"
Sister Miriam, who was one of the teachers attended the game, said this past summer, she always knew Goff was bound to play in the NFL, because of his ability to “Stay calm and cool, he thinks like the coach. There’s a prudence out there.”
I AM calling for pro football careers to be limited to maybe FIVE YEARS at most, and thereby limit the danger of permanent brain damage. But youth football thru college has some positive value as training for life and the Christian faith
My Blog List
Monday, October 26, 2026
"Jared Goff gets heavenly support from California nuns before Lions-Packers clash"
Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirk Cousins Ilife Verse -
Proverbs 3:5-6 is NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins' official life verse.
The Scripture
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
How it Became His Life Verse
Cousins adopted this passage as his guiding principle when he was a 17-year-old junior in high school. After suffering a severe broken ankle that forced him to miss his pivotal junior football season, he feared his dream of playing college football was completely over.
When he expressed his devastation, his father, Orlando Cousins, reminded him of Proverbs 3:5-6 and told him that God's plan was much bigger than a broken ankle. At that low point, Cousins chose to fully surrender his future, stop relying on his own understanding, and trust God with the outcome. A year and a half later, he unexpectedly signed a full scholarship to play for Michigan State University—his ultimate dream school.
Throughout his NFL career, Cousins has continuously pointed back to this verse to navigate the extreme unpredictability, injuries, and high-pressure contract transitions of professional sports.
Greatest NFL Comeback Of All Time; Down 33 -0 At Halftime
Kirk Cousins led the Minnesota Vikings to the largest comeback in NFL history, recovering from a 33-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime on December 17, 2022.
Game Details
- Date: December 17, 2022
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
- Halftime Score: Colts 33, Vikings 0
- Final Score: Vikings 39, Colts 36 (OT)
Key Stats and Milestones
- Kirk Cousins: Completed 34-of-54 passes for a career-high 460 yards, 4 touchdown passes, and 2 interceptions.
- Second-Half Surge: Cousins threw all 4 of his touchdown passes and accumulated 28-of-42 passing for 417 yards strictly after halftime.
- The Play: Trailing late in the 4th quarter, Cousins connected with Dalvin Cook on a 64-yard catch-and-run touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion pass to T.J. Hockenson to tie the game at 36-36.
- The Winner: Kicker Greg Joseph sealed the win with a 40-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining in overtime.
Links:
Use code with caution.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
"Rams deliver statement win over Raiders with season hanging in the balance"
"Rams saw a door crack open with the 49ers’ first loss of the season on Sunday and refused to let it slam shut. Sensing the crossroads they stood at, they thrashed the Raiders 35-21 with the urgency of a team unwilling to let an opportunity to climb back into the division race, and nudge their season back on track.
At least momentarily..."
The Las Vegas Raiders’ Defensive Problems: What Needs to Change?
The Raiders’ biggest defensive problem is not simply that they need to tackle better. They have been allowing too many yards on the ground and through the air, and opponents have been turning those yards into touchdowns.
Through their first six games, the Raiders were allowing 27 points per game. Here are the areas I would focus on to improve the defense.
The Raiders’ Three
Biggest Defensive Weaknesses
1. Run defense — the biggest concern
The Raiders were allowing approximately 134 rushing yards per game, ranking near the bottom of the NFL. Opposing running backs have been gaining too much ground, putting pressure on the linebackers and secondary.
What needs to change:
- Rotate defensive linemen more frequently to keep them fresh.
- Give the best run-stoppers more playing time.
- Improve linebacker positioning and gap discipline.
- Bring a safety closer to the line of scrimmage in selected situations.
My priority would be acquiring a strong defensive tackle who can occupy blockers and make it harder for running backs to reach the second level.
2. Pass defense — too many completions and big plays
The Raiders were allowing approximately 237 passing yards per game. Their cornerbacks and safeties need to do a better job limiting easy completions and preventing receivers from getting open downfield.
What needs to change:
- Use more two-deep safety coverage when appropriate.
- Give struggling cornerbacks fewer snaps if a reserve is performing better.
- Provide additional help against opposing teams’ best receivers.
- Mix up defensive formations so opposing quarterbacks cannot predict the coverage.
The trade-off is that extra help in pass coverage can leave the defense more vulnerable to the run. The coaches need to adjust based on the opponent and the situation.
3. Red-zone defense —
force more field goals
The Raiders were allowing opponents to score touchdowns on too many trips inside the 20-yard line.
What needs to change:
- Tighten coverage near the goal line.
- Use more physical, disciplined run defense.
- Make opposing quarterbacks throw into tighter windows.
- Emphasize finishing tackles and preventing second-effort touchdowns.
Forcing an opponent to kick a field goal instead of scoring a touchdown can make the difference between winning and losing a close game.
Can the Raiders Change Their Players?
Absolutely. They can change starters, increase the playing time of backups, rotate defensive linemen, and experiment with different formations without making a trade.
Here are the positions
I would review most closely:
Defensive tackle: Adam Butler, Tonka Hemingway, Folorunso Fatukasi, Jonah Laulu, and JJ Pegues.
Linebacker: Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, Tommy Eichenberg, and Cody Lindenberg.
Cornerback: Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Taron Johnson, Jermod McCoy, and Darrell Luter Jr.
Safety: Jeremy Chinn, Treydan Stukes, Isaiah Pola-Mao, and Dalton Johnson.
These are players and positions to evaluate, not a claim that a particular backup is automatically better than a starter. Coaches should compare practice performance, missed tackles, coverage results, and game film before making changes.
What About Maxx Crosby?
Maxx Crosby remains a major defensive weapon. I would move him around the defensive line on selected plays, use more stunts and twists, and try to keep him fresh for crucial third-down situations.
The objective should not simply be to increase his sack total. The defense needs to create hurried throws, force turnovers, and get opposing offenses off the field.
Could the Raiders Trade for Somebody?
Yes. The NFL trade deadline is November 10, 2026, so the Raiders have an opportunity to add help before the deadline.
My trade priorities would be:
1. A proven run-stopping defensive tackle. This would be my first choice because the interior run defense has been a major weakness.
2. A dependable starting cornerback. If the coaches determine that coverage is the primary problem, a veteran corner could help reduce the number of easy completions and big plays.
3. An additional pass rusher, if the right deal becomes available. The Raiders had recorded 15 sacks through six games, so I would prioritize the run defense and coverage ahead of adding another pass rusher.
The Raiders would need to consider the player’s salary, the draft picks required, and whether the player is actually available. I have not verified a specific trade target who is currently available at a reasonable price.
Can the Defense Be Fixed This Season?
I believe meaningful improvement is possible. The Raiders have shown they can compete in games, and they have recorded sacks and created turnovers. However, allowing 27 points per game and struggling to stop the run are serious concerns.
My recommendation:
First, change the defensive rotation and make adjustments to the scheme immediately. Second, evaluate whether any backups deserve more playing time. Third, pursue a proven run-stopping defensive tackle or a starting-caliber cornerback if a reasonable trade becomes available.
I would not dismantle the defense or sacrifice valuable future draft picks after only six games. But I also would not keep doing the same things and expect different results.
The Raiders need to demonstrate that their coaching staff can identify the problems, make adjustments, and get better. Otherwise, their playoff hopes will become increasingly difficult to sustain.
Sources and links
NFL.com — Las Vegas Raiders schedule and results:
Las Vegas Raiders — Team statistics:
ESPN — NFL team defensive statistics:
NFL.com — NFL news and trade deadline coverage:
🏈Calvin University's promising season: a new stadium 🏟️, undefeated after 7 games, what's next?👍
Calvin University Football:
From Startup Program
to National Contender ?!
The Calvin University Knights are having a remarkable 2026 football season. In just their third varsity season, the Knights have emerged as one of the most exciting developing programs in NCAA Division III football. As of October 25, Calvin is undefeated at 7–0 overall and 4–0 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play.
A Remarkable Rise
Calvin launched its varsity football program in 2024 under head coach Trent Figg. Building a college football program from scratch is no small task, but the Knights have improved rapidly. After establishing the program in its inaugural season, Calvin made substantial progress in 2025 and has taken another major step forward in 2026.
The team's success reflects the development of its players, returning experience, an explosive offense, and the work of a coaching staff led by Figg, who previously worked at the University of Oregon.
The 2026 Season So Far
Calvin has won its first seven games:
• September 5:
Defeated Otterbein 53–21
• September 12:
Defeated St. Norbert 49–7
• September 19: Defeated Franklin 41–7
• September 26: Defeated Olivet 66–20
• October 3: Defeated Adrian 17–12
• October 17: Defeated Kalamazoo 54–9
• October 24: Defeated Albion 52–20
The Knights have demonstrated impressive scoring ability, putting up more than 40 points in most of their victories. The 17–12 win over Adrian was a reminder that they can also prevail in a close, hard-fought contest.
National Recognition
Calvin's outstanding season has earned it national recognition. On October 19, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) ranked Calvin No. 23 in its NCAA Division III Top 25 poll, marking the first time in program history that the Knights entered the poll.
Calvin also stood at No. 11 in the Division III National Power Index (NPI), a computer-based rating used in NCAA playoff seeding and at-large selection decisions.
Hope College has climbed to No. 9 in the D3football.com national poll. Trine is another important contender in the MIAA race, even though it has not been ranked in the same national Top 25 polls.
Why Has Calvin Improved So Quickly?
Several factors appear to be contributing to the Knights' rapid development:
• Experience: Players who have spent time together in the program are becoming more comfortable with the demands of college football.
• Coaching: Trent Figg and his staff have been building the program's culture, recruiting, and systems from the beginning.
• Offensive production: Calvin's fast-paced, no-huddle offense has put considerable pressure on opposing defenses.
• Returning talent: The Knights have returning starters and experienced players who can execute the system more effectively.
The next step is to demonstrate that Calvin can beat the strongest teams in its conference and compete with the nation's elite Division III programs.
Three Crucial Games Remain
The regular season is approaching its decisive stretch:
• Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. :
Calvin at Trine University
in Angola, Indiana.
• Saturday, November 7, 1 p.m. :
Hope College at Calvin in
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Saturday, November 14, 1 p.m. :
Calvin at Alma College in
Alma, Michigan.
The October 31 game against Trine is a major test. Calvin defeated Trine 34–31 in 2025, so the Knights have already shown that they can compete with the Thunder. Trine will have home-field advantage this time.
The November 7 matchup against Hope could be even more significant. Hope is nationally ranked and undefeated, making this one of the most anticipated games of Calvin's season. A victory would strengthen Calvin's case as a genuine MIAA title contender and could improve its national standing.
The final game at Alma will also matter as Calvin seeks to finish its conference schedule strongly.
Could Calvin Reach the Division III Playoffs?
Yes. NCAA Division III football has a national playoff tournament, with automatic bids for conference champions and at-large selections for qualifying teams. Calvin's position in the national rankings and the Division III National Power Index makes its remaining games especially important.
The Knights are not merely trying to improve their record. They have an opportunity to establish themselves as a serious contender in the MIAA and potentially earn a place in the national playoff field.
The MIAA has a history of championship success. Albion College won the NCAA Division III national championship in 1994, defeating Washington & Jefferson 38–15 in the Stagg Bowl. That achievement demonstrates that a program from Calvin's conference can reach the top of Division III football.
The Big Question
Can Calvin turn its undefeated start into an MIAA championship and a successful national playoff run?
The Knights have already accomplished something remarkable by becoming nationally ranked in only their third varsity season. But the upcoming games against Trine and Hope will provide a much clearer measure of how far this young program has come.
For Calvin supporters, the next three Saturdays could be the most important stretch in the program's short history.
Go Knights!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
UCF 39-31 BYU (Oct 24, 2026) Game Recap -+ 2 other upsets
Keyone Jenkins throws TD pass in double OT and
unranked UCF
knocks off No. 2 BYU 39-31!
Read about UCF at
LaNorris Sellers has three TDs and unranked South Carolina rallies to beat No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 !
Drzewiecki's field goal as time expires lifts unranked Minnesota past No. 15 Iowa, 13-10 ?
unbelievable ! "Hoover's TD run lifts No. 6 Indiana to 13-6 OT win at Michigan,
this is a whole new era of college football ! Ohio State barely beats Indiana last week, and today Indiana defeats Michigan (again ! they beat both of them last year). Is this the end of the perennial heavyweights in college football ? There's upsets every week now. The upsets are becoming the norm. last weekend: Auburn beat No. 1 Georgia, BYU beat No. 2 Notre Dame, Tennessee beat Alabama, and Florida came back to beat Texas . October 17 weekend, five of the AP Top 7 teams lost. The AP described it as the first time in poll history that five of the top seven all lost on the same Saturday ! Today: unranked Cincinnati defeated #8 Texas Tech.
MICHIGAN VS INDIANA
"Hoover's TD run lifts No. 6 Indiana to 13-6 OT win at Michigan, its 1st win at Big House since 1967 ..."
How it unfolded:
First half: Indiana takes a 6–0 lead
Indiana scored on field goals of 22 and 34 yards. Michigan's offense struggled, and an early fumble gave the Hoosiers a scoring opportunity. Indiana also missed a field goal before halftime.
second half: Michigan fights back
Michigan's Zeke Berry intercepted Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover, returning the ball 37 yards to set up Michigan's first points: a 29-yard field goal. Michigan's defense kept the game close, despite its offense repeatedly wasting opportunities.
Final minute: Michigan forces overtime
Trailing 6–3, Michigan drove downfield in the final minute. Trey Butkowski kicked a 26-yard field goal as time expired, tying the game at 6–6.
Overtime: Indiana finally breaks through
On Indiana's first play, Hoover completed a 21-yard pass to tight end Brock Schott. Hoover then ran four yards for the winning touchdown, making it 13–6. Michigan had a chance to answer, but quarterback Tommy Carr's final pass fell incomplete near the end zone.
Unranked Cinci overcomes #8 Texas Tech 37-24
How the game unfolded
Q1
6–3
Texas Tech takes a small lead
Texas Tech led 6–3, but mistakes hurt the Red Raiders. Quarterback Will Hammond lost a fumble, and an intentional-grounding penalty helped stall the offense.Q2
21–0
Cincinnati explodes for 21 points
The Bearcats scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to take a commanding 24–6 halftime lead. Cole Tabb caught a touchdown, Malachi Henry caught another, and Lyviel Waters hauled in a short touchdown pass after Tabb broke off a 51-yard run.Q3
7–9
Texas Tech gets a lifeline
Safety Peyton Morgan intercepted a deflected pass from Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. After video review overturned a targeting-related ruling, Texas Tech cut the deficit to 24–15. But French responded with his fourth touchdown pass, a 17-yard strike to Larenzo Fenner, restoring Cincinnati's cushion.Q4
6–6
Tabb delivers the knockout blow
With about six minutes left, Tabb ripped off a 58-yard touchdown run that effectively sealed the upset. Texas Tech couldn't make up the difference
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
"Jim Nantz says he 'learned a lesson' trying to 'Peanut' punch ball from J.J. Watt: Don't do it "
"The NFL joined in the good-natured fun, posting the clip on Instagram and writing, “the peanut punch isn’t for everybody,” along with a laughing emoji.
While Nantz admitted his hand and wrist “did hurt for a while,” he told McAfee that any reports beyond that were “greatly exaggerated.”
“It did sting, I’m not going to kid you,” Nantz said. “But I gave it my best, and as soon as I did it, I regretted it because I felt like everything had been compressed. .."
https://share.newsbreak.com/jx1yfgv4
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Condolences ✝️ "US airman who died after rappel fall at a college football game in Texas is identified -" MyNorthwest.com
"The U.S. airman who died after a rapid fall while rappelling from the rafters of a stadium before a college football game in Texas was a 15-year service member from Georgia, according to the Air Force.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died after being taken to a hospital following Saturday’s fall at the Alamodome .."
Smart move: "Super Bowl winning QB benches himself "- The Horn News
Life is much more important
than winning another super bowl .
"Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season after doctors found superficial blood clots in both of his lungs.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
College Football: Top 20 Teams — Week 7 Results, recaps
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Games played Saturday, October 17
What a wild Saturday! Several of the nation's top-ranked teams lost, including No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Notre Dame,
No. 5 Indiana, No. 6 Alabama and
No. 7 Texas. Ohio State, BYU and Tennessee scored major victories.
1. Georgia (#1) — Lost to Auburn (unranked), 24–27. A stunning upset of the nation's top-ranked team.
2. Notre Dame (#2) — Lost to BYU (#8), 24–28. Notre Dame fell in a major road upset.
3. Miami (#3) — Defeated Florida State (unranked), 43–35 in double overtime. Miami survived a thriller.
4. Ohio State (#4) — Defeated Indiana (#5), 19–15. A huge victory over a fellow national contender.
5. Indiana (#5)— Lost to Ohio State (#4), 15–19. The Hoosiers narrowly missed a comeback.
6. Alabama (#6)— Lost to Tennessee (#14), 10–26. Tennessee delivered one of the day's biggest upsets.
7. Texas (#7)— Lost to Florida (unranked), 24–27. Florida pulled off a surprising road victory.
8. BYU (#8) — Defeated Notre Dame (#2), 28–24. One of the weekend's most significant wins.
9. Ole Miss (#9)— Defeated Missouri (#13), 31–3. Ole Miss dominated throughout the game.
10. Texas Tech (#10)— Defeated Arizona State (unranked), 53–25. The Red Raiders produced an impressive offensive performance.
11. Utah (#11)— Defeated Colorado (unranked), 27–24. Utah held on for a close road victory.
12. UCLA (#12) — Defeated Wisconsin (unranked), 17–7. The Bruins' defense helped secure the win.
13. Missouri (#13) — Lost to Ole Miss (#9), 3–31. Missouri struggled to generate offense.
14. Tennessee (#14) — Defeated Alabama (#6), 26–10. A statement victory against a traditional powerhouse.
15. Kentucky (#15) — Defeated Oklahoma (unranked), 21–13. Kentucky earned an important road win.
16. Mississippi State (#16)— Lost to LSU (#22), 0–31. LSU shut out the Bulldogs.
17. Iowa (#17) — No result confirmed in the available Saturday results.
18. Oklahoma State (#18) — Lost to Houston (#20), 32–35. Houston won a close, high-scoring contest.
19. USC (#19) — No result confirmed in the available Saturday results.
20. Houston (#20) — Defeated Oklahoma State (#18), 35–32. Houston held on for a narrow victory.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS
- Georgia's loss: Auburn handed the No. 1 team a stunning defeat.
- BYU's breakthrough: Beating No. 2 Notre Dame could propel BYU up the rankings.
- Ohio State's statement: The Buckeyes defeated No. 5 Indiana in a major Big Ten matchup.
- Tennessee's triumph: Beating Alabama by 16 points was one of the day's most convincing upsets.
- Miami's survival: The Hurricanes won a double-overtime thriller against Florida State.
Note: Rankings listed are the pregame AP rankings. The next official poll may change significantly. Results marked unconfirmed require further verification.
"Indiana’s 22-game win streak ends against Ohio State in one of six Top 25 showdowns"
"
The defending national champion and fifth-ranked Hoosiers looked like they were going to rally to beat the Buckeyes, but standout receiver Nick Marsh stepped out of bounds in the end zone and negated what would have been a 27-yard touchdown reception on a fourth-and-4 play in the final minute..."
Friday, October 16, 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
"Commanders' Daniels takes blame for botched final play in OT - "
"Even Magic Johnson, one of the team's minority owners, weighed in with a post on X, writing that he was in "total disbelief my Commanders had such poor clock management in today's overtime game. ... All we had to do was kick the field goal and we would have won the game!"
Sunday, October 11, 2026
🏈"St. John Bosco avenges playoff loss to Orange Lutheran"
"in the end, Malau’ulu passed for two touchdowns, ran for one touchdown and combined with his cousin, 6-foot-5 sophomore receiver Kuika Moaalii, for several big plays to take down Orange Lutheran 28-14, setting up the Braves (6-1, 2-0) for a Friday showdown next week against No. 1-ranked Santa Margarita (7-0, 2-0)..."
https://share.newsbreak.com/ju2x0cfe
https://share.newsbreak.com/ju2x0cfe
🏈 KENTUCKY 35, LSU 34: FINAL (OVERTIME)
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location: Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky
THE BIG PICTURE
The Kentucky Wildcats pulled off a major upset, defeating No. 10 LSU 35–34 in overtime.
Kentucky chose to go for a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown in overtime. Quarterback Kenny Minchey ran into the end zone untouched to secure the victory.
Kentucky improved to 5–1 overall and 3–1 in SEC play, while LSU fell to 4–2 overall.
FINAL SCORE BY QUARTER
LSU Kentucky
1st Quarter 10 7
2nd Quarter 7 14
3rd Quarter 3 0
4th Quarter 7 6
Overtime 7 8
FINAL 34 35
FIRST QUARTER:
LSU STARTS STRONG
LSU opened the scoring with a field goal.
Kentucky answered with a spectacular 77-yard run by C.J. Baxter on the Wildcats' first offensive play. The explosive play helped set up a touchdown.
LSU responded with a scoring drive of its own. Quarterback Sam Leavitt connected with Zach Grace for a 22-yard touchdown pass.
LSU led 10–7 after the first quarter.
SECOND QUARTER:
KENTUCKY TAKES THE LEAD
Kentucky's Brock Coffman delivered one of the game's biggest plays, returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown.
LSU answered when Leavitt threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Harris, putting the Tigers back in front 17–14.
Kentucky continued attacking on the ground. Kenny Minchey scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper on the final play of the first half.
Kentucky led 21–17 at halftime.
THIRD QUARTER:
LSU CLOSES THE GAP
The third quarter was quieter offensively.
LSU's defense forced Kentucky into difficult situations, including a fourth-down stop.
LSU eventually put together an 11-play, 73-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard field goal.
Kentucky led 21–20 heading into the fourth quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER:
A WILD FINISH
Kentucky extended its lead to 24–20 with a 28-yard field goal.
LSU then produced one of the game's most unusual plays. Receiver Jackson Harris threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed on a trick play!
LSU took a 27–24 lead with less than ten minutes remaining.
Kentucky had opportunities to respond, but kicker Adam Zouagui missed field goals from 42 and 26 yards.
LSU appeared to be in position to close out the game. However, Leavitt was sacked and fumbled, and Kentucky recovered at the LSU 13-yard line.
Kentucky failed to capitalize on that opportunity, but the Wildcats got the ball back with 1:37 remaining.
Zouagui eventually made a 33-yard field goal with just 12 seconds left, tying the game at 27–27 and forcing overtime.
OVERTIME:
KENTUCKY GOES FOR TWO
LSU received the ball first in overtime.
Leavitt scored on a 15-yard touchdown run, giving LSU a 34–27 lead after the extra point.
Kentucky needed a touchdown to stay alive.
The Wildcats delivered when C.J. Baxter scored on a one-yard touchdown run, bringing Kentucky within one point at 34–33.
Instead of kicking the extra point and extending the game, Kentucky elected to attempt a two-point conversion for the win.
Minchey took the ball and ran through the middle of the defense, untouched, into the end zone.
KENTUCKY WON 35–34!
It was a gutsy decision by Kentucky's coaching staff, and the players executed when the game was on the line.
KENTUCKY'S BIGGEST STARS
1. C.J. BAXTER — RUNNING BACK
• 123 rushing yards.
• Two rushing touchdowns.
• A spectacular 77-yard run on Kentucky's opening offensive play.
His one-yard touchdown in overtime set up the decisive two-point conversion.
2. KENNY MINCHEY — QUARTERBACK
• 246 passing yards.
• A one-yard touchdown run before halftime.
• The game-winning two-point conversion in overtime.
His final run was the difference between victory and defeat.
3. BROCK COFFMAN — SPECIAL TEAMS
Coffman's 55-yard punt-return touchdown was a huge momentum swing that helped Kentucky stay competitive.
LSU'S STANDOUT PLAYERS
1. SAM LEAVITT — QUARTERBACK
• 275 passing yards.
• Two passing touchdowns.
• One interception.
• A rushing touchdown.
• 39 rushing yards.
Leavitt produced several excellent plays, including his 15-yard touchdown run in overtime. However, his late fumble proved costly.
2. JACKSON HARRIS — RECEIVER AND PASSER
Harris caught a touchdown pass earlier in the game and later threw the remarkable 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed.
The trick play temporarily gave LSU the lead late in the fourth quarter.
THREE MAJOR TURNING POINTS
1. THE 55-YARD PUNT-RETURN TOUCHDOWN
Coffman's punt return gave Kentucky a crucial special-teams score and helped the Wildcats stay within striking distance.
2. LEAVITT'S LATE FUMBLE
LSU appeared close to securing the victory, but Leavitt's fumble gave Kentucky possession deep in LSU territory. Although Kentucky failed to score immediately, the turnover kept the Wildcats alive.
3. THE TWO-POINT CONVERSION
Kentucky's decision to go for two rather than kick an extra point was the defining moment.
Minchey found an open path through the middle and scored untouched, completing the upset.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SEC?
KENTUCKY:
• Improved to 5–1 overall.
• Improved to 3–1 in SEC play.
• Earned a major victory over a nationally ranked opponent.
• Won consecutive overtime games by 35–34 scores.
• Strengthened its case for national recognition.
LSU:
• Fell to 4–2 overall.
• Suffered a damaging conference loss.
• Must address costly turnovers and missed opportunities.
• Lost a game it had opportunities to win late in regulation.
THE BIGGEST LESSON
LSU had opportunities to put Kentucky away.
The Tigers held the lead late in the fourth quarter, but the fumble and Kentucky's late drive prevented them from finishing the job.
Kentucky deserves credit for continuing to fight. The Wildcats overcame missed opportunities, tied the game with 12 seconds remaining, and then made the bold decision to go for two in overtime.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
This was a dramatic comeback victory for Kentucky.
The Wildcats combined explosive running, a special-teams touchdown, timely defensive plays, and an aggressive coaching decision to defeat a top-10 opponent.
LSU produced plenty of offense, but Kentucky made the plays that mattered most at the end.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kentucky won 35–34 in overtime after converting a two-point attempt.
The Wildcats showed tremendous resilience, while LSU was left to regret missed opportunities and a costly late fumble.
For Kentucky, this was the kind of dramatic victory that can energize a season. For LSU, it was a painful reminder that playing well for most of a game means little if you cannot finish.
OFFICIAL GAME DETAILS
ESPN:
Kentucky Athletics:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)