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).

Continue reading this post »

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.

Lots of injuries from the MTSU game.  The only good thing about the injuries is that none of them appear to be season-ending at this point.  But with that said, they will seriously test the depth of the team.  The very earliest we can expect a full-speed return is probably the Alabama game, and I wouldn't put a lot of money on that date.  The particulars are as follows:

• Randall Cobb, Micah Johnson and Ricky Lumpkin all managed to get the same injury -- high ankle sprains.  We know from Chris Lofton's high ankle sprain two years ago that these injuries can take up to 8 weeks to heal sufficiently.  No word on the likely prognosis of the players, but they are currently listed as "out indefinitely."  We'll know more on Monday.
• David Jones -- Knee hyperextension, will likely miss a few days of practice.
• T.C. Drake -- minor ankle sprain, out a few days.
• Stuart Hines -- minor ankle sprain, out a few days.

Get well soon, guys.

OK, I have watched the game on replay (half last night, the second half this morning on ESPN360.com, and I must say I feel a lot better about some things and a lot worse about others.

First of all, MTSU is for real.  They have tremendous speed at their skill positions, and I am talking SEC speed.  What they do not have is SEC size, and even though the backs and receivers were blazingly fast, they showed very litte ability to get yards after contact.  That was a big factor in the game last night.

Watching MTSU, I was transported back in time to the Hal Mumme years at Kentucky.  The Spread Option that MTSU uses is eerily similar to Mumme's "Air Raid" variation on the Spread Option, and Joe Craddock is a poor man's version of Tim Couch.  Craddock is a very good quarterback, and the SO allows him to minimize his main deficiency, that of height.  He sets up mostly in the gun, and that allows him a better view of the field than an offense which forces you to do a drop.  Mumme used many more "tricky" type plays than Rick Stockstill's offense.  Stockstill's is very much a vanilla SO type offense with very few unusual formations, no "shuffle passes" and fewer bubble screens than we usually see in that offense.  Stockstill also sets up with a two-back backfield, which Mumme did not do very often.

Still, this game reminded me of how potent the SO can be with an accurate passer at the helm.  The whole purpose, of course, is to create bubbles of "space" around the receivers.  When you have outstanding athletes and speed like MTSU, those little bubbles often wind up being the step the receivers need to defeat a linebacker and break a big gain.  That's exactly what happened when MTSU scored its first touchdown.

Fortunately for UK, the offensive line also reminded me very much of the lines under Mumme -- competent only in giving a quarterback just a few seconds to get away a pass to the speedy backs and receivers.  The MTSU offensive line was totally dominated by the Kentucky front the entire game, and MTSU's running game was unable to do anything against the UK front seven.  That's what ultimately enabled UK to win the game.

What I liked:

• Mike Hartline is becoming a solid quarterback -- Listening to the game, I thought Hartline was doing a below average job.  But after watching the game, I know where the blame truly belongs -- to the offensive line and receivers.  More on that later.
  
  I forgive Hartline the fumble, but that's the second time he has just dropped the ball in the middle of his passing motion, unpressured.  I used to be a quarterback in high school, and I have no idea how that happens.
• Can we kick, or can't we?  For the purposes of this bullet point, I will leave aside the field goal unit.  Our kicking teams executed almost flawlessly in every respect.  They covered well, they pinned the Blue Raiders deep, they returned the football well.  It was awesome, something coaches dream of.  Special teams playing like that can be a weapon, and they truly were last night.
• The running backs ran hard.  Unfortunately, the offensive line had another very poor game.  More on that later.
• T.C. Drake -- Drake had a breakout game, changing the game just like Jacob Tamme used to do.  Drake gets my game ball on offense.  Just impressive.
• The defensive line and linebackers -- Micah Johnson was on his way to a Woowardesque game when he got injured, but Braxton Kelley, Johnny Williams, Sam Maxwell and Michael Schwindel stepped up and played very well in his absence.  The D-line completely dominated MTSU on nearly every snap.  The defensive front seven gets my game ball on defense.
  
• The coaching -- The coaches made several adjustments at halftime which changed the game dramatically in favor of UK, especially going back to a four-man front with a nickel package in the backfield for most plays, and taking the routes that the Blue Raiders were giving us on offense.
  
• The low number of penalties.  The tougher the comp gets, though, the more of those you will see.
  

What I did not like:

• The offensive line -- The O-line played a very weak game except in pass protection.  The backs were on their own, getting very few good running holes to hit.  Not only that, they failed to fire completely on every screen play -- several of those should have gone for big yardage, but the line did not maintain their blocks and simply took plays off.
  
• The wide receivers -- Dicky Lyons made more good plays than bad, but he still dropped passes he should have caught.  But most of my criticism will be directed at Kyrus Lanxter.  This young man should not be dropping so many of these passes.  He made Hartline sound like a freshman on the radio, but the tape told a different tale.  Lanxter was many times breaking off routes, in the wrong pattern, or failing to make a block.  Were Randall Cobb available, I expect Lanxter would have seen a lot of time on the bench.
• The injuries -- No need to expound on that.  Randall Cobb, Ricky Lumpkin and Micah Johnson all with ankle sprains, a couple of which are "high" ankle sprains.  Not sure of their prognosis yet.
  
• Lones Seiber -- I hate to rag on a kicker.  That is one tough job, and a bad day can be so devastating because you are out there on an island.  But Seiber played so badly that he almost cost us the game.  That last play was not his fault, the line failed to block properly, leading to the blocked field goal.  I leave Brooks and Phillips to deal with him, but Seiber is one of UK's greatest weaknesses at this point in the season.

Kentucky utterly dominated the entire second half on both sides of the football, yet they failed to do what you must do -- put points on the board.  The only reason the game was not over early in the fourth was because our O-line, receivers and kicker were playing so badly that UK couldn't score.  Hartline's teammates let him down -- big time.  I expect that Phillips and Brooks will remind them of that every single day for the next two weeks. 

Kentucky was very fortunate to survive the final FG unit gaffe, and Robbie McAtee deserves a pat on the back for that great, game-saving tackle.  The O-line and receivers should be washing his laundry for a month.  Lones Seiber should fan him with a palm leaf and feed him grapes.

But a win is a win.  Let's get healthy and move on.  3-0 is the only stat that matters at the moment.

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 seems everyone, from the good folks in Las Vegas, to the local and national media, are picking against the 'Cats in their upcoming epic battle for the Governor's Cup.  I suppose I can understand why the knee-jerk reaction is to pick Louisville to win this years contest.  After-all, the game is being played at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, and UK will be starting an unproven quarterback.  Add the fact that Kentucky lacks experience at the receiver slot, except for the talented Dicky Lyons, and one can reasonably assess the game as a U of L lean.  But if one analyzes the contest and a few key personnel a bit closer, a converse conclusion can easily be arrived upon.

I like Eric Crawford.  The Courier-Journal sports columnist is generally not dogmatic, that is, he backs up his opinions with some form of fact.  As is true with anyone who puts out opinions three or four times a week, I don't always agree with his assertions, but I don't always agree with any writer's opinions 100% of the time.  

This past Sunday Mr. Crawford penned a fairly even-handed column in which he put forth his prediction for the UK v. U of L game, along with his reasoning for reaching his final conclusion.  His logic seems to follow that of most of the national media, as well as some local media members, concerning the game and its possible outcome.  Because of this I am going to use his column, and his points, as the basis for my rebuttal to those who opine that U of L will come out victorious Sunday evening.

His assertions begin with an historical perspective:

"And the biggest one ( reason ) is the way UK historically has played in its season opener under Rick Brooks, which is to say, not at all well."

"Brooks has never beaten U of L in an opener.  But more than that, in four years of playing the Cardinals in the first game, his UK teams have managed just one first-quarter touchdown.  And they weren't facing blockbuster U of L defenses, either." 

 Well, that's a shocker.  In Brooks' first two years on the job UK went a combined 6 - 17.  Those teams were ... I'm being kind here ... terrible.  Of course they didn't play well in the first game, they didn't play well in ANY game.  But, in Brooks third season UK went 3 - 8, and almost managed to upset the Cards, losing only 31 - 24.  If not for an Andre' Woodson fumble on the U of L two yard line, that game could have very easily swung the other way. 

There is no denying that Louisville has had, previous to last season, a far superior team over the last several years.  Using UK's poor performances in some of those games as a yardstick by which to measure this years game is flawed logic.  Actually it's not flawed logic, the assertion lacks logic altogether.  One has nothing whatsoever to do with the other.

He next confronts the all important ground game:

"For eight straight years, the winning team's top rusher out-gained the entire opposing team.  Rafael Little did that last year."

"Because both teams figure to use multiple backs, that streak might be in jeopardy.  But let's say that UK's defensive line -- it best unit -- stuffs the U of L run.  Now the Wildcats are free to try to control things with their own running game, something their talented backfield is capable of doing.  But they can do that only if they can keep U of L honest through the air, and that's a shaky proposition."

 Can UK keep Louisville's defense honest through the air?  Finally, a legitimate point from Mr. Crawford.

Considering U of L returns eight starters from last years porous defense, I think it's fair to evaluate the job they did last year pressuring the passer: Last season Louisville recorded 17 sacks in 12 games, to go along with seven interceptions ( they also allowed 25 touchdown passes, and 251 yards per game through the air ).  Not fear inspiring numbers, even if Mike Hartline has yet to start a single college game.  UK's experienced offensive line figures to be inundated with blitz's and stunts all day long, and their ability to handle the Cards pass rushers ( U of L will be starting three new linebackers ) will go a long way in determining how effective Hartline is in the vertical game.

To offset Hartline's inexperience I'm sure Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips will utilize the pass catching abilities of the running backs.  Tony Dixon, Alfonso Smith, and Derrick Locke should prove to be valuable 'relief valves' for a pressured Hartline.  Getting those guys loose in the secondary is of vital importance to UK's offensive attack, but if U of L proves quick to cover and swarm ( which they didn't do last year ) then Kentucky's offense could become one dimensional.  Which of course would be problematic for the boys in blue.

Kentucky's inexperienced receiving corps is the wild card in this game, as far as the 'Cats are concerned.  Hartline will be relying on receivers Dicky Lyons, Kyrus Lanxter, E.J. Adams, Eric Adeyemi, Eugene McCaskill, and Matt Roark to run the right routes, and make the catch.  Tight end Maurice Grinter will also be relied upon to make a few catches.  Grinter, who is a terrific athlete, has very soft hands and has demonstrated an ability to catch, and then make yards after the catch with his speed, and willingness to plow through defenders.  Back-up tight end T. C. Drake has only one career catch ( for a TD ), but will also be an important target for Hartline to aim for. 

Is hoping for UK's passing game to keep the defense honest through the air too much to ask for?  Not if the receivers are asked to run intermediate routes of 15 - 20 yards.  Hartline's accuracy with the deep ball is shaky at this point, but he can make the nice throw over the middle.  Couple that with the running backs catching balls in the flat, and Kentucky's passing game should be adequate.

So to answer Mr. Crawford's question, yes, I feel that Kentucky's passing game will be strong enough to open up the running lanes for the trio of stud backs ( quartet if one includes Moncell Allen ).  If U of L stacks eight men in the box in an attempt to stuff the run, they'll pay the price all day long.

Crawford then moves to Hunter Cantwell:

"The Cardinals, meanwhile, have one thing in the game that might be most important, experience at quarterback."

Louisville does boast a more experienced signal-caller.  The former walk-on and Paducah Tilghman grad, when called upon, has played well for the Cards over the last three years. My concern though, if I were a U of L fan, is who he has played against.

His career stats look like this: 92 - 157 for 1,419 yards, with 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.  He has four career starts.

Cantwell's finest hour came in Louisville's '05 Gator Bowl loss to Virginia Tech.  He threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns, earning game Co-MVP honors.  But other than that game, Cantwell's numbers have been achieved against less-than-stellar competition:

• 2005 versus a 5 - 6 UConn team: 16 - 25 for 271 yards and one touchdown.
• 2006 versus a 7 - 6 Kansas State team: 18 - 26 for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
• 2006 versus a 7 - 6 Middle Tennessee State team: 17 - 32 for 340 yards, one touchdown and one interception. 

Those three games account for over half of Cantwell's career yardage ( 784 of 1,419 yards ). 

In all of those games he also had either Mike Bush ( UConn ),  Mario Urrutia ( all three ), Harry Douglas ( all three ), Kolby Smith ( K-State and MTSU ), or Joshua Tinch ( UConn ) running for him, or catching his passes.  This year he has no such weapons available.  With the dismissal of receiver JaJuan Spillman, the near tragic shooting of receiver Trent Guy ( he will probably play at some point this year ), and the broken foot of receiver Scott Long, Cantwell is left with zero receivers who have caught a pass in a college game ( and you thought UK had wide-out issues ).

I think Cantwell is a fine quarterback, but his accomplishments need to be put into perspective.

Crawford wraps up his analysis with this:

"UK has the better defense, and probably the better running game.  It should also have a special-teams advantage.  And unlike in past years, the speed factor is beginning to turn in UK's favor."

"But U of L has Cantwell, home field and perhaps more urgency, certainly more pressure to win."

"UK has ... probably the better running game." -- I nominate Eric for the 'Understatement of the Year Pulitzer'.  PROBABLY, he's right. 

Although U of L does boast Brock Bolen at running back ( 456 career yards and a 5.2 yards per carry average ), Kentucky's abundance of talented backs should prove to be a huge advantage, especially if the game is tight in the fourth quarter ( which I think it will be ).

Basically Crawford, as well as many others, are basing their prognostications on Cantwell's abilities, and U of L's "pressure to win."  The whole "pressure to win" contention is a bogus argument; I bet Ohio State felt "pressure to win" the last two national championship games, but they were disemboweled in both.  In my view, one reaches for "pressure to win" when one has no other bullets.  

If one notices, Crawford only mentions UK's defense as an afterthought.  That is a monumental mistake, in my opinion.  With UK's defensive line and linebackers pressuring Cantwell, and UK's superb secondary covering the inexperienced U of L receivers, I feel that Kentucky's defense will be the difference maker in this game.  Keep in mind,  it's difficult to throw from ones backside, and it's hard to throw to blanketed receivers. 

I can see only two areas where Louisville will have the advantage Sunday: at quarterback, and having home field advantage.  But remember, the quarterback advantage may be offset by UK's defensive pressure, and U of L's lack of any experience at the receiver spot.  There's not a lot Rich Brooks can do about the home field advantage.  But, knowing U of L fans proclivity to run for the exits when things seem bleak, if UK can race to a lead, the home field may be rendered moot.

Crawford ends with a prediction: 31 - 21, Louisville.  He offers up a disclaimer, though:

"But I make that pick with all of the confidence I have in my lottery numbers."

I agree.  Rivalry games, especially early season rivalry games, can be very unpredictable, and with the profusion of question marks masquerading as players, this years contest is laborious to handicap. 

My prediction?  Well, that's gonna have to wait until Friday.

Thanks for reading, 'Believe in Blue', and BEAT LOUISVILLE!

This is the sixth in a series of posts which will break down the '08 football 'Cats.  Today we break down the tight ends.

Kentucky assistant head coach Steve Ortmayer, who also coaches tight ends, must be seeking advice from some of his coaching colleagues in Lexington this summer on how to replace the best tight end in the SEC, and possibly the country, for that matter.  After all, Ortmayer finds himself in a position familiar to the other offensive positional coaches on Kentucky's staff; looking for ways to fill the holes left by André Woodson, Rafael Little, Keenan Burton, Steve Johnson, Wesley Woodyard, and Jacob Tamme.

Perhaps the second most difficult player for UK to replace is Tamme.  The three year starter, and two-time 1st Team All-SEC performer was as reliable a pass catcher and run blocker as has ever played the position in UK history.  Tamme, the Indianapolis Colt's fourth-round pick, racked up 133 receptions for 1,417 yards, and 11 touchdowns in his career.  Last year he snagged 56 balls for 619 yards, and 6 touchdowns.  Tamme's pass-catching ability afforded him many opportunities to bail out the offense, and he proved to be an excellent "relief valve" for an on-the-run Woodson. 

As good as Tamme's stats are though, they don't do him justice.  He was a leader in every sense of the word; he never took a play off, he sacrificed his body to block for his running backs and receivers, and he caught EVERYTHING thrown his way.  He was a physical, hard-hitting, soft-handed, prototypical college tight end. 

Tamme was big, strong and fast ( 4.58-40 ) enough to get out in front of the ball carrier and pancake opposing linebackers and defensive backs as well; his presence on the field is one reason the perimeter running game was so successful last year.  He could also run routes across the middle, or he could go outside, either way he was very effective catching the ball.  He could shed tacklers, and gain yards after the catch.  There just wasn't a whole lot the Boyle County product couldn't do.

Which leads us to the question: In an offense that relies heavily on the tight end to perform a variety of duties, are the youngsters ready to fill the void? 

The Replacements

T.C. Drake 6'6", 230 lb junior -- 1 catch, 2 yards, and 1 touchdown in 13 games played.  As a high school senior at Nelson County Drake caught 15 passes for 400 yards, good for a 26.7 yards per catch average.  WOW! 

Drake's touchdown catch last year came in the biggest game in recent UK history; versus LSU.  I remember it well because it was a fantastic end zone catch off of a deflection ( I think Keenan Burton ).  Drake was behind Burton and adjusted quickly to the wobbling ball.  He made a very nice grab, setting the tone for the game by putting up the first points of the three overtime epic. 

Drake is a very similar, physically, to Tamme.  Both are big and fast for their size.  But, can Drake have the impact on a game that Tamme did?  Probably not, but he has the tools to be a difference maker both receiving and blocking.

**Drakes sister Samantha, verbally committed to women's basketball coach Matthew Mitchell.  She is a rising junior at Nelson County High School.

Ross Bogue 6'5", 240 lb junior -- Played in thirteen games, mostly on special teams, and made 1 tackle. 

Bogue is considered to have a strong hold on the #2 TE spot behind Drake.  In the spring he demonstrated an ability to catch, and make yards after the catch.  Fall practice will tell us more about his potential. 

Maurice Grinter 6'3", 250 lb junior -- 4 catches for 21 yards.  Grinter will also play fullback, where last year he had 9 rushes for 36 yards. 

Grinter, out of Fairdale High School, has served in multiple capacities on the field for UK over his career.  This year he will be relied upon to provide some leadership at the tight end position simply because he has more on-field experience than either Drake or Bogue.  I also look for Grinter to play more at tight end this year simply to add some depth to the position.  He's often been in the game in goal-line situations because of his ability to gain tough yards. This year a goal-line two tight end set may be something we see.  I would think Grinter would be one of the two tight ends in the game in those situations. 

Grinter is also a powerful blocker.  He's very strong and loves to hit, which is why he excels at both the fullback and tight end positions.

Others at the position

Tyler Sexton 6'2", 240 lb junior -- Sexton, out of Pulaski County, will probably not see much playing time this year unless there are some major injuries at the position.

Chris Goode 6'4", 230 lb red-shirt freshman -- Goode didn't start playing football until his junior year in high school.  Yet he was still rated the #24 prospect out of Georgia his senior year, by PrepStar.

Freshman

Sean Stackhouse 6'4", 240 lb freshman -- The Jacksonville, Florida native was rated the #31 tight end prospect by Scout.com.  His senior year he caught 32 passes for 426 yards and 4 touchdowns.  He also participated in track and field, and basketball.  He was nominated for the US Army All-America football game.

Final analysis

In the spring both Drake and Bogue showed good skill sets.  The duo caught the ball well and exhibited good blocking skills.  Head coach Rich Brooks had this to say about the two tight ends:

"I feel that he ( Drake ) can be a very good tight end.  He and Bogue need to show consistency in technique, but they possess significant talent to shore up that position."

Based on the spring results, and coach Brooks' positive words, I think UK fans may see a continuance of the solid tight end play we've enjoyed for the last three years.  They may not produce Tamme numbers, but they don't have to.  They just have to catch the ball, and block like mad-men. 

Offensive Coordinator Joker Phillips likes to utilize the tight end, so we will all find out very quickly how effectively the position is being manned.

Trivia

Who holds UK's single-season record for most pass receptions? 

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!