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With seniors Courtney Love and Kendall Randolph departing last spring, along with the transfer of Denzil Ware, the Kentucky Wildcats avoided anxiety as they returned several starters and elevated younger talents such as Jamar “Boogie” Watson and Kash Daniel.
This Saturday, the Wildcats will host Central Michigan in their season opener at Kroger Field. Star safety Mike Edwards spoke after Wednesday’s practice about how his team has been preparing for their matchup with the Chippewas.
Football: @M__Edwards7 talks about preparation for Central Michigan, which is now just 3 days away. @ASeaOfBlue pic.twitter.com/HV90lprRCK
— John Morgan Francis (@MonJorgan) August 30, 2018
In that preparation, the Cats will face a quarterback like they’ve never seen before: an opponent under center who stands 6’7. Tony Poljan, the starter for Central Michigan, has carried the ball (27) more times than he has attempted a pass (21).
Edwards said he's faced some tall quarterbacks during his career, but none this tall.
Football: @M__Edwards7 and the rest of the Kentucky defense will face the tallest quarterback in the country on Saturday. Here’s what the preseason All-SEC safety had to say. @ASeaOfBlue pic.twitter.com/l3gE9hm6QG
— John Morgan Francis (@MonJorgan) August 30, 2018
His teammate and fellow senior, Josh Allen, said after Wednesday’s practice that Poljan’s high delivery actually makes it easier on the edge rushers going for the ball.
Looking beyond Poljan, Edwards said Central Michigan has good players on both sides of the ball.
Football: @M__Edwards7 talks about Central Michigan having good players not just on offense but defense as well. @ASeaOfBlue pic.twitter.com/VJrpc6VdXE
— John Morgan Francis (@MonJorgan) August 30, 2018
A key aspect to Central Michigan’s offense is their rushing attack. Running back Jonathan Ward, a junior at CMU, racked up over 1,000 yards on the ground last season and crossed the goal line 10 times. He also tacked on 48 catches for 270 yards and three additional touchdowns.
Daniel said after Wednesday’s practice that if you give Ward an inch, he’ll go a mile.
The same thing (and more) could be said about Daniel’s teammate, Benny Snell. Ward, though, failed to send any credit Snell’s way. The CMU RB said he didn’t see anything “too special” in Snell.
When Daniel was asked about these comments after practice, he said he didn’t care and that Snell probably didn’t either, adding that the Wildcats will do their talking on the field.
Daniel and Edwards also put emphasis on making a statement early, as the home crowd at Kroger Field is a key component in the Wildcats’ success.
With three days to go until the season opener, Kentucky’s defense looks poised to come out of the gate strong.