Kentucky football fans, it’s time to prepare for the 2018 season. Get out your calendars →
Benny Snell received 32 carries and played 70 snaps against South Carolina. He insists it doesn’t matter, “20 carries, 10 carries, 30 carries, it all feels the same way the next day. The more the merrier.” Even so, Eddie Gran doesn’t want to exhaust his featured running back.
Fans are asking when and where they’ll see Kentucky’s third running back, but Gran just wants to get No. 2 more involved. Sihiem King had just two carries for 15 yards against South Carolina. On two occasions, the Cats were backed up deep and needed Snell’s power to get more cushion.
“Those are a couple series I should’ve put him in and I told him that,” Gran said. “I think for the remainder of the season, 70 snaps is too much [for Benny]. You’ll see Sihiem more whether we create something or we just get him more touches.”
On two third downs they did create something for Sihiem and he took advantage of the opportunity.
“Sihiem can create some big plays and he did,” Mark Stoops said yesterday. “The third-down catch he made was a fantastic play — two third downs, actually — and then on the sweep, he made a great run. Sihiem’s doing some good things. He’s going to get some more opportunities. He’ll definitely be a guy we’ve got to get involved more.”
The two third down passes King caught went for first downs and totaled 18 yards.
“It felt good to get into space and do what I can do,” King said. “It feels good. I’ll do anything to help my team out. I was excited. We converted on that third down and it was a scoring drive.”
King played sparingly entering this season. It took him some time to get comfortable as a part of the regular rotation, but after three games, he’s confident that whenever his number is called, he’ll make the play.
“It’s starting to feel natural to me. It’s starting to come to me. It’s starting to be sort of like a reality to me now.” King added, “I just do what I can do to help the team. Every time I get it I try to make a play. Every time I touch it, I want to make a play.”
Beloved by the Big Blue Nation, Kentucky fans fell in love with Stephen Johnson and Benny Snell all over again after Kentucky’s fourth consecutive win over South Carolina.
Their play did enough, accounting for 345 of UK’s 353 total yards of offense, but their production isn’t what took the internet by storm. You couldn’t log onto social media without seeing the picture above that came at the end of Johnson’s 24-yard third down run.
“It was the same guy that didn’t shake my hand at first,” Johnson explained, “so when I saw him I kind of got a little petty and stuck my tongue out to him.”
Snell’s viral moment was much more subtle and didn’t get noticed until two days later.
Watching the SkyCam replay of the game. Guess who found the camera after his first half TD review? @benny_snell #BBN pic.twitter.com/V9iJlhucLF
— Josh Edwards (@JEdwar247) September 18, 2017
Did Snell know what he was doing?
“Yes sir. It was following me around the whole time, so I just knew. I didn’t know if it was like the TV or what it was, but I knew somebody was going to see it,” he said with a chuckle.
What could have been their most sensational moment didn’t happen because Stephen dropped Benny’s Wildcat pass.
“I saw it was wide open. I lost it in the light,” Johnson said. “I should have — like I heard all the time — is just catch [it in] the light. I definitely gotta work on that now. We’ll probably end up doing it again at some point.”
Benny couldn’t believe it. “I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness. It was a touchdown. I already know.’ It’s a 100 percent completion rate to me. I’m not worried about what the stats book says.”
For the last two days, Johnson has caught grief from his teammates. He believes Benny deserves a 100 percent completion rate. “Yeah, that was my fault. It was definitely my fault. It was a good pass, so I gotta make it up to him somehow.”
Human genome researchers announced on Monday that they were finally able to isolate the gene that causes someone to cheer for the University of Florida. Researchers knew there was a genetic defect that caused people to cheer for Florida because, as Gene Watson said, “no one of sound mind and body would do that weird chomp thing so often without realizing how absurd it looked.”
When researchers pinpointed the genetic defect that causes people to cheer for the likes of Joakim Noah they additionally discovered that when this gene was removed, the person not only stopped cheering for Florida, but also felt the need to put on a shirt before going to the Olive Garden.
While this discovery has DNA researchers excited about the possibilities, they did say there were still limitations to what they could uncover. “I don’t believe current science has the capacity to figure out how South Carolina fans are able to get through a single football game with that rooster sound going off every 10 seconds,” Watson said. “It’s beyond our current realm of understanding.”
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers fell behind early as the Falcons scored 24 first half points on their way to a 34-23 victory. Despite the loss Randall Cobb performed well in the National TV spotlight catching 6 balls for 60 yards. Cobb did injure his shoulder in the loss and is listed as day-to-day for this week. Lets hope this is a minor injury for the former Kentucky legend.
The Bucs scored 26 unanswered points in the 1st half against the Bears on their way to a 29-7 victory. Danny Trevathan recorded 4 tackles in a loss that the Bears would like to put in their rear-view. Chicago will have to rebound quickly as they host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.
The Steelers dominated the Vikings as Sam Bradford sat out with a knee injury. Bradford’s absence did not stop Bud Dupree from getting to the quarterback as the former first round pick recorded 2 tackles and 1 sack in the Steelers 26-7 victory. An encouraging performance from Dupree in his first action of the season, he sat out the Steelers opening game with a shoulder injury.
Za’Darius Smith suffered a knee sprain in the Ravens opening win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Kentucky product was not able to play in Sunday’s game against the Browns. The Ravens have not released a timetable for his return. Even without Smith the Ravens defense continued to show why they are one of the league’s best as they forced 5 turnovers in the team’s 24-10 victory. The Titans got back on track this week after losing their opener, Wesley Woodyard led the defense with 9 tackles including 1.5 for a loss. The 11 year NFL veteran continues to play linebacker at an elite level. The Titans laid it on the Jaguars scoring 31 2nd half points on their way to a 37-16 win.
Avery Williamson also played well as he contributed 4 tackles and a pass deflection in the Titans 37-16 win. This is a huge year for Williamson as he will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. If the Kentucky product continues playing the way he has in his first 3 NFL seasons he should be in line for a major pay day.
Corey Peters, now a 7 year NFL veteran, failed to register a tackle in yesterday’s game but did find a way to pressure the quarterback with one QB hit in the Cardinals 16-13 win against the Indianapolis Colts.
@EMitchKSR
Awesome news, friends. According to Mitch Barnhart, the Kentucky/Florida game is officially SOLD OUT:
It's a sellout! Thank you, #BBN!
I know you're going to a huge difference for @UKFootball on Saturday. We can't wait. pic.twitter.com/wd8oDPRIMc
— Mitch Barnhart (@UKMitchBarnhart) September 19, 2017
The last time Kentucky football sold out a game? Thursday, October 15, 2015 when the Cats played Auburn. Hopefully this game has a better outcome.
Remember us telling you about “Us Against The World,” Uproxx’s documentary series about Rodrick Rhodes and the Cordia High School basketball team? All ten episodes of the docuseries dropped today on Watchable.com and are free to stream.
The documentary tells the story of how Rhodes rebuilt the Cordia High School program with transfers from across the country, which created tension with rival programs in Eastern Kentucky and led to racist acts and hate-mongering. In May 2016, Rhodes was removed as coach after the program was slapped with several KHSAA sanctions for violations ranging from recruiting to providing illegal benefits to players. Earlier that year, Cordia won its first ever All “A” Basketball Championship.
In the opening scene of the first episode, Rhodes recalls a conversation he had with former teammate Jeff Sheppard about taking the job back in 2011 and Sheppard’s initial concerns about the reception Rhodes would receive in Eastern Kentucky. Sheppard eventually reasoned that people would accept Rhodes because he was “blue,” aka a former Kentucky player, but in the documentary, Rhodes said that he found out his friend was right to be worried.
“To be honest with you, I think that wore off. The blue wore off,” Rhodes said.
All ten episodes are available now for free on Watchable. Drew Franklin will have a review of the series for you tomorrow.
Kentucky football fans, it’s time to prepare for the 2018 season. Get out your calendars to pencil in seven home games at Kroger Field and an eventful SEC road trip. Even though we already knew most of Kentucky’s 2018 opponents, a few unexpected wrinkles have been added.
UK will host instate foe Murray State after a road trip to Gainesville. They’ll take their first trip to Kyle Field to play Texas A&M just before the Bye Week, which will once again fall on the same weekend as Big Blue Madness. Finally, what could be the biggest surprise is the late-season addition of Middle Tennessee State. The Blue Raiders were projected to win Conference-USA this year and will bring a big crowd from Murfreesboro, which is just four hours away from Lexington.
Kentucky’s 2018 Football Schedule
Sept. 1 CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Sept. 8 at Florida
Sept. 15 MURRAY STATE
Sept. 22 MISSISSIPPI STATE
Sept. 29 SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 6 at Texas A&M
Oct. 13 Open Date
Oct. 20 VANDERBILT
Oct. 27 at Missouri
Nov. 3 GEORGIA
Nov. 10 at Tennessee
Nov. 17 MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Nov. 24 at Louisville
See the schedules for all 14 SEC schools here.
KSR’s SEC Power Rankings return this week with some drastic changes from a week ago. Those changes are in part because I took over the role as ranker for this one, but also because of some very notable wins (and losses) across the conference.
1. Alabama (3-0)
Beat Colorado State, 41-23; Previous Week: 1
Alabama is in the top spot in the power rankings for one more week before it drops a couple spots next week after a loss at Vanderbilt.
Kidding.
Kind of.
2. Mississippi State (3-0)
Beat LSU, 37-3; Previous Week: 6
Mississippi State jumped all the way up to No. 2 from No. 6 after blowing out LSU, last week’s No. 2, in Starkville.
Nick Fitzgerald is the real deal and will enter the Heisman race if he has another big game this weekend when the Bulldogs travel to Georgia.
3. Georgia (3-0)
Beat Samford, 42-14; Previous Week: 3
Georgia didn’t do much to improve its stock after beating an FCS team (and failing to cover), but 3-0 is 3-0 and that win at Notre Dame is still one of the SEC’s best out-of-conference performances this season.
4. Vanderbilt (3-0)
Beat Kansas State, 14-7; Previous Rank: 10
Vanderbilt? At fourth? Yep. The ‘Dores saw a huge jump in the rankings after upsetting No. 18 Kansas State for the program’s first win over a ranked non-SEC opponent in 71 years. Vandy is now 3-0 for the first time since 2011 with its sights set on Alabama.
Defensive lineman Nifae Lealao said, “Alabama, you’re next.”
#Vandy's Nifae Lealao: "We expected to get this. When you come to our house we show you how to play some SEC ball… Alabama, you're next." pic.twitter.com/koegcHRZnE
— Justin Beasley (@JBeasleyWSMV) September 17, 2017
Easy there, bud.
5. Kentucky (3-0)
Beat South Carolina, 23-13; Previous Rank: 12
Another team with a huge jump up the rankings is Kentucky following its win at South Carolina as a touchdown underdog. The Gamecocks crowd was at its best and Carolina’s captains wouldn’t shake hands before the game, but UK dominated from start to finish — if we consider the ‘start’ as being after the Cats allowed a TD on the first play of the game and then turned it over twice.
6. Florida (1-1)
Beat Tennessee, 26-20; Previous Rank: 8
Did you see that Hail Mary? Wow, what a finish.
7. Tennessee (2-1)
Lost to Florida, 20-26; Previous Rank: 7
Did you see that Hail Mary? Wow, how do you let the receiver get behind you? Idiots.
8. Auburn (2-1)
Beat Mercer, 24-10; Previous Rank: 4
Auburn’s only loss was at Clemson, so its resume still looks good; however, the product Auburn has put on the field for three straight weeks, has not.
9. LSU (2-1)
Lost to Mississippi State, 3-37; Previous Rank: 2
LSU’s loss to Mississippi State was its worst to an unranked opponent since 1943. Coach O is now on the hot seat, and that saddens me.
10. South Carolina (2-1)
Lost to Kentucky, 13-23; Previous Rank: 5
The Deebo Samuel injury is a tough one to swallow. You gotta feel for that guy and the team that will move on without its star player.
11. Arkansas (1-1)
No game; Previous Rank: 9
Arkansas had the week off, so it drops two spots for resting. Want to move up? Beat A&M in Jerry World this weekend.
12. Ole Miss (2-1)
Lost to California, 16-27; Previous Rank: 11
Note to all SEC schools: if you’re going to travel across the country to face a second tier Pac-12 team, don’t lose.
But if you do lose, at least look like you’re capable of playing competitive football.
13. Texas A&M (2-1)
Beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 45-21; Previous Rank: 14
Sure, Texas A&M beat Louisiana-Lafayette by 24; but did you know A&M trailed at the half? Throw in the Aggies’ Week 1 disaster and then a close one against Nicholls in Week 2, and it’s the beginning of the end for Kevin Sumlin. Might as well go ahead and fire him if you ask me.
14. Missouri (1-2)
Lost to Purdue, 35-3; Previous Rank: 13
Missouri is an embarrassment to the league. Can we ship it back to the Big 12 until it remembers how to play football?
USATSI
One former Kentucky quarterback was beginning to find his stride at another school, until he was stopped by a severe injury.
Prior to this season, Reese Phillips earned the starting quarterback spot for FCS Montana. Successful in his first two starts, he completed more than 71 percent of his passes for 652 yards and 4 touchdowns until the second quarter of Saturday’s game. Then one fateful drop-back left the crowd silent, according to the Missoulian.
Visual of Phillips’ injury had fans and the Grizzly team (and journalists too) holding down their breakfasts. Phillips’ foot wasn’t facing the right way — it was backward.
Today Phillips revealed bad news, but he was still able to make light of the difficult situation.
@MontanaGrizFB
The Chattanooga native began his college career at Kentucky in 2013. After a redshirt year, he played sparingly in 2014 before rupturing his Achilles in the spring of 2015. Following the 2015 season he was a part of the mass exodus in the quarterbacks’ meeting room, leaving UK with Patrick Towles and Shannon Dawson.
The rehabilitation will not be easy. We extend our best wishes to Phillips for a complete recovery and a successful future.
Photo by Quinn Foster | UK Athletics
Kentucky’s annual Pro Day will be held on October 8, and for the fourth year in a row, it will be televised on the SEC Network. In years past, the event has been held at the Joe Craft Center, but this year, UK is moving it to Rupp Arena. Sean Farnham and Seth Greenberg will be on hand to call the action for the SEC Network from 7-9 p.m.
All 30 NBA teams are invited to watch the team go through a combine-like practice, which will include various agility and shooting drills in addition to 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 scrimmaging. Given the number of athletes on this year’s roster and how little we know about the freshman class, this will be a great sneak peek less than a week before Big Blue Madness.
Meanwhile, Louisville’s Pro Day is scheduled for October 7, but will likely only be broadcast on Cinemax After Dark or a pay-per-view channel.
For the fourth year in a row, Kentucky has taken down South Carolina. The KSR Football Podcast examines the X’s and O’s from the road victory, discusses the storylines that have consumed the Commonwealth and looks ahead to how Kentucky could potentially snap The Streak against Florida. Highlights:
— Freddie transforms into a nine-year old with his pronunciation soundboard.
— Why Kentucky has to be boring to beat Florida.
— Freddie’s out of the media guide, thanks to Stephen Johnson.
— Tennessee helped Franco invent new curse words.
— Handshake-gate and the fallout.
— A smash mouth defense, even without Eli Brown.
You can easily listen on the KSR App, available on iTunes and Google Play. Streaming online is simple through Pod Paradise. You can also get it directly to your phone by subscribing to “Kentucky Sports Radio” on iTunes or via Android’s Podcast Addict app.
PIC BY Florida Gators Football Youtube
The streak. That’s all I have to say about that. The Florida Gators will travel to Lexington but will be accompanied by several questions that could significantly impact the game’s outcome. There are no updates on its nine suspended players at the time that this post was sent to the KSR editorial department. Also, All-SEC cornerback Duke Dawson is listed as a starter but with an “Or” identifier as the elite defensive playmaker sustained a head injury against Tennessee. I fully expect him to play.
Florida kicked off the season with a neutral site loss to Michigan. The Gators were outgained 433 yards to 192. Its only touchdowns were scored by the defense. The Wolverines limited UF to nine first downs and just 11 rush yards. Quarterback Feleipe Franks’ 63-yard Hail Mary pass completion to WR Tyrie Cleveland as time expired beat the questionable play calling Tennessee Volunteers a week ago. UT racked up 23 first downs compared to Florida’s 14. Like Michigan, it outgained the Gators 442-total yards to 380 but lost the game 26-20. Let’s take a look at the Gators personnel and statistics. Please remember this is just a two-game body of work:
Pic by SEC Country
OFFENSE
Florida mainly operates out of the Pistol formation and utilizes multiple tight ends, unbalanced lines, bunch formations, and motions in order to mask its limited number of proven playmakers. Physical running backs Lamical Perine and Mark Thompson present challenges but true freshman Malik Davis leads the team in rushing. The Gators are listed at 14th or at the bottom of the SEC’s total offense category.
However, talented true freshman quarterback turned receiver Kadarious Toney surfaced against the Vols and could be counted on more against Kentucky. The rookie is dynamic with the football in his hands and could be the playmaker that UF has tried to identify for the past three years. Redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks is the starter and was solid but not spectacular against Tennessee. Luke Del Rio and Notre Dame grad-transfer Malik Zaire will be available if Franks struggles in his first true road start. Franks is not a true runner but can do so if necessary.
Suspended starters WR/KR Antonio Calloway and Jordan Scarlett are said to be missed, but the Gator offense finished 2016 ranked 116th in total offense with that duo in the lineup. It’s scored two touchdowns in two games. This offense is young and consists of two freshmen, five sophomores, three juniors, and one senior. LT Martez Ivey is its best lineman and top NFL prospect.
Projected Starters
| Quarterback | Feleipe Franks | 6’5, 227 Fr. |
| Running Back | Lamical Perine | 5’11, 218 So. |
| Receiver | Josh Hammond | 6’1, 187, So. |
| Receiver | Tyrie Cleveland | 6’2, 205 So. |
| Receiver | Brandon Powell | 5’8, 189 Sr. |
| Tight End | C’yontai Lewis | 6’4, 235 Jr. |
| Left Tackle | Martez Ivey | 6’5, 315 Jr. |
| Left Guard | Brett Heggie | 6’4, 330 Fr. |
| Center | T.J. McCoy | 6’1, 308 So. |
| Right Guard | Fred Johnson | 6’6, 330 Jr. |
| Right Tackle | Jawaan Taylor | 6’5, 334 So. |
Team Stats
| Scoring | 21.5 points per game | SEC-14th |
| Rushing | 89.5 yards per game | SEC-12th |
| Passing | 196 | SEC-7th |
| Total | 286 | SEC-14th |
| 3rd Down | 33.3% | SEC-14th |
| Red-Zone | 2/2, 100% | SEC-1st |
Top Performers
| Passing | Feleipe Franks | 23/37, 287-yards, 62%, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Malik Davis | 5 carries, 105-yards |
| Receiving | Tyrie Cleveland | 9 receptions, 199-yds, 1 TD |
DEFENSE
Florida is ranked 13th or second to last in the SEC’s total defense category. Much like I thought the South Carolina numbers didn’t paint an accurate picture of the Gamecocks; I feel similarly about the Gators; but in reverse. Randy Shannon’s defense is much better than its listing. It’s young, fast, aggressive, disruptive, and littered with future professionals.
Defensive ends Jabari Zuniga, CeCe Jefferson, Jordan Sherit, and Zachai Polite are disruptive. Linebackers and the secondary are young but also highly talented. LB David Reese is the team’s leading tackler. UF’s secondary has scored three touchdowns; reminder that one more than its offensive counterparts. Led by CB Duke Dawson, the defensive backfield consists of an embarrassing amount of deep, young talent. It also prefers man-to-man coverage especially on the outside.
Projected Starters
| Defensive End | Jabari Zuniga | 6’3, 246 So. |
| Nose Tackle | Khairi Clark | 6’1, 315 Jr. |
| Defensive Tackle | Taven Bryan | 6’4, 291 Jr. |
| Defensive End | CeCe Jefferson | 6’1, 242 Jr. |
| Linebacker | Jeremiah Moon | 6’6, 228 Fr. |
| Linebacker | David Reese | 6’1, 239 So. |
| Linebacker | Vosean Joseph | 6’1, 227 So. |
| Cornerback | Marco Wilson | 6’0, 177 Fr. |
| Cornerback | Duke Dawson | 5’10, 202 Sr. |
| Nickel | CJ Henderson | 6’1, 186 Fr. |
| Safety | Nick Washington | 6’0, 198 Sr. |
| Safety | Chauncey Gardner | 6’0, 207 So. |
Team Statistics
| Scoring | Allows 26.5 ppg | SEC-12th |
| Rushing | 199 ypg | SEC-13th |
| Passing | 238 | SEC-10th |
| Total | 437 | SEC-13th |
| QB Sacks | 6 | SEC-8th |
| Tackles for Loss | 16 | SEC-10th |
| 3rd Down | 35.29% | SEC-9th |
Top Performers
| Tackles | David Reese | 18 |
| QB Sacks | Jordan Sherit | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | Jordan Sherit, CeCe Jefferson | 2 |
| Interceptions | CJ Henderson, Duke Dawson | 2 |
| QB Hurries | Jabari Zuniga | 4 |
Pic of Johnny Townsend By FloridaGators.com
SPECIAL TEAMS
Johnny Townsend is considered as one of the best punters in the nation. Kicker Eddie Pineiro is a preseason All-SEC selection. Special teams and field position could decide this game.
| Punter | Johnny Townsend | 50.18 per, SEC-1st |
| Kicker | Eddy Pineiro | 3/4, SEC-5th |
What does all this mean?
Florida is much better than I expected and definitely more threatening than statistical rankings. Tune into the Depth Chart Podcast for Part II of the Florida scouting report as we dive deeper into scheme, personnel, matchups, and expectation.
After a busy morning at the UK Ticket Office, only single tickets remain for Kentucky/Florida Saturday night at Kroger Field. How excited are people? Check out the picture of the line at the ticket office a few hours ago:
Former UK players have taken to Twitter to encourage fans to make it a sell out, including Randall Cobb, who will be inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend:
Let’s go to work. Let’s make history. Let’s pack it out. #WearBlue #BeatFlorida pic.twitter.com/TGUNvejY7A
— Randall Cobb (@rcobb18) September 19, 2017
And Avery Williamson:
No better feeling than playing in a sold-out stadium! Come on, #BBN, we need you this weekend! #WearBlue #BeatFlorida pic.twitter.com/f9BotHxymd
— Avery Williamson (@AWilliamson54) September 19, 2017
And Tim Couch:
This is OUR year. Let’s pack it out, #BBN! #WearBlue #BeatFlorida pic.twitter.com/Q33yEY97DB
— Tim Couch (@timcouchtv) September 19, 2017
Call the UK Ticket office (800-928-CATS) or get on UKFootballTix.com right now to secure your seats.
There are headlines and then there are smheadlines. Today’s is definitely the latter. A jogger in Colorado Springs is in the news today for pooping in people’s yards. Yes, you read that correctly. The jogger has been spotted numerous times in her neighborhood dropping her pants and relieving herself, even in front of children.
“I was like ‘are you serious? Are you really taking a poop right here in front of my kids?’ And she was like ‘Yeah…sorry,'” homeowner Cathy Budde told a Colorado Springs news station.
When you gotta go, you gotta go, but apparently, this is a routine thing despite the fact that there are public restrooms along the running path. The neighborhood has put “The Mad Pooper” on notice:
What a crappy thing to do.
2018 stars Immanuel Quickley and Keldon Johnson were on Kentucky’s campus this weekend for official visits, and so far, the feedback has been very positive. Jide Sodipo, the executive director of Quickley’s AAU team, told Kyle Tucker that Johnson and Quickley spent a lot of time working out together in the Joe Craft Center.
“They definitely hung out together,” Sodipo told SECCountry.com. “They went over there by themselves and worked out. They both seem to be gym rats, so they were asking the manager what time they could get into the gym to work out. Immanuel could go to the moon and find a basketball gym so he could work out.”
Quickley had to cancel his official visit to Miami and few weeks ago because of Hurricane Irma, but this morning, Sodipo told TJ Walker it doesn’t look like he will reschedule, which is more good news for the Cats, who are the overwhelming favorite in his recruitment. Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson’s father told Adam Zagoria they enjoyed getting to know “the real Cal.”
“Getting to talk to Cal, you see the real Cal,” Chris said. “He really loves the kids, and I could see Keldon playing there. I think it would be a great opportunity.”
Texas is still Kentucky’s primary competition for Johnson due to his longstanding relationship with Shaka Smart, who started recruiting him in the ninth grade; however, if anyone can make up ground fast, it’s John Calipari.
We’re all focused on football, but basketball is right around the corner. UK just announced that tickets for the Blue-White Game go on sale September 25 at 5 p.m. ET. The game is scheduled for October 20 at 7 p.m. in Rupp Arena and will be televised by the SEC Network.
On Monday at 5 p.m., tickets will be available online through Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000. Based on availability after Monday evening’s on-sale, tickets will also be available beginning Tuesday through the Rupp Arena Box Office (859.233.3535) between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The cost of the tickets will be $10 (lower level) and $5 (200 level). All public seating is reserved.
Beginning Sept. 26 at 9 a.m., UK students may claim up to two free eRUPPtion Zone tickets for the Blue-White Game, while supplies last. Student tickets must be claimed in person at the Joe Craft Center ticket office with a valid UK student ID.
As a reminder, Big Blue Madness Campout starts a week from tomorrow. For more details on that, click the link below:
Slowly, but surely, this game is moving towards a sellout. According to Matt this morning, only 1,200 tickets remain for Saturday’s game vs. Florida, down about 600 from last night.
If you’re still thinking of going, I suggest you call the UK Ticket office (800-928-CATS) or get on UKFootballTix.com right now to secure your seats. Let’s sell it out and show this team how much we support them.
UPDATE: Apparently there’s been another surge in ticket sales since Matt got his last update. Here’s an update from Mitch Barnhart:
#BBN is delivering again! We have less than 500 tickets available for Saturday's game at https://t.co/OXdcl61eIf!
— Mitch Barnhart (@UKMitchBarnhart) September 19, 2017
Each Tuesday I will break down the defensive numbers in hopefully a more interesting way that you normally see. I like to see if there are certain situations where the UK defense excels, based on down and distance. I will also keep a running count of the stats over the course of the season. Against South Carolina,
1st Down
Pass: 13-17, 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 sack for -3 yards
Run: 6 rushes for 37 yards (6.2 ypc)
Combined Season Statistics
Pass: 31-51, 416 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 1 sack for -3 yards
Run: 30 rushes for 90 yards (3.0 ypc)
Breakdown: The defense was fantastic but if there is one poor spot it would be pass defense on first down. Even if you take away the opening touchdown, USC was still able to torch the UK pass defense on 1st down. Now, the 2nd and 3rd down was so good it didn’t matter.
—————————————————-
2nd Down and Long (6 yards or more)
Pass: 2-5, 23 yards, 1 INT
Run: 3 rushes for 10 yards (3.3 ypc)
Combined Season Statistics
Pass: 20-29, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Run: 15 rushes for 57 yards (3.8 ypc)
Breakdown: Awesome defense here. UK’s run defense has been stout in this situation all season but their pass defense improved greatly on Saturday. Game finishing interception by Baity included in here as well.
2nd Down and Short (5 yards or fewer)
Pass: 4-7, 48 yards
Run: 3 rushes for 5 yards (1.7 ypc)
Combined Season Statistics
Pass: 7-11, 96 yards, 1 TD
Run: 10 rushes for 33 yards (3.3 ypc)
Breakdown: One long pass completion but otherwise another awesome performance. The run defense was so good. On two different occasions USC has 2nd and 1 and were not able to get that yard on a rush play.
——————————————————
3rd Down and Long (6 yards or more)
Pass: 2-3, 11 yards, 1 INT (converted 0 of 3)
Run: No Plays
Combined Season Statistics
Pass: 10-15, 83 yards, 1 INT, 3 sacks for -32 yards (converted 3 of 18)
Run: 2 rushes for 7 yards (3.5 ypc) (converted 0 of 4)
Breakdown: Perfection. Cats got a turnover and kept USC from converting any long 3rd down plays. This season, they have been AMAZING in 3rd and long, which is not something they’ve always been so great.
3rd Down and Short (5 yards or more)
Pass: 2-4, 17 yards, 1 sack for -3 yards (converted 2 of 5)
Run: 4 rushes for 8 yards (2.0 ypc) (converted 1 of 4)
Combined Season Statistics
Pass: 8-12, 62 yards, 1 sack for -3 yards (converted 6 of 13)
Run: 10 rushes for 31 yards (3.1 ypc) (converted 5 of 10)
Breakdown: I’m not sure the Cats have ever had numbers this good on 3rd and short. This was all about TOUGHNESS. Multiple stops on the run game and for some reason USC threw the ball twice on 3rd and 1. Nonetheless, UK holding the Gamecocks to 3 of 9 in easily convertable situations was the key to the game.
Why is that UK fan dancing? Because it’s time for Kentucky Sports Radio. Tune in as the guys preview the Florida game, discuss Matt’s interview with Mitch Barnhart, and much, much more.
Join in on the fun by calling (502) 571-1080 or send a text to the KSR Texting Machine at (859) 300-3264.
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What do you think Derrick Baity, Matt Elam, and Lynn Bowden were discussing right here? Baity’s game-sealing interception? Elam batting down Jake Bentley’s passes? The latest episode of Bachelor in Paradise? I’ll let you leave your best guess in the comments while I roll on to today’s agenda.
Excitement continues to build for the Florida game
After Saturday’s big win over South Carolina, excitement is ratcheting up again for another shot at Florida. As we are all painfully aware, the Gators have won 30 straight vs. the Cats, but Kentucky is riding a huge wave of momentum and Florida hasn’t exactly looked like world beaters so far this season. Last night, word broke that the suspended Florida players could be facing felony charges for credit card fraud, which would normally suggest they won’t play, but I’ve been to this rodeo enough times to rule them out. One thing is for certain: Kroger Field will be rocking.
As of 8 p.m. last night, only 1,500 tickets (250 lower level) and 300 student tickets were available, and it sounds like the student tickets are now sold out. If you’re even entertaining the idea of going, I suggest you call the UK Ticket office (800-928-CATS) or get on UKFootballTix.com right now to secure your seats.
Banners are even popping up on campus
@KyleGregory2
If any students are reading this and thinking about making a banner of your own, here’s my humble plea: please be clever. No hurricane jokes. No incest jokes. We’re not South Carolina.
Are the Cats going to wear chrome helmets?
@cameronrduke
This picture from Drew Barker’s Instagram story suggests it.
This tweet from Finebaum will get you going
Have talked to Stephen Johnson many times this year. Today was different. The @UKFootball QB is LOCKED IN during Gators week. pic.twitter.com/j4Yhgn2wTy
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) September 18, 2017
For more on SJ’s appearance on Finebaum, click here.
I’m just now seeing this video from Saturday night
Watching the SkyCam replay of the game. Guess who found the camera after his first half TD review? @benny_snell #BBN pic.twitter.com/V9iJlhucLF
— Josh Edwards (@JEdwar247) September 18, 2017
And it might be my favorite UK Football thing ever. Love Benny.
John Calipari’s handing out more 2019 offers
After hosting Immanuel Quickley and Keldon Johnson on Friday and Saturday, John Calipari traveled to New Jersey on Sunday to see 2019 stars Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis. Both are top five players in the 2019 class and both got scholarship offers on the visit.
Kentucky's John Calipari & Tony Barbee just met with Bryan Antoine & Scottie Lewis from The Ranney School (NJ)/Team Rio (NJ) and offered. pic.twitter.com/diYn9yG2lq
— Pat Lawless (@PatLawless_) September 17, 2017
Calipari has handed out four scholarship offers in the past week in the 2019 class:
- James Wiseman, PF
- D.J. Jeffries, SF
- Bryan Antoine, G
- Scottie Lewis, SG
On Wednesday, he’ll go see Vernon Carey, considered by three of the four major recruiting services to be the top player in the 2019 class (James Wiseman is ranked #1 in the other). I think you can count on Carey getting an offer. Meanwhile, in 2018 recruiting, Zion Williamson is scheduled to take his official visit to Kentucky this weekend, and with John Wall being inducted into the UK Hall of Fame and the Florida game going down, we’re being told UK is pulling out all the stops to impress the superstar.
UK Basketball opened the doors to photographers yesterday
Our own Dr. Mike helped USA Today’s Mark Zerof out on the photoshoot, and while we can’t share all of the pictures yet, this one of Brad Calipari kissing a basketball is too good to keep under wraps:
Should we have Ryan Lemond replicate it? No? Too soon. For outtakes from the shoot, check out Jack’s post from last night. This seems like a really fun group.
Radio in an hour…
