After the BBVA Compass Bowl... Direction is North

As a die hard Kentucky fan, a loss is hard. On the day of a UK loss, I usually ignore any ESPN affiliate, local news, and answering the phone when a UL fan is on the other end. The next day, I am still skipping SportsCenter repeats, the local news paper - which finally get to cover the story, and still am not answering UL phone calls. Although, come to think of it, I practice that last one win or loss, game or no game. For Kentucky to lose two games in one day, well I find myself entering hermithood and depression.

To recap yesterdays action, I am going to space it out. Give myself a chance to recover after typing of the horrific day of UK sport. Here's the football action (or lack there of):

At noon Eastern, Kentucky faced Pitt. The opening Pitt drive Kentucky allowed them to march down the field in formation. When Pitt entered the Red-Zone, Kentucky managed to finally break up a pass that landed in Randall Burton's arms for a turnover. The Cats then took the ball, went the other way 50 yards and at the Pitt 35, Morgan Newton gave the ball back. The game continued in what seemed to be football's version of a tennis match. Each driving quickly, then giving the ball right back.

Then as Pitt took their turn giving the ball up on a backward swing pass to the right - a yard behind the running back - The booth stepped in and reviewed. After numerous replays and every aspect looking for the turnover to be upheld, allowing Kentucky to maintain control of the ball on the Pitt 15, the play was miraculously overturned. Pitt kept the ball and the momentum for the rest of the game. A blocked punt on their own side of the field gave the Panthers great field position and set them up for 7. The Wildcats found themselves down 13-3 at half and ultimately 27-10 for the game.

The Cats second straight bowl loss also marks the first losing season in the senior classes career. A disappointing end to a disappointing season.

With the complete exodus of offensive stars including seniors Mike Hartline, Derrick Locke, Chris Matthews, Moncell Allen as well as the potential loss of Randall Cobb, Kentucky could find themselves in a the downward spiral next year next season. But as we've seen with massive turnovers in years past, surprises often step up in times of trouble, here's hoping the step isn't as big as it seems.