A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky falls to Mississippi State: Everything to knowOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2019-09-22T13:45:19-04:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/206367402019-09-22T13:45:19-04:002019-09-22T13:45:19-04:00Mark Stoops recaps Kentucky’s loss to Mississippi State
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i0VBxEMqzsQuKDa6QJhlJgiuYus=/0x0:4272x2848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65296097/usa_today_13392930.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky was often its own worst enemy. </p> <p id="IgFMdR">Coming into Saturday afternoon’s matchup in Starkville, MS, Kentucky was indeed a six-point underdog to Mississippi State. While the Wildcats weren’t expected to win, one might have thought the halftime score would have been more competitive than 21-3 in favor of the Bulldogs.</p>
<p id="RG1xLY">Kentucky managed to move the ball up and down the field during the second half, but kicking woes and lack of execution in the red zone only allowed them to score 13 total points in a 28-13 loss.</p>
<p id="7AKgKf">The Wildcats’ passing offense didn’t play well at all, with quarterback <span>Sawyer Smith</span> having what seemed like a dozen passes nearly intercepted and his receivers dropping multiple passes that could’ve changed the game’s outcome. Kentucky’s rushing attack was productive, but a 21-3 deficit early on kept Kentucky in up-tempo fashion.</p>
<p id="6iGz10">On defense, Kentucky was mostly formidable aside from the Bulldogs’ final drive to put the game out of reach. Still, though, the soft zone coverage by Kentucky’s secondary has to be adjusted.</p>
<p id="JK8EpD">Saturday’s defeat comes as their second straight after collapsing at home last week against Florida. The next game on their schedule won’t be any easier, either, as Kentucky hits the road in just six short days to visit the <a href="https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">South Carolina Gamecocks</a>. But first, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops and select players had these remarks following Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State, courtesy of UK Athletics. </p>
<p id="uyUmgK"></p>
<h2 id="UvhzD6">Head coach <a href="https://ukathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1711">Mark Stoops</a>
</h2>
<p id="ApyJOj">MS: “I thought the story of the game was the way we started. I am very disappointed with the way we started the game. Very disappointed, really, with the entire first half; it did not feel like we played very good football in any phase. I did not see any signs of that during the week, but obviously I did not have them ready to play and come into an environment like this, against a tough, physical football team. [Mississippi State] beat us. They beat us in all phases, in particular the start. I challenged the guys at halftime and I am happy that we had enough pride in ourselves to regroup and come out and play with the type of attitude and fight [in the second half]. We really played the game the way you were supposed to, but we are not perfect and we still made a lot of mistakes. We have to get back and regroup. I have to do a better job at coaching them and we have to play better. We are going on the road again next week so we have to make it happen quickly.”</p>
<p id="0LJrU9">Q: People will see that start and just assume that it is hangover from last week, is itthat simple or is there other stuff going on?MS: “I do not think it is that simple, I really do not. I really do feel like we have had that before and that it can happen again later in the year. These guys are young men with a lot in their tank and we need to regroup. I think it was a situation where I have to do a better job at getting them ready to play. Coaches have to get them ready and I think, you know, you take an inexperienced team in certain positions on the road in a hostile environment and we were not up for the challenge. That is on all of us, but I do not think it is just as simple as a hangover. I really do not. I think it is a mentality that you have to have and you have to be a good football team to go on the road in a playing environment like this and win. We did not have that today.”</p>
<p id="Dwbxrm">Q: What was going on with <a href="https://ukathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7457">Sawyer Smith’s</a> shoulder?MS: “Sawyer got hurt at the end of the second quarter. He got dinged up with his shoulder. He went in, got it X-rayed, and to start the second half he gave some throws and was hurting and had a pain. They X-rayed it, and then he came back. I thought he was done, but he came back and gutted it out and gave us everything he had in the second half, but he was dinged up with his shoulder. I would think he would be available next week, but I would not know, you never know how he is going to wake up and feel tomorrow.” Q: You knew going in that <span>Kylin Hill</span> would hurt you in the back, and that <span>Garrett Shrader</span> would have some scrambles, is there anything you can say about the film? MS: “I thought that both of them made some really tough, good plays, just like we thought. I think with Hill, you could see a great player there with a great desire to make some tough runs. That is a very good football player. Corning out of the game you just have more respect for them because you could see that he was very tough, very physical. He ran through some tackles and he was a grown man out there, and he really did a nice job. Shrader did good as well. He made some tough throws, and made live, physical runs. It is vintage Mississippi State. We have to do a better job and be a little stronger if we want to attack in certain spots. The third down ordeal hurt us again. It is a tough call. You know again, we got aggressive and it really backfired on us to be honest with you. In that third-and-four [yards] range, there are a lot of things that keep you off balance. We chose to be aggressive and that defensive is aggressive and the reads that they ran will put you in a tough spot. They ripped off the long run there. It is two weeks in a row in those situations and they have hurt us.”</p>
<h2 id="DaqGN2">QB <a href="https://ukathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7457">Sawyer Smith</a>
</h2>
<p id="tYTx19">Q: They were able to get to you for some sacks. Was that more of a protection problem or you holding on to the ball too long?SS: “No, they were bringing some good blitzes today. They just got to me a few times. We made some plays, but that’s nothing on the offensive line. It’s more just me holding on to it too long.”</p>
<p id="u2e11I">Q: Was this one of the more difficult environments you’ve ever played in?A: “No, I’ve played at Clemson, Death Valley, my freshman year. They had a good environment here, but Clemson was louder.”</p>
<h2 id="2r76ee">DB <a href="https://ukathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7336">Quandre Mosely</a>
</h2>
<p id="zGDOz1">Q: How do you feel you played today compared to the last three games when you weren’t out there as much?A: “I played a little bit better. I mean I could have stepped it up a lot more. I played a lot better than I have been in practice, so it gave me a little more trust in myself today. I feel like I did pretty good.”</p>
<p id="mo272o">Q: Can you put your finger on what was the reason for the slow start on defense?A: “No sir, not right now. I mean we were still communicating and were seeing what was going on. It was the first away game, so we were just trying to get used to the crowd and all. That’s probably what it was.”</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/22/20877519/mark-stoops-recaps-kentuckys-loss-to-mississippi-stateJohn Morgan Francis2019-09-22T11:40:15-04:002019-09-22T11:40:15-04:00ESPN 680 postgame podcast: UK loses to Mississippi State
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vQ8aeoDAxvp2TQOtE7V0SuX2qTk=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65295591/usa_today_13393998.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cats drop their second in a row and open the SEC schedule 0-2. Callers aren’t happy.</p> <p id="PvzgtT">For the second week in a row the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> failed to win an SEC game. </p>
<p id="1wSJb8">This time, a lackluster uninspired first half of football is what seems to have doomed this team. The Cats finally woke up in the second half but it was too little too late.</p>
<p id="yzK5OZ">I sat down with Jason Ence and former UK lineman <span>Justin Jeffries</span> joined me as we took calls and listened to Mark Stoops’ postgame press conference.</p>
<p id="O4xnPT">Here is what we discussed:</p>
<ul>
<li id="grwob4">Once again, the secondary collapsed in soft zone coverage, yet it took the staff too long to readjust</li>
<li id="zNTEC8">AJ Rose was on the verge of having a career game yet the coaching staff seemed to have missed the fact that he was averaging 12 yards per carry</li>
<li id="LjCIJ7">
<span>Chance Poore</span>... I can’t even begin</li>
<li id="CgTYR6">
<span>Sawyer Smith</span> is hurt</li>
<li id="Qno8dY">
<span>Lynn Bowden</span> is dropping TD passes</li>
<li id="cLy4IP">The Kash Daniel controversy </li>
<li id="uGR9nT">And the end of the show provides some hilarious sound</li>
</ul>
<div id="WTuPLD"><iframe width="100%" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F684865432&show_artwork=true"></iframe></div>
<p id="x1UenO">I’ll be back on the air this week with Andy Sweeney on The Take Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 3-6.</p>
<p id="Gb3e9m">I’ll also cover the UK postgame show after the Cats take on the Gamecocks.</p>
<p id="vgwtPP">Tune in and I guarantee you’ll be entertained.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Follow the leader, ESPN Louisville.<br><br>- ESPN 680 (Louisville) | 105.7 FM (Frankfort)<br>- <a href="https://t.co/MCcOqOuvzx">https://t.co/MCcOqOuvzx</a> <br>- ESPN Louisville app | ESPN app | TuneIn<br>- Listen: <a href="https://t.co/JRjOoYeaBX">https://t.co/JRjOoYeaBX</a> <a href="https://t.co/kqo5tDvwZl">pic.twitter.com/kqo5tDvwZl</a></p>— ESPN Louisville (@ESPN680) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPN680/status/1131976633940873216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/22/20878268/espn-680-postgame-podcast-uk-loses-to-mississippi-stateJames Streble2019-09-22T08:00:00-04:002019-09-22T08:00:00-04:004 more thoughts and postgame notes from Kentucky vs. Mississippi State
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W_Ln6n98zIxHI2LxsSoogTHY3-4=/0x182:4658x3287/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65294915/usa_today_13392906.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was ugly, but the Cats have to put it behind them and get ready for the Gamecocks</p> <p id="1o5bdT">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> were looking to get back on the winning side of things as they traveled to face the <a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/">Mississippi St. Bulldogs</a>. </p>
<p id="KzOrsz">The entire first half was about as bad as it could get for Kentucky, as <span>Sawyer Smith</span> threw a pick-6 right out of the gate. </p>
<p id="Q5oTwB">Kentucky would stall on a promising drive late in the first quarter, and <span>Chance Poore</span> made a 40-yard FG to make it 7-3. </p>
<p id="T3e6N5">The Cats’ offense had their chances to get into the end zone, but they were not able to make the plays when we had the chance. </p>
<p id="dOc3zq">Mississippi State would get a TD on back to back drives and extend their lead to 21-3. </p>
<p id="2HEgZC">After yet another Kentucky offensive drive resulted in a punt, the defense finally stepped up and made a big play as <span>Quandre Mosely</span> came up with a big INT.</p>
<p id="gsA87k">Unfortunately, the Cats would have another chance for a TD, but another drop by <span>Lynn Bowden</span> would force the Cats into a long FG try that was wide left. </p>
<p id="8ZSBUS">That would be the end of a brutal half and the Cats found themselves down 21-3. </p>
<p id="p2Yfzz">The second half was going to tell a lot about this team and how they respond after a half like that. </p>
<p id="yW4Mj2">Well, on the first defensive possession, the Cats forced the Bulldogs to fumble it and came up with the recovery. </p>
<p id="IEl7kF">The Cats would drive 80-yards in 11 plays finished with a 2-yard TD run by <span>Kavosiey Smoke</span> to make it a 21-10 game. </p>
<p id="hogBMK">After forcing the Bulldogs to punt, the Cats drove down the field again but stalled at the 8-yard-line and unfortunately Poore missed his 2<sup>nd</sup> FG of the game. </p>
<p id="NMBiuP">Once again, the defense made the stop and Kentucky drove down the field but stalled at the 11-yard-line. This time however, <span>Matt Ruffolo</span> was on to attempt the FG and drilled it cutting the lead to 21-13. </p>
<p id="Lov9P0">The Cats needed one more defensive stop to have a chance to force OT. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs answered the call and drove down the field for the TD and would go on to win it 28-13.</p>
<h2 id="QDFBCV"><strong>Thoughts on the game</strong></h2>
<p id="SQBdbY"><strong>Receivers didn’t make plays </strong></p>
<p id="Gr6pN8">When you look at the final stats, you will see that Smith was 15/41 passing, but it wasn’t all his fault. </p>
<p id="iCT4EU">The receivers didn’t help him out any, as the Cats dropped 3 TD passes and had other dropped passes throughout the day. </p>
<p id="eEgcad">At times, the accuracy for Smith was off, but on all 3 TD opportunities, you couldn’t ask for a better throw, and the receivers didn’t come down with it. </p>
<p id="9L92yy"><strong>Time for a permanent kicking change</strong></p>
<p id="lFqDTf">Coming out of high school, <span>Chance Poore</span> was one of the nation’s top-rated kickers. However, that hasn’t been the case in his first college season as the starter. </p>
<p id="KE4Oj3">We all know about the kick that he missed a week ago. But this week when he had his chances again to put points on the board, he couldn’t convert. </p>
<p id="D7pQIl">He missed 2 FG attempts in this one and that stuff can’t happen as he was 1/3 for the day.</p>
<p id="9OAUBs">So, on the last FG try , Mark Stoops went with Matt Ruffolo, who drilled a 29-yarder. He took the kick with confidence and put it right through, and in my opinion, deserves the start next week. </p>
<p id="6rSyue"><strong>The second half was better overall</strong></p>
<p id="TMyIXi">It would be hard to have a second half that was worse than the first, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case. </p>
<p id="LLQHyY">The Cats came out of the break and showed some fight and had their chances to climb all the way back. </p>
<p id="91G3Ia">The ball just didn’t bounce their way when the had the chances but the fight that the team showed was great to see, and they will have to make a statement next week. If they just play four four quarters in Columbia like they did in the second half today and avoid those critical mistakes, they should come away with a win. </p>
<p id="FFL92n"><strong>One big bright spot</strong></p>
<p id="DnNQA4">Not everything was doom and gloom from this one, as we finally saw AJ Rose step up and get into a groove. </p>
<p id="A4qI4v">All season, Rose has been underwhelming to say the least, but we finally got a glimpse of what we expected to see since week 1. </p>
<p id="YhjFyA">Rose carried the ball 9 times for 105 yards. I would argue that he should’ve been given the ball more as he averaged 11.7-yards-per-carry. </p>
<p id="zWpwjo">Hopefully, Rose will build off this performance and this will be the breakout game he needed to get himself going because we need him to be a consistent contributor in the backfield. </p>
<p id="U4FSTi">With the loss, next week is now a MUST win for the Cats as they make another road trip to face the <a href="https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">South Carolina Gamecocks</a>. </p>
<p id="B7hNEf">Now, here are the postgame notes and milestones via UK Athletics:</p>
<p id="yd7Phy"><strong>Team Records and Series Information</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="5F1GCa">Kentucky is 2-2, 0-2 in the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State is 3-1, 1-0 in the league.</li>
<li id="fBsFyW">Mississippi State leads the series, 24-23.</li>
<li id="zAQwKZ">Next for Kentucky: the Wildcats have their only back-to-back road games of the season as UK visits South Carolina on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. It will be televised on the SEC Network.</li>
</ul>
<p id="AbZuyH"> </p>
<p id="NeOJSR"><strong>Player Notes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="wqflH5">UK’s game capts: OG <span><strong>Logan Stenberg</strong></span><strong>, </strong>DL <span><strong>Calvin Taylor</strong></span><strong>, </strong>LB <span><strong>Josh Paschal</strong></span><strong> </strong>and athlete <span><strong>Lynn Bowden Jr.</strong></span>
</li>
<li id="XBBc2i">Junior athlete <strong>Lynn Bowden Jr. </strong>caught seven passes for 129 yards, his first 100-yard game of the season and second of his career.</li>
<li id="h6FHjh">Now has 1,285 career receiving yards, moving past seven players for 18<sup>th</sup> place on the UK career receiving yardage list.</li>
<li id="bz2V9P">Now has 111 career receptions, moving into 15<sup>th</sup> place on the UK career list. </li>
<li id="7MYGKK">He is the first UK player with at least six receptions in each of the first four games since James Whalen in 1999.</li>
<li id="DfwCfW">Has caught a pass in 18 consecutive games.</li>
<li id="wvYNxw">Also rushed three times for 37 yards and had 210 all-purpose yards on the day.</li>
<li id="pEU6X7">Junior WR <span><strong>Josh Ali</strong></span><strong> </strong>caught five passes for 61 yards, both career highs.</li>
<li id="lIhVtC">Redshirt freshman RB <span><strong>Kavosiey Smoke</strong></span><strong> </strong>rushed for 25 yards, including a two-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.</li>
<li id="lZCjts">Junior RB <strong>Asim “AJ” Rose</strong> rushed nine times for 105 yards, averaging 11.7 yards per carry.</li>
<li id="nhJ175">It is his first 100-yard game of the season and third of his career. </li>
<li id="BS5Tea">Junior CB <span><strong>Brandin Echols</strong></span><strong> </strong>got a sack/caused fumble in the third quarter, his first for both plays at Kentucky. He had a career-high 10 tackles.</li>
<li id="dxrHiR">Redshirt freshman CB <span><strong>Jamari Brown</strong></span><strong> </strong>recovered the fumble, his first as a Wildcat.</li>
<li id="PGfGIG">Sophomore S <span><strong>Yusuf Corker</strong></span><strong> </strong>had the first two pass breakups of his career and tied his career high for tackles with seven.</li>
<li id="P1rM8m">Sophomore LB <strong>DeAndre Square </strong>had nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. </li>
<li id="Xa0Vqc">Junior DE <span><strong>Kordell Looney</strong></span><strong> </strong>and junior S <strong>Quandre Mosely</strong> made their first collegiate starts.</li>
<li id="ZXYGl7">Mosely made his first UK interception in the second quarter, with a 39-yard return. </li>
</ul>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/22/20877646/4-more-thoughts-on-kentuckys-disappointing-loss-to-mississippi-state-cats-stoopsAdam Haste2019-09-21T21:05:09-04:002019-09-21T21:05:09-04:00Mark Stoops gives injury update on Sawyer Smith and Chance Poore
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<img alt="Kentucky Football" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-2K09kdG1teyDIFeMpjElt3hsVo=/127x0:3072x1963/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65293668/usa_today_13393905.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kentucky’s starting QB and kicker are dinged up heading into their Week 5 matchup with South Carolina. </p> <p id="FhGAEJ">The last two Saturdays have been rough for the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats,</a> especially for <span>Sawyer Smith</span>. </p>
<p id="SSbXnT">In last week’s loss to Florida, Smith suffered a wrist injury after chasing down and tackling Florida’s <span>Shawn Davis</span> after a long interception return.</p>
<p id="k5Yjgg">The good news is Smith was able to finish that game and play this week against Mississippi State. </p>
<p id="jsrw8V">The bad news is he struggled today en route to a 15/41 outing for 232 yards and one interception. Part of that was due to dropped passes, but Smith made plenty of bad throws, including a pick-6 on the game’s first drive. </p>
<p id="kogHDn">The worse news is Smith suffered a shoulder injury in the first half that lingered the rest of the game. Between that and the injured wrist, it says a lot about Smith that he was able to gut this one out and finish the game, especially since Kentucky had a chance to tie the game late if the defense just got one more stop. </p>
<aside id="QoK2EB"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Twitter reactions to Kentucky’s loss to Mississippi State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877601/uk-football-twitter-kentucky-mississippi-state-2019-chance-poore-l"},{"title":"Box score and MVP from Kentucky vs. Mississippi State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877417/kentucky-football-box-score-game-mvp-uk-wildcats-mississippi-st-bulldogs"}]}'></div></aside><p id="w9uzlU">After the game, head coach Mark Stoops gave an update on his injured quarterback, who played through a lot of pain in the second half. </p>
<p id="QrIrmL">“Sawyer got hurt at the end of the second quarter. He got dinged with his shoulder, went in, got an x-ray,” said Stoops. “At the start of the second half, he gave it some throws and was hurt, was in pain. </p>
<p id="1BOqWv">“I thought he was done, but he came back, gutted it out and really gave us everything he had in the second half, but he was dinged up in the shoulder.</p>
<p id="UCD7cc">Stoops added that he thinks Smith will play vs. South Carolina next week, but it’s no guarantee. </p>
<p id="1qYTGn">“I would think (he’ll play), but you don’t know how he’s going to respond or what he’s going to wake up and feel like.”</p>
<p id="UnC7F5">Behind Smith on the depth chart is redshirt sophomore Walker Wood. Wood is a former three-star recruit out of Lexington’s Lafayette High School. He has yet to appear in a college game after Smith is true freshman <span>Amani Gilmore</span> and walk on <span>Kolbe Langhi</span>. True freshman <span>Nik Scalzo</span> is out for the year with a torn ACL. </p>
<p id="tyLaAu">Hopefully for the Cats, Smith’s injuries do not keep him out of action, as the team does not have a single quarterback left with any college experience. At the same time, Smith’s health should be the No. 1 priority, so if he’s too banged up to play, Kentucky needs to sit him and go with someone else, especially with a much-needed bye week coming after next week’s clash with the Gamecocks. </p>
<p id="lbOMrS">Unfortunately, Smith isn’t the only key player dinged up who may end up missing next week. Redshirt freshman kicker <span>Chance Poore</span> was benched today after missing a pair of field goals, one of which was a 26-yard attempt.</p>
<p id="Mw5tyk">Turns out, <span>Poore</span> is also playing through an injury, which helped lead to <span>Matt Ruffolo</span> finishing the game at kicker. But with or without the injury, Stoops admitted it was time to make a switch. </p>
<p id="B7Gq0P">“Chance got dinged up,” said Stoops. “I think it was about time, possibly, to make a switch anyway. But he did get dinged up.”</p>
<p id="rJYQzk"><span>Ruffolo</span> ended up making a 29-yard field goal to make it 21-13 in the final minutes, so expect him to be the kicker next week at South Carolina. But hopefully this time, the offense can convert more red-zone trips into touchdowns and not settle for field goal after field goal. Four trips deep in Bulldogs territory ended in field-goal tries when at least two of them should have ended with touchdowns if not for some critical errors. </p>
<p id="CJWyPW">The best way for Kentucky to overcome its kicking woes is to stop squandering away touchdowns, but it’s clear that will be easier said than done. </p>
<p id="7mVT8A"></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20867137/kentucky-wildcats-news-mark-stoops-sawyer-smith-injury-chance-pooreJason Marcum2019-09-21T20:38:12-04:002019-09-21T20:38:12-04:00Twitter reactions to Kentucky’s loss to Mississippi State
<figure>
<img alt="Kentucky v Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/As-mTdRWljxVgTOmm-Tu3oc3TEg=/0x0:3500x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65293608/1170064501.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The good news is as bad as UK played, their next opponent was far worse.</p> <p id="wXEs7m">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> suffer their second straight loss of the season in a 28-13 loss to the Mississippi St. Bulldogs. </p>
<p id="7vuOSH">This was a game filled with mistakes and horrible defense for the Wildcats. After going down 21-3 at the half, Kentucky held the Bulldogs to one touchdown in the second half. The only problem was that Kentucky had absolutely horrible display of offense tonight. </p>
<p id="HCU7UX">Kentucky had three dropped touchdown passes and two missed field goals, leading to <span>Chance Poore</span> being pulled in favor of Matt Ruffolo. </p>
<aside id="ppOR5g"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Mark Stoops gives injury update on Sawyer Smith and Chance Poore","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20867137/kentucky-wildcats-news-mark-stoops-sawyer-smith-injury-chance-poore"},{"title":"Kentucky falls to Mississippi State: 6 things to know and postgame chatter","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877449/kentucky-wildcats-mississippi-state-bulldogs-6-takeaways-postgame-news"},{"title":"Box score and MVP from Kentucky vs. Mississippi State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877417/kentucky-football-box-score-game-mvp-uk-wildcats-mississippi-st-bulldogs"}]}'></div></aside><p id="0Cle73">This was a game Kentucky could have easily won if they just execute. Oh yeah, another backup quarterback gashed Kentucky as well. Go figure. </p>
<p id="thkuuy">On to South Carolina. </p>
<p id="oHo7Oi">Here’s what social media had to say: </p>
<div id="8rSmM3">
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<p lang="no" dir="ltr">Final from Starkville: <a href="https://t.co/2d7aQpB89h">pic.twitter.com/2d7aQpB89h</a></p>— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKFootball/status/1175550515205132288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All that went wrong today, Kentucky had a chance to get the ball and go force overtime. Gave up a 49-yard QB run on third down. That’ll do it. <br><br>Credit Cats for not getting blown off the field after 21-3 start, but this was a hideous game. Probably a dozen self-inflicted wounds.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1175547749955244032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<p id="5tSquw"></p>
<div id="W8EVVg">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two unfortunate UK Football streaks continue: <br><br>The Curse of the Backup Quarterback<br><br>The “Let-Down loss after Marquee home game loss”</p>— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/status/1175548844551168001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<p id="NfWXhk"></p>
<div id="9jQPes">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The shirt “Kentucky football makes me drink” has never been more appropriate than it has been over the past two Saturdays. Should’ve won against FL, you’re better than MS St on paper, but you’re playing like a powderpuff team.</p>— Matt Stafford (@MattStafford2) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattStafford2/status/1175548377246969857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="30vHz6">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sawyer Smith has 11 more passing attempts than Rose, Smoke and Bowden had on the ground. That's not Kentucky football.</p>— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoushKSR/status/1175548206010306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="mOwm32">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky football can always make a backup QB look like a Heisman candidate.</p>— Adam Billiter (@PapaB77) <a href="https://twitter.com/PapaB77/status/1175547733740085248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="R2UdDq">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can’t expect to win games when you you’re on the 20-yard line with three timeouts and you put up zero points.</p>— Ian Teasley (@ianteasley) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianteasley/status/1175523459293687815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="xOnfwg">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am tired of looking for silver linings in losses.<br><br>…but, at least Kentucky didn’t roll over in the second half. Missed opportunities once again killed the Cats, but happy to see some kind of fight.</p>— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsTylerKSR/status/1175549358399467521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="75wMUt">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The secondary has been a lot better than expected, and it returns just about everyone while adding Davonte Robinson and Kelvin Joseph next season. May end up better than last season. <a href="https://t.co/i3JEaAP1Qf">https://t.co/i3JEaAP1Qf</a></p>— Jason Marcum (@marcum89) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcum89/status/1175557850959159302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="BLt2Cu">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AJ Rose is the first UK player to have at least 100 rushing yards in the regular season road finale in one season and the regular season road opener in the following season since Boom Williams in 2014-2015 (at Louisville in 2014, at South Carolina in 2015)</p>— Corey Price (@coreyp08) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreyp08/status/1175561976598138881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2019</a>
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<p id="iDg9Va"></p>
<div id="gFDqGy">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Are we shocked Chance Poore wasn't any good?<br><br>His name is literally Chance. Poore.</p>— C to the J (@cjuk33) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjuk33/status/1175547865076293632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="Hu8GTX">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Also, It looks like Kentucky football is settling back to its original state. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://t.co/5H3ELjKbr9">pic.twitter.com/5H3ELjKbr9</a></p>— Kenn Glenn (@TheKennGlenn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKennGlenn/status/1175553532142981120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="iamPUk">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stoops: Story of the game, obviously, was the way we started. Didn't have them ready to play, he said. "They beat us in all phases, in particular to start."</p>— Josh Moore (@JoshMooreHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshMooreHL/status/1175554643646193666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="Gtw3Tn">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So far in this game don’t talk to me about coaching. WRs have to make big plays. Defenders have to tackle. Two poorly executed calls that were GREAT calls. Cats need a good drive here!</p>— Jacob Tamme (@JacobTamme) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobTamme/status/1175516812051656705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chance Poore is now 5-for-11 career on field goals. <a href="https://t.co/JF5rP9666c">pic.twitter.com/JF5rP9666c</a></p>— ThrowboyTees (@ThrowboyTees) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThrowboyTees/status/1175542017608355840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="ZSOBV4">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chance Poore out+Ruffalo in=straight cash homie</p>— Barstool UK (@BarstoolUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolUK/status/1175545056813551617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="ehmxiI">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take away the dropped touchdown passes and the missed field goals and Kentucky is winning 30-20.</p>— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotJerryTipton/status/1175541744282341376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="8UVgQk">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lynn Bowden is the first SEC player with at least 129 receiving yards and 37 rushing yards in a road game since Tennessee's Alvin Kamas at Texas A&M on October 8th, 2016</p>— Corey Price (@coreyp08) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreyp08/status/1175555751118548994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<p id="4zuTeP">The good news is as bad as UK played, their next opponent was far worse, as next week will be a great chance for the Cats to get back on track. </p>
<div id="atf9Kp">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m going to act like UK didn’t play a football game today and enjoy the rest of the evening by watching <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgiaFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgiaFootball</a> annilate Norte Dame. Then tomorrow, I’ll start believing UK will get back in the win column at South Carolina. This is no time to throw in the towel. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a></p>— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/wildcatnews/status/1175555794215088130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="DyMdrZ">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beat South Carolina next week and there's still a realistic chance to get to 8 wins. 8 wins in a 'down year' is massive. Just beat South Carolina again</p>— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolReags/status/1175556209111425024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<div id="CzkMpA">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">South Carolina got wrecked. <a href="https://t.co/ysCrYhcA1s">pic.twitter.com/ysCrYhcA1s</a></p>— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamLuckettKSR/status/1175562325769773056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2019</a>
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<p id="uz08Dz"></p>
<p id="E9d1Jx"><em>Go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow our Twitter page</em></a><em> and</em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GoASoB/posts/"><em> ‘like’ our Facebook page</em></a><em> to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. </em></p>
<p id="iVIP7t"></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877601/uk-football-twitter-kentucky-mississippi-state-2019-chance-poore-lIanteasley2019-09-21T19:59:04-04:002019-09-21T19:59:04-04:00Box score and MVP from Kentucky vs. Mississippi State
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<img alt="Kentucky v Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dvRtblQHJ81VImQhxeZk4m4rB9E=/110x0:2805x1797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65293491/1170069729.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Cats suffer a tough loss, but one of their defensive backs is becoming an impact player. </p> <p id="J1jVsX">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> fell to the Mississippi State Bulldogs by a score of 28-13 Saturday afternoon. </p>
<p id="BpCfsC">The Cats didn’t get off to the best of starts as they were steadily driving the ball right down the field before <span>Sawyer Smith</span> threw a pick-6 right into the linebacker’s arms. It wasn’t ideal to say the least.</p>
<p id="KJ8XMO">And it didn’t get any better. Actually, it got a lot worse.</p>
<p id="80Uxh4">Kentucky went into the half down 21-3 as they made mental mistake after mental mistake. No one played particularly well and the Cats missed a 47-yard field goal right before the halftime buzzer.</p>
<p id="l7YZhr">Sawyer Smith struggled in this one. He made some big throws, but he also made big mistakes and he had a hard time connecting with his receivers. However, it didn’t help that UK wide outs dropped three touchdown passes and the kicker missed two field goals.</p>
<p id="eWSoUB">It also didn’t help that Smith looked like he was playing on a bum shoulder. He got hit hard and played through it. You have to respect that.</p>
<aside id="Mfx4nF"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Twitter reactions to Kentucky’s loss to Mississippi State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877601/uk-football-twitter-kentucky-mississippi-state-2019-chance-poore-l"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ipyUPF"><span>Lynn Bowden</span> put up some solid numbers, but he dropped three wide open passes and that’s unacceptable for anyone, much less one of the best players on the team. He hasn’t looked as into it this year as he did last season. But he did finish strong and helped give Kentucky a chance.</p>
<p id="VhK2ur">I don’t mean to overreact, but <span>Chance Poore</span> might be one of the worst field goal kickers I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what else to say. He had another bad performance, including a missed 26-yard attempt, and something has to change.</p>
<p id="kXRzyY">Finally, AJ Rose played one hell of a game despite all the criticism through the first two weeks. <span>Kavosiey Smoke</span> was bottled up all night, but the Dogs couldn’t contain Rose. This was an excellent bounce-back performance for the speedster.</p>
<p id="RmjvRn">The Cats had every chance. They just came out sluggish and unprepared. And they couldn’t finish in the red zone.</p>
<p id="M34iUI">On to the next one. Kentucky will now look ahead to the <a href="https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">South Carolina Gamecocks</a> next Saturday on the road.</p>
<h2 id="OBrKY6"><strong>Box Score</strong></h2>
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<h2 id="ew2Nqz"><strong>Game MVP</strong></h2>
<p id="SW0LVN">Lynn Bowden finished strong, AJ Rose played a great game, but <span>Brandin Echols</span> impacted the game in a multitude of ways.</p>
<p id="OvEIAG">The defense struggled at times, but all in all, they played well and Echols played a huge part in that.</p>
<p id="Q2mYer">The JUCO cornerback plays with a chip on his shoulder. He finished with 10 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble. That forced fumble came when MSU was about to extend their lead and effectively end the game.</p>
<div id="O86iN9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brandin Echols with the strip sack. <a href="https://t.co/ijJ59HqCyE">pic.twitter.com/ijJ59HqCyE</a></p>— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/1175531759666155520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
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<p id="UlszQT">Echols is small, but he has the heart of a lion. With such an inexperienced secondary, having a kid that plays as hard as he does is essential for the Cats. They’re lucky to have him.</p>
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<p id="CNd0Qu"></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877417/kentucky-football-box-score-game-mvp-uk-wildcats-mississippi-st-bulldogsNick Wheatley2019-09-21T19:21:15-04:002019-09-21T19:21:15-04:00Kentucky falls to Mississippi State: 6 things to know and postgame chatter
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<img alt="Kentucky v Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/riMxS4AUM0VFP7R74EmB7PDdl3U=/0x0:3500x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65293398/1170064560.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Cats could not overcome a brutal first half, but they still had their chances in the second half. </p> <p id="jtPiLY">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> started their game against Mississippi State just as their previous loss to Florida began. </p>
<p id="2Mq6I2">The defense could not get a stop, and the offense was not able to gain any momentum. Although they closed the gap before the final whistle, the Cats picked up their second loss of the season with a score of 28-13.</p>
<p id="bMvkXO">Penalties, dropped passes, and a lack of capitalizing on great opportunities were the story of the game. AJ Rose led the Wildcats offensively with his biggest game of the season. He racked up 105 yards on just 9 carries. Despite multiple drops, <span>Lynn Bowden</span> led the receiving corps with 7 catches for 129 yards. </p>
<aside id="jmYMV9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Mark Stoops gives injury update on Sawyer Smith and Chance Poore","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20867137/kentucky-wildcats-news-mark-stoops-sawyer-smith-injury-chance-poore"},{"title":"Twitter reactions to Kentucky’s loss to Mississippi State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877601/uk-football-twitter-kentucky-mississippi-state-2019-chance-poore-l"}]}'></div></aside><p id="j7FOis">Overall, Kentucky did not do enough on either side of the ball to get the job done. Next week will be another hostile environment in Columbia, South Carolina. Will Kentucky be able to pick up a win? Or will they be hosting Arkansas in October coming off of a 3-game losing streak?</p>
<p id="I0kSRc"><strong>Shooting yourself in the foot</strong></p>
<p id="FOBQu1">We are still trying to figure out who this Kentucky Football team in a number of ways, but one thing we know for sure is that they are consistently their own worst enemy. Obviously, a pick-6 on the first drive is less than ideal. You cannot miss chip shot field goals. And the consistent penalties in critical situations are absolutely inexcusable. Between untimely penalties, turnovers, dropped passes, and a myriad of mental mistakes, it is almost impossible to win a football game if you are giving your opponent that much help. </p>
<p id="ONDe2u"><strong>Struggling front seven</strong></p>
<p id="vFWS6f">Kentucky’s defensive line and linebacker corps were outstanding through the first three games of the season. But in their first away game of the year, they appeared to be completely lost. The Bulldogs gashed the Wildcats defense for 241 rushing yards, led by quarterback <span>Garrett Shrader</span> and running back <span>Kylin Hill</span>, who had 125 and 120 yards on the ground, respectively.</p>
<p id="Nzt2ms">They also did not pass the eye test, missing multiple tackles for loss and allowing freshman quarterback Shrader to break containment on several huge possessions. With the offense struggling to find direction, the defense has to stay superb for this team to win games.</p>
<p id="LjS0pB"><strong>O-line struggles</strong></p>
<p id="ZbuJh5">Arguably the strongest unit on the team, the offensive line did not have its best outing against Mississippi State. Not only did they give up 3 sacks during the game, but even though AJ Rose had a good, game the rushing attack left something to be desired. While everyone is going to have a bad game at some point, Mississippi State had proven themselves vulnerable to the rush. This was a huge opportunity for Kentucky to have a big game offensively, but that all starts with the offensive line.</p>
<p id="Yl820K"><strong>Echols continues to impress</strong></p>
<p id="4KRWas">JUCO transfer <span>Brandin Echols</span> is showing the world that he is a football player. He led Kentucky in tackles against the Bulldogs and had a huge strip sack in the third quarter when Mississippi State was in the red zone. </p>
<p id="g8T4T3">Echols also had a huge stop against Florida last week, and continues to show that he can be the leader of this young secondary. As a junior, he has a strong upside and could become a monster before leaving Kentucky. </p>
<p id="kuzFjv"><strong>Kicking woes</strong></p>
<p id="5aHd7L"><span>Chance Poore</span> missed two more field goals against Mississippi State, one from 47 yards and then a chip shot from 26 early in the fourth quarter. While the first miss was frustrating, the second field goal could have made it a one possession game. </p>
<p id="HUrE7B"><span>Poore</span> was a phenomenal high school kicker. He has obviously proven in practice that he has the ability to kick, and he seems to have a strong leg. But at this point, he has missed more field goals that he has made on the season (3 for 7). </p>
<p id="xkf7Ef">Matt Ruffalo came in late in the fourth quarter to knock down a 29 yard attempt. Does that mean this is his job now? And how consistent will he be? As a junior, this was the first field goal attempt of his Kentucky career. There has to be a reason we have not seen him before now, right?</p>
<p id="ramsJE">Now, let’s discuss the game. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20877449/kentucky-wildcats-mississippi-state-bulldogs-6-takeaways-postgame-newsJamie Boggs2019-09-21T14:32:32-04:002019-09-21T14:32:32-04:00Kentucky vs. Mississippi State game thread & pregame reading
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<img alt="Kentucky v Mississippi State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_I51U8kWQfBqZuF9eg_eOT9bSi0=/5x0:3500x2330/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65292671/1170050074.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Cats look to get back to their winning ways on the road. Can they pull out the win in the Land of Cowbell?</p> <p id="xEoslb">For three quarters, the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> were the superior team over the <a href="https://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Florida Gators</a>. Unfortunately, games last for four quarters and the Wildcats could not, losing 29-21.</p>
<p id="qNZdIk">Now the Cats have to pick up the pieces and make the trip to Starkville to play the Mississippi State Saturday afternoon.</p>
<p id="tIvjVc">The Bulldogs enter the contest at 2-1, the same as UK, but are a 6.5 point favorite over the Cats. The over/under is 48.5.</p>
<p id="cBw0Us">Last season in Lexington, the Cats had their way with the Dawgs, defeating them 28-7. </p>
<p id="L6ZIbM">Can the Cats pick themselves up off the mat and get back to their winning ways? That remains to be seen.</p>
<p id="gJSvRm">Let’s breakdown the match up.</p>
<p id="T8iTE6">First, the tale of the tape:</p>
<p id="ULrIkn">Kentucky………………………………………………………………………..Mississippi State</p>
<p id="em10m5">32.3……………………………………..Scoring…………………………………………….33.3</p>
<p id="LsL5sN">430.0…………………………………Total Offense………………………………………..411.7</p>
<p id="T9PPtY">185.0…………………………………Rushing/Game……………………………………..224.0</p>
<p id="aCE7oV">245.0………………………………....Passing/Game……………………………………..187.7</p>
<p id="G5z4RL">23.3………………………………Points Allowed/Game…………………………………...24.7</p>
<p id="H5xAh9">390.3……………………………..Yards Allowed/Game………………………………….347.7</p>
<p id="vB1jIp">122.7…………………………...Rushing Defense/Game………………………………...139.7</p>
<p id="4Oc5uX">267.7…………………………...Passing Defense/Game………………………………...208.0</p>
<p id="B6qChQ">Next, let’s look at some team leaders:</p>
<p id="Y2ntXf"><strong>Rushing:</strong> UK-Kavoisey Smoke (254 yards, 2 touchdowns), AJ Rose (202 yards, 2 TD)</p>
<p id="0hcgi1"> MSU- <span>Kylin Hill</span> (431 yards, 2 TD)</p>
<p id="p96Txg"><strong>Passing:</strong> UK- <span>Terry Wilson</span> (360 yards, 2 TD), <span>Sawyer Smith</span> (343 yards, 2 TD)</p>
<p id="Qw2Lmp"> MSU- <span>Tommy Stevens</span> (441 yards, 5 TD), <span>Garrett Shrader</span> (122 yards)</p>
<p id="9GWHiN"><strong>Receptions:</strong> UK- <span>Lynn Bowden Jr.</span> (20 receptions, 202 yards, TD)</p>
<p id="k15Lmp"> MSU- <span>Osirus Mitchell</span> (13 receptions, 208 yards, 3 TD)</p>
<p id="4kspHp"><strong>Tackles:</strong> UK-DeAndre Square (22 Total)</p>
<p id="KCtv5q"> MSU- J. Landrews (24 Total)</p>
<p id="BKfzUb">Finally, let’s examine the three keys to a UK victory:</p>
<ol>
<li id="tGv4nL">
<strong>Contain Kylin Hill-</strong> The Dawgs latest backfield star is the classic power back at MSU. UK must get him on the ground and limit his effectiveness if they have hopes of winning.</li>
<li id="obN89r">
<strong>Compete for four quarters-</strong> The Cats have put together some good strings of football this season, but they haven’t put together four quarters yet. Sure would be a great time for that to happen on Saturday.</li>
<li id="tHAdqD">
<strong>Smith’s Development Continues-</strong> The UK signal-caller had his ups and downs last Saturday night, but he did show enough to warrant faith in the rest of the season. MSU is good defensively but not like Florida. Look for Smith to have a pretty good day.</li>
</ol>
<p id="vUjLzA"><strong>Prediction-</strong> Cats 27, Bulldogs 21</p>
<h2 id="GDxW9A"><strong>Pregame Reading </strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="J0HuSD"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/19/20873280/kentucky-wildcats-miss-state-football-time-tv-channel-online-stream-odds">Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: Game time, TV channel, live stream, odds, replay & more</a></li>
<li id="esi3ud"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/20/20876066/kentucky-vs-mississippi-state-2019-uk-wildcats-msu-bulldogs-football">Why Kentucky vs. Mississippi State could make or break the Wildcats’ season</a></li>
<li id="de06ci"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/19/20874365/uk-wildcats-terry-wilson-injury-surgery-college-football-news-2019">Terry Wilson undergoes successful surgery to repair torn patellar tendon</a></li>
<li id="HlW76q"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/18/20869103/the-big-blue-nations-confidence-takes-a-small-dip-after-loss-to-florida">The Big Blue Nation’s confidence takes a small dip after loss to Florida</a></li>
<li id="kpnzKw"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/18/20729518/rickey-hyatt-kentucky-football-recruiting">Rickey Hyatt commits to Kentucky</a></li>
<li id="PfrDSA"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/20/20876769/uk-commit-izayah-cummings-catches-game-winning-td-vs-trinity">UK commit Izayah Cummings catches game-winning TD vs. Trinity</a></li>
<li id="fTv00R"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/20/20875271/mississippi-state-bulldogs-kentucky-football-2019-expert-picks-predictions">Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: Analysis, expert picks and prediction</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/9/21/20876421/how-to-watch-uk-football-mississippi-state-2019-football-live-blog-updatesShane Shackleford