Both teams have a lot of problems.
UK beat a couple "name brand" programs. Those programs are incredibly down by their standard, it was obvious at the times of those games but UK fans preferred to flex their standard egotistical misguided muscle and continue with the "they are SEC" wins as if that in itself proves something. The concept was built around this "recruiting" mantra that we've been hearing about for 2 + years. Spurrier took a walk, that should tell you what you need to know about that win unfortunately.
This is the worst USC team in years and Missouri has a putrid offense and injuries are piling up. Missouri had dynamic WRs of late but this year's roster has no firepower at all. When they failed to score a TD at home vs UCONN the writing was on the wall there. Not sure if either make a bowl. They are both just way down.
UK skated by ULM and EKU, those close wins should have been scrutinized. Those outcomes were just pretty telling. Giving up so many points to those teams has to at least make you think there are some real problems on the UK defense. They appear to be destined to a 4-5 record heading into some colder weather on the road at Nashville against Vandy who lost to USC but did just beat Missouri. That game for UK is looking like a toss-up and if their players feel the fans giving up on them by the time that game rolls around who knows where their heads will be. Vandy has no offense but if they are able to keep the score down they probably have more mental fortitude than UK.
That's the rub with bringing in higher starred recruits. They come in with some swagger but is their heart really into it once things head a bit south? It's just not as easy to jaw jack when losses start piling up. Their top RB is a big time player but he bounces EVERYTHING outside and doesn't get them the tough yards. So if he doesn't hit multiple big plays he is hurting them and he is no grinder. When the weather starts to chill and their D continues to struggle they might need a grinder more than a big play threat. Their O is suddenly stalling and a lot of it has to do with that right there, maybe he fixes that and starts running more North/South or maybe he just keeps bouncing things outside and they keep losing on first down and everything falls apart for them.
Doubt is already creeping in. A date with a 4 loss "name brand" program is up next, at home too. 8 home games 4 road, with 2 of the road at USC and Vandy wow.
As the previous poster said the schedule was on a platter for a somewhat break through season but it doesn't appear to be happening. There is no way their schedule gets easier next year, so the "progress" battle cry might get put on hold.
We'll see. Their D line was downright awful last night and Tenn has a stout RB and their QB can get on the run too - both teams in desperation mode next week.
