During the last six seconds....
- Thread starter David Rice
- Start date
I was praying that we wouldn't screw it up like we've done a million times in situations like that.
Interference in college would be a 15 yarder and nowhere near their FG kickers range. I think they'd get an untimed down to hail it again, unless I'm missing some rule quirk.
I was very cautiously optimistic.
I was also acutely aware of every single second left on the clock. First, the 12 seconds remaining after the FG. I watched the seconds tick down after the kickoff, confident that our kickoff team would hold them. That return ate up 6 precious seconds and almost assuredly gave UL only a single chance to throw a hail Mary.
6 seconds left and Louisville snaps the ball and Jackson starts to scramble...5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds and he has to throw a prayer while scrambling...there was a moment on TV when the ball was in the air and you couldn't see our coverage - the ball had a lot of air under it. Then I saw he had thrown a duck into triple coverage...we picked it off and IT'S OVER is all I could think.
It took a little while to reconcile our start to the season with Louisville's start to the season. We really were in the very depths of despair and they were looking like the best team in college football.
Never in my life have I witnessed two teams switch positions like UK and UL did this season.
I was also acutely aware of every single second left on the clock. First, the 12 seconds remaining after the FG. I watched the seconds tick down after the kickoff, confident that our kickoff team would hold them. That return ate up 6 precious seconds and almost assuredly gave UL only a single chance to throw a hail Mary.
6 seconds left and Louisville snaps the ball and Jackson starts to scramble...5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds and he has to throw a prayer while scrambling...there was a moment on TV when the ball was in the air and you couldn't see our coverage - the ball had a lot of air under it. Then I saw he had thrown a duck into triple coverage...we picked it off and IT'S OVER is all I could think.
It took a little while to reconcile our start to the season with Louisville's start to the season. We really were in the very depths of despair and they were looking like the best team in college football.
Never in my life have I witnessed two teams switch positions like UK and UL did this season.
Does anyone on this board remember the UK-Tulane game back in the 70's when Curci was the coach? UK led Tulane by a point or two with just a few seconds to go and Tulane was deep, deep in their own territory. Two PI calls against UK later, Tulane kicked a short field goal to win with no time on the clock. Unbelievable and heartbreaking. To say Curci was wroth would be an understatement.
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Not sure if it's true, but have heard that game was the reason (or one of them) that the NCAA changed the college PI rule to 15 yards rather than spot of the foul.
Thank you. Same here. I am old enough to have suffered a lot of disappointment (have known some joy too) with UK football, but I had no fear. I have never joined, nor will I ever join, the fraternity of The Curse.
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I think it is true,I remember the game well Tulane was on their 1 with time for one play that turned into 3 plays because of penalties and untimed downs.There have been probably been a dozen plays (in seperate games) from the 60's to date that we could point to that cost us wins.
I just knew we would make the field goal,after that I felt it was a crap shoot as to what would happen.I thought they would throw short and try to lateral the ball back to Jackson and let him make a play.Keeping the kickoff in play was a big help,it burned up enough clock to give them only one shot
Comment about the Tulane game because I was there. 1. If UK's quarterback does not run out of bounds to stop the clock UK does not have to punt to Tulane. 2. Tulane was pinned deep but two PI calls each approximately 40 yards in length gives Tulane possession around the 10 yard line for an untimed down which they used to kick a field goal. Yes that sequence was the impetus to change the PI call to a 15 Yard Maximum penalty.
Tulane had no sympathy for Fran Curci. Several years before when he was coaching Miami they beat Tulane when an official's mistake gave Miami an extra down. Hence Tulane Fans were calling him Fifth Down Fran during the game.
Tulane had no sympathy for Fran Curci. Several years before when he was coaching Miami they beat Tulane when an official's mistake gave Miami an extra down. Hence Tulane Fans were calling him Fifth Down Fran during the game.
My thoughts during the last 12 seconds were. 1. Kick it inbounds and cover the kickoff. No long run backs. 2. When UL only had six seconds for one final play my thoughts were, force them to throw the ball and knock the pass down. Didn't want to see "The Heisman Candidate" get loose in space. As elusive as he is anything could have happened.
I was thinking... "I am going to get to share a great moment with my son watching a UK football game together..."
I was pretty calm. From that point on the field, it was a pretty low chance that they'd score - especially after it was clear they were only going to do the obvious and throw long. I'm actually kind of surprised Jackson didn't wait for a bit and then take off.
Yep, just old enough for it to be my introduction to the heartbreaks of UK football.
Couple of thoughts.
1. As sad as it is, I was literally on my knees begging the kick to be good. If we miss the kick, I'd have been destroyed. So sick of coming close, it was time to win!
2. Was really happy they tried to run the kick back - took valuable time off the clock. 12 seconds from the 25 gives time to get a lucky play in that gives them a chance for a FG or even a toss that can reach the end zone.
3. With 6 seconds and 1 play, I did have concerns - have heard that Jackson can legitimately throw it 75 yards. (turns out under pressure, not close to true) We've seen the old tip drill kill us. But while nervous, was not my main concern. When Jackson was under pressure and rolled out, I was instantly worried he'd take off running. I really think that was the Card's best chance at that point. A couple of blocks and some bad angles by UK, that freak would have had a chance. So, when he let it go, was oddly relieved. Then, was yelling "spike it!!!!!!!!" at the TV. Do not try to catch, spike the effin ball like its a volley ball. I was aware that a PI would be 15 yards and a re-do from the 40, so worst case, tackle the SOB with the ball in the air if you are somehow beat.
Then, amazing relief and happiness. FINALLY. This team and fanbase deserve this win. Still celebrating!!
1. As sad as it is, I was literally on my knees begging the kick to be good. If we miss the kick, I'd have been destroyed. So sick of coming close, it was time to win!
2. Was really happy they tried to run the kick back - took valuable time off the clock. 12 seconds from the 25 gives time to get a lucky play in that gives them a chance for a FG or even a toss that can reach the end zone.
3. With 6 seconds and 1 play, I did have concerns - have heard that Jackson can legitimately throw it 75 yards. (turns out under pressure, not close to true) We've seen the old tip drill kill us. But while nervous, was not my main concern. When Jackson was under pressure and rolled out, I was instantly worried he'd take off running. I really think that was the Card's best chance at that point. A couple of blocks and some bad angles by UK, that freak would have had a chance. So, when he let it go, was oddly relieved. Then, was yelling "spike it!!!!!!!!" at the TV. Do not try to catch, spike the effin ball like its a volley ball. I was aware that a PI would be 15 yards and a re-do from the 40, so worst case, tackle the SOB with the ball in the air if you are somehow beat.
Then, amazing relief and happiness. FINALLY. This team and fanbase deserve this win. Still celebrating!!