A Sea Of Blue - Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats 10/25/2014Online Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2014-10-26T16:23:15-04:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/68340242014-10-26T16:23:15-04:002014-10-26T16:23:15-04:00UK-MSU Postmortem
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wildcats gave the national #1 a football game yesterday, but they just didn't have enough to overcome Mississippi State.</p> <p>Yesterday’s game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/">Mississippi St. Bulldogs</a> was a loss on the scoreboard. Coaches will contend that there are no moral victories, but when you are rebuilding a football team from the depths of futility, moral victories do exist in the larger context. We don’t have to like them, but playing highly-ranked teams well impresses not only fans of other teams, but also recruits who might be considering Kentucky. So whether you call it a "moral" victory or just a good competitive game, this was one of those rare circumstances where being competitive was enough for a "win," at some level. But that will not remain true after this season.</p>
<p>The thing we should all be unhappy about, leaving aside the score, is that Kentucky legitimately had a chance to win this football game. What cost them the game, in the big picture, was a poor defensive effort stopping the run. Part of that was the reality that MSU has a great running attack, but Kentucky’s interior defensive line execution was generally poor. Also, the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wildcats</a> did an extremely poor job of tackling, making many fundamental errors that are pointed out by coaches from middle school on.</p>
<p>It is for these reasons, the failure of fundamentals, that we should be less satisfied with the outcome than we otherwise might be, considering the level of the competition. No matter how good MSU’s running backs were (and they are plenty good), you can’t tackle them by throwing your body at them, or lowering your head and failing to wrap them up. These are basic football errors, and it seemed like many of Kentucky’s defensive players all decided to forget them at the same time.</p>
<p>I’ll leave it to Will, Greenwell, Hank and others to examine the technical issues with Kentucky’s game yesterday. I’m going to stick with general impressions, and if I wind up off the reservation, I’m sure that will be corrected by further analysis.</p>
<h4 id="team-observations">
<a name="user-content-team-observations" href="#team-observations" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Team observations</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2014-2015/102514.html">Box Score at UKAthletics.com</a></li>
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<h5 id="offense">
<a name="user-content-offense" href="#offense" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Offense</h5>
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<p>The passing game was very sharp, but one can only imagine what would’ve happened if Kentucky hadn’t dropped about five passes. The Wildcats haven’t dropped that many up until now, but they made up for a bunch of them yesterday.</p>
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<p>Pass protection for Towles was not good. He took six sacks, and while you can expect an increase in sacks against a good defensive team when you have to throw a lot to move the ball, six is too many.</p>
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<p>Kentucky tied the turnover battle 1-1, but the one they lost cost them three points. The ‘Cats were lucky they didn’t lose another fumble on a Towles sack. Both teams fumbled four times, but the Wildcats couldn’t get any takeaways.</p>
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<p>Kentucky averaged only 3.2 yards per rush. That’s really anemic, and but for Towles, it would’ve been even worse. 150 total yards rushing is just not enough, although it isn’t exactly horrible.</p>
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<p>Both Kentucky lines, offense and defense, were over-matched yesterday.</p>
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<p>Kentucky was 5 for 14 on third down conversions, 35%. That’s not awful, but it’s not exactly stellar.</p>
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<p>UK averaged 9.1 yards per completion, and I’ll take that any day.</p>
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<p>As you might expect, the offense was pass-heavy in this game, 44-32</p>
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<p>Kentucky ran 76 plays, which is a step up. Time of possession was lopsided for Mississippi State 34:29 to 25:31, but that was more a function of how the teams played. MSU is more of a possession team, and Kentucky is more of a big-play team.</p>
<p>The problem with this going forward is the pressure it puts on the defense. When the defense is out there that much, they get tired. At the same time, you love explosive plays. When UK gets some more depth on defense, it will really help our cause.</p>
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<h5 id="defense">
<a name="user-content-defense" href="#defense" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Defense</h5>
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<p>I know they were playing against a good offensive team, but giving up 349 yards on the ground (300+ two games in a row) is really problematic. UK has to find a way to bend but not break, and although they did that a couple of times, it wasn’t enough.</p>
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<p>Missed tackles due to fundamental form errors were rampant in both the line and secondary yesterday. It was embarrassing.</p>
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<p>I thought the pass defense played okay, although they started very slow.</p>
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<p>UK’s pass rush was decent. Three sacks against a QB like <span>Dak Prescott</span> is pretty good. UK also got two QB hurries, one of which resulted in the interception.</p>
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<p>Defensive backs have to do a better job of getting off blocks. That was a real problem yesterday.</p>
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<h5 id="special-teams">
<a name="user-content-special-teams" href="#special-teams" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Special teams</h5>
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<p>The punt coverage was solid. UK gave up two yards in punt return yardage. That’s a big improvement.</p>
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<p><span>Landon Foster</span> did a good job punting the ball with a 47.8 yard average. Stellar.</p>
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<p>The kickoff team did fine up until the onside kick, where they completely failed to execute the thing. I don’t like Craig Naivar’s kicking formations, and that one backfired spectacularly when MSU took it in for a touchdown to put the game out of reach.</p>
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<p>The punt return team was a mess, fumbling one out of bounds and putting UK in a big hole. The best the kickoff return team could do was an 18-yard return, the other three being shorter than that. That just stinks. How I miss <span>Randall Cobb</span>.</p>
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<h4 id="individual">
<a name="user-content-individual" href="#individual" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Individual</h4>
<h5 id="offense_1">
<a name="user-content-offense_1" href="#offense_1" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Offense</h5>
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<p>What can we say about <span>Patrick Towles</span>? He personally accounted for over 460 yards of Kentucky’s 504 total yards gained in the game. He passed for 390 and ran for a net of 76 yards. That’s one heck of a game, and if he can keep this up, there’s no telling how far Kentucky can get this season.</p>
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<p><span>Ryan Timmons</span> finally stepped up his game, right up until the fourth quarter where he dropped two straight passes. He did catch five passes for 114 yards.</p>
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<p><span>Demarco Robinson</span> played well, probably his best game as a Wildcat, if you forget about that fumble of a punt trying an ill-advised over-the-shoulder catch.</p>
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<p><span>Javess Blue</span> only caught two passes, but one of them was a long touchdown strike.</p>
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<p><span>Blake Bone</span> dropped almost as many passes as he caught.</p>
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<p><span>Dorian Baker</span> had a good game, made a couple of really good catches for short yardage.</p>
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<p><span>Ronnie Shields</span> made a big catch for a first down. I thought he played well overall.</p>
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<h5 id="defense_1">
<a name="user-content-defense_1" href="#defense_1" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Defense</h5>
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<p><span>Josh Forrest</span> continues to impress. He wound up with 5 solo and 4 assists and an INT.</p>
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<p>Both Bud Dupree and <span>Za'Darius Smith</span> were really good yesterday, both getting a sack and Bud getting two hurries. Dupree had 5 solo and 5 assists, and Z had 2 solo and six assists, including 2.5 TFL’s</p>
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<p>Both Blake McClain and <span>Fred Tiller</span> broke up two passes apiece.</p>
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<p><span>A.J. Stamps</span> and <span>Cody Quinn</span> both had six tackles.</p>
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<p><span>Jabari Johnson</span> played a heck of a game, getting five tackles and 1.5 TFL’s.</p>
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<h4 id="conclusion">
<a name="user-content-conclusion" href="#conclusion" class="headeranchor-link" aria-hidden="true"><span class="headeranchor"></span></a>Conclusion</h4>
<p>One of the things we all pretty much agreed we wanted to see this season was this team be competitive in losses. So far, although the Wildcats have only lost three games so far, they were competitive in all but one of them — last weekend at LSU. I think we can say that the improvement on this team is evident, and marked.</p>
<p>Having said that, Kentucky is still not good enough to beat the #1 team in the nation, although I must confess we gave it a good go. I wish the defensive line were at least a little better, and special teams are driving me crazy, as they have given up three touchdowns in the last two games. Somehow we have to get that cleaned up.</p>
<p>Next week we go to Columbia, Missouri to face the <a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a>, a team that drilled Kentucky last year in Commonwealth Stadium. But this is not last year’s Kentucky team, and Missouri looks like UK’s best remaining chance to get bowl eligible. <span>Maty Mauk</span> has been up and down lately, and although Missouri’s defense has been better at keeping points down than Mississippi State, their rushing defense is not as strong, while their passing defense is much better. Right now, only South Carolina’s rushing defense stinks worse than Kentucky’s, but UK's pass defense is third in the league.</p>
<p>But this is how life goes in the SEC. There are no easy games, only games that are slightly less difficult than others.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/26/7074001/mississippi-state-bulldogs-45-kentucky-wildcats-31-postmortemGlenn Logan2014-10-25T19:45:00-04:002014-10-25T19:45:00-04:00Bulldogs 45, Wildcats 31: Post Game Grouse
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky played hard, but dropped passes and special teams disasters led to their first home loss this season.</p> <p>I know it’s tempting to go on a rant, Big Blue Nation, but let’s be honest — Kentucky was not good enough to win this football game. Not this year. The defense just isn’t good enough, the offensive line is just way too small and weak, and we aren’t good enough yet to upset the top team in the conference. That’s life, and I think most of us can live with it.</p>
<p>I’m not going to go off on anyone right now, we made mistakes and lost a game that, despite our talent deficit, we had a legitimate chance to win. The good news is that nobody who saw this game will think Kentucky was vastly inferior to Mississippi State. The bad news is that we lost and we lost mostly because we were stupid, and made stupid non-plays. Drops, special teams disasters, all of it. I don’t like it and neither do you, but we didn’t deserve to win and you and I know it.</p>
<p>Hat tip to <span>Patrick Towles</span>. I’m just spitballing right now, but he would’ve had a decent shot at offensive game ball if Kentucky would’ve managed to win. Sadly, that didn’t happen, and we don’t give game balls here for big numbers when the scoreboard isn’t on our side. Still, it was a great game for Towles that deserves to be recognized, and I’m recognizing it. He really played well and I’m proud of him.</p>
<p>I think I need to congratulate our worthy opponent for winning the game. They didn’t play their best, and It would be wrong of me to suggest they did, but they played more than well enough. <span>Dak Prescott</span> showed himself to be everything we thought he might be, and MSU’s running game was way too much for our defense. MSU’s defense is a real worry I imagine, if I were a Bulldog fan, but honestly, Kentucky’s offense is pretty darn good and arguably underrated.</p>
<p>I hate to lose, but we lost to a better team. UK is getting better every game, and I still think we have an excellent chance of seeing them get a bowl bid. Certainly they played like a bowl team tonight in some respects. In others, not so much, but we’ll deal with that in the postmortem tomorrow.</p>
<p>Don’t give up, <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wildcats</a> fans. We still have home games against teams ranked lower than this. I like our chances next week against Missouri.</p>
<p>Go, Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/25/7071131/mississippi-state-45-kentucky-wildcats-31-post-game-grouseGlenn Logan2014-10-25T17:28:51-04:002014-10-25T17:28:51-04:00MSU 17 at UK 10: Second Half Live Thread
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky didn't look great in the first half, but neither did the Bulldogs. Absent a fumble by UK in the red zone, this game could be very close.</p> <p>Kentucky did a lot of good things in that first half, but they really did a lot of bad things that leaves them in a one-touchdown hole. Still, considering how good the Mississippi State offense has been this year, Kentucky’s defense has been pretty stout holding them to only 17 points, at least three of which were given up by the offense by fumbling the football in the red zone.</p>
<p>Honestly, this has been a competitive game on both sides of the ball. Mississippi State is clearly able to move the ball better on offense, but Kentucky has done some damage with the pass despite <span>Patrick Towles</span> suffering three sacks in that first stanza.</p>
<p>Dropped passes, fumbles, a mess on special teams. All these things have contributed in some way to UK being behind. Kentucky must find much sharper execution in the second half if they want to have any chance at pulling off the upset, but it’s pretty clear that they are competitive enough to get the job done. Clean up the drops, protect Towles better, and show some quality on special teams and this game could get real exciting.</p>
<p>Go, ‘Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/25/7070769/mississippi-state-17-kentucky-10-second-half-game-threadGlenn Logan2014-10-25T13:42:26-04:002014-10-25T13:42:26-04:00Mississippi State at Kentucky: Virtual Tailgate
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Here we are at Week 9 in the college football season facing the #1 Mississippi State Bulldogs. Let's sit down, break some virtual bread and get ready for the big game.</p> <p>Welcome to the Week 9 Virtual Tailgate. CBS Game of the Week is quite a feat for Mark Stoops second year as head coach, and no matter what the outcome of the ballgame, it is really impressive that we have reached this point this early. It’s great publicity for the UK program under Stoops, it should serve to impress recruits, and there is really no downside to it even if UK loses unless they are completely uncompetitive. I absolutely don’t expect that.</p>
<p>But we’ll get to the game later. Right now, let’s get to the food and drink. Since we are welcoming Mississippi State to Kentucky, I think we should start them off with:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Jerry Slater's Bufala Negra cocktail by Southern Foodways Alliance, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/southernfoodwaysalliance/2653372918"><img target="_blank" alt="Jerry Slater's Bufala Negra cocktail" height="333" width="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3030/2653372918_9345c3ca6e.jpg"></a><br> <em>Bufala Negra Cocktail</em></p>
<p>This concoction is made with bourbon, basil, brown sugar, balsamic syrup and ginger beer. Looks refreshing.</p>
<p>Next, we’ll go on to the appetizer. How about:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Stuffed Things: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms by Mike McCune, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mccun934/5366626812"><img target="_blank" alt="Stuffed Things: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms" height="333" width="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5007/5366626812_ffb2fe21fd.jpg"></a><br> <em>Crab Stuffed Mushrooms</em></p>
<p>I know <span>Jameis Winston</span> isn’t in town, but …</p>
<p>Okay, now for the entrée. Today, we are going really simple and straightforward, but something that any tailgater can appreciate:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Mmm...pulled pork sammich by jeffreyw, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/5252935828"><img target="_blank" alt="Mmm...pulled pork sammich" height="384" width="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5042/5252935828_43b489834c.jpg"></a><br> <em>Barbecue Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwich</em></p>
<p>As my wife Petra is fond of saying, "Pork fat rules!" Yes, it does, and pulled pork barbecue is about as kingly as you can get with the pig.</p>
<p>We’ll have to have a couple of sides with this thing. First of all:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Chez Olga Haitian Restaurant Eastown Lourdie Lunch January 20, 2012 7 by Steven Depolo, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/6738316555"><img target="_blank" alt="Chez Olga Haitian Restaurant Eastown Lourdie Lunch January 20, 2012 7" height="334" width="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6738316555_f3751d8c06.jpg"></a><br> <em>Coleslaw</em></p>
<p>Nothing really goes better with pulled pork than Coleslaw, except maybe:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Mmm... baked beans by jeffreyw, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/6267610064"><img target="_blank" alt="Mmm... baked beans" height="331" width="500" src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6267610064_1a7ca7b6fb.jpg"></a><br> <em>Baked beans</em></p>
<p>What’s that I see? More pork fat? Well, it rules.</p>
<p>Now for the beer. Hmm, let’s see, I think we need something light and hoppy for this meal, so we’re going to go to the Netherlands for one of my favorites:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Grolsch by Mountain/ \Ash, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mountainash/4910058568"><img target="_blank" alt="Grolsch" height="500" width="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4073/4910058568_d815deda90.jpg"></a><br> <em>Grolsch beer in the crock</em></p>
<p>I drink these things all the time. The hoppiness, the nice bitter bite, yet the lightness of a classic Germanic lager. Nothing, and I mean nothing, goes better with pork barbecue.</p>
<p>Do we still have room for desert? Why yes, I think we do, and after that heavy meal, perhaps a lighter desert:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" title="Key Lime Pie by Sam Howzit, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aloha75/6739386011"><img target="_blank" alt="Key Lime Pie" height="333" width="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6739386011_0556112a37.jpg"></a><br> <em>Key Lime Pie</em></p>
<p>A classic. This is such a great end to a heavy meal, you almost can’t resist.</p>
<p>Now, let’s talk some football. First of all, in case you missed it, we’ll be taking the field <a target="_blank" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2014/10/21/kentucky-football-hopes-horton-can-add-power-air-raid-offense/17696787/">without Boom Williams today</a>. <span>Mikel Horton</span> is the favorite to get those carries due to his outstanding performance against LSU. This could be good news, because Kentucky is going to need somebody to be able to run the ball against the Fighting Dan Mullens, and Horton was the only back who could reliably get positive yardage against the tough LSU front last week. Mississippi State’s front four is at least as good, and UK will definitely need to find some way to move the ball on the ground.</p>
<p>But the key to today’s game, as Larry Glover and I discussed last night on his show, <a target="_blank" href="http://larrygloverlive.com/">Larry Glover Live</a>, is the Kentucky line. If the line can keep the Bulldogs out of <span>Patrick Towles</span> face, Kentucky stands a good chance to move the ball against a suspect MSU defensive backfield. The problem is, Kentucky hasn’t done a great job of pass blocking against SEC foes, so what we’re saying is that they’re going to have to do something they haven’t yet done well all season, and do it against the #1 team in the nation. Yeah, that’s asking a lot.</p>
<p>But if Kentucky’s receivers can get the ball in space, even on short passes, that will produce much better results against MSU than LSU. LSU has freakish team speed on defense, and the Bulldogs are only above average. The plays that the Tigers were able to run down with ease will be much more challenging for Mississippi state.</p>
<p>Defensively, it’s hard to see how Kentucky stops the MSU running game except by stacking the box a lot and gambling that UK’s talented young secondary can survive on an island against <span>Dak Prescott</span>’s arm and the MSU receiving corps’ speed. It is not a happy compromise, and if there was ever a game where Kentucky’s defensive prowess will be challenged, it’s this one. Kentucky’s defense simply does not match up well at all against MSU. Having said that, if the UK pass rushers like Bud Dupree and <span>Za'Darius Smith</span> can have a big day, the Wildcats will definitely have a chance in this game.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that the pass needs to set up the run today for UK, and the Wildcats need to get a lot of pressure on Dak Prescott on passing downs. The big question is, given the success of MSU’s running game, can UK ever <b>get</b> MSU into any passing downs? We’ll have to see.</p>
<p>This looks like a tough spot for the Wildcats, but so did LSU back in 2007. Maybe we can shock the world yet again. This young team is built for big plays, and that means an upset is possible against anybody.</p>
<p>Go, ‘Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/25/7070135/mississippi-state-at-kentucky-virtual-tailgateGlenn Logan2014-10-23T20:00:02-04:002014-10-23T20:00:02-04:00Number One Team Visits CWS. The Preview.
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<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Commonwealth Stadium hosts a CBS prime-time game against the number one team in the country. What could go wrong?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> have no time to lick their wounds from the beating LSU dished out on the bayou, as the top-ranked team in all the land visits Lexington. Mississippi State will be UK's best opponent to date, and likely will remain so for the entire season. MSU has a very experienced team on both sides of the ball, is well-coached, and is led by a Heisman contending quarterback. This is the quality of opponent that could make the score embarrassing for UK very quickly if they play like last week. If UK eliminates the uncharacteristic sloppiness of its special teams from last week, executes better on offense, and continues to play solid defense, it could still lose this game. That's how good MSU has played.</p>
<p>Another important reason for UK to bounce back and rise to the challenge: the game is in the CBS prime-time slot, and will be viewed on millions of television sets across the country. If the presence of semi-lucid Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson in the CBS announcing booth didn't mark this contest as a big enough affair, Papa Brooks is also flying cross-country to take in the game:</p>
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<p>Lots of rain today. Karen and I will travel Wed to Lexington for the Miss St. Looking forward our visit to the Bluegrass.</p>
— Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKcoachbrooks/status/524340558442295297">October 20, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">UK cannot get embarrassed in front of Rich Brooks, plain and simple. The man could just as easily be spending his free time at the craps tables in Macau, squeezing in eighteen at Pebble Beach, fly-fishing in Patagonia, or tending to his tomatoes. The stakes have never been higher.</p>
<p align="center">******</p>
<p>F/+ ratings combine the S&P+ rankings and the FEI rankings. Ratings described:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The <a href="http://footballoutsiders.com/stats/fei" target="_blank"><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 href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa" target="_blank"><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 style="text-align: center;">******</p>
<h4 align="center">Kentucky and Mississippi State Rankings</h4>
<p> </p>
<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Measurement</td>
<td>Kentucky</td>
<td>Mississippi State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F+ Overall</td>
<td>76 (-5.3%)</td>
<td><b>6 (29.3%)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F+ Offense</td>
<td>89 (-5.7%)</td>
<td><b>21 (11.8%)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F+ Defense</td>
<td>56 (2.0%)</td>
<td><b>7 (17.1%)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F+ Special Teams</td>
<td>93 (-1.5%)</td>
<td><b>61 (0.3%)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FEI Overall</td>
<td>89</td>
<td><b>18</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+ Overall</td>
<td>59 (214.1)</td>
<td><b>3 (273)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+ Rushing Offense</td>
<td>47 (111.5)</td>
<td><b>11 (133.6)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+ Rushing Defense</td>
<td>79 (96.3)</td>
<td><b>4 (151.3)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+ Passing Offense</td>
<td>67 (100.9)</td>
<td><b>2 (163.4)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+ Passing Defense</td>
<td>78 (97.1)</td>
<td><b>8 (143.3)</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Mississippi State, coming off a bye week, has a clear edge over Kentucky in every measurement listed above. They have a highly efficient offense, and the unheralded defense is also top ten quality. Unlike storied programs, MSU doesn't sign Top 10 recruiting classes, but they do an excellent job of developing their talent (hence why you never hear Mark Stoops say "recruit" without also adding "and develop"). In the 85 man roster, 19 are seniors (17 are three year lettermen), and another 18 are juniors (13 are two year lettermen). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/depth-chart/mississippi-state/91211">In the two-deep depth chart, 37 out of 44 players have been in the program for going on three years.</a> This is a team comprised of grizzled veterans who have spent a lot of time on the practice field together, and shuffling back and forth between the film and weight rooms.</p>
<p>After crossing over into positive F+ territory the last two weeks, UK has fallen back into the negative with a new rating of -5.3%. This is largely due to the big hit in its FEI rating, because the team maintained its S&P+ ratings. This is probably because the respect S&P+ has for LSU as an opponent. Further reminder that ratings aren't static, and neither are team performances. Worth noting and then immediately bleaching from your memory: UK's F+ special teams rating dropped from 19th to 61st after the LSU debacle.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">UK's Defense Versus MSU's Offense</h4>
<p>MSU's offense starts with it's Heisman contending quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott has thrown for close to 1500 yards, and almost rushed for 600 yards in just six games. Those are Cam Newton and <span>Tim Tebow</span> numbers. He helms an offense averaging 41 points and 530 yards per game, and those numbers are factoring in their games against tough Auburn and LSU defenses. Mark Stoops and DJ Elliot will earn their pay checks this week, as the offense has no apparent weaknesses to readily exploit.</p>
<p><b>Pop Quiz:</b> Can you name the second leading rusher in the SEC? If you guessed MSU's Josh Robinson come collect your prize. <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/911/player/split01/category01/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yes that's right</a>, this offense has both a potential Heisman winner behind center, and a top SEC rusher who is averaging 7 yards per carry along with 114 yards rushing per game. To counter, one would think UK will load the box and hope its front seven, along with a cheating safety, can win its share of battles against MSU's veteran offensive line. Get MSU in passing downs so that it plays into UK's defensive strengths of rushing the passer and downfield coverage.</p>
<p>The problem with that strategy is not only the aforementioned Prescott, but MSU also has two great receivers who need all the attention UK can give them. <span>Jameon Lewis</span> is 100% healthy, and the slot receiver was averaging nearly 15 yards per reception prior to his injury against A&M. The other receiver is <span>De'Runnya Wilson</span> who just might end up being MSU's <a href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2014/10/22/6967523/will-derunnya-wilson-go-down-as-msus-all-time-best-wide-receiver" target="_blank">greatest receiver of all-time</a>. Also, <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/team/430/receiving/index.html" target="_blank">Robinson does a good job receiving</a> out of the backfield, so the linebackers must also be aware of his presence on passing downs too.</p>
<p>MSU's offensive line is led by Blaine Causell and <span>Dillon Day</span>, but they are all quality SEC linemen. Many thought this group would take a hit when <span>Gabe Jackson</span> went on to the NFL, but they've only gotten better. They man-handled a LSU defensive line that held UK far below it's rushing average, and pressured <span>Patrick Towles</span> most of the night.</p>
<p>UK's defense will be challenged at every position Saturday. MSU's offense is <a href="https://twitter.com/jenheraldleader/status/524234567834550272" target="_blank">perfectly balanced</a>, and has weapons throughout. It's an embarrassment of riches that has humbled some of the best defenses in the country already. Their zone and power blocking schemes are powered by an excellent running back and offensive line. They also call designed quarterback runs, asking you to tackle Prescott when he also has the benefit of a lead blocker. Want to play zone coverage? Prescott is smart and accurate enough to find the open windows, and deliver the ball to his dangerous receivers. Move to man coverage? If you do everything right and cover downfield, Prescott still has the wheels to escape the pocket and pick up the first down after UK's defensive backs have their backs turned in coverage.</p>
<p>UK could call just the right alignment/blitz/coverage, properly execute assignments and fundamentals, play physical, and still lose the majority of plays Saturday. For those reasons, I suggest UK fans focus less on how UK's defense performs, and admire the MSU offense for the beautifully balanced titan that it is. Besides, the head coach <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSzU8IMDIA8" target="_blank">makes himself easy to root for</a>.</p>
<p>On the bright side, MSU has given up thirteen turnovers this season, and UK does have a penchant for forcing turnovers. If UK can force a few against MSU in their territory that could make things interesting.</p>
<h4 align="center">UK's Offense Versus MSU's Defense</h4>
<p>Kentucky's offense was uncharacteristically inefficient last Saturday. The <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/20/7013253/college-football-sec-kentucky-wildcats-lsu-tigers-2014-final-score" target="_blank">offense's execution</a> was <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/20/7019381/why-did-uk-throw-so-many-swing-passes" target="_blank">a major</a> reason <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/21/7030661/lsu-zone-blitz" target="_blank">why it</a> was held to season low points and total yards. Another contributing factor was the talent and skill of LSU's defense. According to the adjusted stats, MSU's defense is even better than LSU's. They hold teams to 120 yards rushing per game, have 21 sacks, and boast the top red zone defense in the SEC.</p>
<p>MSU's defensive strength is it's front seven. The defensive line is anchored by defensive end Preston Smith. Smith has already been named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week three times this year. <span>Darrian Miller</span> and <span>Jordan Swindle</span> will have their hands full against him. I suspect UK will use a running back or tight end this week to help UK's tackles slow Smith down. <span>Chris Jones</span> is a former five star recruit who plays defensive tackle, and MSU also has <span>Ryan Brown</span> and Kaleb Eulls who are having good seasons. This front will pose issues for UK's rushing game, and probably gets regular pressure on Towles when UK takes the time to throw deep.</p>
<p>MSU also has some great linebackers, led by Bernardrick McKinney who is arguably the best linebacker in the SEC. He leads MSU in tackles, has six tackles for loss, and also has three sacks of his own. <span>Beniquez Brown</span> is the second leading tackler for MSU, and is setting himself up to be their best defensive player after McKinney moves on to the NFL.</p>
<p>The secondary is allowing 308 passing yards per game, <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/911/team/defense/split01/category02/sort01.html" target="_blank">which is last in the SEC</a>, but it's ranked 8th in S&P+ Passing Defense. The adjusted stats are pointing out that MSU's secondary performed efficiently against Texas A&M and Auburn's top passing offenses, and that a lot of their yardage probably came during garbage time (this is an opportune time to point out the value of adjusted stats over just using raw stats). The unit as a whole does have six interceptions, and <span>Will Redmond</span> and <span>Jay Hughes</span> have two a piece. Five defensive backs are also listed in MSU's total tackles list, indicating their ability to tackle in space too.</p>
<p>UK's rushing attack is a little better than it's aerial attack this season, but MSU poses a match-up problem for UK in that respect. Their front seven is legitimate and UK will be hard pressed to run the ball unless they find success throwing the ball first. MSU's secondary is pretty good, but is probably vulnerable to giving up yardage outside of the red zone. Can UK take advantage? <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/20/7013253/college-football-sec-kentucky-wildcats-lsu-tigers-2014-final-score" target="_blank">I would have been more optimistic before last week's performance</a>.</p>
<p>I suspect UK's offense will play better than last week, but that likely won't make a difference barring excellent field position. Towles will be pressured, and it'll be interesting to see if he maintains his fundamentals this week in the face of a strong pass rush. I'll also be looking to see if the receivers stay low out of their breaks, and if they block better on the perimeter. If MSU plays 4-6 yards off the receivers, UK will take the short passes all game to avoid the pass rush, and running the ball at MSU's tough defensive interior. I'd be surprised if MSU takes that route, though after watching the LSU game, and the second half against Vanderbilt. For UK's offense to improve going forward, its receivers must play better against press coverages.</p>
<h4 align="center">Comparing Track Records</h4>
<p align="center">Kentucky</p>
<table align="center" border="0" height="118" width="389">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Opponent</td>
<td>F+ Offense</td>
<td>F+ Defense</td>
<td>Outcome</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>42 (4.6%)</td>
<td>31 (7.4%)</td>
<td>41-3 (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>77 (-3.6%)</td>
<td>49 (4.1%)</td>
<td>20-20* (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>South Carolina</td>
<td>5 (16.8%)</td>
<td>89 (-6.8%)</td>
<td>45-38 (W)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Mississippi State</p>
<table align="center" border="0" height="115" width="391">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Opponent</td>
<td>F+ Offense</td>
<td>F+ Defense</td>
<td>Outcome</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>42 (4.6%)</td>
<td>31 (7.4%)</td>
<td>34-29 (W)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td>34 (6.9%)</td>
<td>87 (-6.2%)</td>
<td>48-31 (W)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>7 (15.5%)</td>
<td>18 (11.6%)</td>
<td>38-23 (W)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The first thing that jumps out is the superior level of competition that MSU has beaten this season compared to UK. LSU, A&M, and Auburn are all teams that project for bowl games, and they were all thoroughly handled. Kentucky's best win is against a South Carolina team that will be hard-pressed to make post-season play, and Florida is rapidly on the decline.</p>
<p>The good news for UK partisans, is that MSU's F+ Offense rating is lower than South Carolina's. UK's defense has faced a great offense already this year, and that experience may pay some dividends in this match-up. The one common opponent, LSU, has two starkly different outcomes. UK never got into the game against LSU due to a litany of special teams miscues, and MSU was destroying LSU until they scored 19 points in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Looking at these numbers, MSU probably scores roughly between 38-45 points, and UK probably scores between 7-14 points. Then again, UAB has an offensive rating similar to UK's and scored 34 points against MSU in Week Two so freaky things do occur sometimes (emphasis on the "sometimes").</p>
<h4 align="center">TL;DR</h4>
<p>This isn't rocket science. MSU is really, really good and UK - which I'm confident will play better than last week - appears to be an average team this season. Being average is enough for UK to get its sixth win (and just maybe squeeze out a seventh), but it's not happening this week unless MSU shoots itself in the foot repeatedly, and UK takes advantage every single time.</p>
<p>I, for one, welcome our benevolent Overlords. All Hail State.</p>
<p>MSU: 38; UK: 10</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/23/7040257/sec-college-football-kentucky-wildcats-mississippi-state-bulldogs-2014-preview-cbs-game-of-the-weekwamarsh2014-10-23T13:30:01-04:002014-10-23T13:30:01-04:00For Whom The Cowbell Tolls Exchange
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_xHiZ7gzWSywcUqBk0duppZ7Jhw=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42535384/large_forwhomthecowbelltolls_com_full_8403.0.0.png" />
<figcaption>SB Nation</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This week Justin Sutton from our sister site FWTCT was kind enough to answer a few questions for us. I was searching not just for his take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, but for life as a Bulldog fan in heady 2014.</p> <p><span class="im"> </span></p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b>Fantastic season so far. If this were happening in Lexington, I'd picture a mixture of total euphoria and a sense of foreboding that the clock could strike <span><span><span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ"><font color="#222222">midnight</font></span></span></span></span> at any time. What is the mood like for fans of the program?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Mississippi State fans are absolutely thrilled about the season so far. Doing things like picking up three consecutive wins over top-ten teams and hosting ESPN College Gameday are new for Mississippi State fans. Snagging the No. 1 ranking will always be special to Bulldog fans because it had never happened before.</div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">That said, the season is only halfway finished, and everyone realizes that. The Bulldogs have a tough road game against a five-win Kentucky team <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ"><font color="#222222">Saturday</font></span></span>, a feisty Arkansas squad the next week, and later road games at Alabama and Ole Miss. There could still be bumps and bruises this season.</div>
<p><span class="im"> </span></p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b><span>Dak Prescott</span> put together a solid sophomore year last year, especially with his legs. But I for one didn't see this coming. What has allowed him to reach the next level as a QB?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">I think for Prescott there are a couple of things in play:</div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">1) This is his first season to go through all the workouts as the starter. When you are No.1 on the chart and not 1A as he was called last year, you are going to develop more.</div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">2) For as good of a runner as Prescott is, he has improved tremendously as a passer. He is over the 61% mark this year, and if his UAB performance (nearly 12% below his average) was thrown out, it would be much higher. He is also hitting longer passes this season, which is opening up the run.</div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">3) As good as he is, he is far from the only offensive threat, so defenses cannot just target him. He has an outstanding receiver corps led by <span>De'Runnya Wilson</span> and <span>Jameon Lewis</span>, and <span>Josh Robinson</span> is a dangerous running back for Mississippi State. If you combine that with solid offensive line play, it makes it much easier to be a quarterback.</div>
<p><span class="im"> </span></p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b>Which Bulldog defensive player is most likely to make an impact? Is there anyone who might be ready for a breakout game?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">
<span>Chris Jones</span>, <span>Benardrick McKinney</span>, and <span>Preston Smith</span> have grabbed most of the attention this season, and I would expect to see all of them make some plays. A few other guys to watch would include Matt Wells, <span>Richie Brown</span> (who had three interceptions against Texas A&M), and anyone in the secondary such as <span>Will Redmond</span> or Teveze Calhoun.</div>
<p><span class="im"> </span></p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b>Dan Mullen has regularly come into Commonwealth Stadium and put up W's. This is his best team. From what you've seen of this team, could overconfidence be a factor? </b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">I don't think so. This team remembers barely making it to six wins last season. They play with a chip on their shoulder, and they know what it is like to be the overlooked team. If they lose <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ"><font color="#222222">Saturday</font></span></span>, I don't think it will be from overconfidence.</div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Perhaps most importantly, this team has been hit in the mouth on a few occasions this season, and each time, they have hopped up and hit back. Should Kentucky get to them early, I'd be surprised to see panic mode set in.</div>
<p><span class="im"> </span></p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b>The Bulldogs had a heck of a three week run, but the two biggest games on the schedule are still looming in November and they're brutal. What are the keys to MSU's ability to win at Tuscaloosa and Oxford and possibly run the table?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Mississippi State will have to do what they have done all season. Offensively, the only thing that has stopped Mississippi State has been themselves. With Jameon Lewis returning to action, that offense should be more dangerous than ever. They have to keep scoring and dominating with the run. Defensively, this team has taken a bad rap, but they have slowed down the Aggies and <a href="https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Auburn Tigers</a>. They just need to continue to attack the opposing offenses, force a few turnovers and keep folks out of the end zone. Against Ole Miss and Alabama, that could still not be enough to win, but that will be the formula.</div>
<p><span class="im"> </span></p>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><b>Admit it, you all aren't looking past this game, you're looking past the next three games, right?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><br></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">This isn't just a scrimmage this weekend? In all seriousness, it is easy to go ahead and get to <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ"><font color="#222222">Nov. 15</font></span></span>, but each game can turn into a loss, and Mississippi State fans are aware of it. I think everyone is all into seeing what happens in Lexington and enjoying the ride the Bulldogs are on.</div>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/23/7047645/kentucky-wildcats-sec-college-football-exchange-with-for-whom-the-cowbell-tollsAlex Scutchfield2014-10-22T17:11:25-04:002014-10-22T17:11:25-04:00Will a loss to the MSU Bulldogs affect recruiting?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eeqQLSdNkUW9qZeRQ7TZcb0awjY=/0x0:2960x1973/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42448112/20141018_gma_al6_179.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With Mississippi State’s success and their ascent to the #1 spot in both the A/P and coaches polls, Kentucky is in a win-win situation when it comes to recruiting. The Wildcats only have to make a game of it in order to gain respect and maybe momentum in the minds of recruits. Win the game and shock the world. This game is the CBS prime-time game. When was the last time that’s happened?</p> <p>The October 25<sup>th</sup> game was already going to be the biggest weekend for recruiting as there will be many recruits and committed players in town for the game. The headliner will, of course, be Damien Harris. This will be his official visit after numerous unofficial visits. This game could catapult Kentucky into the favorite spot.</p>
<p>While Kentucky has lost three committed players so far, I don't think the Big Blue Nation is depressed about it. The belief is that Stoops will replace those we've lost with players just as good, or better. Darius Fullwood (Virginia Tech flip) or Montrell Custis (Alabama flip) were the biggest losses and Alex Stump (Ohio State flip) was, perhaps, the most underrated. You should take note of just who flipped these players. Read what Rivals National Analyst has to say about Kentucky's recruiting losses in this Ben Roberts <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2014/10/14/3481153_lost-commitments-a-byproduct-of.html?rh=1">article</a> at the Lexington Herald-Leader. So, let not your heart be troubled.</p>
<p>Let's talk Damien Harris. As you know, he's out for 3-4 weeks with a knee injury. You have to wonder if Ohio State is concerned about the injury. They just offered Ke'Shawn Vaughn of Nashville who Kentucky has backed off on. Again, was that due to the Harris injury or the belief that Harris isn't going to commit to the Buckeyes? This is an interesting development to say the least.</p>
<p>Ohio State, Alabama and Kentucky were deemed the favorites for the nation's #1 running back. Does this mean than Ohio State is giving up the fight? Kentucky doesn't have to worry about the Harris injury. Stoops will take him no matter what and worry about the injury once he's on board. It can be fixed and Kentucky will fix it. Ohio State had already offered the nation's 2<sup>nd</sup> ranked running back, Jacques Patrick from Florida. The Vaughn offer could mean that Urban Meyer is trying to force the hand of Patrick or Harris, or both. Don't look for either to bite. Patrick isn't interested in Kentucky, but he's interested in Alabama and Florida State. You can read about this development <a href="http://ukrecruiting.bloginky.com/2014/10/14/another-good-sign-for-uk-in-damien-harris-chase/">here.</a> My gut tells me it is Alabama or Kentucky. Why? SEC, baby, SEC.</p>
<p><b>Mississippi State</b></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="UK-MSU Sched" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2GsnVhe0ivp2_EAWLmeyyPpd2GA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2379182/Slide1.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Mississippi State comes to Lexington as the #1 team and is projected to be one of the four picked for the national playoff. They are very good on the offensive side of the ball and Dak Robinson is the current leader in the Heisman race.</p>
<p>The Bulldogs are a senior-laden team while Kentucky is made up mostly of sophomores, red-shirt freshmen and true freshmen. If you look at the 2 deep depth charts for both teams, you see the following seniors:</p>
<p><b>Offense: </b></p>
<p><u>Tight End</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i><span>Steven Borden</span>, <span>Ronnie Shields</span>; <i>MSU</i>: <span>Malcolm Johnson</span>, <span>Brandon Hill</span></p>
<p><u>Left Tackle</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i><span>Darrian Miller</span>; <i>MSU</i>: Blaine Causell</p>
<p><u>Center</u>: <i>MSU:</i> <span>Dillon Day</span></p>
<p><u>Right Guard</u>: <i>MSU: </i>Ben Beckworth</p>
<p><u>Tight End</u>: <i>MSU: </i>Branden Hill - <span>Malcolm Johnson</span> is listed as the #1 guy on both sides (see above)</p>
<p><u>Runningback</u>: <i>MSU: </i> <span>Nick Griffin</span></p>
<p><u>Fullback</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i>D.J. Warren</p>
<p><u>Wide Receiver</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i><span>Demarco Robinson</span>, <span>Javess Blue</span>; <i>MSU: </i><span>Jameon Lewis</span>, <span>Robert Johnson</span></p>
<p><b>Defense:</b></p>
<p><u>Defensive End</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i> <span>Za'Darius Smith</span></p>
<p><u>Defensive Tackle</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i><span>Mike Douglas</span>; <i>MSU: </i><span>P.J. Jones</span>, Kaleb Eulls, <span>Curtis Virges</span></p>
<p><u>Defensive End</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i>Bud Dupree; <i>MSU: </i><span>Preston Smith</span></p>
<p><u>Linebacker</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i><span>TraVaughn Paschal</span>; <i>MSU: </i>Matt Wells</p>
<p><u>Safety</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i>Ashley Lowery; <i>MSU: </i><span>Jay Hughes</span>, <span>Justin Cox</span></p>
<p><u>Cornerback</u>: <i>Kentucky: </i><span>Nate Willis</span>; <i>MSU: </i><span>Jamerson Love</span></p>
<p>That's six 2 deep contributing seniors on both sides of the line for Kentucky and 17 on MSU's 2 deep.</p>
<p><b>Comparing</b> <b>the two teams (NCAA Rank)</b></p>
<p><b><u>Offense</u></b></p>
<p>Rushing: MSU 12<sup>th</sup>, UK 60<sup>th</sup></p>
<p>Passing: MSU 41<sup>st</sup>, UK 51<sup>st</sup></p>
<p>Total: MSU 10<sup>th</sup>, UK 61<sup>st</sup></p>
<p>Scoring: MSU 9<sup>th</sup>, UK 53<sup>rd</sup></p>
<p><b><u>Defense</u></b></p>
<p>Rushing: MSU 25<sup>th</sup>, UK 78<sup>th</sup></p>
<p>Passing: UK 15<sup>th</sup>, MSU 121<sup>st</sup></p>
<p>Total: UK 40<sup>th</sup>, MSU 88<sup>th</sup></p>
<p>Scoring: MSU t-19<sup>th</sup>, UK t-37<sup>th</sup></p>
<p>If you wish to compare specific numbers, the following provides that, along with those on the rest of our schedule, for you.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stats1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2wTZ56jVAeWgK-1QeUs5TCPElcE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2379184/Slide4.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="stats2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s3qaPrUJH3t15cDtSpY018V-FK0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2379188/Slide5.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="stats3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ITvBqlAWNA3drmVyELoiXM4Skts=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2379192/Slide6.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="stats4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h_yB9zM-xHpPpp1Y9qYHIPlRteM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2379196/Slide7.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The question for the Big Blue Nation is whether or not Mississippi State is vulnerable.</p>
<p><b>Looking Forward - seeking win # six</b></p>
<p>After Mississippi State, Kentucky has four games remaining and three are roadies. Beating the nation's #1 team is a tall order. Assuming Kentucky doesn't pull this out on Saturday, our opportunities for number six are still there.</p>
<p>Missouri isn't the same Missouri as last year, yet they had a sweet visit to the Swamp and beat the Gators 42-13. It wasn't the offense that won the game. They accumulated a grand total of 119 yards for the game and set a SEC season record low of 20 yards through the air bypassing Vandy's 60 yards against Ole Miss. Missouri's two losses (so far) were at home. Indiana (whoa!) beat them 31-27 and Georgia beat them 34-0. Maty Mauk doesn't have Beckham-Green this year and their O-line is suspect.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsports.com/">Georgia Bulldogs</a> are on a roll this year. Gurley goes down and they simply replace him with Nick Chubb. Not a big deal for Georgia. Not many teams can do that. The Dawg's defense improves with each game even though Arkansas hung 32 on them in Little Rock. Georgia looks to win the SEC East. They're the only East team to beat a SEC West team.</p>
<p>Tennessee has Alabama at home this week and then travel to Columbia, SC before hosting our Wildcats. For the BBN, how they do against the Gamecocks is more important than how bad they look against the Crimson Tide.</p>
<p>We find out over the next two weeks just how good the #1 ranked Louisville defense is. They have a bye this week so they can better prepare against Florida State at Papa John's on Oct. 30<sup>th</sup>. We'll also find out if the Cards passing game is improving.</p>
<p><b>Here's how the Cats stack up the rest of the way:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/5-sec-coordinators-could-be-fired/">Saturday Down South names five Coordinators</a> who may not be around next season. Agree?</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Quarterback Efficiency - NCAA rank</b></p>
<p>7. <span>Dak Prescott</span>, Mississippi St. - 165.6</p>
<p>34. <span>Hutson Mason</span>, Georgia - 146.5</p>
<p>52. <span>Will Gardner</span>, Louisville - 136.0</p>
<p>55. <span>Patrick Towles</span>, Kentucky - 134.1</p>
<p>76. Justin Worley, Tennessee - 124.3</p>
<p>91. Maty Mauk, Missouri - 118.8</p>
<p>So, where does Kentucky get win number six, in your opinion?</p>
<p>Feel free to change your mind next week.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/10/22/7038265/mississippi-state-and-the-recruiting-impactHank Rippetoe