 |
| Sep 22, 2018; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Benny Snell Jr. (26) runs the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second half at Kroger Field. Kentucky defeated Mississippi State 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports |
By Lyn Scarbrough
Lindy's Sports
“But Lexington will ever be, the Loveliest and the Best; A Paradise thou’rt to me, Sweet Athens of the West.” — – Poet Josiah Espy (from poem “Athens of the West,” early 1800s)
In 1782, Lexington (now in Kentucky), petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to become a town. That request was granted and by 1820, just 38 years after its founding, Lexington was one of the largest and wealthiest towns west of the Allegheny Mountains. Its lifestyle was so cultured that it soon embraced the nickname “Athens of the West,” taken from Josiah’s poem.
Back then, nobody in Lexington talked about football. For that matter, they hadn’t started talking about basketball either. Neither one existed.
But, people there are sure talking about football today just a few weeks before the start of basketball practice … and for good reason.
What’s happening in Lexington may not last, but I have to admit, I didn’t seeing that coming.
After Saturday’s total demolition of highly regarded Mississippi State (28-7) at Kroger Field, Kentucky is starting to look like the most likely challenger to Georgia in the SEC Eastern Division.
The Wildcats sit at 4-0 overall, 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference. There are only three SEC teams with 2-0 league marks – Alabama, Georgia … and Kentucky.
Just three weeks into the season, only four SEC teams remain undefeated – Alabama, Georgia, LSU … and Kentucky.
In this week’s Associated Press and Coaches polls, the Wildcats are ranked No. 17 in both, the first time to be ranked in 11 years.
Before the season, most would have figured Kentucky to be 0-2 in the conference, hopefully good enough to win non-conference games against Central Michigan and Murray State.
Instead, the Wildcats defeated No. 25 Florida in Gainesville, 27-16, its first win over the Gators in over 30 years. Then, No. 14 Mississippi State was the victim. Neither one was a fluke.
Against the Gators, Kentucky had over 300 yards rushing, outgained Florida by almost 100 yards and had more time of possession. Running back Benny Snell gained 175 yards on the ground. Junior college transfer quarterback Terry Wilson had 275 yards total offense and was responsible for three touchdowns.
Against the Bulldogs, the Cats were even more dominant. They held State to 56 yards rushing and 201 total yards total offense (386 yards below its season average). Snell ran for 165 yards and four touchdowns, while the Bulldogs had 169 penalty yards and averaged only two yards per carry.
Other Saturday games shed more light on what’s happening.
Is Florida really any good? Based on the Gators game in Knoxville, you would think so. Florida destroyed Tennessee, building a 33-3 lead, before winning, 47-21. The Volunteers averaged just 2.9 yards per rushing attempt and Florida forced six turnovers. So, Tennessee isn’t a likely contender, and Kentucky has already handled Florida.
South Carolina beat Vanderbilt, 37-14. Playing in Nashville, the Gamecocks scored 20 unanswered points, allowed the Commodores just 92 rushing yards and outgained the ‘Dores by 250 yards. So, Vandy isn’t a likely contender, and Georgia has already handled South Carolina.
In the East, that just leaves Missouri. Georgia put up 43 on the Tigers on Saturday in Columbia, Mo., never trailed and led at one point by 20. So, Missouri isn’t a likely contender.
That leaves the Dogs and the Wildcats.
The road is far from clear for Kentucky.
South Carolina comes to Lexington on Saturday. The Gamecocks, the near unanimous preseason pick as Eastern Division runner-up, can do major damage to the Wildcats dreams for the season with a win. The next week, the Cats travel to College Station where Texas A&M almost beat Clemson, Lindy’s preseason No. 1 ranked team. Vandy, Missouri and Tennessee are still on the schedule.
How about Georgia’s road? The Bulldogs still have to play at No. 5 LSU and host No. 10 Auburn. Kentucky doesn’t have to face either of those. And, there’s the annual shootout in Jacksonville against the Gator team that Kentucky has already beaten.
It’s not likely that the Wildcats take down South Carolina, Texas A&M, Vandy and Missouri in the next four games, but the way they’ve played so far, that’s not impossible. If so, mark November 3 on the calendar.
That’s the day that Georgia comes to Lexington, possibly with first place in the SEC East on the line.
The Athens of the East against the Athens of the West.
I still can’t see that happening, but don’t sell the Wildcats short.
Look what’s happened so far.
I didn’t see that coming either.
Lindy's Sports columnist Lyn Scarbrough is a contributor and friend to this blog. He lives deep in SEC country and offers his take on the College Football landscape from time to time during the college football season.
No comments:
Post a Comment