**EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is being published retroactively due to a backup within the sports desk. This story was submitted after and pertains to the UK vs. Auburn football game on Oct. 26**
While it was a moot point in the final result, J.J. Weaver’s point-saving play was a show of resilience and unselfishness in Kentucky football’s loss to Auburn.
Weaver suffered an injury in the week nine loss and it will certainly be felt as the senior has been an anchor in the defense for several seasons in blue and white.
“It’s super unfortunate, not to say you would rather another guy go down, but you definitely don’t want J.J.,” JQ Hardaway said. “He’s such a great leader and always there for us, man. I hate that for him. I made sure to go over there and share my love for him and let him know I’m here for him, I’m praying for him.”
Late in the first half, Auburn’s offense caught fire and was threatening to score with little to no time left. With just 16 seconds left in the half, the Tigers lined up on the UK 14 yard-line facing a 3rd-and-5.
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne fielded the snap and stepped back in the pocket, however Weaver came flying from the left side and cut inside on left tackle Dillon Wade to wallop Thorne for the sack.
While one would typically see a massive celebration, Weaver came up motioning to the sideline and trying to come off the field as chaos was ensuing behind him.
The Tigers had no timeouts, which caused a mad dash as the field goal unit tried to get set and get a play off before the clock hit triple zeros.
This also meant that Weaver had to stay on the field and could not go down because it would cause a medical timeout that would’ve given the Tigers a free chance to break the then 10-10 tie.
As players were scrambling to get set on both sides of the ball, the clock ticked down to zero with no play and the score still even.
Right after halftime was officially called, Weaver fell to the ground and immediately began holding his left ankle, with Head Coach Mark Stoops later confirming it was an “ankle injury.”
Both teams retreated to their respective locker rooms and several Wildcats, along with coaches, came over to check on Weaver, who remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped to the locker room.
With the sack, Weaver set his season-high in tackles with five.
The sequence turned out to be Weaver’s final play of the game as he returned for the second half in street clothes.
It remains to be seen how long Weaver may be sidelined with the ankle injury, but his point-saving play showed toughness and team-first attitude, which came as no surprise to his teammate.
“Just shows how much of a team guy that he is,” Hardaway said. “He makes lots of sacrifices for this team, that’s just one of them. Happy you guys got to see that.”
While Weaver’s status is up in the air, the Wildcats will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 3, when they head to Neyland Stadium for a clash with No. 7 Tennessee with kickoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET.
