Kentucky WIldcat Students need to bring the noise back to Commonwealth Stadium

Sept 15, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats fullback Darrell D.J. Warren (39) runs onto the field with teammates before the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Commonwealth Stadium. Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Homecoming week was not one that you would expect at an SEC school here at UK. Attendance for events was down, school spirit seemed irreverent for most and overall student morale was down. Most students I talked to had all but given up on UK Football and were just ready to move on to basketball. Some seemed embarrassed for our football program, some sympathetic and some were just fed up. Personally, I am an optimist and have love for my school and the football program, I try to see the best in it and stay positive. I refuse to diss the team but that’s beside the point.

Walking around Commonwealth on game day I saw more Georgia tailgates than UK ones. When I went in I saw more red than blue and right then I figured it would be a long night, it was cold, overcast and Georgia was opening as a 28 point favorite.

BBN turned out, per usual, and it was one of the larger crowds I had seen at Commonwealth Stadium this season. With 9:59 on the clock, UK scored the first touchdown of the homecoming game- a pass from Morgan Newton to Aaron Boyd and suddenly that place was alive.

Kentucky hung with Georgia that whole game. Fans were on their feet, the student section didn’t empty at halftime and it was loud- in the good way this time.  All the sudden, Kentucky fans felt like they had something to believe in again. The Cats hung with a top 15 Georgia football team and fans finally realized what this young team could be capable of.

Talking with the student section during halftime and after the game most were excited, and had renewed faith in Kentucky Football it seemed. Coming back to Commonwealth in two weeks I hope that fans keep this excitement alive. I really think the players feed off of it, how could you not?  This game, although it was a loss, could be a turning point in the Kentucky season.