Articles by By Scott Hamilton

Technology

Hamilton: Monster college football buyouts are costing big bucks ... and spoiling some big games

And that’s what could happen after their Week 11 meeting in Jordan-Hare Stadium, particularly if the favorited Tigers cover the 10.5-point spread. The Wildcats have lost 15 of their last 17 SEC games, including a run of 10 straight. Those are bad numbers even for an historically mediocre program. Most recently was a 56-34 loss to Tennessee during which the Volunteers rolled up 504 yards. But most troubling: Kentucky coach Mark Stoops' questionable decision to chase points in the third quarter, going for two while trailing 49-27. Actually, that’s not true. His explanation was even more puzzling. “That’s what the analytic book said,” Stoops, the winningest coach in Kentucky history, said. “I thought it was stupid, too, quite honestly. But that’s what the analytics book said. When I had time to reevaluate afterward, I said, ‘Well, that’s a stupid book.’ But that’s what it said.” So was that the first time he had ever taken the time to glance at that seemingly important book? And, if so, why wait until you’re in third quarter against the then-No. 17 team in the country? HOT TICKETS: Sensible overtime formats … Southern Miss … Wake Forest K Connor Calvert … Oregon’s passing defense … South Carolina State QB William Atkins IV … Missouri Valley Conference … North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker … Cincinnati’s pass protection … Oregon’s Grateful Duck uniforms … SEC Shorts.