlayer Bowl, but both head coaches are already previewing the big game.</p>
<p id="fx6gli">This week, Mark Stoops and Paul Johnson met with the media to talk about the matchup, how recruiting is going, what to expect from the fans, and more. </p>
<p id="UfQMjK">Here is a recap of what Stoops had to say, courtesy of UK Athletics. </p>
<p id="svRSLo"><em><strong>On turning the season around </strong></em></p>
<p id="ymhik5">“We didn’t start the way we wanted to but we won five out of our last seven and really turned it around. I’m really proud of our team and the way we played and certainly capping it by beating Louisville. That was a big boost for us so, again we need to keep it going playing Georgia Tech so it’ll be a real challenge.”</p>
<p id="W3YzPp"><em><strong>On Kentucky fans</strong></em></p>
<p id="a0a86s"><em>“</em>We have a phenomenal fan base. They go by the Big Blue Nation and they a certainly energetic, passionate and that’s what I’ve said since I’ve been there. The history is rich so we’re hoping for a good turn out at the bowl game.”</p>
<p id="Vo3HT8"><em><strong>On how recruiting is going</strong></em></p>
<p id="EC8ypj">“Recruiting is going exceptionally well for us. We’re off to another great start this year; hopefully we can close very well. We have quite a few players from the Florida area so hopefully we can continue recruiting down south.</p>
<p id="dXqlFh">“I spent quite a bit of time here in Florida coaching at three different Florida schools so I’m familiar with the talent in this area. We recruit exceptionally hard in Kentucky, we’ve done very well in Ohio, but yes we need to branch out a bit and cover quite a bit of ground. </p>
<p id="yw5BL7">“We’re excited, its going well and we’re excited about trying to close here.”</p>
<p id="W9S9FI"><em><strong>On finishing this season on good note</strong></em></p>
<p id="9maMWV">“Last season we came up short to go to a bowl game, we went 5-7, so this year all season and all summer we talked about finishing and we’re certainly very proud of the way we finished the regular season. This game is an extension of that so it’s very important for us to try to get the victory. </p>
<p id="hSYA87">“That could lead to a lot of momentum with the fan base, with season tickets, and with support.”</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="fseTLu">
<p id="SX9knX">And here is a recap of what Johnson had to say: </p>
<p id="aGoL8y"><em><strong>Opening statement </strong></em></p>
<p id="nGiImc">“First of all, thanks again for the invite. We are excited to be here. I was really proud of our team and the way that we finished the season, winning five of the last six games. We started out 3-3 and kind of had a break and felt like the season was just kind of mediocre and just sitting there. </p>
<p id="pNQdSl">“We got fortunate and got hot a little bit and started playing a little bit better and really finished up the season on a positive note, so hopefully we can carry that momentum into Jacksonville. We certainly will need to do that against a very fine Kentucky team that also finished strong.” </p>
<p id="yh1GlJ"><em><strong>On running the triple option </strong></em></p>
<p id="kowJD6">“We don’t ourselves see it being all that different. We’re basically an option football team offensively. We try and run forms of the option and we change things up every once in a while. It’s just something we’ve been doing a long time and something where we know what we want to do. </p>
<p id="Zy4v4u">“We have an idea of what we want to do offensively. Defensively, we played a little better during the back half of the year and got some turnovers and stops. Early on, we really struggled on defense getting off the field. It is unique in what we do, but there are only a few teams left in college football that don’t embrace some form of the option or the zone read.</p>
<p id="brsgKj">“And certainly Kentucky does a lot of that out of their Wildcat stuff. Probably not as big of a difference as people would make it out to be.” </p>
<p id="dmuVUu"><em><strong>On having a new athletic director and the excitement of the fan base </strong></em></p>
<p id="CCRB3G">“We do. We have a new athletic director – Todd Stansbury, who is a former football player at Georgia Tech, so we are certainly excited about that and his arrival and moving forward. </p>
<p id="5LvJrr">“As you mentioned, we probably have about seven to eight kids on our team that have ties with Florida and when we finish today, I’ve got a couple of in-home visits before we go back tonight. </p>
<p id="2wENsr">“So, this is an area that we like to recruit. There is a lot of good football out here. We are excited to be here. We’ve got a pretty good fan base in the north Florida area, Amelia (Island), Ponte Vedra Beach area, so we will have a good turnout.”</p>
<p id="51jJrY"><em><strong>On balancing bowl prep with young-player development </strong></em></p>
<p id="A1Oyjp">“I try and find a balance for my guys. I think going to a bowl game is somewhat of a reward for the players on their season, but at the same time, you want to make sure you’re getting ready for the opponent you’re about to play. </p>
<p id="rQ6xFm">“We spend a little bit of time with our young guys and maybe not as much the others where we try and get them prepared for spring practice. All year they have been on scout teams and haven’t had a chance to do a whole lot. </p>
<p id="UD2eq6">“So, we will take the end of each practice right up until about the last week before the bowl game and work with those guys on fundamentals. We are in the middle of finals at Georgia Tech, and that can be very difficult for our young men. </p>
<p id="UOLTDv">“So we will probably come back with maybe 10 practices. It’s too difficult to get practices in at a place like ours with finals. You’re not going to get anything accomplished. So, our big focus will be on trying to finish the season strong in a big way during the season when we looked like we were going to be out of our division race in the conference and getting to that goal of getting to nine wins. </p>
<p id="3z3Fjr">“To do that, we will have to win our game here and that will be our main focus when we play a good Kentucky team.”</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/12/9/13901752/mark-stoops-and-paul-johnson-preview-taxslayer-bowlJason Marcum