Kentucky vs. Florida Recap

We can just blame Desmond Howard for the 48-10 loss against the Gators yesterday. After all, he put the Gators on upset alert and forced them to focus on the Cats instead of looking ahead to the Tide next week. Based on what we saw last night, it wouldn't have mattered if the Gators were overlooking UK or not, this UK football team is not very good.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the receivers, quarterback, running backs or the offensive line, this unit can’t put it all together for one game. UK’s defense continues to struggle. After the game, Rick Minter said, “We’re not very good.  We’re only as good as our last time out.  It was an unacceptable performance.  It’s kind of like lightning struck the outhouse and we were in it.”

Get ready, because the next two weeks are going to be ugly too. It’s hard for me to imagine UK’s offensive line going up against LSU’s defense front next week. Anyone think Spurrier wouldn't like to run it up against the Cats after last year? This three game stretch is brutal and one reason why the Cats needed a win against Louisville.

Most UK fans were hoping to see signs of life from the offense last night. That didn't happen. I’m not sure what to make of UK’s offense anymore. Morgan Newton struggled and forced some throws last night. However, Newton isn't getting much help either. I’m sure he feels like he has to make plays or his team doesn't have a chance. Fans finally saw Maxwell Smith in the second half. While some will point out his work came against the Gators reserves, I’ll point out their back-up’s are better than any other defense UK has faced this season.

How many balls are UK’s wide receivers going to drop this season? Seriously? La’Rod King, E.J. Fields, Demarco Robinson and CoShilk Williams all had drops last night. Newton did throw a few bad passes, but these guys have to make plays for their quarterback.

At least Maxwell Smith wasn’t the only reserve to see action last night. Jonathan George, Brandon Gainer and Ronnie Shields all saw their first action of the season. Ronnie Shields and DJ Warren both recorded their first career receptions. George rushed for a career high 38 yards on eight carries.

The Cats’ defense came out fired up and ready to play. On back-to-back possessions, the Gators were forced to punt. Then Josh Clemons fumbled and the game changed. Florida came out and scored on the next play when John Brantley connected with Gerald Christian on a 45-yard touchdown pass. Jeff Demps rushed 10 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Rainey also rushed for over 100 yards in the game. The Gators as a whole rushed for 405 yards against UK’s defense. Joker Phillips noted his team didn’t have many missed tackles and most of the big runs came from players being out of position. Regardless, UK now ranks 103 out of 120 teams in run defense.

Like I said last week, it doesn’t get any easier for the Cats. They head to Baton Rouge next weekend for a match-up with LSU. While the Gators made plays and looked pretty in putting 48 points on the board, LSU won’t be so pretty or nice. They are going to line up and play smash mouth football. Not only could this one be ugly on the scoreboard, it could be ugly on the field. Somehow this team has to not quit and keep grinding.

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