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Calls Arise for SEC Officiating Review After Kentucky-Georgia Game

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Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops argues with a referee during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field.

Kentucky took No. 1 Georgia to the last play of the game on Saturday. While the Wildcats lost 13-12, if they just had one play of good fortune or one good bounce of the ball, they could have pulled the upset.

That bounce of the ball could have been a potential interception that went through Jordan Lovett’s hands for a Georgia completion, or recovering a fumble at the end of the game, many fans are looking at the officiating.

The first questionable call of the game came in the first quarter. While Kentucky was in Georgia territory, on the brink of getting into the red zone, a facemask was called on the Wildcats despite running back Jamarion Wilcox having his helmet ripped off.

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The 15-yard penalty pushed Kentucky back to the 48 and they had the settle for a long field goal, a school record 55-yarder which Alex Raynor made.

The next controversial call happened in the middle of the second quarter, as Georgia receiver Dominic Lovett bobbled a low pass from Carson Beck, popping it up into the air and Kentucky’s Zion Childress ran it back for a touchdown. However, it was overturned after a review, citing that the ball hit the ground.

While the officials called the pass incomplete, many argue that there was not enough evidence to overturn the call. If the call had stood and Kentucky had gone up 10-0, the game could have played out much differently.

One of the more egregious calls came right before halftime. As Kentucky running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye was hit helmet to helmet. Per the NCAA rulebook, no player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of his helmet.

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However, there was no call on the field nor booth review on this play. If a 15-yard penalty was enforced, this would have given Kentucky a first-and-goal at the seven-yard line, with nine seconds before halftime.

While fans issued their anger and frustration on social media, the Kentucky staff bit their tongue, at least publicly. While Mark Stoops sent in the overturned pick-six to the SEC for review, he hasn’t talked about the officiating of Saturday’s game. “I get very frustrated but 50 grand’s 50 grand,” Stoops said on Monday, relating to the $50,000 fine that coaches receive for talking about officiating.

What do you think? If any of these calls had gone in Kentucky’s favor, would that outcome have been different?

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Deone Walker Drafted No. 109 To The Buffalo Bills

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Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has been selected No. 109 by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walker stands at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, making the former Wildcat one of the biggest defensive lineman not only in the draft, but in the history of the NFL.

Since earning a starting spot as a true freshman, to now exploding with excitement when he heard his name called, Walker’s unique blend of mobility and enthusiasm will cement him as one of the most beloved Kentucky players in program history.

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Earning All-SEC honors and letting his disruptive play become the Wildcats’ identity, Walker will now cause terror for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to go alongside his former teammate Maxwell Hairston, who was selected by the Bills in the first round.

Ray Davis also welcomed BBN to Bills Mafia moments after the selection.

The main worry about Walker not only has been his back injury that he played with all of last season, but what technique he’ll be able to play due to his stature that’s unlike any other.

However, even the NFL admitted that Walker could dominate the league.

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Before the draft, Walker visited with the Buffalo Bills, who emphasized interior pressure heavily last season, which is right up his alley. He’s been evaluated as one that can be a high-level backup or a potential starter as the season goes on.

The Bills are taking a swing with Walker, but many who watched him every Saturday at Kroger Field will tell you that this is a home-run pick.

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Maxwell Hairston Drafted No. 30 To The Buffalo Bills

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Maxwell Hairston
Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston has officially started the next chapter of his career, selected No. 30 by the Buffalo Bills in the late first round.

At 6-foot-1 and 186 pounds, Hairston has come a long way since signing with the Wildcats as a 3-star prospect out of Michigan in 2021.

Although he missed five games this past season due to injury,  Hairston was still selected to Second-Team All-SEC with 19 tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and four deflections.

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“Mad Max” took a huge jump in the draft boards after running the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks in Indianapolis, completing the drill in just 4.28 seconds.

At 21 years old, Hairston brings a level of experience from the toughest conference in college football, the SEC, to go along with elite speed and length to make him a potential starter for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

As one of the few invited to the NFL Draft, Big Blue Nation had a good look at Hairston with his family before his name was called.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the former Wildcats’ name just before the night ended, making the West Bloomfield native’s dreams come true.

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Ray Davis went to social media to share his excitement to have a familiar face in the locker room.

The National Football League shared an emotional video of Hairston embracing his father after the Bills drafted him.

Time will tell how Hairston’s role will pan out in the league, but rest assured, “Mad Max” will go down as one of the best defensive players in the Mark Stoops era.

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Running Back Revamp: Kentucky Adds Former Oklahoma, New Mexico State Transfer

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New Mexico State University Athletics

The Wildcats bolstered their backfield with the addition of former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan on April 20, per KSR’s Nick Roush.

Standing at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, McGowan brings size and downhill power to Kentucky’s offense. Coming off a productive season at New Mexico State, he rushed for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores through the air.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2019, McGowan originally signed with Oklahoma and logged 370 rushing yards, three touchdowns and 201 receiving yards with one touchdown during his lone season with the Sooners.

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On May 7, 2021, McGowan was removed from Oklahoma following his involvement in a legal case in which he was arrested and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charges were ultimately dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to larceny from a person at nighttime in December of that year.

After a stint at NAIA school Texas College in 2022, where he did not see game action, McGowan continued his path back to Division I football, playing six games with Butler Community College before transferring to New Mexico State for the 2024 season.

Now, with his past behind him, McGowan has a chance to turn the page and contribute in a major way to the Wildcats’ offense.

Running backs coach Jay Boulware, who helped Oklahoma sign McGowan out of high school, likely played a role in bringing him to Kentucky, where he is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.

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Along with Nebraska transfer Dante Dowdell, McGowan could be a part of a versatile and punishing backfield tandem for the Wildcats. While Dowdell brings a physical, downhill rushing style, McGowan’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game adds a dynamic layer to offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s pro-style system, which emphasizes balance and explosive playmaking.

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