Of what could have been collect from a 32-14 loss to Louisville, I actually say Yes to the statement above. Although only 14 points were scored and this may sound extremely optimistic, the ball was turned over twice in scoring position and McIntosh missed what seemed like an “inside-the-goal-post” field goal. It doesn’t take an avid football fan to realize that’s 17 points (14+17=31). That one point may have sent the game into overtime if the Cards had not gone for a 2 point conversion to start the game. Call them dirty, I call it setting the tone. UofL never gave Kentucky the ball on a turnover, meaning they converted on their opportunities. In any shape or form however, an SEC defense giving up 32 to points is uncalled for. I don’t care if the boys are 3 star athletes, they are solid players from Georgia and Florida, form tackling is something you are born with. Fans witnessed safety Ashlely Lowery blow bye a Cardinal running back in what would have been a loss of downs, several Cats tried to go for the big hit and forgot to use their arms as more Louisville players scampered for big gains or touchdowns.
Am I giving the performance yesterday a “Get Out of Jail Free Card”? Not by any means. The defense has to show up if we are to win one game in SEC play. From what was show cased on the other side of the ball, Randy Sanders offense will keep Kentucky in games. Maxwell Smith actually had one of the better opening week performances by a numbers stand point. 35 of 50 throwing, 2 TDs, and no INTs is very solid work for a sophomore. The somewhat young offensive line (especially on the left side of the ball), only gave up 2 sacks. “I know, only?” La’ Rod King looks like he will be one of the better receivers in the SEC while the younger guys show a lot of promise. Gene McCaskill showed flashes of his old ways before injuries. CoShik Williams actually averaged a little over 6 yards a carry in the game.
Rick Minter will tune up the defense and expect a lot more pressure on QBs from that defensive line. Guys like cornerback Martavius Neloms and defensive lineman Mister Cobble, Collins Ukwu, and Donte Rumph have to become leaders on and off the field
Maxwell Smith completed 70% of his throws for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions in a 32-14 loss to Louisville at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
. Not getting off the field because of long drives has to be exhausting. All in all, it was not as bad as it looked and we are actually better than some may have originally thought.
