BTI's Rants and Ramblings: Tuesday Morning Defensive Breakdown (Murray State)

1st Down Run: 9 rushes, 48 yards Pass: 5-14, 47 yards, 1 INT (1 sack) Combined Season Stats Run: 37 rushes, 143 yards, 1 TD Pass: 16-40, 162 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (2 sacks) Recap: Very, very good defense here.  Murray broke off one long run but otherwise averaged just over 3 yards per play on 1st down.  That will put your defense in great position all game.  Cats also force their first turnover on 1st down as well. 2nd Down Run: 8 rushes, 40 yards Pass: 7-12, 40 yards Combined Season Stats Run: 34 rushes, 151 yards Pass: 16-28, 132 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, (2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery) Recap: Held Murray to 4 yards per play here, not allowing much of anything.  Pass defense was solid, holding the Racers to 5 yards per completion and forcing 3rd down time and again. 3rd Down and Long (6 yards or more) Run: 1 rush, 21 yards, 1 TD (converted 1 of 1) Pass: 4-8, 69 yards (converted 2 of 8) Overall Season Statistics Run: 4 rushes, 51 yards, 1 TD (converted 1 of 4) Pass: 13-22, 161 yards, 1 sack (converted 7 of 23) Recap: The garbage time touchdown by Murray somewhat spoils these numbers but otherwise, UK remained very solid in 3rd and long.  Will need to hold Mississippi State to under 30% to feel good about their chances on Saturday. 3rd Down and Short (5 yards or less) Run: 2 rushes, 8 yards (converted 2 of 2) Pass: 4-5, 24 yards (converted 4 of 5) Overall Season Statistics Run: 8 rushes, 38 yards (converted 7 of 8) Pass: 8-11, 76 yards (converted 7 of 11) Recap: Continues to be a struggle in these situations, as it is for most teams.  Really hoped the boys on the line would dominate in 3rd and short but it just didn't happen.  Concerned if MSU gets into this position often on Saturday the Cats will struggle to get them off the field.