Wildcats hurting heading into bye week

Cobb, Johnson and Lumpkin injuries could be 'significant'

By Chip Cosby / ccosby@herald-leader.com

After staying relatively healthy for the first two games, the injury bug caught up with Kentucky last night.

Quarterback Randall Cobb and linebacker Micah Johnson both left the game in the first half with high ankle sprains. Cobb was hurt on the game's second series while playing wide receiver. Johnson was having perhaps his best game as a Wildcat with nine tackles and two tackles for loss before getting hurt late in the second quarter.

Sophomore defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin also left the game in the first half with an ankle injury, and fullback John Conner departed in the third quarter with a shoulder injury.

Brooks said the injuries to Cobb, Johnson and Lumpkin could be 'significant' but wouldn't know the full extent for 48 hours. The Wildcats have an open date next week before hosting Western Kentucky on Sept. 27.

"It's a good time to be having a bye," Brooks said.

Big night for McAtee

Robbie McAtee had a career game in his first collegiate start. In addition to his game-saving tackle on the final play, he also recovered a fumble to set up UK's first touchdown.

Tight ends break out

UK had its most productive night of the season from the tight end position. Junior T.C. Drake caught a career-high four passes for 82 yards, and converted fullback Maurice Grinter added two catches for 21 yards.

Seiber struggles

Kicker Lones Seiber missed four of his six field goal attempts, and Brooks labeled the performance "poor to atrocious."

Comeback Cats

Last night was the seventh time in 21 games that UK had come from behind in the fourth quarter to win the game.