A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky Wildcats at Vanderbilt CommodoresOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2013-11-16T16:17:17-05:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/48752052013-11-16T16:17:17-05:002013-11-16T16:17:17-05:00Kentucky 6, Vandy 22: Postmortem
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<figcaption>Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Once again Kentucky fails to execute on offense and special teams, and loses yet another SEC game.</p> <p>Well, Kentucky was once again competitive, and once again lost. They lost the exact same way they have lost all season — inconsistent execution in every facet of the game, and an inability to score points even on the weaker part of the SEC.</p>
<p>Congratulations to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores" class="sbn-auto-link">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> for becoming bowl eligible for the third straight year. They deserve a lot of credit for winning this football game, and even though they had help, they were due for a letdown after a great win last week in the Swamp against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a>. They won ugly, but nobody will care about that. And Jordan Matthews was absolutely terrific, as he has been all year.</p>
<p>The only criticism I have of Vanderbilt was the unnecessary and, in this writer's humble opinion, absolutely classless and unsportsmanlike 4th down touchdown with the game almost over. That goes on James Franklin, and it will be remembered, I'm sure. I criticized Nick Saban for doing that, and no way Franklin gets away with it without comment.</p>
<p>Yes, it's a fair play, but it shows, in my view, a disrespect for sportsmanship as I once knew it. I guess I'm just an anachronism, but I don't have to like the new order, and I don't, any better than the idiotic "targeting" rule. Maybe Coach Cal will remind Commodore fans, some of whom will no doubt defend the move, how it feels. Just for the record:</p>
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<p>Stoops said it's his job to stop Vandy's trick play,but said it was unfortunate a Vandy player got hurt.Said he's one to take a knee & leave</p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11213/t-j-walker" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Walker</a> (@TWalkerRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/TWalkerRivals/statuses/401816148792324097">November 16, 2013</a>
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<p>Me too, coach. Guess we're both anachronisms.</p>
<p>For Kentucky, it was more of the same. Today's malfunctions were four interceptions of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158553/jalen-whitlow" class="sbn-auto-link">Jalen Whitlow</a> balls (only 3 of which were actually meaningful) and a continuing crash of special teams play, literally to 2012 levels. Combined with an inability to move the ball at all in the second half, all those errors were deadly to the Wildcats' chances.</p>
<h3 id="team-observations">Team observations</h3>
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<li>
<p>There is just no getting around it — Kentucky is just too offensively challenged to win in this league this season. They moved the ball all over the field for the first half, and then got stuck in reverse in the second.</p>
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<p>The defense was impressive up until the point that the offense stopped moving the ball, and then they rapidly wore out and were unable to stop Vanderbilt from moving the ball.</p>
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<li>
<p>The targeting calls in this game were unacceptable. I had written a virtual screed about this, but it is meaningless. Kentucky's guy getting suspended and Vandy's not on review is ... wrong. This rule needs to die a brutal, agonizing death THIS SEASON. Hopefully, it doesn't take college football with it.</p>
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<p>Vanderbilt was better than Kentucky, but not by a huge amount. Not sure what that says.</p>
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<p>The special teams is just going backward. I applauded Bradley Dale Peveto for the good play, but I'm sick of this suckage.</p>
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<p>Kentucky is a pretty poor football team, and although Stoops gets a pass on this season, apparently. I'm not real impressed with his coaching in this loss. Some of the playcalling was just stupid, in my opinion. Far too many gimmicky screens and gimmicky plays, not enough downhill runs and simple throws.</p>
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<p>We had some good plays on defense, especially in the first half, but our lack of depth began to show in the second stanza, aided by our feckless offense.</p>
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<p>Kentucky gained 262 yards on offense and scored 6 points. How the hell does that happen?</p>
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<p>Penalties, AAARGGHH! 10 flags for 85 yards.</p>
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<p>Kentucky converted 7 third downs in the game, six of them in the first half.</p>
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<p>How do you let Vanderbilt hold you to a single touchdown when neither Louisville, South Carolina, nor Missouri could?</p>
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<h3 id="individual-observations">Individual observations</h3>
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<li>
<p>I love Jalen Whitlow, but he is absolutely not an SEC quarterback. Unfortunately, he is the best we have, apparently, and no doubt he is better than <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131927/maxwell-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Maxwell Smith</a>.</p>
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<p>The whole offensive line is a mess. They can be counted on to blow at least three plays a game so badly that the other team either scores or makes a game-changing play.</p>
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<p>Really loved <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36487/donte-rumph" class="sbn-auto-link">Donte Rumph</a> today. He was what we had hoped he would be. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78664/mister-cobble" class="sbn-auto-link">Mister Cobble</a> was okay too, but not as much.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207533/jojo-kemp" class="sbn-auto-link">Jojo Kemp</a> wasn't so hot today with 2.9 ypc. Raymond Sanders was much better with 4.3.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136955/demarco-robinson" class="sbn-auto-link">Demarco Robinson</a> almost had a breakout game. Almost. I will say he looked better than he has all year.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158569/avery-williamson" class="sbn-auto-link">Avery Williamson</a> with only 6 tackles is not something I would have expected in this game.</p>
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<p>Almost unnoticed was Glenn Faulkner's 4 tackles and 2 assists. Nice to see him beginning to make an impact.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158549/landon-foster" class="sbn-auto-link">Landon Foster</a> has back-to-back games with 13 yard punts. That's just... I'm sorry, I have no adjectives to describe that. A nine-year old could do better.</p>
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<p>I know most of you are as frustrated with this game as I am, and I am sick and tired of losing winnable games to teams that, while better than us, are ripe for an upset. Vandy was definitely ripe today and the score in no way reflects the game, thanks to Franklin's douchebaggery. It just frustrates me that the coaching staff can't find ways to iron out these execution errors and get some consistency on this team. I can accept being dominated by vastly better squads, but is this all we can do against the weaker part of the SEC?</p>
<p>At this point, I hold little hope for improvement. Too many disappointments have sapped may enthusiasm for the team, and although I'll be covering every one of these games to the bitter end, I'm about at the end of my rah-rah postmortems for one year. Even an irrational optimist like me must occasionally raise his head from the sand and observe reality, and the reality is, Kentucky is just not really improving at this point. This game, despite the stern play of the defense, had a hint of surrender to it in the end.</p>
<p>You can't blame the kids. Nobody can suffer a season like this and not suffer some psychic malaise. I just hope they can come back from this and give a good account of themselves in the final two games.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/16/5112066/kentucky-wildcats-6-at-vanderbilt-commodores-22-postmortemGlenn Logan2013-11-16T13:58:10-05:002013-11-16T13:58:10-05:00Kentucky 6, Vanderbilt 9: Second Half Live Thread
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<figcaption>Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky dominated the first half, but managed to blow off several toes, allowing Vanderbilt to lead.</p> <p>It's enough to drive you crazy, seeing Kentucky play by far its best half of the season against SEC competition and wind up weirdly behind by 3 points. Because Kentucky, I guess.</p>
<p>I really don't know what to say, except that if the Wildcats come out in the second half like they came out in the first, we still have a chance to win this football game. The Kentucky defense has been great, but more importantly, they have had some rest. The offense converted 6 third downs (over two games' worth) in the first half alone, while Vandy only converted 2.</p>
<p>Kentucky is averaging almost 5 yards per play, and Vandy less than 3. Total yards, 169-79. Domination everywhere except where it matters the most.</p>
<p>Fortunately, Kentucky has another half to figure it out and find a way to win. Here are a few quick tweets:</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>Citing that last play as a "forced turnover" for Vandy is an example of how stats don't always tell the story.</p>
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDrumUK/statuses/401783290144636928">November 16, 2013</a>
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<p>This is clearly a game Kentucky can win. Not many of those on the schedule. If Cats can't do it, imagine fan unrest will rise significantly.</p>
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_CJ/statuses/401783237724229634">November 16, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UKvsVANDY&src=hash">#UKvsVANDY</a> halftime box score: <a href="http://t.co/z6zyhtszwx">pic.twitter.com/z6zyhtszwx</a></p>
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthleticsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKAthleticsNews/statuses/401783110733271040">November 16, 2013</a>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/16/5111664/kentucky-6-vanderbilt-9-second-half-live-threadGlenn Logan2013-11-16T12:10:02-05:002013-11-16T12:10:02-05:00Kentucky at Vanderbilt: Live Game Thread
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky tries to get their first SEC win today in Nashville against the Vanderbilt Commodores.</p> <p>Here we go, ladies and gentlemen of the Big Blue Nation — yet another chance to excel for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> football team in their first season under Mark Stoops. So far, the Wildcats have declined to take advantage of these opportunities, but perhaps today will be different.</p>
<h4>Game particulars (courtesy of <a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111413aab.html">UKAthletics.com</a>)</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111413aaa.html">TV: SEC Network</a></li>
<li><a href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id/1216195/College-Football-Kentucky-vs-Vanderbilt">Live Video via ESPN3</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/allaccess/?media=401519">Live Audio</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mfootbl.html?event=1216570&school=kty&sport=mfootbl&camefrom=&startschool=&">Live Stats</a></li>
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<h4>What Kentucky must do to win</h4>
<ul> <li><p>Throw the ball to open up the run. The one thing Kentucky has done moderately well this season is run the football;</p></li> <li><p>Take some chances. No need to hold back at this point;</p></li> <li><p>Win on special teams. Last week was the worst special teams play we have seen this season, and it cost the Wildcats dearly. They need to do much better today;</p></li> <li><p>Get pressure on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158284/patton-robinette">Patton Robinette</a>. If UK can do this, we have a solid chance in this game;</p></li> <li><p>Don't turn the ball over. Kentucky is okay in turnover margin this season, but they have to avoid fumbles like Raymond Sanders had last weekend;</p></li> <li><p>Show different looks on defense. Kentucky has to avoid being vanilla defensively;</p></li> <li><p>Complete some passes. I know <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158553/jalen-whitlow">Jalen Whitlow</a> has a hurt shoulder, but he needs to adopt Jesse Ventura's formula: "I ain't got time to bleed."</p></li> </ul>
<p>We have a chance here, but we are a definite underdog. If the 'Cats execute well today, they can get an SEC win on the road that would be a huge boost to the players and the program.</p>
<p>Go, 'Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/16/5111220/kentucky-wildcats-at-vanderbilt-commodores-live-game-threadGlenn Logan2013-11-16T11:02:47-05:002013-11-16T11:02:47-05:00Virtual Tailgate: Vandy Edition
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<p>Welcome to our virtual tailgate. Sit down, have some virtual food, and talk a little football.</p> <p>Once again, it's time for the A Sea of Blue virtual tailgate. Today's foe are the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores" class="sbn-auto-link">Vanderbilt Commodores</a>, and we get to travel to Nashville to play them. Much commentary has been made about the improvement of the Commodores under <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a>, and rightfully so. Despite a slow start and weak schedule, Vanderbilt is once again on the precipice of going to a bowl game needing only one victory out of its next three, eminently winnable games.</p>
<p>For Kentucky, it is still searching for its first SEC victory. Can they go down and steal their first one from our nearest SEC neighbor? We'll examine that question after we virtually dine.</p>
<p>First, our cocktail. Whenever I think of Nashville, I think of country music. When I think of country music, I think of Hank Williams. When I think of Hank Williams, I think of Hank Williams Jr. When I think of Hank Jr. and drinking, I think of Jim Beam:</p>
<p>Lordy, I have loved some ladies; And I have loved Jim Beam; And they both tried to kill me; In 1973. — <em>Family Tradition</em></p>
<p>So:</p>
<p><span> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920089/7729939954_342131ce05.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920089/7729939954_342131ce05_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="7729939954_342131ce05_medium"></a> </span></p>
<p>Jim Beam on the rocks (via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patruby/7729939954/">patruby83</a>)</p>
<p><span>Bring your own mixer, if you must damage the whiskey.</span></p>
<p>Next, our appetizer. This is one of my favorites:</p>
<p><span> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920095/3774068930_e2808e77d8.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920095/3774068930_e2808e77d8_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="3774068930_e2808e77d8_medium"></a> </span></p>
<p>Peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese (via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/3774068930/">stevendepolo</a>)</p>
<p><span>I can see some of you wondering about this one, but trust me, they are delicious. The best way is to roast them in the oven, the drizzle Balsamic vinegar reduction over them. But we need portable ones for a tailgate.</span></p>
<p>For our main course, we continue our ethnic trend:</p>
<p><span> <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920101/3566981270_548d9bf213.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920101/3566981270_548d9bf213_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="3566981270_548d9bf213_medium"></a> </span></p>
<p>Korean beef short ribs (Kalbi) (via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joyosity/3566981270/">joyosity</a>)</p>
<p><span>Absolutely great barbecued with a nice Asian barbecue sauce. Fun to eat as well as delicious.</span></p>
<p>For our side dish, a favorite of mine that is executed spectacularly well at the <a href="http://www.villageanchor.com/" target="_blank">Village Anchor</a> in Anchorage, Kentucky:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciotog/3363038349/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920107/3363038349_2ce3b07771.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920107/3363038349_2ce3b07771_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="3363038349_2ce3b07771_medium"></a></p>
<p>Mushroom Risotto (via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciotog/3363038349/">JamesGallagher (ciotog)</a>)</p>
<p>My wife doesn't even like mushrooms, and she is nuts about this dish. If you're ever in the 'Ville looking for a great dining experience, check out the Village Anchor.</p>
<p>Finally, we must have beer, and since we're in Nashville, it must be Yazoo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyguth/3458625199/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920113/3458625199_cf32b5cd32.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920113/3458625199_cf32b5cd32_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="3458625199_cf32b5cd32_medium"></a></p>
<p>Yazoo beer (via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyguth/3458625199/">Amy Guth</a>)</p>
<p>I think I need a bigger mug than that, myself.</p>
<p>Finally, dessert:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/9088185811/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920119/9088185811_5a7ec9267e.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1920119/9088185811_5a7ec9267e_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="9088185811_5a7ec9267e_medium"></a></p>
<p>Cherry pie à la Mode (via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/9088185811/">jeffreyw</a>)</p>
<p>Everybody loves cherry pie. Everybody loves ice cream. This is called, "multitasking," when it comes to satisfying cravings.</p>
<p>Now to the game. Be sure, if you're interested in stats and analysis, you review <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/15/5104158/taking-a-look-at-vanderbilt" target="_blank">Hank's game preview here</a> and also <a target="_blank" href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/15/5104158/taking-a-look-at-vanderbilt">wamarsh's fantastic stats piece here</a>. <span>That will bring you up to date with what the numbers say.</span></p>
<p>This is a real opportunity for Kentucky to get an upset. Kentucky's strengths and weaknesses match up reasonably well with Vanderbilt, but of course it is a road game and road games are tough in the SEC.</p>
<p>Vandy is coming off a "program win" at Florida, and despite the fact that Florida was extremely injured and made 3 turnovers in their own red zone, you have to hand it to the Commodores for that win. However, it may make them slightly vulnerable to an upset today, and I think Mark Stoops & Co. are coming to Music City with that in mind.</p>
<p>This has been a tough campaign for the Wildcats, and we knew it would be. But this is a genuinely winnable game in a way that Louisville, Alabama, South Carolina, Missouri, and Florida were not. This game is roughly in the same vein as the Mississippi St. game, a game Kentucky was very competitive in.</p>
<p>Injury-wise, it looks like the only player who will be out from last week will be <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/219649/nate-willis" class="sbn-auto-link">Nate Willis</a>, who has some kind of injury. Both Jalen Whitlow and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207531/ryan-timmons" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Timmons</a> are expected to play today, and this is about as close to healthy Kentucky has been since the last open date. Vanderbilt has several players that are questionable for this game, and is slightly more banged up than Kentucky, but not at any critical positions other than quarterback. Austyn Carta-Samuels is out indefinitely, and his backup, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158284/patton-robinette" class="sbn-auto-link">Patton Robinette</a> has a few games under his belt now. As you can <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/15/5109448/kentucky-football-vanderbilts-anchor-of-gold-q-a" target="_blank">read here in the Q&A</a>, he is considered a game manager and the fans seem confident in his ability.</p>
<p>This is a chance for Kentucky, and even though Vanderbilt is definitely a better team, they are not that much better this season. Let's hope for something special today.</p>
<p>Go, 'Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/16/5111134/kentucky-football-virtual-tailgate-vanderbilt-commodores-editionGlenn Logan2013-11-15T18:51:06-05:002013-11-15T18:51:06-05:00Q&A With Anchor of Gold
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Anchor of Gold and A Sea of Blue swap questions and answers about tomorrow's game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Vanderbilt Commodores.</p> <p>One of the longer-running Q&A's we have at A Sea of Blue is the one with <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/" target="_blank">Anchor of Gold</a>, the outstanding <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> community at SB Nation. Thiis year, Christian D'Andrea and I have once again shared questions and answers about the game tomorrow, and the teams in general.</p>
<p>Be sure to read his questions and my answers <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/11/15/5106582/previewing-kentucky-at-vanderbilt-with-a-sea-of-blue-glenn-logan-jalen-whitlow" target="_blank">here at Anchor of Gold</a>. And now, without further ado...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4810/storyend_dingbat.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4810/storyend_dingbat_medium.gif" alt="Storyend_dingbat_medium"></a> <br id="1384559311883"></p>
<p><strong>1. Vandy has one of the weakest schedules in the league, and UK one of the strongest. Do you think that will wind up mattering in this game? Why or why not?</strong></p>
<p>There's no doubt that UK has faced some beasts this season. However, having one of the weakest schedules in the SEC still means having a pretty tough road to travel. The 'Dores have faced South Carolina, Texas A&M, Missouri, and depleted Florida and Georgia teams so far this year. Kentucky gained some key experience by facing Alabama and Louisville this season, but Vandy hasn't been playing UMass <em>every</em> week. I think both teams are battle tested and will be ready to go on Saturday.</p>
<p><strong>2. What Kentucky weaknesses do you hope to see Vanderbilt exploit on offense? On defense?</strong></p>
<p>Kentucky's defense hasn't been great this year. They're giving up over 200 yards per game on the ground. That'd be a big boost for a Vandy running game that has been solid, but not spectacular this season. I'd be thrilled to see a big game from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138381/jerron-seymour">Jerron Seymour</a> as his breakout season (as mini-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79061/zac-stacy">Zac Stacy</a>) continues.</p>
<p>On defense, the 'Dores held <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158553/jalen-whitlow">Jalen Whitlow</a> to a 5-12 day the last time these two met. He's grown since these two teams last met, but the Vanderbilt secondary has gotten stronger as well. I'm interested to see if Bob Shoop can keep Kentucky to another low-scoring affair on Saturday.</p>
<p><strong>3. That upset you pulled at Florida shocked the world. What, other than Florida's absurdly long list of injuries, helped you win that game? What can you take away from it to bring to the Kentucky game?</strong></p>
<p>Vanderbilt capitalized on Florida mistakes, turning three <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115247/tyler-murphy">Tyler Murphy</a> interceptions into 21 points that effectively swung this one in the team's favor. However, they don't win that game unless the defense pulls together a stellar bend-but-don't-break effort. The 'Dores may have given up more than 300 passing yards to Murphy, but they held tight to stall UF drives in Commodore territory and kept the Gators' running game from ever getting started.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, that defense hasn't been consistent this season. Slow starts have doomed this team, and that could lead to trouble against the Wildcats. Vandy needs to roll last week's momentum into a hot start that shuts down the UK running game and forces Whitlow to pass early and often at Dudley Field.</p>
<p><strong>4. Your starting quarterback, Austin Carta-Samuels, is likely out for Saturday's game. What does the offense look like under <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158284/patton-robinette">Patton Robinette</a>? Are you comfortable that Robinette can execute the offense well enough to win the game?</strong></p>
<p>Robinette looked good against Georgia (for a freshman), bad against Texas A&M, and utterly neutral against Florida, where an early lead and conservative planning kept him from having to do too much against the Gators. He is capable of being a game managing QB right now; he's shown an accurate touch and the speed to scramble for first downs. Unfortunately, his timing is still a split second behind where it needs to be, and he misses opportunities to create big gains as a result.</p>
<p>I'm confident that he can do enough to win on Saturday, especially now that the coaching staff has proven that they can call a game that works with his strengths. Robinette is slowly getting better with every snap he takes. If Vandy needs someone to go 80 yards in 60 seconds, I'd be nervous. If they need Robinette to protect a lead on a day where the running game is gaining 4-5 yards per carry, he should be able to handle that without difficulty.</p>
<p><strong>5. Vandy's defense has been pretty good at getting penetration and tackles for loss - you got 9 vs. Florida last weekend alone. To what do you attribute your success in that area? What have teams, like Georgia and Ole Miss, done that helped them avoid TFL's?</strong></p>
<p>Vanderbilt's D-Line looked great last week, but that was also against a Florida team that was missing their top three OTs due to injury, including a season-ending scooter accident. Still, the combination of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116268/kyle-woestmann">Kyle Woestmann</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79080/walker-may">Walker May</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158309/caleb-azubike">Caleb Azubike</a> gives the 'Dores a strong, athletic set of bookends in the trenches. They've been flustered by stronger SEC O-Lines this season, but they have the potential to be disruptive on any given Saturday.</p>
<p>Behind them, this linebacking corps has been in flux. Early injuries to seniors <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116255/karl-butler">Karl Butler</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116252/chase-garnham">Chase Garnham</a> left the team shorthanded in weeks past, but both are (tentatively) healthy now, and that's bad news for Kentucky. Both are athletic defenders who can man the middle and be equally effective rushing the passer or dropping into coverage.</p>
<p><strong>6. Predict the game outcome. What will be the key factor upon which the outcome will revolve?</strong></p>
<p>I like Vandy in a 34-21 win at home. The 'Dores have scored at least 24 points per game in every contest this season, and I don't think that Kentucky has the horses to break that streak on Saturday. On the other side of the ball, the Vandy defense is riding a hot streak while the Wildcats are averaging about 16 points per game against SEC opponents. I think UK will have their moments, but ultimately Vanderbilt will earn their third straight win in the series.</p>
<p>The key factor? I think Vanderbilt will establish enough of a running game to take the pressure off of Patton Robinette and allow the Commodores to move the ball efficiently. If the team can keep Robinette comfortable and give him the time he needs to identify plays downfield, guys like Seymour, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116267/jordan-matthews">Jordan Matthews</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116244/jonathan-krause">Jonathan Krause</a> should be able to take care of the rest.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4810/storyend_dingbat.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Storyend_dingbat_medium" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4810/storyend_dingbat_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1384559311883"></p>
<p>Many thanks to Christian and Anchor of Gold for the blog swap. We look forward to a fun game tomorrow.</p>
<p>Go, 'Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/15/5109448/kentucky-football-vanderbilts-anchor-of-gold-q-aGlenn Logan2013-11-15T11:30:02-05:002013-11-15T11:30:02-05:00Can Kentucky pull one off?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QNwmpGf-t1Ryo04OnazjpFrBo00=/0x172:2541x1866/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23221863/20131109_jla_sv7_379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A funny thing happened on the way to the forum a 2-10 season last year. As Kentucky slid from 6-7, 5-7 to a 2-10 record, Vanderbilt hired James Franklin as head coach in 2011. He’s now in his third year and Vanderbilt matters. 2010 was the last time Kentucky beat the Commodores (38-20).</p> <p>While Kentucky's ship beginning to sink, James Franklin has taken the Vanderbilt submarine to the surface. He's torpedoed the Cats the last two years 38-8 and 40-0. The latter score forced Mitch Barnhart to put an end to Joker Phillips' residency as UK's head coach after the game.</p>
<p>Franklin has had a 6-7 and a 9-4 record the last two years and Vandy has a 5-4 record as Kentucky heads to Nashville. So how did Franklin turn it around at Vanderbilt? Recruiting and good coaching.</p>
<p>Here's Vandy's recruiting rankings at Rivals:</p>
<p>2002 - #74 - 22 signed (2.14)</p>
<p>2003 - #78 - 22 signed (2.23)</p>
<p>2004 - #132 - 20 signed (2.10)</p>
<p>2005 - #87 - 24 signed (2.08)</p>
<p>2006 - #62 - 25 signed (2.24)</p>
<p>2007 - #67 - 14 signed (2.5)</p>
<p>2008 - #90 - 21 signed (2.19)</p>
<p>2009 - #71 - 18 signed (2.72)</p>
<p>2010 - #61 - 24 signed (2.79)</p>
<p>2011 - #70 - 21 signed (2.71)</p>
<p><b>2012</b> - #29 - 22 signed (3.14)</p>
<p><b>2013</b> - #19 - 26 signed (3.15)</p>
<p>2014 - #21 20 Commitments (3.26)</p>
<p>The 2012 and 2013 Vanderbilt recruiting classes were ranked better than Kentucky's for the first time since Rivals began their rankings in 2002.</p>
<p>James Franklin and Mark Stoops are building their programs incrementally. Franklin has a two year head start. His signature win came with the victory over Florida on the road last week, but he has also won against Georgia at home this year. Beating Kentucky will make them bowl eligible. After Kentucky, Vandy plays Tennessee in Knoxville and Wake Forest at home.</p>
<p>Here's the matchups, including the NCAA rank:</p>
<p>Kentucky - <b>Vanderbilt</b></p>
<p>Rushing Offense: 159.1 (75) - <b>139.8 (94)</b></p>
<p>Passing Offense: 199.8 (91) - <b>237.9 (60)</b></p>
<p>Passing Efficiency: 130.13 (67) - <b>136.04 (54)</b></p>
<p>Yards per Completion: 11.60 (81) - <b>12.82 (40)</b></p>
<p>Red Zone Offense: 82.8% (66) - <b>90.0% (17)</b></p>
<p>Scoring Offense<b>:</b> 23.2 (93) - <b>32.3 (46)</b></p>
<p>Total Offense:<b> </b>358.9 (99) - <b>377.7 (88)</b></p>
<p>Tackles for Loss Allowed: 6.56 (92) - <b>6.00 (65)</b></p>
<p><b>Sacks Allowed</b>: 3.00 (107) - <b>3.11 (113)</b></p>
<p>Time of possession: 28 (102) - <b>30 (51)</b></p>
<p>3rd Down Conv. %: 29.3% (117) - <b>37.3% (83)</b></p>
<p>4th Down Conv. %:<b> </b>69.6% (7) -<b> 73.7% (5)</b></p>
<p>First Downs: 162 (109) - <b>179 (92) </b></p>
<p><b>Defense</b></p>
<p>Rushing Defense: 200.4 (100) - <b>148.8 (44)</b></p>
<p><b>Passing Defense:</b> 221.1 (42) - <b>236.0 (78)</b></p>
<p>Scoring Defense: 29.6 (80) - <b>28.8 (77)</b></p>
<p>Passing Efficiency Defense: 149.33 (102) - <b>133.72 (82)</b></p>
<p>Passes Intercepted: 1 (123) - <b>8 (76)</b></p>
<p>Tackles for Loss: 4.4 (114) - <b>6.4 (39)</b></p>
<p>Sacks: 2.00 (57) - <b>2.22 (44)</b></p>
<p>Red Zone Defense: 83.3% (59) - <b>91.4% (112)</b></p>
<p>Total Defense: 421.6 (85) - <b>384.8 (54)</b></p>
<p>3rd Down Conv. %: 45.5% (103) - <b>41.3% (80)</b><i> </i></p>
<p><b>4th Down</b> <b>Conversion %:</b> 66.7% (103) - <b>70.3% (112) </b></p>
<p><b>First Downs:</b> 184 (49) - <b>198 (73)</b></p>
<p>Turnover Margin: +0.4 (39) - <b>+0.4 (39)</b></p>
<p><b>Net Punting:</b> 35.82 (89) - <b>38.15 (37)</b></p>
<p><b>Punt Returns:</b> 6.74 (85) - <b>3.38 (115)</b></p>
<p><b>Punt Return Defense:</b> 7.44 (55) - <b>8.00 (65)</b></p>
<p><b>Kickoff Returns:</b> 22.85 (40) - <b>18.29 (112)</b></p>
<p>Kickof<b>f </b>Return<b> </b>Defense: 19.21 (32) - <b>15.25 (1)</b></p>
<p>Fewest Penalties per game:<b> </b>5.44 (56) - <b>4.89 (34)</b></p>
<p>Penalty Yards per game:<b> </b>46.44 (56) - <b>38.89 (23)</b></p>
<p>I'm not going to go out on a limb and say this one is winnable because it is in Nashville. Kentucky just hasn't shown they can play well with any consistency. This is a big game for Vanderbilt because they want that 6<sup>th</sup> win. The stats say we are not going to win, but we've overcome not so good comparisons before. While I think the Commodores will win, there is always the possibility of a shocker. I am willing to bet that we don't lose 48-0 this time around. I think this will be a good game to watch, much like the Mississippi State game.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/15/5104158/taking-a-look-at-vanderbiltHank Rippetoe2013-11-15T09:30:02-05:002013-11-15T09:30:02-05:00Do the numbers support a UK upset Saturday?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dyMEtXXMbdgZ7qabogLF4h2bwKM=/0x19:4000x2686/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23108407/20130831_pjc_ab2_065.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How does F/+ advanced statistics see the UK-Vandy match-up?</p> <p><b>Background</b></p>
<p>FEI is the<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/fei-ratings"><b> Fremeau Efficiency Index</b></a>, created by Brian Fremeau. Fremeau is an author at Football Outsiders, <a target="_blank" href="http://search.espn.go.com/brian-fremeau/"><b>ESPN </b></a>and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bcftoys.com/"><b>BCFToys</b></a>. FEI is an advanced statistical measure for college football that tracks drive efficiency instead of per-play success.</p>
<p>S+P is created by Bill Connelly<b>.</b> Connelly is an author at SBNation, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/"><b>RockMNation</b></a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/"><b>Football Study Hall</b></a> and <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/varsity-numbers"><b>Football Outsiders</b></a>. S+P is an advanced statistical measure which combines success rate, explosiveness per play and opponent adjustments.</p>
<p>The combination of these two ranking systems provides the F/+ ranking.</p>
<p>This is how Fremeau and Connelly describe their rankings:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://footballoutsiders.com/stats/fei"><b>Fremeau Efficiency Index (FEI)</b></a> considers each of the nearly 20,000 possessions every season in major college football. All drives are filtered to eliminate first-half clock-kills and end-of-game garbage drives and scores. A scoring rate analysis of the remaining possessions then determines the baseline possession expectations against which each team is measured. A team is rewarded for playing well against good teams - win or lose; and is punished more severely for playing poorly against bad teams than it is rewarded for playing well against bad teams.</p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa"><b>S&P+ Ratings</b></a> are a college football ratings system derived from both play-by-play and drive data from all 800+ of a season's FBS college football games (and 140,000+ plays). <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa">There are four key components to the S&P+</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>If interested, here is a <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary">glossary</a> that might be helpful.<b> </b>Lastly, keep in mind that the F/+ percentage ratings measure every team against a perfectly average team. So, if the F/+ rating of a team is 0% that team is considered perfectly average by this rating system.</p>
<p><b>The F/+ and S&P+ View</b></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="588"><tbody>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" colspan="3" valign="bottom" width="287">
<p align="center">OVERALL</p>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="151">
<p align="center">When UK Has the ball...</p>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="151">
<p align="center">When Vandy has the ball...</p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>Category</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">UK</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right">Vandy</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p>UK Off</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p>Vandy Def</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p>UK Def</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p>Vandy Off</p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>F/+ Rk (Overall)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">91 (-12.2%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right">45 (7.2%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>F/+ Rk (Off.)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">52 (2.8%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right">41 (5.3%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>F/+ Rk (Def)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right"><b>114 (-14.5%)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right"><b>63 (-0.5%)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>F/+ Rk (Spec Teams)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right"><b>80 (-0.5%)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right"><b>19 (2.5%)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>S&P+ Rk (Overall)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">67 (201.9)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right">63 (204.9)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">53 (103.8)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right">58(105.2)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">85 (98.1)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">62 (99.6)</p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>Rushing S&P+ Rk</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"><b>19 (120.9)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right"><b>85 (94.5)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">92 (91.7)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">84 (95.1)</p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="133">
<p>Passing S&P+ Rk</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="68">
<p align="right"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right"><b>62(100.4)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="76">
<p align="right"><b>30 (115.5)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">60 (101.2)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="75">
<p align="right">60 (101.8)</p>
</td>
<td height="20" width="0"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Vanderbilt is better than UK in all three phases of the game, according to F/+. While the offenses are ranked pretty similarly (UK ranked 52<sup>nd</sup> and Vandy ranked 41<sup>st</sup>) there is a huge disparity between defenses (UK 114<sup>th</sup> to Vandy 63<sup>rd</sup>) and special teams (UK 80<sup>th</sup> to Vandy 19<sup>th</sup>). Yet, the S&P+ rankings show the teams are evenly matched ranking UK 67<sup>th</sup> and Vandy 63<sup>rd</sup>. Is there more to this?</p>
<p>UK's overall offense, ranked 53<sup>rd</sup>, matches up evenly against Vandy's overall defense which is ranked 58<sup>th</sup>, but UK has a distinct advantage in S&P+ rushing offense against Vandy's rushing defense. If the game performance bears out the advanced statistics this is huge for UK as the team cannot currently rely on its passing game to win SEC games. This is even truer against Vandy's passing defense which S&P+ ranks as the 30<sup>th</sup> best in the country. It continues to be the case that UK's offense must be successful on <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2013/2/19/3980438/advanced-college-football-stats-glossary">standard downs</a>. If UK's opponent knows UK is in a passing down there is a very significant chance that UK will not convert. Vandy's passing defense did allow University of Florida's maligned quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115247/tyler-murphy">Tyler Murphy</a> to throw for a career high of 297 yards last Saturday, so there is a ray of hope, if you decide to overlook the fact Vandy caused Murphy to commit four turnovers in the process.</p>
<p>UK should be able to run the ball successfully against Vandy. The problem will once again be converting third downs and extending drives. UK's offensive line will face a reprieve this week in that Vandy's defensive line will not be as good as Missouri's, but systemic problems with the offensive line won't disappear. Whitlow will likely get a lot of carries because he is UK's most dynamic ball carrier, and if <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207531/ryan-timmons">Ryan Timmons</a> is back from injury he along with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207537/javess-blue">Javess Blue</a> will make UK's offense more dynamic on sweeps and screens. Passing for major yards against Vandy will be a challenge, according to these numbers.</p>
<p>Vandy's overall offensive ranking of 62<sup>nd</sup> is one of the worst UK will face this season in the SEC. Vandy's rushing attack - featuring a running back by committee - is only slightly better than UK's rush defense. I expect <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138381/jerron-seymour">Jerron Seymour</a> to get the majority of carries, but UK shouldn't sleep on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158294/brian-kimbrow">Brian Kimbrow</a> who is <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/team/736/rushing/index.html">averaging almost as many yards/per carry as Seymour with significantly fewer carries</a>. Luckily for UK, Vandy's all-time leading rusher <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79061/zac-stacy">Zac Stacy</a> is now playing for the St. Louis Rams.</p>
<p>Vandy's passing offense is currently ranked 60<sup>th</sup> which matches perfectly against UK's passing defense which is ranked 60<sup>th</sup> as well. Vandy has one of the best receivers in the college game this season. His name is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116267/jordan-matthews">Jordan Matthews</a> and he <a href="http://www.rantsports.com/ncaa-football/2013/10/30/vanderbilt-commodores-jordan-matthews-sets-record-few-notice/">owns the SEC record for most career receiving yards.</a> His abilities cannot be understated and will be another challenge for UK's secondary, especially in third down situations. Vandy's second leading receiver is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116244/jonathan-krause">Jonathan Krause</a>, but he has been injured the past few weeks with leg injury. It is currently unknown if he'll play, and if he doesn't it will allow UK to do more double-coverage against Matthews.</p>
<p>Vandy's quarterback will be back-up Patton Robinette. Last week against Florida he went 6-for-12 and 57 yards passing which obviously doesn't seem threatening. The week prior he threw 2 interceptions against Texas A&M. . Robinette seems to have a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, and there should be opportunities for UK's defensive linemen to earn some sacks. Robinette will likely be helped out with a conservative game plan that focuses on the running game, and getting the ball to Matthews.</p>
<p><b>Comparing Track Records</b></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="376"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" valign="bottom" width="376">
<p align="center"><b>UK's Performances</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Opponent</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="center">Off. S&P+</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="center">Def. S&P+</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>Outcome</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Florida</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">95 (87.2)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">11 (135.8)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>7-24 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>South Carolina</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">21 (117.5)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">19 (123.5)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>28-35 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Missouri</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">14 (121.0)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">14 (128.7)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>17-48 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Miss. State</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">58 (101.7)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">26 (119.8)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>22-28 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" valign="bottom" width="376">
<p align="center"><b>Vanderbilt's Performance</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Opponent</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="center">Off. S&P+</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="center">Def S&P+</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>Outcome</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Florida</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">95 (87.2)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">11 (135.8)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p align="right">34-17 (W)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>South Carolina</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">21 (117.5)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">19 (123.5)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>25-35 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Missouri</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">14 (121.0)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">14 (119.7)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>28-51 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="122">
<p>Texas A&M</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">4 (138.4)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="85">
<p align="right">68 (103.0)</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="84">
<p>24-56 (L)</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>The above chart illustrates the outcomes of Vanderbilt's and UK's common opponents. Both teams were competitive against South Carolina and neither was competitive against Missouri. Vandy beat Florida last week unlike UK, but <a href="http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?id=333130057">"the difference in the game was turnovers"</a> and causing three within your opponent's 20-yard line erases most statistical deficits. Also included in the chart are Mississippi State and Texas A&M due to their similarities to UK (MSU to UK's offense, and A&M has the nearest match of UK's defense Vandy has played). Using only these charts, Vandy should score 28-42 points, and UK should score in the 24-35 point range.</p>
<p>Vandy has been outscored <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/238/vanderbilt-commodores">34-85 in the first quarter</a> this season, and UK could take advantage as they have averaged about a touchdown in the first quarter this season. Nonetheless, no lead is safe against Vandy as they rallied against Georgia and had a strong second quarter after falling behind early against Texas A&M. Additionally, UK has been very good about not turning the ball over this season, and aside from the Florida game, Vandy is not especially <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/team/736/turnovermargin/split.html">good at causing turnovers.</a> Vandy's special teams have been exceptional this year, and it's also been strength for UK, but UK's special teams must be better than last week <a href="http://blogs.courier-journal.com/ukbeat/2013/11/11/mark-stoops-stay-with-this-team/">despite the injuries</a> for this game to be close.</p>
<p><b>TL;DR</b></p>
<p>So is this the week UK earns a SEC victory? Quite possibly. Vegas currently has Vandy as a 12.5 point favorite, and that seems too high. UK's offense matches up favorably with Vandy's defense, and Vandy's offense will be one of the least efficient UK faces all year but will still employ Jordan Matthews. Turnovers, special teams, and big-time players making big-time plays will make the difference. This game likely has a 3-10 point difference, and should be competitive until the end.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/15/5101390/f-breakdown-of-kentucky-vs-vanderbilt-football-sec-dovawamarsh2013-11-14T14:26:23-05:002013-11-14T14:26:23-05:00Football GOG 2013 #10: Vanderbilt [Scored]
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DnV-LFPgOHW83cTnWbQYGFEkaaI=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23170797/gyi0062452986.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Vanderbilt. They used to be cool beatable. Now they just represent another mark of progress for the football team. Maybe Stoops can reverse last year's loss. Deadline for answers is 12:20 PM on 11/16.</p> <h4>GOG Rules and Explanation<br>
</h4>
<p>The<a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/8/23/4650856/football-gog-2013-get-stoopid" target="_blank"> Preseason GOG</a> will give you an explanation of the game and provide more detail about the question types if you have any questions.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b>Useful Resources</b></p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/kty-m-footbl-body.html" target="_blank">UK Athletics</a> football page</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/" target="_blank">College Football Reference</a>.com</li>
<li><a href="http://www.teamrankings.com/ncf/" target="_blank">TeamRankings.com</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>GOG #09 Results</h4>
<p>Congratulations to btcoop71 for winning <a target="_blank" href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/7/5079030/football-gog-2013-09-missouri">GOG #09</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/1/5054910/football-gog-2013-08-alabama-st"></a>!<a target="_blank" href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/9/26/4774232/football-gog-2013-04-florida"><br></a></p>
<h3>Football GOG 2013 #10: Vanderbilt<br>
</h3>
<p>Answers are due by 12:20 PM on Saturday, November 9.</p>
<ol>
<li>Who wins the 2nd half? [+/- 1 point] <b>Vanderbilt</b><br>
</li>
<li>How many points does UK score? [4/3/2/1 point] <b>6</b><br>
</li>
<li>How many points does Vanderbilt score? [4/3/2/1 point] <b>22</b><br>
</li>
<li>Is the game decided by 7 points or less? [+/-1 point] <b>no</b><br>
</li>
<li>In which quarter does UK score the most points? [3 points; 1 point if second most] <b>1st (all others tied for 2nd)</b><br>
</li>
<li>In which quarter does Vanderbilt score the most points? [3 points; 1 point of second most] <b>4th </b><br>
</li>
<li>How many combined (both teams) field goal attempts are in the game? [4 points; 2 points if within two] <b>3</b><br>
</li>
<li>How many combined (both teams) touchdowns are in the game? [4 points; 2 points if within two] <b>3</b><br>
</li>
<li>How many UK players participate in the game (you can find this in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/uk09.html#GAME.PRE">UK box scores</a>)? [4/3/2/1 point] <b>51</b><br>
</li>
<li>How many total points are scored by <a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/scoreboard?confId=8&seasonYear=2013&seasonType=2&weekNumber=12">Top 25 SEC</a> teams this weekend (Bama, UGA, Auburn, USC)? [4/3/2/1 point] <b>120</b>
</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<table frame="VOID" cols="8" rules="NONE" border="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="44">
<col width="148">
<col width="39">
<col width="103">
<col width="88">
<col width="97">
<col width="77">
<col width="99">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" height="18" width="44"><b>RK</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="148"><b>UserName</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="39"><b>PTS</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="103"><b>GOGS Played</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="88"><b>TOTAL PTS</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="97"><b>Rank by PTS</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="77"><b>AVERAGE</b></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;" align="CENTER" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" width="99"><b>Rank by AVG</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="18">1</td>
<td align="LEFT">ukcris</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER">132</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.400</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="17">2</td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">hoboat33</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">11</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">9</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">72</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">11</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.246</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="18">3</td>
<td align="LEFT">BigBlueFever</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER">139</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.421</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="17">4</td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">Wild Weasel</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">8</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">120</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">5</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.364</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="17">5</td>
<td align="LEFT">a2d2</td>
<td align="CENTER">7</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER">104</td>
<td align="CENTER">7</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.315</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="17">6</td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">kcgard2</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">6</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">117</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">6</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.355</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="17">7</td>
<td align="LEFT">btcoop71</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
<td align="CENTER">137</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.458</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="18">7</td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">JLeverenz</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">5</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">124</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">4</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.376</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="18">9</td>
<td align="LEFT">CatinTheLou</td>
<td align="CENTER">4</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">86</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.325</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="18">10</td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">kydamcat</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">3</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">7</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">80</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.346</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="18"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT">James Streble</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER">7</td>
<td align="CENTER">81</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.355</td>
<td align="CENTER">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="18"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">dale.martin.106</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">1</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">8</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">15</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.286</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="17"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT">W3S</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.179</td>
<td align="CENTER"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="17"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">jshawn17</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">1</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">6</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.21</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="18"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT">bluecrip</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">6</td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.21</td>
<td align="CENTER"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="17"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">Glenn Logan</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">2</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">14</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">14</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.233</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" height="18"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT">wamarsh</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
<td align="CENTER">13</td>
<td align="CENTER">0.37</td>
<td align="CENTER"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" height="18"><br></td>
<td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">SeenForever</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><br></td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">3</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">46</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">12</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">0.46</td>
<td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ol></ol>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/11/14/5104672/football-gog-2013-10-vanderbiltJLeverenz