Inspiring Win By Cats

For about 54 minutes in Saturday's 21-20 win over Arkansas the Kentucky Wildcats looked like one off the worse teams in college football. The offense was dismal once again. Other than Alfonso Smith's 71 yard touchdown reception, which was more like a run because it came on a swing pass, Kentucky' offense led by quarterback Mike Hartline was downright pitiful. The Big Blue Faithful were restless. Boos can be heard cascading down onto the Commonwealth Stadium Field. I even heard a fan yelling at Offensive Coordinator Joker Phillips, telling him "You suck." That's how bad it was. Kentucky found themselves down 20-7 in the 4th quarter when the stands started emptying. But then something strange happened. The Cats offense actually showed a pulse.

Led by Mike Hartline and receiver/quarterback Randall Cobb the Wildcats score two touchdowns in under two minutes. The first one was a perfect 32 yard strike from Hartline to Cobb into the corner of the end zone. That made it 20-14 and some life was restored to Commonwealth. The defense which has been stellar all season long came up huge again with under 4:00 to go limiting the Razorbacks to a three and out. That's when Hartline and Cobb once again connected on a beautiful 21 yard touchdown to give Kentucky a 21-20 lead. Even though half of the Kentucky fans had already hit the exit the place erupted.

This come from behind win was one of the best in UK football history. They had to win this game. They did not want to go to Florida next week 4-3. Instead they stand at 5-2. Hartline who has been heavily criticized this season redeemed himself in the final 4:15 of this game. I talked with him afterwards an he says he deserved the heat he's been taking from fans. He knows he hasn't been playing well. But he did feel like he proved something at the end of the game against the Razorbacks. I don't know if Hartline is the answer for the Cats at quarterback but for this one night, maybe even one quarter he proved he could lead the offense.