It feels like it’s been an eternity since Kentucky won a football game and despite the level of competition, a win feels good right now. The Wildcats were able to come out and put a defensive strangle hold on Jacksonville State that limited their offensive production and force mistakes. The offense relied on a strong ground game to lead them past the Gamecocks, but wasn’t afraid to mix in the pass as well. The attention will soon turn to Mississippi State and next weekend’s matchup, but for today, we’ll take a closer look at the JSU contest.
So What Happened?
For the first time this season, the UK defense scored a touchdown (on a Neloms fumble recovery) and also forced three turnovers in one game. For the first time this season, Kentucky’s offense was able to punish the opposition with a bruising run game that limited possessions and controlled the clock. The Wildcats essentially went back to the basics of football and did the things we all thought they should to win games this season. The JSU defense did not have the size or speed to keep up with the Kentucky offense and the Wildcat’s defensive line completely overpowered the Jacksonville State offense. The Wildcats looked to get some fire back and will hopefully roll this newfound confidence into more wins this season.
Room for Improvement
– The defense really gave up more yards than they should have. 158 yards rushing is too much for a FCS level team regardless of who their running back is. I think that the defense played well, but they could have played better.
– Ball control is beginning to worry me. This Kentucky team finds ways to cough the ball up at the most inopportune times and a better team than Jacksonville State will make you pay for those turnovers. A fumble on the game’s first drive by Newton is unacceptable when you’re trying to establish momentum. The fumble by Jonathan George gave the ball back to JSU when Kentucky was five yards away from putting the game out of reach. This team HAS to protect the ball better.
– Special teams should not be giving up a 99-yard return to a FCS player. However, the kickoff coverage team has been very good this year, so they get a pass on this one.
Bright Spots
– How about CoShik Williams stepping in for an injured Raymond Sanders? I have some concerns about Williams’ ability to be the feature back, but he proved on Saturday that he can get the job done as he rushed his way to 148 yards on the ground. Great game for the walk-on.
– Morgan Newton played with poise and confidence and looked like a much better football player against Jacksonville State than he did against South Carolina. I’m sure the level of competition helped, but it was time for Newton to have some things go his way. Now, if he could just hang onto the football.
– La’Rod King showed up big and made some plays for the Wildcats. He piled up 84 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on only 5 catches. It’s only one game, but King was playing with a swagger that he hasn’t had for much of this season. He showed the body control and strength he’s going to need if he hopes to fend off SEC defensive backs.
– The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and the tempo of the game. Darrian Miller played extensively and continues to impress and Stuart Hines and Larry Warford were their usual dominant selves when they were in there. The line really looks to be improving as the season progresses.
– The Defensive line was wreaking havoc all day long. While the unit didn’t get a sack, they were able to disrupt the running plays in the backfield and force quick passes from the quarterback.
– The linebackers play better each game and are the unquestionable strength of this team. Winston Guy and Danny Trevathan were their usual playmaking selves and Ridge Wilson and Ronnie Sneed made some plays as well. The big surprise in the unit was sophomore Avery Williamson, who was flying all over the field in limited time. He looks like a very good player for Kentucky in the future.
– The defensive backs had a pretty good game, headlined by Neloms’ sack-fumble, and subsequent scoop and score.
Game MVP:
CoShik Williams edges out Winston Guy here. Honorable mention goes to Morgan Newton, who played much better yesterday.
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