Kentucky Wildcats Football: Sunday Afternoon (Wildcat) QB
Last night a packed house saw Mark Stoops and Kentucky stun South Carolina with three fourth quarter touchdowns for the Stoops first statement victory as head coach. It was a total team effort featuring big plays from all three units at various times. And it ended in dramatic fashion with senior star Bud Dupree returning a tipped ball for a touchdown after struggling early in the season. Commonwealth Stadium may have registered on the Richter Scale at that moment.
And that segways us to maybe the most impressive aspect that the UK football program unleashed last night. It’s not the defense that matched last season’s interception total in one game last night. Or the Wildcat formation that has been unbeatable for two consecutive weeks. It’s not the obvious attitude change in the program that these guys can and will make plays against anyone. All of those things are amazing. But the most amazing thing at Commonwealth Stadium was you guys. The fans showed up early and stayed late. They made noise when Kentucky needed it most, when they were down and reaching a tipping point, the fans just got louder. Seeing the crowd almost will Jojo Kemp back to life will be a lasting memory. THAT is a Big Blue Nation. THAT is what Commonwealth Stadium is supposed to be. And THAT is what I expect from now on.
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
As far as the play on the field, you saw it. Kentucky struggled to go down field in the passing game again but did well in the short game and the intermediate middle routes. But the real strength of this game was the run. Kemp is the most dangerous Wildcat trigger man this side of Randall Cobb. It was fitting to see Cobb in the house to watch UK dominate in his old style. The offensive line deserves a steak dinner this week as well.
In defense, they took a step back from last week. The couldn’t stop the run against South Carolina’s stable of running backs led by future NFL back Mike Davis. They also failed to sack quarterback Dylan Thompson a week after they harassed Vandy QB Wade Freebeck and Mizzou roughed Thompson up. They were able to rush the fifth year senior into some poor decisions however. The defense came up big when it counted. Picking off a pass in the red zone to set up a field goal before the half. Returning a pick six for the go ahead touchdown. And then sealing it on an overthrown ball. Those are not plays we’ve seen here in a while.
Yes, Kentucky will get some flack for rushing the field against an unranked opponent coming off a loss. But if you weren’t there and didn’t experience the emotion of this victory, you just can’t understand. A corner has been turned, a leap forward has taken place and an entire nation has been starving for this kind of night. There is no shame is the celebration. Kentucky had a chance to be 5-1 at mid season. The same Kentucky picked to win four or less games total this year. Its happening folks, this is really happening.