A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky Wildcats Football vs Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 2017Online Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2017-09-05T16:42:07-04:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/160002812017-09-05T16:42:07-04:002017-09-05T16:42:07-04:00What They’re Saying: UK edges Southern Miss, Stoops happy, EKU preview
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<figcaption>Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Charles Walker (88) gestures after a catch against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the second quarter at M. M. Roberts Stadium. | Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A roundup of what’s being said around the Big Blue Nation. </p> <p id="dZyyeQ">For the first time since 2015, Kentucky football has started its season 1-0. Saturday’s 24-17 victory for Coach Mark Stoops and company may not have been the prettiest win ever, but it was a road win against a solid mid-major opponent.</p>
<p id="wWfexe">Sure, there were mistakes for the Cats, most notably a Benny Snell fumble in the red zone on the opening drive, and then there’s the fact that Kentucky’s offense only accounted for 254 total yards, but I’ll remind you again that the Cats are undefeated.</p>
<p id="D6JiDV">And while going into the game, UK’s run defense was perhaps the biggest question mark, it’s run defense was maybe as solid as it has looked in the Stoops era...</p>
<p id="g4rdWd">On to “What They’re Saying...”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ito Smith's stat line: 15 rushes for 34 yards and one fumble lost.</p>— KSTV (@KSTV_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSTV_Sports/status/904119901052440576">September 2, 2017</a>
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<p id="coyMzx">Southern Miss running back <span>Ito Smith</span> torched Kentucky for 173 yards when the two teams met in last season’s opener in Lexington. To hold an elite running back to that kind of performance is a testament to how much emphasis has been placed on stopping the run in the offseason for the Wildcats.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out <a href="https://twitter.com/cjconrad1">@cjconrad1</a> top out at 21.7mph our Fastest Cat vsSMU 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/imthat_dude21">@imthat_dude21</a> 21.6 & 3rd <a href="https://twitter.com/CHARLESMOUSHEY">@CHARLESMOUSHEY</a> 20.8 <a href="https://twitter.com/UKFootball">@UKFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UKStoopsTroops">@UKStoopsTroops</a> <a href="https://t.co/cAoPv7QiDa">pic.twitter.com/cAoPv7QiDa</a></p>— Chris Morris (@CMorrisPhD) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMorrisPhD/status/904413205270802432">September 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="Flx5J6">Kentucky Tight End CJ Conrad played a hell of a game, catching three passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No question that @ejhs18 had an impact today. He recovered two fumbles and returned one for a key TD. <a href="https://t.co/m4CHVv7OlJ">pic.twitter.com/m4CHVv7OlJ</a></p>— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKFootball/status/904145472637501440">September 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="eHOBlr">Another tremendous effort from <span>Denzil Ware</span>, who was a huge part of Kentucky’s defensive success on Saturday.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We know we can play better at QB, Stoops said. The misses on third-down throws were issues.</p>— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenheraldleader/status/904738367501426688">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p id="x6wnIF"><span>Stephen Johnson</span> threw for just barely over 50 percent, connecting on 11 of 20 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown to Conrad. He also ran one in himself. Maybe not an ideal performance, but a winning one nonetheless.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">USM finished 2016 ranked 15th nationally in total defense. Presented UK with looks that were unconventional. No excuses, Cats need work.</p>— Freddie Maggard (@FredMaggard) <a href="https://twitter.com/FredMaggard/status/904134315067543552">September 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="O60Jdl">Southern Miss’s defensive unit is no joke, but there is plenty of room for the Cats to improve on offense.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Stoops was overall very pleased with the performance. He said those are games they haven't always won in the past.</p>— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_mussatto/status/904135007555514368">September 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="ZnkHec">Facts.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephen Johnson has now won 3 out of 4 road games.</p>— Freddie Maggard (@FredMaggard) <a href="https://twitter.com/FredMaggard/status/904138353519599617">September 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="HT91Ff">More facts.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops: There are some things from this last game that are easy fixes. Some pretty simple things a lot of times on OL, backs too impatient.</p>— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDrumUK/status/904737056219426818">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p id="yIwhdj">Let’s hope he’s right.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops: Maybe I'll have Coach Hood talk to the team (to remind them of 2015 game). They out-played and out-coached us."</p>— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKFootball/status/904740807298736128">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p id="Ip47qd">That was not a fun game for Kentucky fans to watch two years ago. I expect the Cats to come out with a lot more confidence on Saturday and take care of business against the Colonels.</p>
<p id="RUUomP">The <em>Courier-Journal</em>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHale_CJ">John Hale</a> gave grades to each Kentucky position unit following Saturday’s win. Here’s a look at those, with expanded commentary on the highest and lowest grades:</p>
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<p id="hBGklI"><strong>Quarterback: C</strong></p>
<p id="bMYTy3"><strong>Running backs: D</strong></p>
<p id="pCdKDy">Star Benny Snell fumbled inside the Southern Miss 5-yard line to negate what could have been a first-quarter touchdown, and his night got little better from there. Snell totaled 67 yards on 20 carries. Backup Sihiem King totaled 12 yards on eight carries. That won’t cut it against better opponents that Southern Miss.</p>
<p id="OLXWmD"><strong>Wide receivers: B</strong></p>
<p id="1dAik7"><strong>Tight ends: A</strong></p>
<p id="DZFDJj">The only offensive highlights of the day came from junior tight end C.J. Conrad on a 59-yard catch-and-run and a 22-yard touchdown reception. So much for those worries about <span>Johnson</span> being unable to hit Conrad over the middle. Senior Greg Hart did account for the Wildcats’ only dropped pass of the day.</p>
<p id="Hmvjz0"><strong>Offensive line: F</strong></p>
<p id="d2Y81c">The line was supposed to be the strength of the UK offense, but it was overmatched by Southern Miss for much of the night. An ankle injury to starting center Bunchy Stallings complicated matters, as undersized senior <span>Nick Haynes</span> was forced to play center longer that coaches would have liked, but that loss was not enough to account for the position’s struggles. The performance made 2016 seniors <span>Jon Toth</span> and <span>Ramsey Meyers</span> as well as injured left tackle <span>Cole Mosier</span> look all the more valuable.</p>
<p id="8pgQxl"><strong>Outside linebackers: A+</strong></p>
<p id="C3Pj1n">The best position group of the game, UK’s edge rushers found their way into the backfield at will. “Sam” linebacker <span>Josh Allen</span> totaled five tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble. “Jack” linebacker <span>Denzil Ware</span> added three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one touchdown. Freshman Josh Paschal helped clinch the win with a stout tackle at the Southern Miss 1-yard line on the Golden Eagles’ final possession.</p>
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<p id="dtc3c2">Let’s hope the “easy fixes” for UK’s run game are implemented against EKU on Saturday. </p>
<p id="3V7lzZ">Mark Stoops held a press conference on Monday, and <em>SEC Country</em>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_mussatto">Joe Mussato </a>reported some of the Coach’s key points:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Stoops on the defense: "Fundamentally I thought that was the best we've played in some time."</p>— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_mussatto/status/904737745356107777">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops said there's a 3rd down package where Josh Allen, Denzil Ware and Josh Paschal all play together.</p>— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_mussatto/status/904740813355311104">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Stoops on Matt Elam: "I think it's probably the best he's played since he's been here."</p>— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_mussatto/status/904832734518005760">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops on sticking with the wildcat: "Let's not everybody forget all the huge plays we've gotten off this."</p>— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_mussatto/status/904830941687943168">September 4, 2017</a>
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<p id="bCZm0A">Coach Stoops again offering some words of comfort for fans and encouragement to the players that the offensive line and running backs will get back to where they need to be. And obviously, Stoops was happy with UK’s defensive effort in the season opener.</p>
<p id="ViRuoT"><a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2017/09/03/kentucky-football-dean-hood-healed-fired-eku-return/629572001/">John Hale also wrote a <em>Courier-Journal</em> story</a> on former Eastern Kentucky head coach Dean Hood, who is now a part of Stoops’ staff at Kentucky...</p>
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<p id="bmuxDu">“I’m sure I’ll get on the sideline and see those kids I recruited, see the kids I sat in their parents’ home and said ‘Hey, I’m gonna take care of your son’ and wasn’t able to see it to graduation for a lot of those kids,” Hood said. “I’m sure it’ll hit me then and be emotional. But that’s all it will be. I care about those kids.”</p>
<p id="jEKz6Z">Hood compiled a 55-38 record as EKU’s head coach but was fired after a 6-5 2015 season. He posted just one losing record in his eight seasons at the helm of the program and reached the postseason three times.</p>
<p id="p2DmPQ">Among Hood’s highlights at EKU was a two-overtime loss to Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium in his final season. That game was played less than a year after players from both teams made headlines with an offseason bar fight.</p>
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<p id="Qy61bf">You have to be happy for Coach Hood, and happy Kentucky has a guy with Hood’s experience in his current role. While Saturday’s game with EKU may be emotional for Hood, let’s hope the Cats take care of business so that this game is not as emotional for UK fans as the last time the two teams met in 2015. Kickoff is at noon Eastern this Saturday for Kentucky’s home opener.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/5/16256324/what-saying-kentucky-wildcats-southern-miss-mark-stoops-ekucoxtalks2017-09-05T14:06:35-04:002017-09-05T14:06:35-04:00Kentucky Football Stock Watch: Week 2
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<figcaption>Tight end CJ Conrad saw his stock rise with a great outing and two big catches in Kentucky’s opening win over Southern Miss. | Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After Kentucky’s 24-17 win at Southern Miss, we take a look at whose stock went up, whose stock went down, and whose stock held firm heading into Week 2. </p> <p id="wuOcby">It’s always good to start the season with a win, and Kentucky football did just that. They traveled to Hattiesburg and exacted some revenge as they defeated Southern Miss 24-17 to open the season. While some players did not live up to expectations, others stepped up to ensure that the Wildcats went back home with the victory. We will examine whose stock was improved by their performances, whose stock took a hit after Saturday’s game, and who the jury is still out on for the time being.</p>
<h3 id="XJegnk">STOCK RISING — MATT ELAM, DENZEL WARE, & JOSH ALLEN</h3>
<p id="twmZM3">Maybe we should have <span>Greg McElroy</span> critique our players more often. It seemed to work with <span>Matt Elam</span>.</p>
<p id="H259sM">After being absolutely eviscerated by the SEC Network analyst during SEC Media Days, having his work ethic called into question, <span>Elam</span> had the best game of his Kentucky career. While he did all of his stat-sheet damage in the first half, he recorded four tackles for only the fourth time in his entire Kentucky career, the last time being....last year’s game against Southern Miss. In addition, he recorded a tackle for loss, of which he had only recorded one-half for his entire career. Maybe more importantly, however, is what he did that did NOT show up on the score sheet. <span>Elam</span> drew double-teams throughout the game, something he has rarely demanded in his three-plus years in Lexington. This freed up the rest of the defensive line, helping the trench unit account for nearly forty percent of the tackles for the Wildcat defense on Saturday.</p>
<p id="DdOWy4">The front seven, in general, were outstanding, but the performances from Denzel Ware and <span>Josh Allen</span> on the pass rush were promising signs after struggling in that area last season. Linebacker was a position that Kentucky had questions about, but the two outside backers were terrors for the Southern Miss pass protections. The duo had a combined two sacks, four and a half tackles behind the line, and combined for two fumbles forced and recovered. The latter of those, a scoop-and-score for Ware, ended up being the crucial touchdown for Kentucky, the only one they would record in the second half.</p>
<h3 id="jHZICZ">STOCK FALLING — OFFENSIVE LINE</h3>
<p id="pnLq34">We all knew the loss of <span>Jon Toth</span> would be a difficult one, and that replacing him would not necessarily be easy to do. However, we were informed all off-season that the offensive line depth would come into play this year, and we would see the strength that comes from it.</p>
<p id="QSF8cX">Then we lost <span>Cole Mosier</span> during fall camp, and center Bunchy Stallings went down with an injury early in the game. After moving linemen around, the running game struggled as the offensive line was just unable to get much push off the snap. This made it difficult for the Wildcats to end the game, as they struggled to run out the clock. There were also key offensive line penalties that stalled or killed drives in the second half. While this issue will likely not be a problem against Eastern Kentucky, if injuries continue to hit the unit, it could lead to issues down the road.</p>
<h3 id="wn68Ps">STOCK HOLDING — STEPHEN JOHNSON</h3>
<p id="3gwfpf">Despite Stoops saying that both QBs Johnson and <span>Drew Barker</span> would see time, it was Johnson who took every snap (well, as quarterback at least, but we will get to that later) on Saturday. It was a mixed bag for the signal caller. He was 7-of-11 in the first half for 135 yards, but gained only 41 yards on 4-of-9 passing after the break. He made some great passes to tight end CJ Conrad throughout the game, but missed wide-open players, including a key third-and-six incompletion where he threw high on a ten-yard slant pattern to a six-foot-three wideout. Stoops commented after the game that Johnson would need to improve on his intermediate passing, and that was evident after Saturday’s performance.</p>
<p id="j4On8g">In the second half, Johnson was only 1-of-5 on third-down passes, the one completion being a dump-off to Snell on a third-and-20 play. That will not get it done in games against better competition such as Florida or Georgia or Tennessee. That said, the other important stat was zero—as in, zero turnovers. Johnson ran the ball five times and took a sack, but he held onto the football. He also did not throw an interception, although he did force the ball into tight areas two or three times. Turnovers were something this offense had to improve on, and Johnson did just that.</p>
<p id="LNzOez">We likely will not learn much regarding Johnson next week against an out-matched EKU team, but he found a way to lead the Wildcats to victory and has now won three of the last four road games he has started—a feat few Kentucky quarterbacks can claim.</p>
<h3 id="gCC61u">STOCK RISING — MATT PANTON</h3>
<p id="aKYfJP">Kentucky has their punter, if Saturday was any indicator. Nine punts, 378 yards, and two punts pinned inside the one-yard line will win you the job in a heartbeat. Panton was outstanding against Southern Miss, and his ability to keep the Golden Eagles pinned back made things easier for the defense, and proved to be a major contribution to the victory.</p>
<h3 id="QXmw4E">STOCK HOLDING — BENNY SNELL</h3>
<p id="ovuVSG">If you look at the stat sheet, it was a bad game for the sophomore running back. While it was expected he would pick up where he left off last season, many people underestimate how important having two backs was for his numbers. We saw on Saturday that if he doesn’t get help, it will be difficult for him to find running lanes against eight-man fronts. He also fumbled on a carry inside the five-yard line in the first quarter, costing the Wildcats points, which luckily did not come back to hurt them.</p>
<p id="Oj9BUN">However, let’s not forget that while he only averaged 3.3 yards per carry on the day, that number is hurt by a bad snap on the first drive of the game. If you take away the 11 yards he lost on that play, Snell ran for 78 yards on 19 carries, which comes out to 4.1 yards per carry. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s a big improvement over a measly 3.3 at first glance.</p>
<p id="SfGQhW">Snell also was not helped by playcalling, which brings me to my next point...</p>
<h3 id="7RTpy9">STOCK FALLING — THE WILDCAT (sell, sell, sell!)</h3>
<p id="CZmG61">Can we never run the Wildcat again this season? Please? Eddie Gran, just rip that part of the playbook out, and shred it. Or set it on fire. Or make paper airplanes from the pages and float them from the top of Patterson Office Tower, just to see how far they can travel.</p>
<p id="8qnyPs">The Wildcat does not work when you do not have a player who is a threat to throw, or someone coming in motion. When you simply line up a player and direct snap to him, the defense knows what is coming. Look, we know it has worked in the past. We all remember what <span>Randall Cobb</span> did with the formation. But....Cobb could throw. JoJo Kemp almost always had someone coming in motion. The Wildcat, as it was run on Saturday, is simply telling defenses, "hey, everyone crash the line and hit Benny at the line" every time you call it.</p>
<p id="37g5My">So please, no more Wildcat. Can we all agree on that? Yes? Good, moving on.</p>
<h3 id="oBVBNH">STOCK RISING — CJ CONRAD</h3>
<p id="l2ANhs">The tight end had a big game, hauling in three catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. However, he should have had 100 yards and two touchdowns. Had he not looked back twice on his 59-yard catch in the first half, Conrad gets a 62-yard touchdown on a terrific pass play. (Kids, don’t look back!)</p>
<p id="4teMmK">While it is curious why more plays were not drawn up to get him the ball, especially in the second half, it is great to see him getting involved in the offense from the jump. Both of his big catches were seam routes, which will be open for him throughout the season if the play-action pass game can get going. I expect to see him have a big season.</p>
<h3 id="EC9KmL">STOCK FALLING — THE SECONDARY</h3>
<p id="p7LtzX">A unit that was supposed to be one of the bigger strengths this season was exposed by the Southern Miss receiving corps. Many of the Golden Eagles’ big plays came either by winning fifty-fifty passes, simply beating the defensive backs to the ball at the high point, or because of missed tackles in the secondary. <span>Chris Westry</span> was twice beaten on jump balls for big gains on passes he usually defends better. That said, Westry redeemed himself with the huge forced fumble with nine minutes left in the game, a key moment in the victory. I expect tackling and jump-balls to be a key point of emphasis this week in practice.</p>
<p id="MwHbDH">Now, I’m always one for ending on a positive note, so I have one more person to give some kudos to....</p>
<h3 id="qRLXmR">STOCK WAAAAY UP — THE FOLKS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING STOOPS OFF THE FIELD</h3>
<p id="veMOEr">Seriously, there was one play in the final two minutes where one guy was grabbing Stoops on three different occasions and keeping him off the paint and off the field. Throughout the game, multiple people pulled Stoops back and kept him from being on the field. Given how that has been an issue in the past, a big thank-you goes out to the Kentucky staff for preventing any silly penalties and saving Stoops from himself.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/5/16253232/kentucky-football-stock-watch-week-2Jason Ence2017-09-05T10:56:28-04:002017-09-05T10:56:28-04:00Sights and sounds from UK beating Southern Miss
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<p>“Let’s go Big Blue!”</p> <p id="CpVq8i">The first win of a season is always a special one. For UK, Saturday’s win in Hattiesburg was even more special. </p>
<p id="SNegEB">After stewing over that home debacle vs Southern Miss for the past year, the Cats got revenge with a road win of their own on Saturday, a 24-17 sweet taste of victory. </p>
<p id="56rXuE">The fine folks of <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> TV just put out some slo-mo highlights of the big win: </p>
<div id="iigBvH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ANhol_I7cRE?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="3MyPls">They also did a great “Sights and Sounds” feature on the victorious trip to Hattiesburg.</p>
<div id="PI49bq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vamZ201ePPI?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Bx5TqI"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GoASoB/posts/"><em><strong>And be sure to go 'like' our Facebook page to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and analysis</strong></em><em>.</em></a></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/5/16255182/sights-and-sounds-kentucky-football-southern-missJason Marcum2017-09-05T07:00:02-04:002017-09-05T07:00:02-04:003 Winners and 3 losers from win over Southern Miss
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<p>Which Wildcats are in a better (or worse) position following the 24-17 victory on Saturday.</p> <p id="ROWbky">A win is a win. It is hard to be too negative following a road victory against a team that bested the Cats the year prior. However, there are players and position groups that showed there is plenty of work remaining if Stoops and company are going to get this group to where many fans think they can go.</p>
<p id="3NPBfE">There were certainly some stand-out performers who are probably receiving less attention than the “losers” on this list, but that’s the way it usually goes after a pretty blah debut, especially given the fans’ anticipation and positive buzz the Cats have garnered throughout the preseason. </p>
<p id="SWW4Bb">Anyway, let’s take a look at who raised their stock and who needs to prove their worth next weekend against EKU.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="XuvIes">
<h2 id="81jk0s">Winner: Special Teams</h2>
<p id="mgcGoc">Maybe the punting situation isn't so bad after all? After a hugely depressing performance last season by <span>Grant McKinniss</span>, we may be on our way to reclaiming our reputation as “Punter U”. In 9 punts, Ivy League transfer <span>Matt Panton</span> averaged a respectable 42 yards per. Despite difficulties moving the ball, Kentucky led quite comfortably in the field position war, which is a significant reason as to why I never felt truly threatened that the Eagles were going to mount a comeback even when we led by only one score (and a 19 to 12 first down advantage favoring USM). I don’t want to overreact to Panton’s one game in blue, but it is pretty encouraging given what we endured last season.</p>
<p id="oCyiZZ">Additionally, MacGinnis knocked down all of his extra point attempts and his one field goal try from 41 yards. Backup runner Siheim King looked as comfortable as ever returning kicks, averaging 35 yards in two tries. His 46 yard return was impressive (and aided greatly by a textbook block down the field by <span>Kash Daniel</span>), and, if not for a face mask, would have set the Cats up past midfield. Color me surprised if King doesn't house one at some point this season.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HRDvS8">
<h2 id="0YAOHd">Loser: Play Calling</h2>
<p id="8FwZnj">Look, I get it. You don't want to reveal too much against Southern Miss with much bigger foes looming on the horizon. I also get that I’m not a football coach. That said, Saturday’s play calling was uninspired and a reason why the Eagles were able to hang around as long as they did. To begin with, there were a few too many runs on 3rd and medium for my taste. If <span>Stephen Johnson</span> is really the man, then show some confidence in his ability to move the sticks! Early on, I chalked-up the sheepish play calling as a setup for play action later, in the game’s more pivotal moments. It never really came. Hopefully next week we see more of Johnson in space with a more creative scheme tailored for his athleticism. I’m all for conservative offense given the situation, but Saturday kind of pushed that limit for me.</p>
<p id="3MeSWG">I don’t have that much to say regarding the Wildcat offense except that I don't think relying on the gimmick is going to make this team much better in the short or long term. The Cats have seen moderate success with it in the past under <span>Jojo Kemp</span>, but when you tell the defense that you're running the ball as soon as you line up, you’re giving them a bit of an advantage, no? The Wildcat is a dynamic set when there is the threat of multiple runners or maybe even a pass (e.g. Ronnie Brown, 2008 Dolphins). The Kentucky version of the Wildcat is simply one dimensional. To me, it all goes back to having confidence in the quarterback, and if Week One is any indication, offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and Coach Stoops aren't comfortable handing the keys of the offense to Johnson just yet.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lukw4f">
<h2 id="LL0VLa">Winner: <span>C.J. Conrad</span>
</h2>
<p id="Y5fnZc">That is what Kentucky fans have been waiting for out of C.J. Conrad! From the moment of his commitment, we’ve known the Cats have a special player in the athletic tight end. Kentucky’s struggle throwing the ball short and towards the middle of the field last year hurt Conrad maybe more than anyone, but he was still able to prove his worth as a pass catcher and blocker. Take away his standout 133 yard performance against New Mexico last season and he only caught for 129 yards in ten games. With uncertainty in the receiving corps, Conrad looks to already be a bigger emphasis in the offense. Kentucky was able to get him the ball twice by sneaking him down the seam and dumping the ball to him with room in the middle of the field. The junior caught 3 balls for 97 yards, a touchdown, and the single biggest yardage gain of the game. You hope that your leading receiver isn't a tight end by year’s end, but all looks good so far for number 87.</p>
<div id="iin66W">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge catch and run by C.J. Conrad. <a href="https://t.co/TR4xGZVenX">pic.twitter.com/TR4xGZVenX</a></p>— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/904075376615411714">September 2, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="c5HNEq"><small>Follow </small><a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton"><small>@Scott_Charlton</small></a><small> on Twitter for timely highlights of UK sports.</small></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VvFxe2">
<h2 id="8fYqiJ">Loser: <span>Chris Westry</span>
</h2>
<p id="6Rt1QW">I still have the utmost confidence in Kentucky’s secondary and Chris Westry’s outlook for this season. That still doesn't save him from being a loser in this column. Westry is a solid player and a big reason that the secondary is considered Kentucky’s greatest asset along with the offensive line (I’ll get to them shortly). After a stellar freshman season, he’s watched fellow junior <span>Derrick Baity</span> ascend to become the Cats’ top corner while perhaps leaving some of his own potential unfulfilled. Stoops still needs solid and physical play from the 6’4” super-athlete for this team to slow down high powered offenses like Missouri and Miss State.</p>
<p id="LfRKdB">Westry gambled on a ball that wound up as a long completion for USM and missed a tackle that allowed USM receiver <span>Korey Robertson</span> to prance 26 yards for the last touchdown of the game. Upon rewatching the game, Westry found himself out of position on plays that became receptions and on some that didn't, partially because he was seeking to make a splash-play. At other times, he seemed a step slow when closing in on the receiver upon the ball’s release. I’ll give credit where it’s due, as he made a nice strip that should be acknowledged resulting in a <span>Courtney Love</span> recovery. I’m not quite worried about Westry going forward, but I’m looking for him to gain some momentum in what should be an easy win this weekend against the team from forty minutes down the road.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="COaMbR">
<h2 id="RYLb18">Winner: Defensive Line</h2>
<p id="OOzF4a">A lot was made about Kentucky’s defensive line this season. What has been perceived as the weakness of the defensive unit held very strong in the season opener. In 38 tries, USM could only muster a measly 55 yards on the ground against the Cats. Denzel Ware logged a sack and another tackle for loss, in addition making to the biggest play of the game where being in the right place at the right time produced an easy seven for the Boys in Blue (or white, more precisely).</p>
<p id="bebp3z"><span>Matt Elam</span> had a great game <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/7/13/15963156/greg-mcelroy-matt-elam-uk-coaches-players-defend-him">in honor of Greg McElroy</a>; one of the better games of his career in fact. He showed better burst off the line, generated penetration in a couple of passing situations, and clogged the A gaps to make 4 tackles. While not necessarily linemen, praise goes to <span>Josh Allen</span> for making what seems like a hundred plays in the backfield and to freshman Josh Paschal for <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/904127341928075264">laying the wood on the goal line</a>. I could make the entire front seven a winner here, but after all of the singling out the defensive line received this offseason, it seems only right that they’re singled out here after a helluva first showing.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Southern Mississippi" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1EGo7jRpJURFGtyq0ayXFsMtyHk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9175907/usa_today_10255159.jpg">
<cite>Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="LksrfI">
<h2 id="nMntyN">Loser: Offensive Line</h2>
<p id="wNDawT">It sure would have been nice to see what is a truly deep and talented offensive line show up ready to play against a team they ought to dominate. Eddie Gran gave them plenty of opportunity to control the trenches, calling 35 rushes and more than 10 coming from the Wildcat. As mentioned above, running a predictable Wildcat offense can work, given the personnel on the line. You can all but tell the defense where you're running the ball and it won't matter if the hogs are blazing the path. Runs were stuffed early and often, and while Bennie Snell didn't have his best game, there was only so much he could do. As surprising as it was that we only allowed USM to run for 55 yards, it is just as surprising that the Cats couldn't generate more than 2.7 yards per carry of their own.</p>
<p id="yH3wyb">The pass protection held up fine, giving up only one sack, but the sample size here isn't quite enough to project how they’ll hold up come conference play. <span>Stephen Johnson</span> did well getting the ball out in a timely manner, and the play calling was too run heavy to expect USM to commit strongly to the edge rush. So in terms of holding the pocket, they get a TBD from me here.</p>
<p id="lJObHm">It is worth noting that there was a lot of moving around on the line, with <span>Kyle Meadows</span> moving from left to right tackle early on and <span>George Asafo-Adjei</span> shifting from right tackle to right guard in the same process. It is nice to have the quality depth that the Cats are blessed with up front, but I’d like to see guys start owning their spots and O-Line Coach John Schlarman finding his best combination in the near future. Assuming Bunchy Stallings is healthy (he returned from injury near the end of the game), I’d project the left side of the line to consist of Young–Stenburg–Stallings (tackle to center) more often than not.</p>
<p id="KhTMWt">The right side saw a lot of personnel movement, which hopefully gets clarified before conference play. Is Meadows or Asafo-Adjei the right tackle going forward, or are they going to continue to man the right side by committee along with <span>Mason Wolfe</span>? Who knows, but if they struggle to open running lanes against EKU on Saturday, I’d expect to see some changes from how the rotation currently operates. I’ll go on the record and predict a reassuring turn-around from the line and Bennie, who I think runs for 120+ yards this coming Saturday.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/5/16252718/kentucky-wildcats-football-3-winners-losers-win-southern-missTevis Woolery2017-09-04T16:25:50-04:002017-09-04T16:25:50-04:00Lynn Bowden Tweets are not an issue for Mark Stoops
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MSN4wtGF2ik4BSfkOWrr-dBnurU=/101x0:1046x630/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56511385/26_5102059.0.png" />
<figcaption>@H_Huncho</figcaption>
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<p>“We can manage things like that very easily.”</p> <p id="xKSNcv">Following a 24-17 win over Southern Miss on Saturday, <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> freshman <span>Lynn Bowden</span> took to Twitter on a playing time issue. </p>
<p id="29tX3s">Bowden was clearly frustrated as he sent out tweets being critical of his coaches for the lack of playing time he received (two snaps), though that specific tweet was eventually taken down.</p>
<p id="x9FAEj">However, Bowden eventually continued to send out more tweets: </p>
<div id="L7nv60">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prized UK freshman Lynn Bowden's timeline since he played sparingly in the opener has been interesting. <a href="https://t.co/bVJvFIMyRp">pic.twitter.com/bVJvFIMyRp</a></p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_SEC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_SEC/status/904475113705308161">September 3, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="gGtVek">When head coach Mark Stoops held his press conference Monday, he was immediately asked about the situation.</p>
<p id="QznxrM">"We'll continue to manage our players. That's what they pay me to do and we'll be fine. Lynn's a good kid, works hard," said Stoops. "I've been in a lot of places with some very, very, very talented young men and the competitive nature comes out in kids sometimes, and we'll be fine.”</p>
<p id="fgWLFm">In his two snaps Saturday, Bowden didn't record a target. It's rare for a true freshman to see heavy workload in the first game of the season, so the lack of playing time wasn't a shock to me as much as it appeared to be to Bowden. </p>
<p id="4RWTNU">However, as he gains experience to mesh with his talent, Bowden will surely see more of the field as the season progresses. Regardless, Stoops likes his team’s mindset, and a small issue like this won’t affect it. </p>
<p id="tpHYK5">“There’s no issue at all,” Stoops added. “That’s the good thing about our football team now and where we’re at. We can manage things like that very easily.”</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/4/16252670/lynn-bowden-tweets-mark-stoopsJohn Morgan Francis2017-09-03T14:09:00-04:002017-09-03T14:09:00-04:00Stoops celebrates, recaps win over Southern Miss
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: UL Lafayette at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kchsaufp22ck5J_rJAUQbQXYeEk=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56500837/usa_today_8794975.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cats are 1-0, and Mark Stoops is a very happy man. </p> <p id="Vlbcg7">Winning ain’t easy, and winning on the road in Week 1 can prove to be challenging for any team.</p>
<p id="xT5LEG">So, you’ll have to forgive Mark Stoops and the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> for being pretty exuberant after their 24-17 win at Southern Miss:</p>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyFootball/videos/1459106480804277/"></a><p>Sing that fight song, baby! It's a win for the Cats! #USMvsUK</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyFootball/">Kentucky Football</a> on Saturday, September 2, 2017</blockquote></div>
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<p id="qpATnm">After the celebration concluded, Stoops spoke with the media about UK’s win in Hattiesburg. It wasn’t a pretty game, especially from the offense, but it was a win, and it was thanks in large part to the defense, Stoops’ bread and butter. </p>
<p id="0lAysg">“That shows a lot of character, a lot of guts, a lot of determination from that football team to come out and win that game when you’re not playing your best football,” said Stoops. “It’s certainly not on the offensive side of the ball. I’m not worried. I know we’ll get better. We’ll get some things fixed, and we’ll go from there. </p>
<p id="g172va">“I really was just proud. The improvement defensively was very, very evident. We would’ve never won this game had we not improved our run defense. We certainly did that.”</p>
<p id="KMLYKM">Here is a recap of Stoops’ postgame presser, courtesy of UK: </p>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyFootball/videos/1459110377470554/"></a><p>Stoops' Post-game Press Conference</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyFootball/">Kentucky Football</a> on Saturday, September 2, 2017</blockquote></div>
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<p id="B4efKz"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GoASoB/posts/"><em><strong>And be sure to go 'like' our Facebook page to get the latest Wildcats news and analysis</strong></em><em>.</em></a></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/3/16249716/mark-stoops-celebrates-recaps-win-southern-missJason Marcum2017-09-03T12:04:12-04:002017-09-03T12:04:12-04:00Postgame Notes from Win No. 600 for UK Football
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Southern Mississippi" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1LOaFlE2oukhCsZYpukJg3qDuC0=/0x562:1550x1595/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56499631/usa_today_10255880.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cats edge Southern Miss for the program’s 600th win. Plus, notes on the true freshman who saw action. </p> <p id="AQk6Co">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are 1-0 after a 24-17 win over Southern Miss.</p>
<p id="dtyuB7">The victory in Hattiesburg was a special one for UK, as this marked the program’s 600th win. It also avenged last season’s defeat in Lexington, a game that saw Southern Miss erase a 35-10 deficit to rally for a 44-35 win. </p>
<p id="EPje8W">Here are the postgame notes and milestones from the win, courtesy of UK Athletics: </p>
<p id="msSr9y"><strong>Team Notes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="x8YPFE">This was the 600th win in Kentucky football history.</li>
<li id="FHwKI9">The win moved Kentucky to an 8-4 record over the last 12 games, including the third road win in that stretch (also last season at Missouri and Louisville). </li>
<li id="wu2ZrC">UK is now 12-6 in non-conference games under Coach Mark Stoops.</li>
<li id="gcC31e">UK is 16-1 under Stoops when leading after three quarters.</li>
<li id="Ci2xQQ">UK limited Southern Miss to 55 net rushing yards. It is the fewest since holding Vanderbilt to 54 rushing yards in 2014. </li>
<li id="Kr7T2S">It was the fewest rushing yards UK had allowed in a season opener since keeping Louisville to 53 in 2008.</li>
<li id="YRTnaO">UK limited Southern Miss to 1.4 yards per rushing attempt, best since Samford averaged -0.1 yards per rush in 2012.</li>
<li id="csAihT">UK had several excellent facets in special teams. </li>
<li id="4JJ09K">
<span>Matt Panton</span> averaged 42 yards per punt, including five inside the 20-yard line, two of which were downed at the one-yard line. </li>
<li id="yI6xj7">
<span>Austin MacGinnis</span>’ placement of kickoffs, and the subsequent coverage, was outstanding.</li>
<li id="YBvvMP">Between the kicking and tenacious kick coverage, USM’s average starting yard line for the game was its own 17-yard line. </li>
<li id="ybPCLF">MacGinnis made his only field goal attempt and all three extra points.</li>
<li id="eaYFED">Sihiem King’s 46-yard kickoff return (also drawing a desperation 15-yard facemask penalty) set up a touchdown drive that only needed to go 37 yards. </li>
<li id="LFH7EL">UK has had an offensive play of at least 50 yards in each of the five season openers under Coach Mark Stoops.</li>
</ul>
<p id="DHFV1O"><strong>Player Notes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="8RyYvW">UK’s game captains were OG <span>Nick Haynes</span>, QB Stephen Johnson, LB <span>Courtney Love</span> and S <span>Mike Edwards</span>. </li>
<li id="bGqpbR">Three players made their first starts at Kentucky, WR <span>Kayaune Ross</span>, DE <span>T.J. Carter</span> and S <span>Darius West</span>.</li>
<li id="be1Q8q">
<span>Stephen Johnson</span> completed 11 of 20 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown.</li>
<li id="WcB3jU">UK is now 8-4 with Johnson as the starter (6-4) or QB for the majority of the game (2-0).</li>
<li id="8Fas6n">Johnson also scrambled for an 8-yard touchdown in the second quarter to open the scoring. </li>
<li id="H7qKHp">Johnson is the first UK quarterback with a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown in a road game since <span>Jalen Whitlow</span> at South Carolina in 2013. </li>
<li id="3k3dI3">Benny Snell led the rushing attack with 20 carries for 67 yards. </li>
<li id="jSxyAq">He has 1,158 career rushing yards, advancing two spots to 30th place on the career rushing list.</li>
<li id="YiRep6">
<span>C.J. Conrad</span> caught three passes for 97 yards. His 23-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter is the sixth TD of his career. </li>
<li id="XfCxjB">Late in the third quarter, Darius West made a jolting tackle that caused a fumble, which <span>Denzil Ware</span> scooped and scored from 20 yards out.</li>
<li id="0rPopQ">It is Ware’s first collegiate touchdown but his second collegiate score. He also had a fumble return for a 2-point defensive PAT at South Carolina in 2015. </li>
<li id="KT8JE5">Ware also recovered a fumble in the first quarter that set up UK’s first touchdown. </li>
<li id="mQqNhz">Ware also caused a fumble.</li>
<li id="SyXsAn">Ware finished with three tackles, featuring 1.5 for loss (-11 yards) and a 10-yard quarterback sack. </li>
<li id="8sp8zU">
<span>Courtney Love</span> tied his career high with nine tackles, one for loss, and also had a fumble recovery.</li>
<li id="ztsXtr">In addition to causing a fumble, Darius West made six tackles, including one for loss. </li>
<li id="GskoyQ">
<span>Josh Allen</span> finished with five tackles, three of which were for loss (-12 yards), including a seven-yard QB sack.</li>
<li id="RCjTF0">
<span>Allen</span> also caused a fumble and had a quarterback hurry.</li>
<li id="ODN9qN">Graduate transfer punter Matt Panton had a good first game for the Wildcats. He punted nine times for a 42-yard average.</li>
<li id="BlOzIz">He had five punts inside the 20-yard line, including two punts downed at the one-yard line. </li>
<li id="wJ3D9q">
<span>Austin MacGinnis</span> made a 41-yard field goal in the third quarter. It extended his streak of eight consecutive field goals dating back to last season. </li>
<li id="gyVqgF">He also made all three of his extra points and had excellent placement of his kickoffs. </li>
<li id="YvFi9D">Chris Westry started his team-leading 26th consecutive game. </li>
<li id="ugsTKS">True freshmen seeing their first collegiate action included DE Josh Paschal, NG <span>Quinton Bohanna</span>, WR <span>Josh Ali</span>, WR <span>Isaiah Epps</span>, WR Clevan Thomas and DB Cedric Dort. Thomas and Epps made their first collegiate pass receptions.</li>
</ul>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/3/16249308/kentucky-football-postgame-notes-win-over-southern-missJason Marcum2017-09-02T20:47:34-04:002017-09-02T20:47:34-04:00Highlights and Box Score from UK’s first win of 2017
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Southern Mississippi" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U-ngdpKvPHUXHmC8FJYdWuTCJEA=/0x54:2798x1919/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56494623/usa_today_10255160.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Just win, baby!</p> <p id="8Dd6eB">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are 1-0 after a 24-17 win at Southern Miss. </p>
<p id="7ipJcX">As you can see from the box score, there were two huge factors that played in to the win: the defense and <span>C.J. Conrad</span>. </p>
<p id="XGZvDI">The defense forced three turnovers, returning one of them for a touchdown. CJ had a big game with two huge receptions, scoring on one of them while setting up the team for another one. If continue this play throughout the season, watch out.</p>
<p id="halKn0">Overall, it was a good but scary first game of the season for the Cats. They did what they needed to do and avenged last year's loss. This sets them up for a warm homecoming when the face EKU next week. </p>
<p id="gBCMKI">Here are the highlights of UK’s first win of the season: </p>
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<p id="WA4irg">Here is the final box score from the game:</p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/9/2/16247850/kentucky-wildcats-edge-southern-miss-highlights-box-scoreTJ Barnett