All the talk about Hunter Cantwell being a high NFL pick incurred a quick demise today, Cantwell turning out to be UK’s best offensive weapon, turning the ball over almost on demand. If passing the ball to Bilal Powell on his own two-yard line with UK defenders in Powell’s face is an indication of Cantwell’s judgment, look for repeat performances in Big East play. My least favorite was the long pass to three UK defenders, no Louisville receivers within 20 yards. Hello interception, putting the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.
Ron English’s defense showed Kentucky’s upcoming opponents exactly what it takes to shut down the Wildcats. Stop the run, they don’t have a passing game yet. This will be a long season for the Wildcats as well.
The defensive effort was the best in recent memory, making significant strides during the off season, holding the vaunted UK running game to a total of 63 yards on the ground. They had every excuse to throw in the towel often in the second half but refused to wilt. No one injured today that we know of, good to see Johnny Patrick get back off the ground.
Bilal Powell was not the Bilal Powell fans expected to see, tiptoeing up the line, leisurely returning kickoffs, dropping handoffs, coughing up balls. Where did the old Bilal Powell go?
Doug Beaumont was one of the rare bright spots offensively for the Cards, catching nine passes for 77 yards. He’s as good as advertised.
If UK’s offense was less than stellar, the Cards’ offense was anemic, unable to mount any semblance of a threat, showing little grit, even less poise. The triple threat backfield of Bilal Powell, Brock Bolen and Victor Anderson was mediocre at best.
Josh Chichester is effective if he doesn’t have to lean over to catch the ball. Keep it high, Hunter, he’s a big guy.
Jeff Brohm has had a few challenges in his life, including an injury that sidelined him during his sophomore season, but none any larger than restoring a hint of offensive respectability in very short order.
Football is not meant to be played in 90-degree weather. The only reason this game was held in the afternoon is because Kentucky dictates too many of the terms for game time — that’s the sad reality. No regard for fans or players,theirs or ours. Now that their football team has regained control of the series, UK can afford to be a little more reasonable when it comes to scheduling. But don’t hold your breath.
Let’s change the slogan Win as One to WIN ONE!
Nice write up. Hard to believe that THERE WAS NOT 1 GOOD OFFENSIVE PLAY THE WHOLE GAME!!! Unbelievable…
As long as they pay for their tickets, they can leave anytime they want.
—Hunter really looked like a guy with only a couple of quarters of real football. Whose fault is that? Who gave him zero playing time last year? Why, none other than the offensive genius, Koach K. Now the team has paid the price, and we have a long way to go to get competitive.
—The good news is that the defense is approaching excellence, and Hunter will get better with game experience.
—The bad news is Jurich made a mistake and won’t correct it. Why add more seats that people can leave early?
Wes,
Coach K is not going anywhere so get over it. It wasn’t long ago the blue crowd wanted to dump Brooks; now he is a genius. I suspect that you are better than the crowd from lexington. Give the guy a chance.
So, do you remember last season when I said we needed to ditch Krapthorpe, and you said now? How bout now?
I will give uk’s defense their due but was impressed and encouraged by our Cardinal’s defense. I was near the bench for the game and loved the attitude and intensity that our defensive unit brought and maintained throughout the entire game. Even in the fourth quarter when our offense was one and out the defense continued to play fast and hit hard. Did anyone see any missed tackles? Not with these guys. Our guys delivered some good licks and played really well as a unit. None of our linebackers had ever played in a division one game. It certainly didn’t show. The secondary was solid. The defensive line were warriors. Longest run by one of blues three “great” tailbacks was seven yards. Longest pass play I believe was fifteen yards. Good things will happen for this team. Be patient.
I am still wondering how different the game would have been if there was no call on the Dickie Lyons, Jr. “fair catch”? Cards ball in the red zone with shift in momentum.
Well…..
Hell
Good post Charlie. I am absolutely sick about the way we lost. I NEVER go into any game with a “they’d better win” attitude. The opposite is true. However, I ALWAYS expect the coaches to have our team ready and for the Cardinals to show their Cardinal Spirit/heart and leave it all on the field. This game was pathetic from the beginning. yUK is NOT a good football team and will probably struggle to have a winning season but to their credit they were good enough today. We couldn’t have beaten St X or Trinity today. Koach is a disgrace and in my opinion way over his head. I say just kiss him off; move Ron English to the Head Coaching position and get on with it. English has certainly done a wonderful job with the defense. All I can say at this point is that I’ve stuck with our Cards for over 30 years – win or lose – and that will NEVER change. Go CARDS!
Hunter turned out to be the best friend a defense can have. Here’s hoping for a rapid improve and
exciting football returning to PJCS
very soon. Guys, 2 points puts me
to sleep pronto. The Kats aren’t
exactly an SEC power. Improve or
risk losing an already skeptical
fan base. Krags (and Hunter) it is
time to step it up. We’re used to
much better. And, thank you..defense! You look so much
better. Keep hitting, guys. Learn, improve and forget about this damn embarrasing loss. Time is now.