Schedule catches up to Wildcats in loss

Kentucky's open date came one week too late.

The Wildcats played three successive games against nationally ranked opponents - South Carolina, LSU and Florida, winning one of the three. But the schedule took its toll, as evidenced by Saturday's loss to Mississippi State.

"It's almost like they tried to take the week off before they had the week off," Kentucky coach Rich Brooks told the Lexington Herald-Leader after the 31-14 loss. "When a game goes that bad, you have to look at me first."

But look at the schedule, too. The Wildcats, who have been riddled by injuries, finally get an open date this Saturday.

Long-Term Optimism: The Wildcats' third loss of the season didn't sap Brooks' optimism.

On his Sunday television show, he said he expected bowl games to become routine for his program. Although the Wildcats will lose some key players, like All-SEC quarterback Andre Woodson, Brooks said the offensive line and defense will be better next season.

Happy Bulldogs: South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said he didn't have a problem with Georgia players deliberately running onto the field to celebrate Georgia's first touchdown in the victory over the Gators.

"They've lost so much to Florida, they said, 'Let's go run out there and go crazy and act like a bunch of happy Bulldogs,' " Spurrier said. "(Coach Mark Richt) wanted to try something different to get his team to have some fun and not play too tight."

Georgia was penalized 30 yards on the following kickoff.

"If (Richt) had lost the game because of those penalties, he wouldn't have been too smart," Spurrier said. "When you win, everything is a good idea."

Making Change: The Gators might turn to kick returner Brandon James to help their failing running game.

Starting running back Kestahn Moore had an awful afternoon in Florida's loss to Georgia on Saturday. He fumbled; failed to handle a direct snap in the shotgun formation; and ran into wide receiver Andre Caldwell, who was trying to run an end-around.

James carried five times for 26 yards against the Bulldogs. Florida also used wide receiver Percy Harvin more at running back, but that takes away from its passing game.

Hurting Tebow: Florida safety Tim Joiner was most aware that quarterback Tim Tebow was struggling with a right shoulder injury last week.

"He would wince (in pain)," Joiner told the Gainesville Sun. "He was holding his shoulder."

Start The Bus: Florida didn't endear itself to the media after Saturday's loss.

Only three players were available for a total of five minutes for the post-game media conference, according to the Gainesville Sun. The players reportedly had to catch the bus for the return trip to Gainesville.

Georgia players were still doing interviews 90 minutes after the game in Jacksonville. They had to catch a bus, too.

Dirty Rebels?: Auburn players accused Ole Miss of dirty play following the Tigers' 17-3 victory Saturday.

"They were dirty, needless to say," Auburn nose tackle Josh Thompson told the Birmingham News. "They were dirtier than they needed to be."

Croom Critical: Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom, who has his team one win away from being bowl eligible, was critical of Bulldogs fans for posting "negative comments" on the Internet, according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.

"We have a plan and we will not deviate from that plan," said Croom, whose team also upset Auburn this season.

Croom was critical of Mississippi State fans earlier this season when they booed backup QB Michael Henig in the Tennessee game.

Suspended: Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy, who was leading the SEC in sacks before Saturday, was suspended for the Auburn game for a violation of team rules. ... Vanderbilt defensive tackle Greg Billinger and center Joey Bailey both were suspended for Saturday's game against Miami of Ohio after violating team rules.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.