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.

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.

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?

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.