Former Kentucky Quarterback Andre Woodson revisits 2007 season

Fourteen years ago Andre Woodson created football magic in the Bluegrass. He’s back in Lexington today to watch the Kentucky Wildcats take on the LSU Tigers. One of the greatest quarterbacks in program history joined Marty and McGee to relive his unforgettable 2007 season, particularly the 43-37 triple overtime win over the top-ranked Tigers.

“The environment was electric. It was one of those games that we were building up for, facing a top five defensive unit,” Woodson said. “We came off a horrific loss the week prior (to South Carolina), but fortunately we were able to bounce back. The atmosphere was absolutely remarkable. The fans were into the game, every aspect of it. Fortunately we were able to score enough points at the end of the game to come away with the victory. That was amazing.”

The last time LSU was in Lexington…

DOWN GOES NO. 1 🔥 @UKFootball pic.twitter.com/OddtRn4741

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 9, 2021

Woodson broke plenty of records during his time at Kentucky. He holds the school’s career passing touchdowns record with 79 after throwing 40 in 2007, an SEC record at the time. He currently holds the SEC record for consecutive passes without an interception, 324, a record that’s going to be awfully hard to top.

“There was constant chatter about it, but you try to silence the noise, really focus on every single play, be methodical with your decision-making and very meticulous about where you’re throwing the ball. In that case, I thought I tried to do a really good job of just taking what the defense gave me. Fortunately, it helped us out in the long run because we were able to win games because we weren’t turning the ball over.”

Woodson sees Culture Change under Stoops

Woodson’s coach, Rich Brooks, gave Kentucky momentum in the mid-00s. Unfortunately, that was long gone by the time Mark Stoops arrived in 2013. Once he stepped foot on campus, Stoops set the tone for a dramatic rebuild. It took time, but the culture has been changed and the momentum does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

“One, it’s his attitude. As soon as he stepped foot in the building the mentality was we’re going to recruit in areas that historically we’ve never had an opportunity to pull that type of talent out of those states. Immediately he went into Ohio, Florida where he had ties and he sold the program. He put us on the market, he gave us an opportunity to present those guys in a way that, ‘Hey, you’re going to transform it to a different level.’ Those guys bought into it and we’re starting to see that pipeline of talent come in here, and now they’re going to the NFL as well,” Woodson said.

“He’s been able to sustain that momentum and get those guys here and I think that is cultivating a different type of atmosphere and culture. Hopefully they’ll continue that momentum of getting that incredible talent and getting us to the next level and that’s competing for an SEC Championship.”

Kentucky has never played in an SEC Championship Game. A second straight win over LSU in Lexington will get the Wildcats one step closer to their ultimate goal.

Andre Woodson talks about beating No. 1 LSU in Lexington and the @UKCoachStoops effect on @UKFootball 😼📈 #MartyAndMcGee pic.twitter.com/f4OVyOIPJt

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 9, 2021