Lexington, KY – Georgia rolled into Kroger Field on a cold day to face a Kentucky Wildcat team (6-5,3-5) beaten by lowly Vanderbilt a week ago. SEC fans on line insist that cold, northern playing conditions don’t affect their players. Both defenses played well, but both offenses sputtered, cold or no cold. UK came up short on several key plays throughout the game won by the Bulldogs (11-0, 8-0), 16-6. The UK defense held Georgia to three first-half FGs. However, the Kentucky offense misfired and dropped passes that could have made a difference in the final outcome. A late spark fizzled for the Wildcats in the final period. UK had chances for greater rankings implications on a day of college football filled with upsets and close calls, especially in the SEC.
Early game indicators
On the first possession of the game, Kentucky QB Will Levis (20 for 31 passing, 206 yards, one TD, one INT) missed a wide open WR Barrion Brown on a second and one for a long gain in Georgia territory. Followed by no gain and a loss of one, the Cats turned the ball over on downs at the UGA 32. Like their offense, the Kentucky defense indicated how they’d play the rest of the game on their first series. After stuffing QB Stetson Bennet for no gain of third and six at their ten, they held Georgia to a 27-yard FG by Jack Podlesny.
UK started to drive from the 25 heading into the second quarter. At the Georgia 48, Levis lofted a pass far short of his receiver in the end zone. DB Kelee Ringo who was beaten picked it off and returned it 45 yards to the 47. Once again, the Wildcat defense halted the drive in the red zone at their six. Podlesny converted for a 24-yard FG. Kentucky’s next drive ended as a three-and out. Levis threw an ill-advised pass to the flat completed for no gain on third down.
Once again, Georgia drove down field, but Kentucky stopped them at the 20 where Podlesny converted on a 37-yard FG as the first half ended. Georgia led, 9-0, but several poor passes by Levis, under no pressure, misfired passes to wide-open receivers and found one with no room to run.
Cold climate a factor for Georgia Bulldogs?
The temperature this day stayed in the 30s. After the game, we met with several Georgia fans on the downtown shuttle bus. They claimed the cold caused the QB Bennet Stetson to have his worst game of the year. This conflicted from what SEC fans on line claim. Collegefootballfan.com touted Bennett (13 for 19, 116 yards, one INT) as our leading Heisman candidate coming into this game. However, we thought otherwise as we watched an errant pass down downfield not even close to his receiver. UK S Jordan Lovett intercepted it on his knees at the 10-yard line. The turnover went backwards, and the Cats punted from their five.
Blue defense doesn’t melt in red zone
Georgia drove 58 yards with Kenny McIntosh (19 carries, 143 yards, one TD) finishing the drive with a seven-yard TD run. Up 16-0 now heading into the fourth period, the Bulldogs seemed to be rolling to put this cold game on ice. On fourth and goal at the one, HC Kirby Smart’s team avoided another red zone field goal. Once again though, the Kentucky Blue defense stepped up and halted RB Kendall Milton for no gain at the one, and took over on downs.
The defensive play seemed to light a spark. Levis scampered for 10 yards on second down for the first of four consecutive plays resulting in first downs. Included was a pass completion of 42 yards to Brown to the UGA 32. On fourth and two at the eight, Levis connected with Brown (10 receptions, 145 yards, one TD) on a slant over the middle. Kentucky finally put up six with 9:52 remaining. A two-point conversion pass fell incomplete. The Wildcats forced Georgia to punt.
Shaky officiating in the cold makes players numb
Levis connected with Brown for 47 yards to start this drive. An eventual sack by Georgia and then an incomplete pass that sailed out of bounds started Kentucky to set up for a FG to bring them within seven. But, hold on! On a delayed call, the referee threw a yellow marker to call for intentional grounding. They started to walk it off. Two other officials joined the huddle for a prolonged discussion with the referee. A Wildcat receiver actually slipped in the direction the pass was headed. Surely the supposed infraction came to the ref, who’s back was turned, from along the Georgia sideline. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed among the officials in the huddle.
Too much standing around; “jump around!”
The officials reset the ball to be snapped from the twenty. However, during the delay, the special teams’ players remained on the field. Surely with cold hands, the snap of the ball came up short. Replays show that the holder could not turn the laces away from the kicker, and the attempt went wide left. With 4:17 left, and no onsides kick, Georgia went nowhere from the 20. They punted it away, and UK eventually turned the ball over on downs. Game over.
Georgia No. 1 now but from our view: wide-open
College footballfan.com attended games this season played by Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Alabama, and Penn State, all within the Top 11. A play here and play there can make a difference. We say that with these teams and the possibilities of TCU, Michigan, USC, and LSU still pending, all will not be settled until after the conference championship games. We don’t think the eventual winner is clear-cut by any means.
Next up – Thanksgiving treats!
Georgia hosts archrival Georgia Tech who hasn’t beaten the Dawgs since 2016. However, they just pulled off a 21-17 comeback win over 9-2, 7-1 ACC Coastal Division Champ, UNC! Kentucky hosts 7-4 Louisville coming off a 25-10 win at NC State. As for Collegefootballfan.com, we have two college conflicts on our menu this Thanksgiving weekend.
We will attend No. 25 Texas (7-4, 5-3) hosting Baylor (6-5, 4-4) next Friday morning in Austin. The day after for dessert, we head for the Sun Belt. The Texas State Bobcats (4-7,2-5) host the Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana ( 5-6, 3-4) in San Marcos. TSU defeated Arkansas State last weekend, 16-13, while the Cajuns fell to Florida State, 49-17. Happy Thanksgiving to all our fans!
Speaking of holidays, here’s a gift idea
Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ‘em all! . Start thinking Christmas gifts for your favorite college football fans! It tells our tales how and when we saw all 120 FBS teams (at the time of publication) play for the first time. We also encourage you and whoever you buy for to submit a review for us. Please click on the title or copy of the cover on our right sidebar to go to our Amazon page to buy and review. Thanks!
