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There’s no college football analyst I respect more than Cole Cubelic of the SEC Network. I’ve learned when he talks to listen much like I do on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports when former UK running back Anthony White analyzes a game. Cubelic was on the sideline Saturday when Kentucky whipped Tennessee 34-7 to shut down Rocky top for the first time since 1984.
After the UK win, Cubelic praised a Wildcat that often gets a lot of criticism from UK fans.
“I will give (offensive coordinator) Eddie Gran credit,” Cubelic said after the game. “He had great adjustments and great answers for what the defense was giving. Then you saw a dominant offensive line and dominant run game take over.”
What about the defense that has produced 10 turnovers, including nine interceptions, the last two games?
“Here is the crazy part. It shouldn’t be crazy. They finished fourth as the best passing defense in the nation last year,” Cubelic said. “There are a lot of defenses that are fast, twitchy, athletic and look good.
“But I am going to tell you if you want to play pickup a basketball tournament there are more teams fun to watch (than Kentucky). If you asked me which defense in this league I wouldn’t want to fight in an alley, it’s this defense (at Kentucky).
“They are mean, nasty and take no prisoners. They are doing it against different systems. A lot of credit should go to (UK defensive coordinator) Brad White and individuals on this defense.”
Kentucky returned two interceptions for touchdowns at Tennessee, a 41-yarder by Kelvin Joseph and one for 85 yards by Jamin Davis. Turns out they just happened to be the two highest-graded power five defenders by Pro Football Focus for Saturday’s games.
