When C.J. Johnson stopped Eastern Kentucky’s Arien Beasley on a fourth and 12 in overtime it not only saved Kentucky’s season, but maybe the state of the program.
The Cats were outplayed for 55 minutes last Saturday before rallying from 14 points down in the fourth quarter to win 34-27. Two touchdown passes from Patrick Towles to Dorian Baker brought the Cats back from the brink.
An EKU win could have really set the program back a couple of years; but in the end the Wildcats prevailed and now have a bye week. It couldn’t come at a better time.
For second straight season Kentucky is 4-1 after the first five games. Unlike last season when UK started 5-1 before losing the last six, the schedule is much more favorable in the second half of the season.
Mark Stoops’ club will get an extra week to get healthy before hosting Auburn in the school’s first ever Thursday night game next week. Before looking ahead to the rest of the season let’s take a brief look back.
Looking at the Kentucky Football Season So Far
Best Performance- Missouri I know many people will point to the road win over South Carolina, which broke a 22 game road losing streak in the SEC, but I think the win over the Tigers was better. Trailing 10-7 at the half Kentucky dominated the two-time defending SEC East champs holding them to only three points and winning 21-13.
Worst Performance- Eastern Kentucky The Cats lost for a 29th straight time to Florida 14-9 but the Gators’ play is making that loss is looking not as bad as it did three weeks ago.
As I mentioned earlier the Cats came out flat and showed no sense of urgency at all until it was almost too late. Going forward they can’t afford to play like that and win in the SEC.
Let’s take a brief look at the rest of the season and how I think it might go.
Auburn- Thursday October 15th– Before the season I really thought Kentucky had no shot in this game. However, the Tigers have been one of the most disappointing teams in football. Playing at home and on national TV I think UK can pull off the win.
At Mississippi State- October 24th– Dan Mullen has never lost to Kentucky and, playing in Starkville, I think he will go to 7-0 against UK.
Tennessee- October 31st- This is probably the hardest game for me to pick. The Vols seem to be falling apart right now with on and off the field issues. However even a so-so UT team always seems to be able to beat Kentucky.
At Georgia- November 7th- I thought before the season started this was the one game Kentucky had no chance of winning. Even with their bad performance last week, Marc Richt’s club will win.
At Vanderbilt- November 14th- The Commodores are playing much better of late but I expect enough True Blue Fans to make the trip down I-65 to make this seem like a home game.
Charlotte- November 21st- The 49ers are one of the worst teams in college football and the Wildcats should roll easily.
Louisville- November 28th- The Cards have struggled the first part of this season, but got a nice win at North Carolina State last Saturday. Bobby Petrino has never lost to Kentucky while coaching at Louisville, but I think this is the year the Cats get it done.
If my predictions hold up that would put Kentucky at 8-4 which would put them in line for a pretty good bowl game.
Now let’s look at the weekend games in the SEC. Last week was my worst week of the year going 5-4 which puts my season record at 36-11. Only six games this week as Kentucky, Auburn, Texas A&M and Vandy have the week off.
New Mexico State at Ole Miss- (NOON SEC Network)- The Rebels National Title hopes came to a screeching halt in a blowout loss at Florida last week. They get a chance to heal by playing a horrible Aggie squad.
Ole Miss- 52-13
South Carolina at LSU- (3:30 ESPN)- This game was scheduled to be played in Columbia but due to the devastating floods in the Palmetto State the game has been moved to Baton Rouge. Whether at Carolina or LSU, Leonard Fournette and company take this one.
LSU 35-17
Georgia at Tennessee- (3:30 CBS)- Much like Ole Miss, the Bulldogs failed miserably in their attempt to make a splash on the national scene getting blown out by Alabama.
The Vols blew another double digit lead in a loss to Arkansas, and now there are reports of issues between Butch Jones and a player. And the team dismissed Pig Howard.
Georgia has won five straight in this series and I think they make it six in a close one.
Georgia 27-24
Troy at Mississippi State- (4:00 SEC Network)- The Bulldogs had their chances last week against Texas A&M, but couldn’t get the job done. Kentucky fans may be interested in this one for two reasons. The Cats play the Bulldogs two weeks from Saturday, and the Trojans are coached by former offensive coordinator Neal Brown.
The Bulldogs should win this one pretty easily.
Mississippi State 38-13
Arkansas at Alabama- (7:00 ESPN)- The Tide proved once again last week why you should never doubt Nick Saban. The Razorbacks picked up a nice road win over Tennessee last week. Pardon the pun I think at home the Tide will “Roll”
Alabama 31-14
Florida at Missouri- (7:30 SEC Network)– After three straight weeks of picking the Gators to lose, they have made a believer out of me. The Tigers beat South Carolina last week and Drew Lock will get the start again with Maty Mauk suspended.
This one is a true toss-up but I will go with the Gators to win on the road.
Florida 20-17
That is it for this week. I would love to hear your predictions. Tweet them to me @kevinmcguffey. Thanks for reading.
Main Photo
