Connect with us

Football

RECAP: Three Takeaways from Kentucky’s 51-13 Loss to Georgia

Published

on

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After a huge 33-14 win against the Florida Gators, the BBN had a lot of excitement heading into Georgia week. Many people thought that this week may be the time that Kentucky takes the next step, contending and being the frontrunner in the SEC East. However, the Cats were not at all ready for Saturday’s contest as they got steamrolled 51-13.

To start the game, Carson Beck and the Georgia offense set the tone early with a passing touchdown to Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Then, Beck quickly scored his 2nd touchdown, and it was 14-0 after fifteen minutes of play.

The 2nd quarter started off with yet another Carson Beck touchdown, and to this point, none of his three touchdowns were to Brock Bowers. Mike Bobo was simply picking apart Brad White’s defense. Then, after a Josh Kattus touchdown, Georgia’s Kendall Milton and a field goal made the score 34-7 at the half.

Advertisement

The 3rd quarter seemed like a good time for Kentucky to pick up some momentum, and things were trending positively after a Maxwell Hairston pick and a Ray Davis receiving touchdown. Another field goal and a Brock Bowers touchdown, however, put the score at 44-13 after three.

Then, the onslaught continued in the 4th quarter. Even the backups were having their way with Kentucky’s defense. The Cats had officially been 50-pieced for the first time since they lost 63-3 at Alabama in 2020. The final from Athens was 51-13.

Uncharacteristically Undisciplined

Perhaps the biggest worry from Saturday’s game was that UK failed to show any discipline. Maybe Kentucky thought they were untouchable after Florida, or maybe they were frustrated at how Georgia took it to them.

The horrendous penalties made their way back onto the field, and not in Kentucky’s favor. Just about every lineman was called for holding at some point. Jager Burton and Deone Walker were assessed with personal foul penalties after late (and honestly, childish) hits.

Advertisement

Whether a Stoops team was performing well or not, they have always been disciplined and mature on the field. That wasn’t the case against Georgia. Practice and film sessions this week will be humbling.

A Big Step Back for the Program

As mentioned earlier, the 33-14 win against Florida had the BBN believing that they had a chance to beat Georgia and take the next step. Kentucky was just one step away from really contending in the SEC East, but they took a few steps back on Saturday.

The season isn’t over by any means (more on that in a second), but it’s time for the BBN to pump the breaks on the whole contending thing. Devin Leary was missing receivers, and the receivers were dropping passes. The defense was an all systems failure.

We learned that Kentucky isn’t ready for the next step. Georgia is still a good team, but this isn’t 2021 or 2022 Georgia. Still, Kentucky got absolutely embarrassed on Saturday. So, the question begs, what can Kentucky do in 2023?

Advertisement

Special Season Still Possible

If you told 99% of the BBN that Kentucky would be 5-1 at this point in the season, they would take it in a heartbeat. Kentucky has a tough schedule ahead, but they have a real shot of going 5-1 or 4-2 to finish the season.

Given that Alabama is probably a loss, if Kentucky can beat Mississippi State and South Carolina, and go at least 1-2 in the other three games, UK finishes the regular season 8-4.

If they manage 2-1, all of a sudden you have a 9-win regular season. 3-0, now you’re dreaming of 10-2 and New Year’s Six Bowl hopes. That being said, Kentucky could also finish 5-7/6-6 realistically. It’s all about how UK bounces back, starting against Missouri.


View the box score from the game here. Viewer discretion is advised.

Advertisement

Football

Deone Walker Drafted No. 109 To The Buffalo Bills

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Maxwell Hairston Drafted No. 30 To The Buffalo Bills

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

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

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading

Trending