Taylor: Handing out helmet stickers after UK's win over USM
Kentucky clipped the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 24-17 in a garbage brawl of a football earlier this evening in Hattiesburg.
The Cats running game couldn't get going, the defense looked like it was operating on a slip N slide late in the contest, and yet another second string quarterback almost slew the young men in blue and white.
Despite all that, Mark Stoops' team is 1-0 going into next weeks home opener at Kroger Field against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, and several Wildcat players have much to do with that.
Without further adieu here are the helmet sticks for week one.
Stephen Johnson: Some fans on social media blamed the offense's mediocre performance on number 15. Sure Johnson overthrew receivers on a few close-range routes, but his receivers also dropped some beauties he put right in their breadbaskets. Johnson finished 11-of-20 through the air for 176 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. He also ran the ball in for Kentucky's first score of the game. All of this in spite of poor offensive line play and constant use of the Wildcat formation. UK's QB1 added another win to his record and did so with the same poise he demonstrated last fall.
Matt Elam: The Cats' d-line, thought to be a weakness during the preseason, brought the heat against the Golden Eagles. The big senior from Hardin County played a huge role and played up to the potential that had so many scouts salivating when he was in high school. Elam totaled four tackles, including one for a loss, but also opened up some massive holes in Southern Miss' line for his fellow defender to storm through.
CJ Conrad: Many members of the Big Blue Nation lamented the fact that Conrad did not get targeted more than he did and justifiably so. The Ohio native caught three balls for 97 yards and a 23-yard touchdown on a seam route. Conrad hauled in a 59 yarder to put Kentucky in scoring position early in the game before Benny Snell fumbled the ball away. Honestly, Conrad was Kentucky's only consistent receiver and hopefully will be more involved in the offense going forward.
Denzil Ware: Of the three takeaways the Kentucky defense produced today, linebacker Denzil Ware had a hand in each. He forced one and recovered two, including the game-clinching turnover into a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Ware also recorded three tackles including one for a loss. Make no mistake about it, Ware's heroics were a big reason why Kentucky escaped muggy Mississippi with a victory.
Matthew Panton: The Australian graduate transfer proved to be a potent weapon for Kentucky all day. His booming kicks repeatedly pinned the Golden Eagles far from their end zone. Two of his kicks ended up near the goal line. If Panton continues his high level of play, it will go a long way in establishing Kentucky as Punter U.
Dean Hood: While he didn't suit up and take the field, the special teams coordinator deserves a sticker. This was by far the best the unit has looked during the Stoops Era. USM's returners had no room to breathe within seconds of fielding the ball and the Cats did an excellent job preventing touchbacks in the first half. After one game Hood is looking like a valuable addition to the coaching staff.