Turnovers Too Much to Overcome, Cats Fall To Tide 38-20

With just over eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, Kentucky trailed Alabama by a single point and was starting their drive at the 50-yard line. Following a three-and-out possession, Ryan Tydlacka landed a punt at the Auburn 3-yard line.

On first down from the three, Micah Johnson met Richardson at the inch-line, for what at first appeared to be a safety. The Crimson Tide then proceeded to march down the field, 99.9 yards, and scored on a 3-yard pass from Greg McElroy to Colin Peek, making the score 14-6.

With :35 seconds in the half, Derrick Locke then fumbled the ball away, it was picked up by Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw, who ran it back 45 yards for the score.

Kentucky now entered the half, trailing the #3 team in the country, 21-6.

That was the difference.

Kentucky had a chance in the second quarter to take control of the game. They started two drives at midfield, trailing by only one point, but couldn’t muster a first down.

They had Alabama pinned an inch from their own goal line, and allowed them to march the length of the field to score.

Despite their inability to capitalize on opportunities in the second quarter, it appeared they would entire the break trailing Alabama just 14-6.

Then they gave Alabama free points on the fumble return touchdown, completely altering the game.

They showed signs that they could move the football on offense and that they could stop Alabama on defense. If they would have entered the locker room, trailing by a single score, there was definite reason for optimism.

Instead they trailed by 15, Hartline then threw a pick on the opening drive of the second half, and quickly the game appeared out of reach at 28-6.

This was not Florida, where Kentucky was dominated in every facet of the game.

Statistically, the Wildcats played with the Crimson Tide. They managed 20 first downs to Alabama’s 18 and were only out-gained by 51 yards.

But, they turned the ball over four times and were unable to force Alabama into any mistakes. You can’t do that against the #3 team in the country.

Much of the criticism, following the game involved the play of Mike Hartline. He finished 17-for-31 for 168 yards, just 5.42 yds per attempt, with a touchdown and three interceptions.

His interceptions are a result of his inability to see the field. Two of his three picks were throws over the middle that were delivered directly to the Alabama defender, who was sitting in zone.

There were some positives. Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb were effective. It is clear that these two guys are your most talented weapons and they need to touch the ball.

Locke ran the ball 20 times for 75 yards and was also UK’s leading receiver with six catches for 63 yards. Cobb finished with just 21 yards rushing and caught 3 balls for 57 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline.

Cobb has to touch the ball more. Whether it be as quarterback, in the wildcat formation or by finding a way to make the passing game more effective, he has to get his hands on the pigskin.

I thought the running game showed signs. Sure, Alabama was playing two deep the entire time, daring Kentucky to run the ball, but they were able to do it. They were getting the ball outside of the tackle box and Locke and Alphonso Smith were doing good things.

Than all of a sudden you are down 28-6 and you are forced to abandon the running game a bit.

The defense played well enough to have a chance to win the game, but the coaching staff has to be disappointed that they couldn’t force a turnover.

They were thin at corner, especially after Trevard Lindley went out, but still held their own in the passing game. Darius Hanks did beat true freshman Montavius Neloms to the corner of the endzone to make the score, 38-20.

It is being said that Lindley is doubtful for next week’s game at South Carolina.

Danny Trevathan led the team in tackles, with five, despite a broken wrist.

Lones Seiber, somehow, became Kentucky’s all-time leading scorer in the loss as he connected on two 49-yard field goals, cutting the lead to 7-6, at the time.

If you eliminate the turnovers I think you have an indication that Kentucky would have had a chance in this game. Three of those four turnovers were interceptions by Hartline and I gaurantee fans will be calling for a change at QB on the call-in show tonight.

Despite this cry for a change, Rich Brooks will stick with Hartline at QB. It is obvious that the coaching staff feels that their best chance to win is with Hartline under center and Cobb at wideout.

Hartline is aware of these struggles and knows it is time for him to respond.

However, I would not be surprised to see Kentucky use the wildcat formation more frequently next week if Hartline continues to struggle.

Just like Rich Brooks’ tweet read on Saturday night, “we played hard, but not well enough to beat #3″.