Count me as one of many who resisted the urge to shout-out to Rich Brooks that he should make a change at the quarterback position.  I thought the UK head coach was wise to afford Mike Hartline every opportunity to succeed as the starting quarterback.  And Brooks did just that, but with an assist from Dicky Lyons' season ending injury, the coach made the right call, at the right time.  At least in my opinion.

Now, all that seems so foolish.  I don't think I was being foolish, but it sure SEEMS as if I were. 

Since making the switch to Randall Cobb as UK's starting quarterback, the 'Cats previously feeble offense has sprung to delightful life.  I credit the sudden sea change in UK's offensive fortunes to not only naming Cobb the starter, but also to "The Change" made at halftime of the Mississippi State game last week; Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks decided to take the option look from the practice field, to the playing field. 

Where in the previous seven-and-a-half games the shotgun, and or spread look, was missing in action, but beginning with the second half of the MSU game we have witnessed a genesis in the Kentucky offensive sets: Versus Georgia, UK ran 79 offensive plays, 50 of those plays were run from the shotgun formation (63%).  Usually, there were two running backs in the backfield with Cobb, and multiple wide-outs spreading the field.  In the second half of Saturday's game, UK ran out of the shotgun on 28 of 39 offensive snaps (72%), and scored 24 points.

Here are some more tangible results due to "The Change:"

Rushing Yardage

Prior to the second half of the MSU game, UK as a team, had rushed for 1,033 yards on 273 carries (3.8 yards per carry).  In the game-and-a-half since, UK has rushed for 325 yards on 72 carries (4.5 yards per carry).  That's nearly a yard more per carry. 

• Tony Dixon has to be pleased with "The Change."  He's progressed from averaging less than three-and-a-half yards per carry, to 111 yards on only 24 carries (4.6 yards per carry).
• Alfonso Smith has carried 14 times for 71 yards (5.1 yards per carry) since "The Change."
• Randall Cobb's production has been phenomenal since "The Change."  He's carried the ball 24 times for a total of 115 yards (4.8 yards per carry).  He's also recorded four rushing touchdowns.

Lighting up the Scoreboard?

The best and most accurate method to gauge whether "The Change" is working, or not, is to gaze at the scoreboard. 

In the last six quarters UK has scored 52 points, which extrapolates out to 34.4 points per game.  It goes without saying that 34 points a game is significantly better than the 12.7 points per game UK averaged for their first four-and-a-half SEC contests. 

The yardage increase has been nearly as noticeable; UK gained 331 yards versus Georgia (the 'Dogs give up 306 yards on average).  In the second half against MSU Kentucky gained 152 yards on a team that averages giving up only 274 total yards. 

In SEC play, prior to "The Change," UK was averaging only 279 yards per game. 

Cobb

Although Rich Brooks said that he's looking to "next week," and not next year, one has to think that Randall Cobb is, to this point, making an air-tight argument for himself being the prohibitive favorite to start at quarterback next year.  Up to this point I've considered Cobb to be merely a seat-warmer for either Newton, Mossakowski, or Hartline in '09.  But, that may merit reconsideration.

Cobb certainly has not played mistake-free football; he has thrown a few ill-conceived passes which were intercepted, and he has a penchant for fumbling the ball (both a product of his youth), but man, what about his incredible athleticism.  He has accounted for four rushing touchdowns, and one passing touchdown in the last six quarters played.  That's an incredible output against quality competition.  With Cobb at quarterback, the opposing defense has to pay an inordinate amount of attention to only one guy.  That in itself makes him dangerous.

Rich Brooks

Who said an ol' dog will resist change?  Papa Brooks seems to have embraced "The Change," even though some will say he waited too long to make his move.

If UK wins out against Vandy, Tennessee, and a bowl victim, I would bet that next year UK will resemble the West Virginia of three and four years ago (or some variation thereof).  The more success that Cobb has, the easier Brooks' decision will be.

I'm betting Rich Brooks knows what to do with a thoroughbred. 

DeMoreo Ford

It seems that junior UK wide receiver has been told by doctors that he should quit playing football.  Ford has experienced several head injuries over the last few years (he's suffered two concussions this year).

DeMoreo will always be remembered for his 70 yard touchdown scamper in the Music City Bowl two years ago versus Clemson.

We wish you well.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats.

The Game

Even the most pessimistic of 'Cat fans didn't see this one coming.  It's not only the margin of defeat that is so shocking (58 points), but more so the manner in which Kentucky lost; blocked punts, blocked field goal attempts, and interceptions returned for touchdowns.  Special teams coach Steve Ortmayer must have aged 10 years in a matter of three hours.  Of course UK's nationally ranked defense contributed to the loss; cornerbacks beat for touchdowns, allowing 5.2 yards per rush (they didn't seal the edges), and mindless personal foul penalties. 

Ortmayer had this to say about his unit's performance:

"It's poor preparation by us, a poor plan by me, and poor demand of the plan by me."

At least he took responsibility for the pitiful special teams play.

Don't get me started on the offense.  Other than Randall Cobb and Moncell Allen, they all pretty much stunk; Hartline looked like a deer, not in the headlights, but a deer tied to the hood of a pickup truck.  You get my point. 

Rich Brooks chimed in with these words on the letdown:

"I didn't think I'd be up here after a game where we had things go as badly as this.  Obviously, I did a poor job of preparing the team schematically and mentally in every phase."  Brooks continued, "The mental breakdowns after having two punts blocked cascaded on us, and I didn't do a good job of getting it stopped or fixed."

I expected nothing less from Brooks. 

When a team loses by 58 points, there just aren't too many positives to write about.  And since I can only handle the above quick rehash of the 'The Swamp Romp,' let's take a look at the larger, more meaningful picture.  I realize in times like these that can be a difficult proposition, but for the purposes of the next few minutes, let's try.

The Moment

If a three hour football game can be described as a moment (as in a moment in time), then UK's loss to Florida is a moment defined by embarrassment, and ineptitude; a total breakdown of execution by the players and coaches.  It's the snowball effect; one bad thing happens, followed by another and another.  And before one can say "mulligan please", the game is over, and SportsCenter is running a crawl all day and night that screams, "Florida - 65  UK - 3" --  Just as a friendly reminder.

UK's football history is littered with such moments, so much so, that some years have included more embarrassing moments than good.  Actually, that's been true for many years, especially over the last three decades. 

But the moment is over, and it's time to move on.  The question that remains to be answered is how will this moment be remembered in January?  Will it be remembered as the low point in an abysmal season, or the turning point in a winning season?

Redefining the Moment

Not long ago, October 14, 2006 to be exact, Rich Brooks took a 3-3 UK squad to Death Valley and were unceremoniously spanked by LSU 49-0, in a game that wasn't as close as the final score.  The loss dropped the 'Cats to 3-4 with games against Georgia and Tennessee remaining on the schedule.  The prognosis for the rest of the season was bleak.  But something happened on the way to another losing season, something changed in the week immediately after the 'Death Valley Disaster.'  

That team, which finished 8-5, decided to recommit themselves to playing winning football.  They knew they had too much talent to lose in such a disturbing manner; they knew they were better than how they performed against LSU.  That team finished the season by winning five of their final six contests.  They redefined the moment that was the LSU game.  Instead of hiding from the embarrassment, they let the embarrassment feed them for the final six weeks.  The LSU game became the turning point in their season, and has propelled UK to an overall record of 18-9 since that painful night. 

This team is capable of doing the same thing, and the reason I feel that way is because they are better than what they showed Saturday.  There is too much talent in that locker room for them to perform so poorly.  More importantly, there is too much pride in that locker room for them to take the beating and meekly crawl home.  I think the players are angry, angry with themselves.  I think the coaches are angry, angry with themselves. 

Anger in a football team can lead to what happened in 2006, and many of the current players were on the roster in '06 for the "Turnaround:" DeMoreo Ford, Dicky Lyons, Mike Hartline (he was a redshirt), Alfonso Smith, Maurice Grinter, Garry Williams, Myron Pryor, Corey Peters, Trevard Lindley, David Jones, Marcus McClinton, Braxton Kelley, the list goes on and on.  They witnessed the change, they witnessed the re-dedication, they witnessed 5-1.  But can they lead this team from the brink, back onto solid ground?

The first step in recognizing that one needs to change is accepting responsibility for the failure.  If Jeremy Jarmon is any indication, then the players are pointing their fingers at the man in the mirror:

"We had a complete collapse offensively, defensively, and special teams-wise.  All of this lies on us.  The coaches are going to come in here and talk about, 'it's their fault,' but that's not the case.  We knew what we had to do and just didn't do it.  We went over a lot of special-teams stuff as far as blocking punts and field goals, and we came out here and made the same damn mistakes we made last week and the week before that."

Let it feed ya, Jeremy.

2 - 2

That's all UK needs to do to finish the regular season with seven wins.  Beat two of these four: Georgia, Vandy, Tennessee, or Mississippi State.  That's all it takes for this season to be considered a wild success ... record-wise at least.  Most publications picked UK to finish 3-9 or 4-8.  Very few had Kentucky winning more than five games. 

So for all the anti-Brooks, anti-Joker jokers out there ... put a sock in it.  Frankly, if Brooks and his staff haven't earned your respect and admiration at this point, then my advice is to do some research and see for yourselves how historically significant these times are for the UK football program.   

For one, I appreciate what has happened with the Kentucky football program enough to endure the valleys, as long as I know I have a fighter's chance of reaching the mountaintop.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

One of the truly wonderful things about sports, and being a sports fan, is that every so often something utterly improbable and nearly impossible happens.  When it does, it brings one team to their knee pads and elevates the other to heavenly heights.  One set of fans are "roller coastered" from jubilation to despair, and the other from disappointment to "I can't believe what I just saw!"  

In the first 55 minutes of Saturday nights 21-20 victory, UK discovered and mastered the handbook on 'How to Perfect the Art of Playing Losing Football': 

In the first 55 minutes they committed drive sustaining penalties:

• On Arkansas's pathetically long 20 play 87 yard drive, UK did their best to prolong the agony with three penalties: On second and 27 a pass interference call gave the Hogs an automatic first down -- Later in the drive Michael Smith ran for one yard on third and three.  The average football fan believes that that would then lead to a punt, but no, UK is called for a face mask, resulting in a 15 yard penalty and another first down -- Finally, on third and 11, Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick throws an incomplete pass, but UK is called for a very questionable roughing the passer penalty, resulting in another automatic first down -- All told, out of Arkansas's 87 yards gained on the drive, UK contributed 34 yards through penalties.

In the first 55 minutes they ran the wrong routes:

• Early in the game, lo and behold, Hartline chose to throw long, but his intended target (DeMoreo Ford), instead ran a 10 yard slant.  There was no one within 40 yards of the ball as it skipped harmlessly off the turf.

In the first 55 minutes they threw interceptions:

• Mike Hartline threw two picks, one of which cost the 'Cats seven points; his interception in the first quarter set up a Arkansas 24 yard drive resulting in a Michael Smith two yard TD scamper.

In the first 55 minutes they threw for minus yardage on fourth and two:

• At the 8:33 mark of the fourth quarter, UK faced a fourth and two.  Down 13 points, and desperate for a first down, Hartline threw a screen to Randall Cobb for a two yard loss ... no, I'm serious.

In the first 55 minutes they fumbled and muffed:

• Derrick Locke fumbled away a reception, which eventually led to a Michael Smith 22 yard touchdown catch -- DeMoreo Ford didn't vacate the area quickly enough, allowing a Tim Masthay punt to graze his foot, giving Arkansas the ball on UK's seven yard line (the defense held the Hogs to a field goal). 

In the first 55 minutes they missed a 30 yard field goal: 

• How Ryan Tydlacka missed that kick I"ll never know. 

In the first 55 minutes the defense chased a seemingly lubricated Michael Smith to no avail:

• The best back UK has faced this year ran for 192 yards on 35 carries.  If he doesn't get hurt, UK doesn't win.

In the first 55 minutes UK inspired more head scratching than the average episode of Jeopardy:

• Arkansas only had to gain a grand total of 47 yards on their way to their first 17 points, courtesy of UK miscues.

"Old" Kentucky had once again revealed it's ugly head, and the season, like so many others before, seemed in peril.  Getting to six or seven wins now seemed like a naive child's sweet dream.  The sky was most definitely falling.

But, like a Phoenix, rising out of Arizona (Seinfield reference), and with only 4:56 left before a third straight loss, an Ashton Cobb recovery of a De'Anthony Curtis fumble (forced by Johnny Williams) seemed to inspire and motivate the nearly defeated 'Cats.

Suddenly, as if their will-to-win had been re-energized, the 'Cats began executing as if they actually wanted to win: 

• What before was third and long, now was second and one.  Moncel Allen caught a nine yard pass on first and 10 just before Hartline connected with Cobb for a 32 yard touchdown.  Short yardage situations open up the possibilities.  
• What before was a Mike Hartline screen pass, now was some semblance of a vertical passing game. 
• What before were drops, now were touchdown catches.  Both to Randall Cobb, and both as accurate as a laser guide missile.  
• What before was Michael Smith running roughshod over the UK line and secondary, now was Michael Smith receiving a lesson on life in the SEC, courteous of a monster hit by Sam Maxwell (Smith never returned due to a possible concussion). 
• What before were dropped interceptions, now was Marcus McClinton hermetically sealing the victory with his pick at the 1:07 mark.
• What before was UK playing like it was 1999, now was UK playing like we've become accustomed to over the last couple of years; with the confidence that they could do anything they wanted, and then going on the field and executing the victory.

Aaah, "New" Kentucky.  Come on in and stay awhile.

We haven't seen much of "New" Kentucky this year, and even rarer the sightings have been over the last three games or so.  But Saturday night in Lexington, "New" Kentucky made a rousing recovery at Commonwealth Stadium, which by the way, was nearly as empty as Bobby Petrino's ethic's reservoir.  "New" Kentucky saved a thoroughly inept 'Cat squad from sure defeat, and thousands of Kentucky fans from committing crimes against humanity.

The confidence Mike Hartline displayed, and the big-play ability that Randall Cobb unveiled in the final few minutes CAN serve as a building block for the remainder of the season.  But ...    

Will "New" Kentucky hang around long enough for UK to reach it's goals for the season?  I surely don't know, but if Rich Brooks is right, then perhaps the '08 'Cats have reached a "turning point" in the season. 

"Turning point?" ... well, we'll see, but for one five minute period they perfected the art of winning.  In those frenetic five minutes UK recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass, and scored two touchdowns.  Yeah, could be a turning point ...

But for now I'll not ponder such possibilities, I'll simply enjoy the afterglow of unexpected victory, and worry about the future ... later.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

With Arkansas riding high off of their 25-22 upset road win over Auburn, UK is once again catching an opponent feeling good about themselves (South Carolina had just won in Oxford).  Victories like that tend to build confidence and team unity, especially in a team as young as Arkansas.  Will Bobby Petrino's squad continue to improve, or was the Auburn victory more of a showcase for all that is wrong on the plains of Tubber-ville?   I know that Bobby Petrino will have his group ready to play, so UK better bring the good stuff if they harbor any hopes at all of reaching six or seven wins.

Razorback Personnel

Quarterback Casey Dick: 6'2", 215 lb senior -- On the year Dick is 115-197 through the air for 1,411 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions.  He has started all six Arkansas games.  Last year Dick started all 13 games and was 150-262 for 1,695 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. 

Running back Michael Smith: 5'7", 173 lb junior -- Smith has 109 rushes for 599 yards, which is good for a 5.5 yards per carry average.  He leads the SEC with 119.8 yards per game and he has ran for four touchdowns.  Of course last year Smith played behind Darren McFadden and Felix Jones (both future NFL superstars), so he only garnered 46 carries for 303 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. 

Tight end D.J. Williams: 6'2", 250 lb sophomore -- Williams has made 28 catches for 315 yards (11.2 yards per catch) and two touchdowns (all three totals lead the team).  He was selected to the All-SEC Freshman first team last year after making five catches for 94 yards.   

Wide receiver Joe Adams: 6'0", 175 lb freshman -- The true freshman is second on the team with 22 receptions for 285 yards (13.0 yards per catch) and one touchdown.  The multi-talented athlete is a converted cornerback.  He was ranked the #12 best cornerback prospect in the country by Rivals, and the #2 overall prospect in the state of Arkansas.  He's started in five of six games this year.

Wide receiver London Crawford: 6'2", 200 lb junior -- Smith has 15 catches for 163 yards (10.9 yards per catch).  Last year he started the first six games at split end, making eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.  He missed the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Wide receiver Greg Childs: 6'4", 205 lb freshman -- Childs has made 12 catches for 171 yards (14.2 yards per catch) and one touchdown.  Another true freshman, the receiver was the #9 ranked recruit in Arkansas, and was the #72 rated receiver prospect nationally.

Defensive end Adrian Davis: 6'4", 238 lb junior -- Davis is second on the team with 35 tackles.  He has also recorded three sacks (all versus Auburn), five tackles for loss and one interception.  In '07 Davis made 65 tackles (10 tackles for loss), two interceptions and three sacks.

Linebacker Jerry Franklin: 6'2", 229 lb redshirt freshman -- Franklin leads the Hogs with 48 tackles.  He also has 2.5 tackles for loss, and one interception.  Franklin is another conversion; he was the #38 rated safety prospect according to Rivals and the overall #8 prospect in Arkansas. 

Cornerback Jamar Love: 6'1", 197 lb senior -- Love has recorded seven pass-breakups, which is impressive considering the Hogs have only had to face 161 thrown passes by their opponents.  He is experienced, having played in all 13 games last year ( 22 tackles and four pass break-ups).

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Coming into this ballgame, I didn't think UK could win.  My prediction was 23-13 'Bama, but in my heart I thought it possible that the Tide could run away and hide.  After-all, this same 'Bama team had just destroyed Georgia between the hedges, and Kentucky's offense was mostly, well, offensive.  I knew UK's defense was good, but I wasn't sure how good; they simply had not played anyone in the same solar system as Alabama.  Put it this way; if someone would have told me before the game that UK would hold Alabama to one offensive touchdown, and a field goal, I would have directed that person to the nearest mental health care specialist.  'Bama had just neatly hung 41 on the 'Dawgs, UK surely couldn't hold them to under 28-30 points, or so I thought.  Add those feelings to my total lack of confidence in UK's offensive unit ( versus 'Bama, anyway ), and one can see why I thought, deep down, that Alabama might send UK home 'talkin' to themselves.'

Well, what I thought was wrong.  Yes, UK's offense was as anemic as a supermodel in the first half ( they gained a middle school-like 60 yards ), but they rebounded nicely, gaining 216 total yards in the second half along with two touchdowns, and the defense held 'Bama to only 137 second half yards.  Down 14-0 at the half, the 'Cats didn't fold, they didn't hang their heads, they came out in the second half and played the #2 team in the country as tough as anyone has, or will.  

It just took UK a half to shake the 'Curse of the Bear.' 

I nearly threw my television out into the street in the first half, though:

• Dropped passes -- This game, instead of the freshman, two upper class-man ( Tony Dixon and DeMoreo Ford ) let their teammates down with a couple of careless drops.  Saturday the drops were even more harmful than the seemingly hundreds of other drops this year, because two of the five drops kept UK from making first downs, and on a day when first downs came at a premium, every opportunity needs to be well executed.  Dropping first down passes is simply inexcusable.
• Mental mistakes -- Penalties negating first downs, or putting UK in 2nd or 3rd and long situations; against a defense as formidable as 'Bama's, UK cannot afford negative yardage plays.
• Giving up big plays -- The defense allowed a 78 yard rushing touchdown to Glen Coffee.  At that point I thought, "Oh no, here we go." They also allowed a 40 yard pass completion to Julio Jones ( if any of UK's young receivers were thinking that they were the 'cats meow', take a look at Jones, now that guys a pass-catching freak ).
• An inability to run the ball -- 16 yards on 12 carries in the first half, pathetic.  It is truly perplexing that UK's O-line can protect Hartline so well, but can't open holes for the runners to scamper through.
• Hartline gift-wrapping a 'Bama touchdown -- That's the third time this year that Hartline has dropped the ball while attempting to pass ... the problem needs to be remedied, stat.  After the game Rich Brooks pointed to that play as easily the biggest play of the game. 

But through all the stroke-inducing misplays and mistakes, the team came out in the second half focused on playing better, and convinced that they could play with 'Bama.  They didn't back down, and they didn't play as if they were intimidated ... they competed:

• The defense was nothing short of spectacular: For the first 12 minutes of the third quarter, UK's defense held Alabama to 24 total yards ( those yards came on four possessions ).  They harassed Tide signal-caller John Parker Wilson ( three sacks and countless hurries ) to the point of him having to roll out of the pocket, where he performs as a below average college quarterback ( he was 7 of 17 for 106 yards and a pick ).  The secondary blanketed the 'Bama wide-outs ( Trevard Lindley set the UK record for most career pass breakups ) making the road even more difficult for Wilson to navigate. 
• Offensively, UK didn't set any records in the second half, but they did score two touchdowns, and gained a respectable 216 yards.  At least one aspect of the offense shone brightly in the Alabama sunshine; the pass catching of Derrick Locke ( he lead UK with eight catches for 81 yards ).  We heard talk before the game that Locke might be utilized more as a pass catcher, and after seeing the results Saturday, one would think that that offensive innovation will continue.  No, he didn't record a single drop.  I also like what Joker Phillips has been doing with tight end Maurice Grinter over the last couple of games.  My only complaint is that the offense doesn't utilize Grinter's talent enough.
• Mike Hartline, I thought, performed adequately, especially considering he had never played in that type of environment before.  The fumble and interception ( which he floated ) hurt the team, but he made several nice throws ( his 23 yard pass to Grinter was a thing of beauty ), ending up with 241 passing yards and two touchdowns ( he would have had at least another 30-40 yards if not for having to suffer through five dropped passes ).  My, and many others hope is that at some point Phillips will let Hartline throw long, or at least longer than 20 yards.  UK needs to stretch the field a bit or the abysmal running game will continue to disappoint.
• Tim Masthay continues to impress.  His booming punts lead to many of 'Bama's drives starting deep in their own territory, and probably saved UK from giving up more points. 

The Worm Turns both Ways

Both teams certainly enjoyed some good fortune:

• UK fans got to see the opponents suffer from wanna-kill-the-kicker-itis ( two missed field goals ), that's six points right there. 
•  UK was also fortunate to recover a 'Bama fumble, just as the Tide were going in to score.
•  I also question the offensive pass interference call versus Julio Jones ( which negated a long gain ); the contact looked pretty benign to me. 

Conversely, Alabama enjoyed the gift that keeps on giving: 

• A four yard fumble recovery for a touchdown; it doesn't get any easier than that. 
• I consider UK's dropped passes another stroke of good fortune for 'Bama.
• UK NOT recovering 'Bama's fourth quarter fumble on the UK two yard line was most a most fortuitous break for the Crimson Tide.

Going Forward

Lost opportunities, but also a reason to believe, is what I take away from this game; when one considers that UK was a botched on-side kick away from potentially tying the game, one has to give credit to UK for playing with the #2 team in the country, on their turf.  But since the game was only lost by three points, it's the nature of the sport fan to say 'what if.'  Instead of asking myself that question, I choose to look ahead.  And looking ahead I see a schedule full of teams that aren't nearly as good as Alabama. 

It remains to be seen if UK will continue on their current growth arc, but if they do, I like their chances of winning at least three or four more games. 

That's what I take away from the 'Bama game.

Thanks for reading, congratulations Alabama, and Go 'Cats!

The Hilltoppers of WKU and the Wildcats of UK went at it last night in Kentucky's last out-of-conference game of the season.  The Toppers, and particularly Bobby Rainey, produced some spectacular runs that should give them hope for the future, and I was impressed by the clean football that my alma mater played, having only one penalty (a roughing the passer call that was pretty close).  Western is going in the right direction, even though they currently lack the kind of size and athleticism on the lines to compete against a league like the SEC.  Kudos to the Toppers for taking on all comers and playing hard, clean football.

It has been an article of faith among SEC football watchers that Kentucky needed to show some offensive competence during the easier out-of-conference schedule.  Up until this game, they have demonstrated very little offensively.  The offense was almost non-existent at Louisville, struggled to score against Norfolk State, and despite gaining significant yardage against MTSU, struggled mightily to score in the red zone.

Yesterday against Western Kentucky, Kentucky demonstrated some offensive prowess, particularly on the ground.  Unfortunately, the luster of this fact was reduced by two factors that should give 'Cat fans pause -- That most of the yards were gained in the second half, and that every other BCS team who has played Western gained more yardage than UK.  Mark Story looks at the "Glass half full, glass half empty" viewpoint of the WKU-UK game.  It would be nice to be able to say that UK has an SEC-worthy offense going into battle against an Alabama team that drubbed the highly-ranked Georgia Bulldogs yesterday in their home stadium, but unfortunately, we cannot.  UK looked competent against a lesser foe last night, but I doubt that performance against the relatively weak Hilltopper defense will cause any SEC defensive coordinators to lose sleep at the thought of playing the Wildcats.

Still, we have to grant that Hartline looked better than he has previously, and seems to be growing well into the position.  He showed a strong arm in a couple of vertical attempts that, even though they didn't connect, looked very respectable in both where the ball was thrown and the velocity it had on it.  'Cat fans have reason to be encouraged about Hartline, and Fidler looked like a competent backup in limited action against a lesser foe.

Overall, here is how I saw this game:

• Offensive line run blocking -- The run blocking looked better, but mostly in the second half.  What happened in the the first?
• Wide receivers -- The wide receivers, particularly DeMoreo Ford, did some better things than they have done so far, but not nearly enough to give anyone confidence that there are more real threats on the field than Dicky Lyons Jr.
• Special teams -- Field goal kicking seem competent now with Ryan Tydlacka, but it is only his first game and against a lesser foe.  The return game was excellent as usual, but kickoff coverage was really poor.  Yes, Bobby Rainey was a phenomenal runner, but is he SEC-quality?  I hardly think so.  If not, we could be in for trouble against tougher foes if we don't improve.  But on the plus side, Derrick Locke did return a kickoff for a touchdown, and Dicky Lyons barely missed doing the same with a punt return.
  
• Pass defense -- This was quite possibly the most dominant performance against the pass I have seen in college football in recent memory.  How do you hold a Spread Option team to 15 yards passing?  That's just unheard of, and it was primarily due to the utter domination of the Western offensive line by Kentucky's defensive line.  Yes, the UK defensive secondary was very good, but the 'Cats defensive front was always in the face of the Western quarterback, and got four sacks for thirty negative yards.
• Run defense -- After the Wildcats figured out that Rainey was a serious threat, they shut him down, but not before he gained almost 100 yards against a Kentucky defense that has been very stingy against the run (#5 in the nation) up until now.  It is a cause for worry.  If the 'Cats struggled with Rainey, what will Knowshon Moreno do?
• The passing game -- Kentucky was competent in the passing game, but the UK wide receivers still have issues with route running, catching the football and blocking.  The blocking was somewhat improved, but it's clear that UK has a long way to go to get the receivers up to SEC quality with the exception of Dickie Lyons Jr.  Brooks can't be all that pleased with what he saw yesterday, but it was a clear improvement over the last game.
• Pass blocking -- Pass blocking was excellent against Western, but their defensive front is hardly SEC quality.  Still, it was a good game for the line when it came to giving Hartline time to throw.  I consider them untested at this point, except against a decent Louisville defense, but I think they may be fine.
• The running game -- Impressive in the second half, but what happened in the first?  The running backs hit the holes, such as they were in the first half, hard, but the line simply wasn't getting the job done.  The 'Cats did a much better job in the second half, racking up impressive yardage and some long runs, and pretty much looking like the team we expected to see.  This game gives me some hope that we may be able to move the ball on the ground if we can get some kind of threat out of the passing game.

Overall, it was obviously a great defensive game for Kentucky, and a comptetent if unspectacular offensive game.  The coaching staff has greased a few squeeky wheels, and even though UK didn't look like the well-oiled offensive machine they have been in the last couple of years, the first signs of genuine offensive faculty showed up yesterday, and that is a very good thing.

On the injury front, Justin Jeffries has a serious knee injury and is very likely done for the season.  Even if it is more benign than many think, it is still going to sit him for a number of weeks, perhaps more than are left in the regular season.  I hope for the best, but fear the worst.  T.C. Drake also suffered an ankle sprain, but it doesn't look likely to keep him out more than a week.  Maurice Grinter served capably and even rather impressively in his stead.

On the good news side, it is looking more and more likely that Randall Cobb's high ankle sprain will heal in time for South Carolina, if not Alabama.  I expect to see Micah Johnson back at practice this week, and Ricky Lumpkin as well.

Next week we get the Crimson Tide, and the Elephants are coming of an impressive manhandling of the #3 team in the nation at their place.  As the Tide has an open date after the UK game, that places next week's tilt firmly in the "trap game" category for them.  We need to hope that they are still licking their wounds an enjoying the glow of defeating Georgia and vaulting to a top 5 national ranking (which they surely will) when the Wildcats bring their 4-0 record into Tuscaloosa next Saturday.

The defense

Kentucky's newly vaunted defense recorded several seldom seen landmark achievements in Sunday's 27 -2 road rout of the Louisville Cardinals:

• U of L failed to score an offensive touchdown for the first time since the 2000 season.
• U of L had their lowest home point total since 1987.
• UK held an opponent to zero offensive points for the first time since 1996.
• UK last held a home opponent to two points or less in 1976.

I think it's safe to toss away those questions about Kentucky's defense.  Consider them answered. 

The credit for UK's punishing defensive effort can be spread around all over the field, from the front four ( Myron Pryor, Corey Peters, Ventrell Jenkins, Jeremy Jarmon ), to a secondary that blanketed U of L's receivers like grandma's home-made quilt.  Defensive coordinator Steve Brown must be grinning like a proud papa over his defenses rise from slightly better than incompetent, to downright devastating, in a little over a year. 

The devastation begins with Myron Pryor.  He was nothing less than a ubiquitous presence in U of L's backfield and of great concern to quarterback Hunter Cantwell.  The 'Cats only got to Cantwell for two sacks, but that doesn't begin to tell the story of what Pryor and his defensive cohorts reined down on the Card quarterback; too many pressures to count ( Pryor did have 4 ), at least 5 deflections, and a general disruption of what Cantwell was trying to achieve.  Cantwell did have occasion to scan the field, but no defense in history has pressured every pass attempt.

What made the Wildcat effort even more impressive was the fact that the four O-lineman bothered Cantwell to the point that Steve Brown didn't have to employ the blitz, which enabled UK to comfortably cover U of L's receivers, especially in the flat.  That's a reversal of a decades long trend. 

To go along with Pryor and his mates up front, middle linebacker Micah Johnson deserves credit for stopping a potential momentum swing just before the half; with UK up 10 - 0, U of L had the ball on UK's 21 yard line.  On fourth and one, UL coach Steve Kragthorpe, perhaps sensing an opportunity to change the flow of the game, decides to go for the first down instead of kicking a field goal.  The result; running back Brock Bolen is wrapped up by a swarm of Wildcat defenders led by Micah Johnson ( assisted by Pryor, and linebacker Johnny Williams ). 

Johnson ( co-team leading 5 tackles ) had this to say about UK's harassment of Cantwell, and the U of L receivers:

"We felt like he was out of sync from the word go.  We were jamming ( the receivers ), taking the timing routes away from him that they do so well.  And there was pressure on him.  Guys always had their hands up in his face."

The list of overall defensive achievements looks like this:

• A Pryor forced fumble resulting in an Ashton Cobb fumble return for a touchdown.
• Six pass break ups.
• Seven tackles for loss.
• A Johnny Williams created fumble, returned by Pryor for a touchdown.
• Five total takeaways.
• Three interceptions.
• Held U of L to 1.8 yards per rush.
• Held U of L to 5 - 16 on third downs.
• Held Cantwell to only 20 - 43 passing.
• Held U of L to only 7.6 yards per reception.
• On a Ventrell Jenkins tip, Trevard Lindley returned the interception to the U of L two yard line.
• Held U of L to 205 total yards ( only 53 passing ). 

The Card bashing didn't stop with the front four and linebackers.  UK's secondary also performed extremely well.  Trevard Lindley is the most heralded of the UK secondary, but new starting cornerback David Jones played beyond his experience ( which is nonexistent at the cornerback spot ); he was thrown at more than any other in the secondary, and he had his man covered without fail.  The only misstep he suffered was getting turned around in the end zone, allowing receiver Troy Pascley a chance for a touchdown catch, but luckily for Kentucky, he dropped the ball.  Marcus McClinton made a spectacular interception at the 6:05 mark of the fourth quarter; his falling-down body-twisting pick was one of the more athletic moves I've seen lately, and on this day served as a death-knell for all those wearing red  ( maybe that's why Papa John's looked like Commonwealth Stadium an hour before kick-off, after the INT ).

An additional trend reversal that occurred Sunday; Kentucky's secondary allowed only precious few yards after the catch.  The reason for that is the fact that UK's defensive backs and safeties are experienced ( except for Jones ), and they all possess great speed.  Their ability to anticipate the throw was also on display, which added to the considerable difficulties Mr. Cantwell was experiencing.  Even though U of L's receivers and quarterback are inexperienced, I'm still looking forward to seeing how UK's secondary performs against SEC competition; I think a few folks are going to be unpleasantly surprised ( I'm talking to you 'Visor' ).   

Defensive devastation on this day, but can we expect this type of performance week-in and week-out?  After-all, U of L is breaking in a new quarterback ( anybody want to rethink that Unitas Award watch list ), and the Card receivers are greener than Hank Hill's lawn.  The Louisville running backs came into the contest as being a potential bright spot in U of L's offense, but they are also young and inexperienced.  So what is one to take away from this impressive display?  Is UK's defense that good, or was their performance a product of U of L's youth?

I suspect, after watching a tape of the game, that UK's defense is going to be as good as advertised.  But, I have no expectations that they will be as overpowering every week as they were Sunday.  The offenses that UK will face in the future, in particular in the SEC, are much more polished, experienced, and blessed with more speed and beef up front.  But, hey, not a bad way to start the season.

On an A to F grading scale, the defense gets an A+.

The offense 

I thought, considering the play calling and Mike Hartline's youth, that he did what was asked of him, and he didn't hurt his teams chance at victory with mistakes.  Even though Hartline was only 16 -31 ( zero interceptions ) through the air, a closer look at the statistics reveals a slightly better performance:

• Of his 15 incompletion's, six were not his fault; Kyrus Lanxter dropped a pass at the U of L 11 yard line because he tried to run with the ball before he caught the ball ( for those of you new to football this is just the opposite of what he's supposed to do ).
• Lanxter missed a perfectly thrown fade in the corner of the end zone; this would have been a terrific catch, but the ball was thrown where only Lanxter could catch it, and Joker likes his fades thrown short.
• Hartline had to throw away three balls due to excellent coverage, or because a defensive lineman was in his face ( the end zone toss- away which resulted in a safety was a no-brainer; Hartline either throws the ball away, or takes a hit ). 
• DeMoreo Ford had a drop. 

Hartline did not play perfectly, of course; he overthrew a wide open T. C. Drake in the flat on the first play of the second quarter, which would have resulted in a touchdown.  He overthrew Drake again, by a yard or so, with a long pass into the end zone ( Drake had his man beat by a step ).  And he overthrew an open John Connor in the first series of the second half, which would have resulted in first down. 

Hartline had this to say about UK's offensive performance:

"Our whole ( offensive ) game plan was not to do anything stupid, was to take care of the ball and when we had opportunities, to try to take advantage.  We played smart ball today."

I tend to agree with him.  UK had only one turnover ( a Tony Dixon fumble ), and although Hartline's numbers are not awe-inspiring, he did what was asked by Phillips and Brooks. 

Conversely, one troubling aspect of the offenses performance came on this series with 10:00 minutes left in the game, and UK up only 13 - 2:

1st down on U of L's 12 yard line -- Derrick Locke up the middle for no gain,  2nd down -- Locke up the middle, hit for a three yard loss, 3rd and 13 -- Hartline complete to T. C. Drake for an eight yard gain.

That particular series was a microcosm of the games play calling.  I certainly understand, and do not question Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks wanting to be conservative with the offensive game plan on this day.  But, I think that trying to get Locke or Alfonso Smith out on the edges would have been a more successful choice.  After the way that UK's offensive line was inexplicably handled by U of L all day long, and with the speed UK's backs possess, running to the corners just seems logical. 

Not to pile on UK's O-line, but keep in mind when reviewing UK's 1.9 yards per carry average ( resulting in 63 net rush yards ), that the backs were hit either in the backfield, or within one yard of the line of scrimmage on 15 of 31 rush attempts ( yes, I counted ).  The three primary ball-carriers, Tony Dixon, Locke and Smith combined for 28 carries for 74 yards.  If before the game someone would have told me that would happen, I would have responded with rolling eyes.  But the joke would have been on me.  The offensive line simply MUST play better.  They have one month until Alabama, after that, things could get ugly for the 'big uglies'  who occupy space in front of Hartline. 

The key to this teams success ( i.e. 7 wins ) is the running game, because the defense will not ALWAYS be the game-winning unit.  Holding Georgia, Florida and Steve Spurrier to single-digit points will be nearly impossible, so at some point UK will have to score some offensive touchdowns, and all that begins with the front four opening up some running lanes.  Which is something they did not do Sunday.

Overall, gaining only 210 total yards is not good, regardless of how one spins the number.  But there is definitely talent on that side of the ball, it's just young.  Hopefully with some experience, and confidence which can be gained over the next three games, they will improve enough to be competitive versus the elite of the SEC.

To end the offensive review on a positive note; freshman Randall Cobb is very good when he has the ball in his hands.  He led the team with three receptions for 31 yards, and showed why he is being raved about by all around him.  He seems to have huge, soft hands, and he is very quick.  I envision him being used more and more as Hartline evolves as a quarterback.  My crystal ball says he will be special.

Offense grade -- C-

Special teams

After the defensive performance, the special teams play was UK's saving grace; both Tim Masthay and Ryan Tydlacka punted the ball exceptionally well.  Masthay averaged 42.8 yards on four punts, and Tydlacka averaged 41.7 yards on three punts ( Masthay's kick-off after the safety, from the twenty yard line to the two yard line, most decidedly a 'wow' moment ).  UK won the field position battle largely off the power of the two punter's legs, with U of L starting a drive in UK's territory only three times.  If Kentucky continues to play in close games ( and you know they will ), the importance of solid punting will continue to be at the top of UK's must-do list.

Also contributing to the special teams success:

• Dicky Lyons played mostly marvelously on special teams, except for fair-catching a ball he didn't catch, resulting in a 50 yard punt for U of L, and lost yardage for UK ( about 15 ).  Lyons caught six punts for 64 yards.  Many of those yards coming after the funky Lyons juked his pursuers, leaving them tackling air. 
• Lones Seiber did what was asked of him.  He made two short field goals ( missing a 49 yard attempt ), and all of his point after tries.  Coming off of a rough ending to last year, Seiber needs to get and maintain is confidence in order for UK to have every chance at victory.
• Freshman Matt Roark recorded a tipped field goal attempt. 

Overall an excellent effort by the special teams.

Special teams grade -- A

Final Analysis

A 27 -2 demoralizing of ones hated rival is never a bad thing.  And in the end, that's what matters.  UK won the game convincingly, in the fourth quarter, where over the last couple of years UK has dominated ( finally, a continuing trend of a positive nature ).  They won despite being very conservative on offense, and having to rely on a host of young receivers.  

Additionally, I think this was the first step in the education of Mike Hartline, and if Hartline is as smart as he seems, then I feel his quarterbacking abilities will catch up with his intelligence.  I look forward to watching him 'grow up' before our very eyes.  

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!  

It feels really good, and I mean really, really good to win the Governor's Cup two years in a row.  I have to admit, UK looked better on paper in this game, and first games of the season are often where that matters the most, before experience, coaching and overall comfort with the game begin to take hold.  Here are some overall impressions of this games statistics that got left out of my earlier effort:

• The statistics of this game will not make anyone fear Kentucky.  Yes, we looked good on defense, but Louisville's ineptitude on offense was a big part of that.  Cantwell had a really bad day, and Louisville did not go back to plays that were working often enough.
• The special teams were truly special.  Absent one out of bounds kick by Masthay and Seiber missing a very makable field goal, UK was perfect on special teams, getting good returns on punts and the one kickoff by Lyons, and Masthay's 78-yard crush of a free kick after the Hartline safety allowed UK to pin Louisville inside their own 20.  I can't remember that ever happening on a free kick from the 20 in any game I have ever seen.  Masthay also punted the ball very well.
  
• The penalty for not allowing sufficient room for the punt reception that Lyons fumbled was a correct call.  Many Louisville fans have bemoaned that call by claiming the Halo Rule is no longer in the game.  That's true, but that rule enforced a 2-yard zone around the receiver that the defense wasn't allowed to violate.  The new rule simply does away with that automatic zone of exclusion and allows the officials to judge when the punting team is interfering with the reception.  The fact that the football either touched or just missed Bilal Powell's helmet is all the evidence one needs to know he interfered with the fair catch.  Powell was less than a yard away from Lyons, and whether he was moving one way or another is utterly irrelevant.  Lyons could not move forward under the ball without running over Powell, and that was why he fumbled.
  
• Is Louisville's defense good, or is Kentucky's offense just inept?  Probably a combination of both, just like the other side of the coin.  But there can be no doubt that Kentucky's defense made many more big plays.
• The path to six wins just got much easier.  The question is, can we find a path to the scoreboard on offense (thanks ESPN)?  The offense can only claim direct responsibility for 3 points, and that is reason for concern.
• DeMoreo Ford can't get healthy fast enough for me.
• Matt Roark needs to learn to use his size like Chichester.  Believe it or not, it was Roark who blocked the Louisville field goal attempt.
  
• Look for a lot more Randall Cobb in the next few games.
• Mike Hartline showed more poise than I expected, and a weaker arm than I hoped for.
• Can Steve Kragthorpe survive the calls for his head?  I really don't know.  They may not be fair, but they are certainly loud and getting louder by the minute.
• Our linebackers can play better.  They had 12 tackles among all of them, with Micah Johnson leading with 5.
  
• Kudos to Brooks or to the 'Cats themselves for not rubbing it at PJCS.  I love teams that act like they've been there before, even when they haven't.
• I expect Louisville to improve, a lot.  There is nothing wrong with Cantwell that a few games and some practice can't solve, and their defense is so much better than last year that the offense won't need to be that great.  Let's be honest, we didn't sack Cantwell but twice.  He had enough time to be effective, but he just had a bad day and Kentucky's line had a great day slapping, tipping and generally harassing his passes.  He has a long throwing motion, but so did Woodson.  He just needs to learn when to throw hard and when not to.
  
• Seven tackles for loss is a really good statistic.  Keep that up and UK will be one of the best defenses in the nation.
• 4-16 (25%) in third down efficiency.  Not good at all.  For comparison, last year our third down conversion rate was 48%.
• Kentucky had 6 pass breakups compared to Louisville's 1.
• The UK O-line surrendered only 1 sack.
• Brian Bennett of ESPN was unimpressed with the Louisville effort:
  

  It was one of the ugliest and most inept losses in recent program history. Revlon doesn't make enough lipstick to gloss up this pig.

  Ouch.

So where does UK go from here?  Well, the path to 4-0 going into the Alabama game in Tuscaloosa seems very dooable.  But as good as Alabama looked against previously #9 ranked Clemson, UK is going to need to find a ton more offense than they had today, and step up their defensive effort even further.  Possible?  Sure, but next week, we will know a lot more about this team than we do this week.

Mike at Card Chronicle has produced this outstanding post analyzing the Governor's Cup game this Sunday.  I cannot hope to match his much more in-depth knowledge of the pigskin game, and it also hurts that I only got to listen to about the last 30 minutes of the Governor's Cup game last year (but that turned out to be the most important part).  But even given those handicaps, I can hopefully come up with some answers a la Jeopardy to the questions many Wildcat fans should be asking.

So with no further ado, let's play Governor's Cup Jeopardy!

Category:  Kentucky -- Answer:  Randall Cobb

Question:  Who is the Kentucky freshman most likely to make an instant impact on the offense?

Cobb is a multi-dimensional talent who can play football.  He can throw, he can catch and he can run.  He will see the field somewhere, and he will make an impact on Kentucky's offense.

Category:  Louisville -- Answer:  Bilal Powell

Question:  Who is the Louisville player the Kentucky defense will have the most trouble containing?

Powell is a converted defensive back who came into his own last year against Rutgers, with 13 carries for 91 yards.  Powell is an extraordinary athlete that can be devastating once he gets past the line of scrimmage.  He is inexperienced, but his raw ability is frightening.

Category:  Kentucky/Spelling -- Answer:  T-R-E-V-A-R-D

Question:  How do you spell the first name of the Wildcat most likely to pick off Hunter Cantwell?

We all know that Trevard Lindley has truly developed into one of the best cover corners in the SEC, and against Louisville's relatively green receiving corps, he should be a wolf among sheep.  No disrespect to Louisville, but balls thrown in Lindley's direction are not going to result in good things.

Category:  Louisville -- Answer:  "L" no.

Question:  Will the "Red Out" at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium make any difference at all?

No further comment necessary.

Category:  Kentucky -- Answer:  Micah Johnson

Question:  Who will lead the Kentucky defense in tackles on Sunday?

Micah Johnson is one of the most highly-touted recruits to ever don the Blue and White on defense.  Johnson was ranked #36 in the Rivals 100 as a recruit, and is a phenomenal athlete who loves to hit opposing players at high speed.  Johnson has been brought along gradually at Kentucky, but now he is ready for his coming-out party, and Louisville (who also heavily recruited him) looks like where it will happen.

Category:  Louisville -- Answer:  One

Question:  How many of the Louisville wide receivers likely to play on Sunday have ever caught a pass in a college game?

Forget proven -- Louisville has exactly one wide receiver likely to play on Sunday who has ever caught a pass in college, and that player is Chris Vaughn.  Vaughn is a senior who saw his first action last year (a tribute to the depth and skill of Louisville's receiving corps over the past few years) and caught 2 passes for 11 yards last year.  Not exactly Harry Douglas or Mario Urrutia.

As a side note, Trent Guy, who is a proven receiver recovering from a gunshot wound to the back this summer, is currently listed 3rd on the depth chart.  He could show up in the game, although I think most followers of football from both schools think it best if he wait a game or two longer before getting back into the action.

Category:  Kentucky -- Answer:  Two

Question:  How many of the Kentucky receivers likely to play on Sunday have ever caught a pass in a college game?

Unless DeMoreo Ford plays, only Dicky Lyons Jr. has ever caught a pass in college.  But Dicky has caught roughly six times more (128) by himself than the entire Louisville receiving corps including Trent Guy.

Lyons will be the #1 target for Hartline on Sunday without any doubt, so Louisville will be all over him.  That will give Kyrus Lanxter (who now looks ready to go), E.J. Adams (a converted DB) and the freshmen, Matt Roark, Eric Adeyemi and Gene McCaskill a chance to shine.

Category:  Louisville/Spelling -- Answer:  W-O-O-D-N-Y

Question:  How do you spell the first name of the Cardinal player most likely to pick off a Kentucky pass?

Woodny Turenne was a Rivals 5*, #1 ranked player out of junior college.  Like Micah Johnson, Turenne is a superb athlete with serious size and speed.  He will be a tough match up for any of Kentucky's receivers.  Turenne is quite possibly the most talented football player on either of the two squads.

Category:  Governor's Cup -- Answer:  1997 and 1998

Question:  What is the last time Kentucky beat Louisville back-to-back years?

Of course, those were the heyday of Hal Mumme and the "Air Raid" offense led by the mighty Tim Couch.  Unfortunately, that turned out to be fool's gold for Kentucky and led to 7 Louisville victories in the last 9 years, with last year's game breaking a streak of 4 in a row by Louisville, the longest such streak enjoyed by either team since the renewal of the annual game.

Category:  Governor's Cup -- Answer:  Unknown

Question:  Who will be the victor in this year's Governor's Cup game?

Who knows?  On paper, it looks to me like Kentucky has an advantage on the defensive line, linebackers, wide receivers, running backs and the kicking game.  Louisville has an advantage at quarterback and home field, which are two big ones.

The questions surrounding the young UK offense will be answered only in the game.  Louisville's defense was much-maligned last year, but should be better at least when it comes to defending the vertical game.  Underneath, Louisville has a whole new set of linebackers, but does Kentucky have the pass catchers to exploit that potential weakness?

Much has been made of the fact that the winner of the ground game usually wins the contest.  That would seem to favor Kentucky with their 4-deep stable of backs, but as the first scrimmage proved, the offensive line must step up for the backs to be effective.  In the final analysis, there are simply too many unknowns, so we'll just have to wait and see.

This is the ninth in a series of posts which will break down the '08 football 'Cats.  Today we break down the special teams.

Kentucky's special team play last year can be separated into two categories: units that performed consistently well, and units that underperformed. 

Underperformed

UK fans have been spoiled over the last several years with exceptional return play, but last year was a bit disappointing.  UK returners fielded a total of 94 kicks ( punts and kick-offs ) without scoring a touchdown.  Actually, they never came close to scoring a touchdown.  Their averages are as follows:

• As a team, UK averaged 22.1 yards per kick-off return on 63 chances, with zero touchdowns.  UK's opponents averaged 23.5 yards per return, and scored two touchdowns.
• As a team, UK averaged 8.1 yards per punt return on 31 chances, also with zero touchdowns.  UK's opponents averaged only 6.0 yards per return, with a long of 16 yards, and zero touchdowns.

Many thought going into last year ( including me ) that UK's return game would flourish, especially considering that the kick-off would be executed from the 30 yard line ( moved back from the 35 yard line ).  But a 22 yard return average isn't' exactly Devin Hester territory.  UK did experience some key injuries to their two top return guys last year ( Rafael Little and Keenan Burton ), which adversely effected the return numbers.  But the guys who replaced the two injured stars are going to be the ones on full-time return duty this year, with the exception of freshman Randall Cobb.  Let's hope a year of experience will aid in increasing the productivity of UK's return men in '08, and a TD or two wouldn't hurt.

'08 Kick Returners

Dicky Lyons 5'11', 185 lb senior -- For his career, Lyons has returned 28 kick-offs for a 24.0 yard average return.  Lyons has returned 14 punts in his career for an average of 6.7 yards per return.  Last year he returned 15 kick-offs, averaging 22.1 yards per return, and two punts for a 20.0 yard average. 

Lyons will be relied upon to return both kick-offs and punts.  Although blessed with speed, he's not a burner, but he has proved to be elusive as a pass receiver.  So far that elusiveness has not translated to his return game.

Tony Dixon 5'9", 203 lb senior -- Dixon returned 8 kick-offs last year for an average of 22.9 yards per return.

Dixon will probably team with Lyons on kick-off returns, at least early in the year.  His mix of speed and power make him a dangerous weapon in return situations. 

Derrick Locke 5'10" ,180 lb sophomore -- Locke returned 5 kick-offs last year for an average of 23.2 yards per return.

The running back couples blazing speed with brute force.  His seemingly fearless attitude makes him a special teams coach's favorite commodity.  Locke could be positioned to make a difference in the return game if given the opportunity.  He has a couple of players with more experience in front of him, but his pure talent may dictate him being a major presence returning kicks.

Alfonso Smith 6'1", 204 lb junior -- Smith has returned 2 kick-offs for an average of 22.0 yards per return.

Smith is very similar to Locke in that they both have supersonic speed, but he also has very little experience.  As is true with Locke, if Smith is given the opportunity he could be spectacular as a returner. 

David Jones 5'10", 185 lb senior -- The newly anointed starting corner-back has returned one kick-off for 14 yards.

Jones is another of UK's rocket-propelled track stars ( 4.4 speed ) masquerading as a football player.  But, I'm not sure how much he will be utilized this year.  He is after-all learning a new position.  A new position where he will be starting in his first ever game at cornerback, so the coaching staff may feel that he has an adequately full plate.  But as always, if injuries become a problem he will be given the opportunity to produce. 

Demoreo Ford 5"10, 186 lb junior -- Ford has returned only 8 punts in his career, for a 6.2 yard per return average. 

Ford's health is always a concern.  If he can get, and remain healthy he has all the qualities a coach looks for in a return man.  He's very fast, and eludes well, but he can't return every kick for a touchdown, which means he has to be tackled.  And being tackled is not his forte'.  With the emergence of Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith, and Randall Cobb, Ford's number of chances will decrease, but if injuries become an issue he will be called upon to serve.

Randall Cobb 5'11", 180 lb freshman -- "The Phenom" has been mentioned recently as a real possibility to return kicks.  Why am I not surprised?

Performed Consistently   

Lones Seiber 5'9", 182 lb place kicker, junior --  For his career Seiber has made 27 of 44 field goals ( 61.3 % ).  Last year Seiber made 16 of 25 attempts ( 64.0% ).  In his career he has made 84 of 88 point after tries.  Last year the Knoxville native scored a UK school record 99 points. 

Perhaps I should have written that Seiber "performed consistently" for the first eleven games.  Going into the Tennessee game the Knoxville native had made 15 of 20 field goal attempts, but in his final two games he missed four of five chances.  One of which was a blocked 34 yard attempt, in overtime, versus UT ( the ball hit a UT lineman in the face mask ). 

Will that late season ineffectiveness carry-over into '08?  For Rick Brook's sake I hope not.  Seiber performed very well at times last year:

• He made three field goals in the epic victory over LSU ( two in the 4th quarter, and 1 in overtime ) for which he won the "Lou Groza Kickers Award". 
• He also made a huge 48 yard field goal against Vandy, which tied the score going into the half. 
• He made three of three chances versus South Carolina.

He has demonstrated with the above performances that he can be a very reliable kicker, but Seiber's percentage of makes must be around the 80% mark.  UK will probably be in an abundance of close games this year, and Seiber has to be "money, honey" in order for UK to have a good chance of winning consistently. 

Tim Masthay 6'2", 203 lb punter, kicks-off, senior -- For his career Masthay has punted 154 times for a career average of 38.4 yards per punt.  Last year the Murray High School alum punted 50 times for a 39.8 yard average.  Masthay led the SEC with 23 touchbacks on kick-offs last year.  He was also named UK's "Special Teams Player of the Year" in '07.  Opponents averaged only 6.0 yards per return on Masthay's punts.

Masthay has improved his yardage on punts every year.  He has, for the most part, been a picture of consistency for the last season-and-a-half.  On punts he kicks a pretty high ball, which enables the head-hunters to gain ground in the pursuit of the ball carrier.  And, as evidenced by his SEC leading 23 touchbacks, his leg is not lacking in the power department.  He generally does an excellent job of taking away field position, which gives UK a huge edge in many games.  I don't foresee Masthay reversing course, so I look forward to many long punts, and "field goal" kick-offs in '08.

As an added bonus; Masthay's highest punting average for any single game is 47.3 yards.  He accomplished that feat twice; versus LSU and UL, both last year. 

The back-ups

Ryan Tydlacka 6'1", 195 pound kicker and punter, redshirt freshman --  The Trinity High School grad will see action if Masthay is injured or if Seiber is ineffective.  Tydlacka was named 1st Team All-State after averaging 45.6 yards per punt in his senior year. Also in his senior year he made 68 of 70 point after tries, and 5 of 7 field goal attempts. 

J. J. Housley 5'10", 186 lb kicker, senior -- The Hazard native began the '06 campaign as the starter while Seiber recovered from hip surgery.  He made 7 of 8 point after tries, but missed his only field goal attempt. 

Final analysis

If Masthay continues his upward tic, and Seiber can regain the touch he had for the first nine games of last year, then the kicking game will remain an advantage for UK.  Seiber has to do what all good athletes do; put the final two games of last season behind him.  If he is unable to do that, then I don't think Rich Brooks will hesitate to change kickers.

The return game, I believe, will improve over last year.  Even though the returners are inexperienced, their talent level is very high, with speed being their defining characteristic.  As I wrote above, some touchdowns, and good field position is all I ask.  Surely, with the twelve-cylinder, turbo-charged, speed machines UK has returning kicks, I am not asking for too much.

Thanks for reading, and only 15 days until the 'Cats confront e-ville, face to face!