SB Nation - Marcus McClinton

UK Football: The Secondary

Ken Howlett — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:20:41 -0000

Happy to have Lindley back.

The return of all-world cornerback Trevard Lindley to the Kentucky defensive secondary ranks as perhaps the top football story of 2009 for UK football backers. When it was announced in the spring that Lindley was going to test the NFL draft waters, my thought was, "Well, he's gone." Well, wrong. And thankfully so.

Not in the recent annals of UK football history has a player been so decorated, so respected at his position, as Trevard Lindley. Since his freshmen year, when he was named a freshman All-America, Lindley's performance on the field has garnered enough awards and accolades to make Tim Tebow blush. But, Lindley's UK legacy doesn't end there, though -- He has the great distinction of being the only current Wildcat who has started every game since the death of "Old UK" back in ...

... 2006: Andre' Woodson emerged from the shadows of Shane Boyd, as a steely-eyed dart throwing machine, resulting in UK winning eight games for the first time since winning nine in 1984. Starting at cornerback, Trevard Lindley.
In 2007, UK once again led by Andre Woodson, won eight contests, also winning their second straight bowl game, a feat not accomplished in Lexington since the 1950-1951 seasons. Starting at cornerback, Trevard Lindley.
And in 2008, after Woodson, Keenan Burton, Stevie Johnson, Jacob Tamme, and Rafael Little all had departed for the pro ranks, UK still found a way to win seven games, and a program first, third straight bowl victory. And they did it with a lot of bad luck (a mountain of major injuries), a little defense, some good luck (Arkansas), and Trevard Lindley at cornerback.

He's one of the few common threads connecting the previous three UK teams; now he's the only regular contributor to the '06 team still pounding the turf at Commonwealth. He's made Kentucky better, not only with his great skill level, but Lindley has proved to be a supernova when UK has needed to shine the brightest:

In '06, Lindley's freshman year, he intercepted Georgia's Matt Stafford inside the final minute sealing UK's first victory over the Dogs since 1996.
Also in '06, against Clemson in the Music City Bowl, Lindley had an interception and fumble recovery in the 'Cats first bowl victory since 1984.
In '07 versus U of L, on the first play of the game (how sweet), he intercepted a Brian Bohm pass and returned it 33-yards, setting up a UK touchdown. He set the tone for the 'Cats that day, a day UK upset the ninth-rated Cards.
Also in '07, in a thrilling game against Arkansas, Lindley sparked a UK comeback with a 66-yard fumble return for a touchdown. It was the week after the U of L win, and fans were wanting affirmation. And affirmation they received.
And again in '07, versus LSU, in perhaps the most monumental display of drawing a bead on the quarterback's read in the history of college football, Lindley intercepted an LSU pass which set up the game-tying field goal in the fourth quarter.
Not satisfied, Lindley again in 2007 versus Tennessee, intercepted a pass late in the game, sending the epic contest into its first overtime.
In the 2007 Music City Bowl, for the second year in a row, Lindley shone bright in the Nashville sky: He caused a fumble, and recorded three pass break-ups.
Last season against Louisville, for the second year in a row, Lindley played "hugemongous" (a common theme?): He intercepted a Hunter Cantwell pass, and returned it 24 yards to the U of L two-yard line, in yet another UK victory over the evil Cards.

Considering Lindley's consistently excellent play, it is no shock that this season Trevard Lindley's name appears on every ballot except U. S. Senate: Chuck Bednarik Award (nations best defensive player), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nations best defensive player), and the Jim Thorpe Award (nations best defensive back). He was voted preseason First Team All-SEC, and preseason Second Team All-America. Not one to rest on his laurels, in 2009 Lindley will be expected to ...

.. lead UK's mixture of experience and youth in the Wildcat secondary. It's a talented group of players, but Big Blue lost some good ones to graduation -- Safety Marcus McClinton (50 tackles, four interceptions, four pass deflections, and a ton of experience), cornerback David Jones (34 tackles, one interception, five pass break-ups and six deflections), cornerback Robbie McAtee (33 tackles, one sack, one interception, three pass break-ups, and four pass deflections, he also recovered an SEC-best three fumbles), and utility-man Shomari Moore (28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, three pass break-ups, four pass deflections).

That's 145 tackles, 11 pass deflections and break-ups, and three interceptions, but most importantly, over 100 games of combined experience. Can Kentucky upgrade their pass defense after losing so much? Here are the guys who will determine the answer to that question:

The Starters

Trevard Lindley -- 6'0", 179 lb senior cornerback: For his career Lindley has accounted for 158 tackles (116 solo tackles), 3.5-tackles for loss, and nine interceptions. In 2008, Lindley led the SEC in Passes Defended with 11 pass break-ups, and four interceptions. He also recorded 39 tackles, and 15 pass deflections. He was voted UK's Team MVP by the players in 2008.

Let's keep this one simple, stupid: Possibly the best cover-corner in UK history.

Paul Warford -- 5'10", 200 lb junior cornerback: Warford redshirted the '08 season after being declared academically ineligible. But, after taking care of business in the classroom in '08, Warford has returned to the field without skipping a beat. In his last season of action (2007), Warford was second on the team with nine pass break-ups, and posted a career-high seven tackles versus LSU, a game in which he broke his collarbone late in the contest. He runs a 4.4 40-yard dash.

Warford is moving up from his safety position to give UK some experience at the cornerback spot opposite Lindley. He is a physical player who likes to hit, and does a great job in run defense-support.

Calvin Harrison -- 6'1", 211 lb senior strong safety: Harrison has played behind the departed Marcus McClinton for the last three years. He has played in 35 games, with six starts to his credit. Harrison has recorded 80 career tackles. In '08, he posted 32 tackles, and one tackle for loss. In a huge Liberty Bowl game, he had five tackles and two pass break-ups. He started and performed well against Tennessee and Alabama last season.

Harrison provides invaluable experience to UK's secondary. He, along with Lindley and Warford, allow UK to boast one of the most experienced, accomplished pass defenses in the SEC.

Winston Guy -- 6'1", 208 sophomore free safety: The Lexington Catholic product played in 13 games as a true freshman last year. He performed mainly with the special teams unit, taking over the kick return duties after Derrick Locke was injured. He responded with 10 returns for 291 yards (29.1 average), and also set a Kentucky record for longest return without scoring a touchdown, with his 96-yard kick return versus Georgia. From the free safety spot he recorded 11 tackles. He was rated a top-30 safety prospect in the nation by Rivals, and the No. 12 safety in the nation by Scout coming out of high school.

Guy brings incredible speed (4.35 40-yard dash), and refined anticipation skills to UK's secondary. He is a star-in-waiting, and a quarterback nightmare beginning September 5.

The Backups

Martavious Neloms -- 6'1", 180 lb true freshman cornerback: The Tennessee native will be backing-up Lindley. He was First Team All-State in Class 4A, and only began playing football his junior year at Fairley High School in Memphis. Despite that, he was rated the No. 30 prospect in in Tennessee by Rivals.

The fact that Neloms has played organized football for only four years, yet has accomplished what he has, is truly astounding. The ceiling is obviously very high for Neloms, and so far he's not given anyone any reasons to doubt his ever-improving ability.

Randall Burden -- 6'0", 270 lb sophomore cornerback: The LaGrange, Georgia native will be backing-up Paul Warford, and may also see the field as the fifth secondary member in UK's nickel package. He had a very strong spring, which followed a solid performance in the Liberty Bowl (two pass break-ups, and one tackle). In '08 Burden appeared in 12 games, contributing four tackles.

The coaches say Burden gets better every day. His attitude, work ethic, and talent will ensure he sees plenty of reps in '09.

Matt Lentz -- 6'3", 218 lb sophomore strong safety: The former quarterback will back-up Calvin Harrison. In '08, Lentz played in 13 games, starting five. He produced 24 tackles, and an interception versus Louisville. He recorded a career-high seven tackles versus Arkansas. He runs a 4.55 40-yard dash.

Lentz performed exceptionally well last year, especially considering the radical position switch he endured. He brings a combination of size and speed to UK's secondary, and like Burden, he'll see a lot of game-action in '09.

Taiedo Smith -- 6'0", 185 lb sophomore free safety: Smith will back-up Winston Guy. He began last season playing cornerback, but in an effort to get him on the field the coaches moved him to free safety. He played seven games, earning the start against Georgia. He had three tackles and a pass break-up in the win over Mississippi State.

Another young, talented performer, Smith will share back-up duties to Guy with Ashton Cobb (see below).

Ashton Cobb -- 6'0", 215 lb senior free safety: In '08 Cobb played in 11 games, with six starts. He recorded 37 tackles, and scored on a 28-yard fumble return versus Louisville. He also recovered a fumble versus Arkansas, and had a career high six tackles against both Georgia and Tennessee. In 2007, Cobb executed 42 tackles (second among UK's defensive backs). He's one of the strongest Wildcats pound-for-pound, bench pressing 370 lbs, and squatting 465 lbs. Yikes!

Cobb has taken a small step back. Most expected him to start at the free safety spot after last season, but Winston Guy stole his position. Cobb though, will see "starter's minutes," and will be featured in UK's nickel package at times.

Supplying depth to UK's secondary will be junior cornerback Daryl Faulkner, redshirt freshman cornerback Cartier Rice, sophomore cornerback Anthony Mosley, and sophomore strong safety Greg Wilson.

CliffsNotes Analysis

The question was, "Can Kentucky upgrade their defense after losing so much?" You've met the players, now meet the 2008 stats -- UK recorded 12 interceptions last season, good for seventh in the SEC. They had 45 pass break-ups and 57 pass deflections, both good numbers, but they allowed 193.2 yards passing per game (ninth in the SEC), and 18 passing touchdowns (only Auburn and Arkansas allowed more). Overall, UK was ninth in in the SEC in overall Pass Defense, and eighth in the SEC in passing yards allowed with 2,511.

Not great numbers, but they are an improvement over UK's previous, all-too regular occupation of the SEC basement, in the area of defensive play. But, there still exists much room for bettering the overall defensive performance, and this season the UK coaching staff will be looking to take another step forward. With Lindley, Warford, and Harrison leading a group of otherwise youthful, but talented performers, Kentucky has an opportunity to leap into the upper-echelon of SEC defensive teams (top-5 or better). Giving UK the upper-hand in many cases this season will be the relative youth of SEC quarterbacks; other than Tebow, Jevan Snead (Ole Miss), Stephen Garcia (South Carolina), and Jonathan Crompton (Tennessee), the SEC is littered with untested signal-callers.

I look for Trevard Lindley to end his UK career with a record-setting season. His job will be made easier by the fact that he's surrounded by talented, experienced teammates, which will force quarterbacks to have to make unpleasant decisions. Resulting in the real possibility of having no recourse but to force the ball into their best receivers hands. But, Lindley will be stalking ...

For other positional breakdowns: Setting a New Standard The Linebackers The Defensive Line

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to my mom, Linda. She turned 29 again yesterday!!

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:06:40 -0000

Hello everyone! I have a UFL tryout with the Orlando Tuskers. It is a new league and it is a great opportunity for players like me to get a chance to play again. Marcus McClinton is also trying out; and Shane Boyd is the starting quarterback for the California team, so wish us luck.

LyonHeart Sports Academy is also up and running, and it's booking up fast. We are adding an adult boot-camp for any adult who is trying to get back into shape. My partner, Shomari Moore, and I are currently in New Orleans working out with Duke Rouse (Deion Sanders' trainer) on fine turning our training plans.

I also just got involved with a product endorsed by race car driver A Unser, and former UK and Boston Celtic basketball player Rick Robey, called Force. It looks like it is going to be a really good opportunity. So, that is everything I have going on right now, and hopefully they all work out.

Oh yeah, I also found a house in Lexington, and I'm officially moving up in September. I'll let you know when the house warming party is!

P.S. Bring gifts!

Dicky Lyons, Jr.

Kentucky Wildcats: Time to Get Back to Football

Truzenzuzex — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:15:21 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

DeQuin Evans misses Jarmon. So do we all.

Browse more photos »

While the Rick Pitino affair has been interesting and fun to debate, I figure it's time for us to get back to the business of talking about the Kentucky Wildcats of today, not of yesteryear. Particularly, I think it's time to check in with the football team and see how things are shaping up. A lot of this news might have been missed in the recent fusillade of posts about Pitino and Sypher.

First off, we begin with a couple of suspensions. Senior center Jorge Gonzales has been suspended for the first game for the infamous, "violation of team rules." Sophomore receiver Aaron Boyd was also suspended, but his case was apparently more serious, as Brook suspended him from all football activity for one week, again for an undisclosed team rules violation. This is much more serious for Boyd, as this is the point at which players get to make an impression on the coaching staff. Not only will Boyd miss that, but he will miss all the information and instruction that goes along with it.

Alfonso Smith has a gimpy wheel and has missed a couple of practices, as does one of his backups, CoShik Williams the walk-on. T.C. Drake has a groin pull that will keep him out until next week. Offensive lineman Jake Lanefski has also torn some knee cartilage that will keep him out for about 3 weeks after surgery. That is a blow to our offensive line depth, but hopefully he'll be back in time for the Louisville game, at least.

That's the negative side, but there is some good news to report after the jump:

Larry Vaught is reporting that freshmen Qua Huzzie and Ridge Wilson are ahead of the curve, according to linebacker coach Chuck Smith:

Huzzie and Wilson are kind of separating by the way they are picking up the system. The other two are going to be good players, but they are having a little more difficult time picking it up."

Smith did not rule out Huzzie and Wilson getting some time as freshmen, which is a very encouraging thing. Other Wildcats who have seen time as true freshmen at the linebacker spot include Wesely Woodyard, Micah Johnson, and Danny Trevathan.

It also looks like our receiving corps will be much improved this year. Chris Matthews and the redoubtable Randall Cobb have both been impressing early, but Brooks has had good things to say also about Gene McCaskill, Kyrus Lanxter, La'Rod King, E.J. Fields, and Matt Roark. That is big news to me, as our receiver youth was a huge reason why the Wildcat offense was ineffective last year, along with the lack of a vertical game from Hartline.

Matt Lentz is also coming into this year in much better shape with significantly improved numbers in the weight room and a better handle on what he can do to help the team:

Wasn’t it hard to give up playing a marquee spot to go to defense?

"A little bit, but not really. It was best for the team. We have good quarterbacks now, and they didn’t need me there. I can help more at safety and play special teams. I have to be a team player because that’s not only best for the team, but it is also best for me," he said.

This is a young man who is really becoming a team player, and I expect to see a lot of him in the defensive backfield this year. He has some really big shoes to fill with Marcus McClinton having graduated. Junior college transfer DeQuin Evans, who plays defensive end, is also missing another Wildcat who has moved on -- Jeremy Jarmon:

"I hated it when I heard the news about Jeremy Jarmon. I know not everybody will believe this, but I wanted to learn from the best," said Evans, who has been limited in practice so far because of a pulled hamstring. "I knew he gave me that chance.

Here's hoping that Evans and the other players at the spot can find a way to fill in for Jarmon by committee, because it will be very hard to fill those shoes.

Finally, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has a preview of the Louisville Cardinals, our rival and second game opponents. Here is the summary:

OUTLOOK: When asked about his quarterback situation, Kragthorpe said, "Its fun. You're evaluating guys every day."

Let's see how much fun he is having when the season begins. The schedule is awfully tough this season, including non-conference road trips to both Kentucky and Utah in the month of September. Kragthorpe simply doesn't have the horses to beat good teams, especially on the road. This very well could be the final year of a failed experiment with Kragthorpe.

Ouch.

UK Football: Spring Practice Wrap-up -- The Secondary

Ken Howlett — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:43:32 -0000

This is the first in a series of posts examining how the personnel for the 2009 UK football season are shaping up.

With Kentucky wrapping-up their spring football practice via Saturday's Blue-White Game at Commonwealth Stadium (with 20,000+ fans in attendance, oh my), it's time to take a look at what the future holds for the gridiron 'Cats. Kentucky, coming off a 7-6 season and a third straight bowl victory (over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl), will strive to continue to re-write the history books with a fourth straight winning season.

Last year, the defense was the star of the show, and the secondary was the star of the defense. With several returning starters and a slew of promising underclassmen, the 2009 Wildcat's secondary promises to continue UK's leap from perennial defensive doormat, to bully on the block.

UK's 2008 Defensive Secondary Numbers

Opponent's Points Per Game -- 21.5

Opponent's Passing Yards Per Game -- 193.2

Opponent's Average Yards Per Pass -- 7.0

Opponent's Average Yards Per Completion -- 13.4

Opponent's Touchdown Passes -- 18

Opponent's First Downs Gained by Passing -- 94 (7.2 per game)

Opposing Quarterback's Attempt/Completion -- 188-359 (52.4%)

UK Secondary Pass Break-Ups -- 30

UK Secondary Interceptions -- 12

UK Secondary Interception Return Average -- 6.8 yards

UK Secondary Interception Return for TD -- 1

UK Secondary Fumble Return for TD -- 2

Opponent's Third Down Conversion Rate -- 62-187 (33.2%)

The Secondary

2008 secondary members lost to graduation: David Jones (cornerback), Marcus McClinton (free safety), Shomari Moore (cornerback), Robbie McAtee (cornerback).

Returning players of note: Trevard Lindley (senior cornerback), Randall Burden (sophomore cornerback), Ashton Cobb (senior safety), Winston Guy (sophomore cb/safety), Calvin Harrison (senior cb/safety), Matt Lentz (sophomore strong safety), Taiedo Smith (sophomore safety), Paul Warford (junior cornerback - redshirt in '08).

Redshirt freshman: Cartier Rice (defensive back).

Position Switch: Anthony Mosley -- Mosley is now a defensive back, making the switch from wide receiver.

The strength of UK's defense over the last couple of years has resided in its secondary. Led by First Team All-SEC cornerback Trevard Lindley, UK is no longer the team that enables average quarterbacks to perform like Peyton Manning. And in 2009, UK boasts depth at the cornerback and safety positions not seen in Lexington, possibly ever.

Third-year UK defensive coordinator Steve Brown had this to say about a couple of newcomers to UK's secondary:

"I think we've got as much, if not more talent, but it's really hard to say how much improved we'll be at this point. Taiedo (Smith) and Cartier Rice are very talented players, but it's so hard to beat that knowledge than Shomari (Moore) and Robbie (McAtee) had. Time will tell. Talent doesn't really pay off if you don't know what you're doing, but athletically we're in good position."

Lexington Catholic product Winston Guy (6'1" 200 lbs) has also been impressive this spring. His mix of speed, instinct, and desire will make it very difficult to keep him off the field. UK head coach Rich Brooks called Guy the most talented defensive back he's signed since he's been at UK (yes, that includes Mr. Lindley). Steve Brown agrees:

"Without a doubt. It's not even close. He's instinctive, he's athletic, fast, he's got size, he can cover, and he'll hit you. There's just so many positives. His deal is being comfortable with his assignments. Once he does that he's going to be very, very special."

Guy, who last year returned kick-offs after the injury to running back Derrick Locke, and played some cornerback late in the year, is currently listed as the back-up to Trevard Lindley. But in an effort to utilize his extensive skill-set as much as possible, he'll probably get a look at the safety position.

Another player who has impressed is sophomore cornerback Randall Burden (6'0" 170 lbs). Coming off a strong Liberty Bowl outing versus East Carolina (two pass break-ups), plus an impressive spring, he is currently listed as the starting cornerback opposite Lindley, but will face a stiff test once Paul Warford returns (he broke his foot on the first day of spring practice). Redshirt freshman Cartier Rice (5'10" 180 lbs), along with sophomore Taiedo Smith (6'0" 182 lbs) have turned heads this spring, and will battle Burden and Warford for playing time at the cornerback spot. Both Rice and Smith could also come into play in '09 when UK utilizes their nickel defense (five defensive backs).

The starting safety positions will be battled for by Matt Lentz (6'3" 209 lbs), Ashton Cobb (6'0" 210 lbs), and Calvin Harrison (6'1" 197 lbs). All three are experienced, but will possibly face competition from Guy, and Anthony Mosley (6'0" 180 lbs - 4.3-second 40), depending on how the cornerback battle plays out.

CliffsNotes Analysis

Once again Kentucky's secondary (ably led by secondary coach Chris Thurmond) should be the most productive part of the defense. The lethal mixture of experience, depth, speed, and power provided by Trevard Lindley, Ashton Cobb, Paul Warford, Randall Burden, Calvin Harrison, and Matt Lentz should propel UK to defensive heights not seen since the Jerry Claiborne days.

The potential greatness displayed by Winston Guy is certainly going to be a key to providing UK with another defensive playmaker, ala Trevard Lindley. And if the other youngsters, Taiedo Smith and Cartier Rice, continue to learn and improve, UK's secondary will be as deep as any in recent memory.

Congratulations

Former UK offensive lineman Myron Pryor was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft Sunday by the New England Patriots. Pryor has an excellent chance to make the team ... good luck Myron.

Also, signing free agent contracts were: defensive end Ventrell Jenkins (Buffalo),cornerback David Jones (Baltimore), punter Tim Masthay (Indianapolis), safety Marcus McClinton (New England), offensive tackle Garry Williams (Carolina), and linebacker Johnny Williams (Jacksonville).

A Sea of Blue friend Dicky Lyons, Jr is still talking with several teams.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Patriots 2009 undrafted free agents

MaPatsFan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:19:15 -0000

And you thought it was over... Silly, silly Patriots fan. ;-) One day after the draft, Belichick and crew are working their magic to yank in more players. Some (most?) could be training camp fodder - just more meat to bang around - but they're needed, right?

Leading off is Kentucky Safety Marcus McClinton. Jimmy Trodglen, Leaf Chronicle Newspaper reporter, tells us:

McClinton was in Lexington, Ky. over the weekend taking in Saturday's UK spring football game. He had a strong showing in the NFL Combine and the UK Pro Day, and had spoken with 22 of the league's teams leading up to the draft. If he makes the cut, McClinton would be the first player from the Fort Campbell/Clarksville area to play for an NFL team since Harry Galbreath played into the late '90s, owning stops with the Dolphins, Jets and Packers.

via www.baltimoresun.com, That would be Marcus saying, "Hello!"

From draftcountdown.com:

Was arrested in 2007 and charged with first-degree wanton endangerment after an incident involving the use of household products to make crude bombs...Solid all-around prospect with decent measurables who has the ability to contribute as a backup in the pros.

Oh boy. Bombs? Maybe he belongs on the special forces or...at safety. That's it, we'll put him at safety. Who knows. Why we'd pickup a late round/FA is beyond me unless we need some training camp fodder or special teamers.

Next up: LB Antonio Appelby. Big and fast (6-3 245 lbs, 4.67) he lacks the physical skills, but seems to know when it counts. Apparently, he improved his draft stock with excellent workouts.

via image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com, That's the Antonio "mean face"

draftcountdown.com says:

Was a three-year starter for the Cavaliers...Played immediately as a backup in every game as a true freshman in 2005...Helped his draft stock by working out much better than expected...Played inside in a 3-4 scheme at Virginia and that will be his optimal fit at the next level.

Antonio is vying for a spot at ILB. Luckily, the program is run by a former Patriots coach and the 3-4 should be familiar to Appelby. Again, more training camp muscle to play with, but who knows what the kid can do. Belichick has the answers. Hopefully, we all learn how to spell his last name (is it "le" or "el"?).

A year in the life ...

Ken Howlett — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:11:25 -0000

When Tru first approached me to become a front page author here at A Sea of Blue, I didn't hesitate. I've never told him this, but I had been waiting ... and waiting ... ever so patiently for him to ask me just that question -- "Would you like to join me on the front page?"

Well, Sunday April 12th, was the one-year anniversary of my first front page post here, at what I consider, the ultimate UK fan-based web-site: But boy, did I ever NOT know what I was getting into, or how much I would enjoy doing what I do. Nor did I realize the multitude of events that would transpire over my first year, eliciting opinions, analysis, and commentary over a range of topics that even the most seasoned, experienced, professional sports journalist would be envious of writing about.

My year began with:

Kentucky guard Derrick Jasper transferring to UNLV despite the best efforts of Billy Gillispie to retain his top "lead" guard prospect for the 2008-2009 season. At first fans were led to believe by some media members that Jasper felt unappreciated by the UK fan base, but of course that turned out to be false. He was seeking asylum ... so to speak. But the negativity surrounding his departure was quickly replaced by ...
Billy Gillispie's recruiting prowess ... which earned several front page posts early in my tenure: I wrote about Nicola Kecman, Bobby Maze, Vinny Zollo, Matthew Avery, Matt Pilgrim, Kevin Galloway and Josh Harrellson in the summer of '08. Gillispie it seemed, would stop at nothing to secure what he thought was the top talent available, regardless of geography, or more pointedly, the recruits date of birth, which led to ...
"Forward thinking recruiting" became a hot topic of discussion among the Big Blue faithful, as well as sports writers, and those charged with maintaining ethics in recruiting. Gillispie and UK were lambasted in the national press for offering scholarships to players not yet in high school. The NABC even chimed in with a "we don't approve" edict. But of course, Dick Vitale offered up congratulations and praise to Florida's Golden Boy, Billy Donovan, for snagging a commitment from high school freshman Austin Rivers. Aah, I just had to write about the hypocrisy.
What is still one of my favorite stories of last year -- Tennessee guard, and Maysville native Chris Lofton, revealing that he played his entire senior year after being diagnosed and treated for cancer -- Fans of UT, as well as UK, were busy theorizing why Lofton didn't quite seem himself. Some thought the loss of Dane Bradshaw somehow made Lofton's job tougher, because defenses could concentrate on Lofton. Wrong; the kid battled through chemotherapy, and the hell that goes with it, alone. He persevered, played, and in the end taught us all a lesson in what it means to have desire, heart, and will. * I think my column on Lofton is still my father's favorite post, so here it is pops, you can read it again.
After the transfer of Jasper, the question on the minds of 'Cat fans from Katmandu to Catlanta was --"Who is going to be UK's "lead" guard? Big Blue Nation's concern was to be validated in a most unpleasant fashion, and in the end may have cost a head coach his job.
Kelvin Sampson and his serial breaking of NCAA regulations next hit the headlines. While I'm not an IU hater, I couldn't resist writing that Indiana AD Rick Greenspan got exactly what he deserved: A major headache, and an evisceration at the hands of Hoosier fans everywhere.
Next in line was Brigid DeVries and the KHSAA -- I was the lone, and lonely voice of caution concerning the Dakota Euton/Chad Jackson transfer from Rose Hill Academy in Ashland, to Scott County High School -- My knowledge of rampant, and long-standing cheating by high schools around the Commonwealth was enough to throw up a red flag in this particular case -- But, KHSAA commissioner DeVries was unable to back-up her contention with evidence that the players should be ineligible, so in the end (and rightfully so) the two athletes were deemed eligible for competition for the Cardinals.
Changing the culture of UK football followed on the front pages -- With UK coming off two consecutive bowl game victories, the 2008 season stood to be a hallmark in the long and sad history of UK's pigskin struggles. Would "old Kentucky" rear it's ugly head yet again and produce a losing season, or would head coach Rich Brooks put together a third straight bowl-worthy season, topped by a bowl game win? Three consecutive bowl game appearances ... it hadn't happened since 1951 when Bear Bryant was calling the plays in Lexington. And UK, in 117 years of football, had never won three straight bowl games. The talk of breaking that notorious embarrassment was fairly positive, until ...
UK's presumed starting quarterback, Curtis Pulley, was kicked off the team. The "Ghosts in the House" were haunting the Kentucky football faithful once again.
But, a dominating 27-2 victory in the opening game versus the ranked and hated Louisville Cardinals, in their house no less (capped by a rumbling, stumbling 72 yard scamper by UK D-lineman Myron Pryor), buoyed optimism among 'Cat fans -- "Now, if Kentucky can only get an offense" was a theme that was to be repeated to a nauseating degree.
After six games UK's football team, standing at 4-2, and coming off two straight losses (Alabama, and South Carolina - Will UK ever beat Spurrier?) was staring demoralizing loss number three-in-a-row squarely in the face. When, versus Arkansas (down 20-7 with five minutes remaining), "new Kentucky" proved with ferocity that these 'Cats were indeed in possession of multiple lives, and at least five good minutes -- A forced fumble led to a Michael Hartline 32 yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb, making the score 20-14 with 4:15 remaining; On Arkansas' next possession UK's defense held the Razorbacks to a four-and-out, UK capitalized with a Hartline 21 yard touchdown pass to Cobb, giving UK the lead at 21-20 with 2:21 remaining; And finally, with 1:07 left on the clock UK's Marcus McClinton intercepted a Casey Dick pass to complete the improbable comeback. The game epitomized grabbing victory from the brutal jaws of defeat -- Unfortunately, a series of SEC losses would follow, leaving a once promising Kentucky football team grasping for one last victory to gain bowl eligibility.
While Wildcat football fans are surely loyal to a fault, the Nations attention turns to the hardwood when November rolls around. But, a little three-point-happy team arrived at Rupp with arms cocked and victory on their minds, carrying with them the first sign of the trouble that awaited the loyal lovers of the Blue and White: It could be heard from Pike County to the Jackson Purchase ... "VMI, not again!!"
After losses to VMI, North Carolina,and at home to Miami, the frustration of Patrick Patterson not getting enough touches epitomizes my thoughts on the early season 'Cats.
It was around Christmas that many UK fans, including myself, began to realize that Billy Gillispie was most definitely NOT the type of basketball coach the we here in the Commonwealth have grown accustomed to watching -- His peculiar methods, highlighted by head-scratching substitution patterns, in-game decision-making, and media style, while not an indictment of his abilities, were certainly causing an inordinate amount of angst among many fans.
The New Year, though, began with a couple of events which heightened the spirits of UK supporters everywhere ...
Although I didn't write a post-Liberty Bowl victory piece, I reveled in the victory none-the-less. The 25-19 win over East Carolina ended the season just as it began: With a lineman, this time Ventrell Jenkins, scurrying into the end zone on a 56-yard fumble return to secure victory. A 7-6 season, and third straight bowl victory, despite all the team's injuries, made the UK win over ECU as sweet as any in recent memory.
My elation with the UK football bowl win was quickly followed by, at first heartbreak, and then a feeling of promise, after UK's close road basketball loss (73-70) to the Louisville Cardinals. The hard-court 'Cats, coming off a string of blowout wins over lesser opponents, seemed to be "coming together" as the SEC slate neared. And taking the highly ranked Cards to the brink of defeat only added to the optimism most UK fans felt.
But, who knew that only nine days later the 'Cats would reach the apex of their season behind an extraordinary 54-point performance by Jodie Meeks, resulting in a blowout win on the court of the Tennessee Vols. Meeks' unbelievable display of shooting was simply the best one-man, one-game accomplishment that I have ever witnessed at the high school or collegiate level of competition. But, oh, the end was near ...
In my view, the beginning of the end of the 'Cat's season began with UK's trip to Oxford, Mississippi to take on the Ole Miss Rebels. Shorthanded, because of a string of decimating injuries to three starters, including their All-SEC caliber point guard Chris Warren, Andy Kennedy's club played like they wanted the win. Sadly, Kentucky responded with an incomplete performance; something we would all become much to familiar with.
Following the Ole Miss loss, UK would lose consecutive games at home to South Carolina and Mississippi State which "propelled" the 'Cats to a 3-8 finish in the SEC. The nadir of the season took place in UK's own hallowed Rupp Arena: A 90-85 loss to the SEC's worst team, the Georgia Bulldogs.
I didn't know it at the time, but the Georgia loss, coupled with some unfortunate comments by coach Billy Gillispie, probably sealed the fate of UK's head honcho. There was to come a symphony of "should he stay, or should he go" commentary from the keyboards of bloggers, and sports writers around the nation. And with UK's NIT quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame, Mitch Barnhart and Lee Todd began the task of saving their own jobs with ...
An at-bat that could only result in a four-bagger ... or the consequences would be grave.
But, we fans now enter into a new era. An era filled with optimism and hope for the future: The hiring of John Calipari has lifted the spirits of the Kentucky faithful to heights unmatched in a decade. So with the future bright, we continue the march ...

Along the way I have had the great pleasure of interviewing some of the greatest players to ever don the Blue and White: Louie Dampier, Cotton Nash, Bob Burrow, Mike Pratt, Jeff Sheppard, and Dicky Lyons, Jr.. The late, great Kentucky Wildcat Mike Casey, while in a hospital bed undergoing tests and treatement, spent an-hour-and-fifteen-minutes out of his day to talk to me about his memories of his days playing for the 'Cats. It is a conversation that I will treasure until the day I meet my Maker.

For all of this I have one man to thank, and that is our fearless leader, Truzenzuzex. The opportunity to share my thoughts with you on UK, and all things Kentucky-related is due to the incredible generosity of Tru -- The fact that he deemed me worthy to share front page space with him on A Sea of Blue; the fact that he has been a sounding-board for ideas; the fact that he has always, without fail, given me solid advice and encouraging words leaves me indebted to him in a way that I will never be able to repay.

Finally, I must emphasize: I truly enjoy the discourse, debate, and discussion we partake in here at ASoB, and for that I must thank the readers and contributors. While we may not always agree with each other, we have been able to maintain quality conversations and dialog, which only enriches the "fan" experience. So, thank you readers. Without you, Tru, I, and BIgSky would be writing to the beat of sage brush blowing through the "Sea."

With all sincerety, and as always,

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Georgia on my mind

Truzenzuzex — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 05:22:45 -0000

So the time has come for us to face another top SEC in the form of the 14th ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Despite their lofty ranking, the Dawgs limp into Commonwealth Stadium after a rather embarrassing tangle with the Florida Gators down in Jacksonville in which the Bulldogs were on the short end of a 49-10 score.

So now, two teams meet on Saturday, one Red and Black, one Blue and White, one canine, one feline, one and SEC perennial power, the other a perennial doormat that has transformed itself into a competitive program. The only thing these two teams really have in common of late are that they have both had the experience of passing through the Gator intestine.

So let's have a quick look at the general areas of both teams and how they compare:

Offensive line

The Georgia offensive line has been devastated by injury, and that is one very big reason that the Dawgs have not met the lofty national expectations most pundits had for them this year. Lost are two of Georgia's best linemen, and that has made Matthew Stafford more vulnerable to the sack and allowed opponents to stack the box against Knowshon Moreno, as Kyle King discussed in our Q&A just below.

Kentucky has also taken a hit on the offensive line, with Stuart Hines out indefinitely and Jess Beets lost for the season to an ACL, and UK is currently operating only two deep on many offensive line positions. On the good side, Kentucky has recently regained the services of Justin Jeffries.

There is really not that much difference between these two lines except for depth and experience -- Georgia has more of the former and less of the latter. Close call.

Advantage -- Even

Offensive skill positions

Let's see here: For skill players, Georgia has the SEC's third leading rusher (Knowshon Moreno), the SEC's leading passer (Matthew Stafford), the SEC's leading receiver (A.J. Green) and 8th leading receiver (Mohamed Massaquoi), the fourth leading scorer and second leading all-purpose yards player (Moreno).

As for Kentucky, well, we don't lead the SEC in any offensive category. We don't have a player in the top five in any offensive category. In short, UK's offense is just plain offensive. The closest we come, believe it or not, is Mike Hartline, who is 8th in the SEC in passing.

Advantage -- Georgia by a country mile

Defensive line

The Dawgs have one excellent defensive line. #2 against the SEC in run defense, Georgia knows how to keep opposing backs from getting downfield. Georgia has held opponents to 88 yards/game on average, and that includes the 185 yards they gave up against the Gators. Georgia also has the leading tackler in the SEC in linebacker Rennie Curran.

But in the passing game, the Dawgs are not nearly as strong. Georgia is 10th in the SEC in sacks, and has only five QB Hurries on the season.

Kentucky's defensive line, on the other hand, is only 8th in rushing defense, but it is #2 in quarterback sacks, #2 in tackles for loss, and has 10 QB hurries on the season. The Kentucky defensive line also returns Myron Pryor to the starting lineup, and that will be a big help, since he has been mostly unavailable for the last 4 weeks.

Advantage -- Kentucky by a whisker

Defensive secondary

Georgia struggles defending the pass, and is 11th in passing defense in the SEC. That is a bit of a surprise considering how athletic they are in the secondary. Georgia also finds itself in the bottom third of the league in pass interceptions, and has no player in the top ten in that statistic.

Kentucky, on the other hand, is fifth against the pass, fourth in interceptions and has two players with four or more picks -- Trevard Lindley and Marcus McClinton. Kentucky has been good against the pass most of the year, and has picked off a pass in each of its last five games. In fact, the 'Cats have at least one pick in every game this year except one.

Advantage -- Kentucky

Fumbles and turnover margin

Kentucky leads the SEC in fumbles forced with 12, and Georgia is 11th with 4. Kentucky also leads the league in fumbles recovered with 17, while Georgia is again near the bottom with only 3.

On the other side, Kentucky is 8th in the league in fumbles lost with 8, while Georgia is tied for second with only 4. In turnover margin, Kentucky is second in the league with +14 (+1.75/game) while Georgia is sixth with -1 (-0.11/game)

Advantage --Kentucky

Special teams

Despite having special teams faux pas that have lead to embarrassing short-field situations and were in no small part responsible for the ridiculous score in Gainesville, both Georgia and Kentucky have adequate special teams. Neither of them stands out in any particular statistic except Georgia in punt returns (2nd in the SEC) and Kentucky in kick returns (3rd in the SEC).

Advantage -- Even

Intangibles

Playing the game in Commonwealth Stadium is a clear advantage for the Kentucky Wildcats, and Georgia has dropped perhaps more than their fair share of games in the friendly confines of the Bluegrass. The last time the Dawgs trundled into town, the 'Cats sent them home bloody.

But Georgia is coming off an embarrassing loss to Florida, and they will be looking for something to take that out on. The downside of that loss as far as motivation is concerned is the fact that most of their pre-season goals went down the tubes with that debacle in Jacksonville.

Advantage -- Kentucky by a little

Overall

The bottom line is that Kentucky is going to have to play some of its best football of the season to get the W here. Georgia is far more talented offensively, and while Kentucky has a strong defense, they are not likely to be strong enough to keep the powerful Bulldog offense from getting in the end zone.

Conversely, Kentucky's offense has been very weak, and even though we are not facing the toughest defense in the SEC, Georgia is more than capable of keeping UK out of the end zone much of the game. It will take a special performance by our offense to keep this game competitive. Randall Cobb must do things much better than he did against Mississippi State, especially in the first half of that game.

Overall, if UK can play solid defense, force a few three-and-outs, and turn the Dawgs over some, they have a chance at this game. If UK allows Knowshon Moreno to run amok in the secondary, nothing can save them from defeat. I think Lindley can handle A.J. Green, but I'm not sure UK can handle the combination of Green, Massaquoi and Moreno.

Since I have called every game for Kentucky this year, I see no reason to change. UK gets the win, 24-21.

UK vs. Mississippi St.: Stats, thoughts, and a prediction

Ken Howlett — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:48:18 -0000

This is a game UK absolutely must win if they are the least bit interested in reaching seven wins, thus assuring a bowl bid. But, if Kentucky is looking for that extra bit of motivation for their game (otherwise known as a 'must win') at Mississippi State (3-5 overall, 1-3 in the SEC) today, they only need to look at last week's scoreboard, and last year's MSU contest.

There's no need to rehash the 63-5 "Swamp Stomp." If a 58 point loss doesn't motivate ya, you can turn in your equipment at the Nutter Center. As for last year's UK home loss to MSU (31-14); that game served as the lowest point in the season, because Kentucky lost to a team that they were much better than, and they lost at home. It can best be described as an uninspired effort. Three UK turnovers, along with Bulldog running backs Anthony Dixon and Christian Ducre ensured UK's unexpected demise at the hands of MSU.

For those Kentucky players who participated in both last years MSU debacle and last week's Gator death-dive, this is what you've been waiting for; an opportunity to redeem yourself.

Mississippi State's Wins and Losses

MSU's wins have come against Southeastern Louisiana (34-10), Vanderbilt (17-14), and Middle Tennessee (31-22). Although they have only those three victories, they have won two of their last three games. MSU has lost to Louisiana Tech (24-14), Auburn (3-2, yes, 3-2), Georgia Tech (38-7), LSU (34-24), and Tennessee (34-3).

Mississippi St. Offensive Personnel of Interest

Quarterback Tyson Lee: 5'11", 190 lb junior -- Lee took over the starting quarterback spot from Wesley Carrol in the LSU game (five games ago), and has played solidly since. On the year, Lee has completed 88 of 141 passes (62.4%) for 858 yards and two touchdowns. Lee came to MSU in January from Itawamba Community College in Mississippi, where he was named a JUCO 1st Team All-America. In his two year JUCO career he threw for 4,432 yards and 31 touchdowns (he completed over 65% of his passes). The Bulldogs are 2-2 in his four starts, and he has provided the Dogs with a definite upgrade in their passing game.

Running back Anthony Dixon: 6'1", 238 lb junior -- Dixon is MSU's experienced, workhorse back. In his three year career he has played in 33 games, with 25 starts. This year Dixon has rushed for 599 yards (74.9 yards per game), he averages 4.3 yards per carry. He's also scored six touchdowns. For his career, Dixon has ran for 2,333 yards and 29 touchdowns. Dixon can also catch the ball; this year he has made eight catches for 49 yards.

Last year, in MSU's upset win over the 'Cats, Dixon rushed 25 times for 75 yards, with a receiving and rushing touchdown.

Running back Christian Ducre: 6'0", 227 lb junior -- The Tulane transfer has rushed for 217 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per rush with two touchdowns. Ducre is also the third leading receiver on the MSU squad, catching 13 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.

Last year versus UK Ducre had a huge game: 19 rushes for 119 yards and one touchdown (a 34 yard run), which happened to seal the win for the 'Dogs. He also caught five passes for 30 yards.

Wide receiver Brandon MCrae: 6'4", 205 lb junior -- The Morehead State transfer leads the Bulldogs in receptions (37) and receiving yards with 361. He's also scored two touchdowns. Last year he played in 13 games where he caught two passes for 50 yards.

Wide receiver Aubrey Bell: 6'3", 216 lb senior -- Bell, MSU's second leading receiver, has made 25 catches for 213 yards. For his career Bell has 49 catches for 575 yards and one touchdown.

Last year versus UK, Bell made two catches for 25 yards.

Wide receiver Co-Eric Riley: 6'1", 202 lb senior -- Riley has caught 10 passes for 92 yards this year. In his 20 game career Riley has made 18 catches for 160 yards.

Mississippi State Defensive Personnel of Interest

Defensive Back Derek Pegues: 5'10", 190 lb senior -- Pegues is the Bulldog's Mr. Do-it-all. He not only mans one of the corner back spots, where he has 31 tackles and one interception, but he's also the team's most valuable special teams member: He is MSU's primary kick returner, returning 17 punts for 137 yards (8.1 average), and twenty-three kick-offs for 531 yards (23.1 average). Pegues has 4.4 speed. He was considered one of the top high school players in the nation in 2004.

Linebacker Dominic Douglas: 6'2", 235 lb senior -- Douglas leads the 'Dogs defense with 58 tackles and four tackles for loss. In his year-and-a-half career, the JUCO transfer has made 136 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and one sack.

Linebacker K. J. Wright: 6'3", 226 lb sophomore -- Wright has 40 tackles, with 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Last year versus UK, Wright made a special teams fumble recovery.

Free safety Keith Fitzhugh: 5'11", 205 lb senior -- This year Fitzhugh has made 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, with one sack and two interceptions. For his career Fitzhugh has six interceptions. He is another very quick Bulldog defensive back (4.4 speed).

Defensive tackle Cortez McCraney: 6'4", 280 lb senior -- The big man in the middle has made 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. The Memphis transfer started four games last year, making 24 tackles (4.5 tackles for loss). McCraney played only one year of high school ball.

Center J.C. Brignone: 6'1", 290 lb sophomore -- Brignone is the reigning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after his performance against Middle Tennessee last week.

MSU Stats

MSU averages 16.5 points per game, and gives up 22.1 points per game.
MSU averages 3.4 yards per rush as a team, and allows 4.0 yards per rush.
MSU only averages 294.9 yards of total offense per game, but they give up only 298.6 total yards per game.
MSU averages only 36.5 yards per punt.
MSU converts 36% of their third down tries, but they hold their opponents to only a 33% conversion rate.
MSU is 18-27 (67%) in the red zone, and they've only scored 15 touchdowns (56%) in those 27 red zone visits.
MSU's opponents are 22-26 (85%) in red zone visits, but they have scored only 14 touchdowns (54%).
MSU has been outscored 48-37 in the fourth quarter.
MSU place kicker Adam Carlson has made only 6-10 field goal attempts. He's missed from 18, 32, 38, and 39 yards, but he's 3-3 from 40-49 yards (this is what makes coaches go crazy). Carlson also handles the kick-off duties where he has recorded zero touch backs.

UK vs. MSU SEC Statistical Comparison - SEC rank in parenthesis.

Scoring - UK 22.9 ppg (6th), MSU 16.5 ppg (12th).
Scoring defense - UK 18.2 ppg (7th), MSU 22.1 ppg (9th).
Total offense - UK 317.8 (8th), MSU 294.9 (9th).
Total defense - UK 302.6 (8th), MSU 298.6 (7th).
Rushing offense - UK 125.5 (9th), MSU 120.9 (10th).
Rushing defense - UK 137.4 (10th), MSU 144.5 (11th).
Pass offense - UK 192.2 (7th), MSU 174.0 (8th).
Pass defense - UK 165.2 (3rd), MSU 154.1 (2nd).
Sacks by - UK 19 (2nd), MSU 12 (t11th).
Sacks against - UK 7 (1st), MSU 19 (10th).
3rd Down conversions - UK 30.9% (12th), MSU 36.1 (8th).
Opp's 3rd Down conversions - UK 26.1% (3rd), MSU 33.0% (6th).
Turnover margin - UK +7 (2nd), MSU -4 (8th).

UK SEC Statistical Leaders

Receptions per game - 1. Dicky Lyons 5.5 pg.
Kick-off return average - 6. Derrick Locke 28.5 pr.
All-Purpose yardage - 6. Derrick Locke 116.0 ypg.
Punting - 1. Tim Masthay 46.0 ypp.
Tackles - t7. Braxton Kelley 8.0 pg, 9. Micah Johnson 7.7 pg.
Interceptions - t2. Trevard Lindley 4, t2. Marcus McClinton 4.

Final Thoughts

I think Randall Cobb makes the difference today. MSU coach Sylvester Croom should see things today out of Cobb that he hasn't seen on tape; Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips should have in place a number of sets, looks, and plays that we have yet to see this year. With this game serving as Cobb's first college start, I feel something special is about to happen.

If not ... I don't even want to ponder the implications of UK being 5-4 instead of 6-3.

I'm going optimistic .. UK - 24 MSU - 16

Thanks for reading, and Go Cats! beat the 'Dogs.

So Randall Cobb is our starting quarterback. What now?

Truzenzuzex — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:42:00 -0000

So what has changed as a result of the Florda game? Micah Johnson has re-injured his sprained ankle and is doubtful. Marcus McClinton's knee is a bit worse, Myron Pyor is still out, Kyrus Lanxter is still down with a knee, Ricky Lumpkin has a strained calf, Justin Jeffries and Maurice Grinter are banged up, as is Josh Minton. Dicky Lyons and Derrick Locke are both still out for the season (Yes, we have no miracles today). Finally, Randall Cobb is now the starting quarterback

The Wildcats are still far from 100% healthy as they head down to Starkville to take on the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, and MSU is much, much healthier than Kentucky with only one minor injury and one major injury. What this means is that even though UK is facing a foothill instead of Mt. Everest relatively speaking, the Wildcats still have a hill to climb against a team that went bowling last year.

Injuries are a part of football, and as much as we moan and groan about them, UK's troubles are absolutely nothing compared to what the Georgia Bulldogs have been dealing with -- they have 10 players with long-term injuries, seven of which are season-ending, and they just undressed LSU in Death Valley, 52-38. When you are in the SEC, injuries must be overcome, and great teams overcome them.

OK, so Kentucky is not a great team this year, but can they become a competent one? So far, UK is adequate only on defense, as even giving up 63 points to the Gators moved Kentucky down from #1 to just #7 in scoring defense. Obviously, the 'Cats defense is better than that, but a combination of injuries and a red hot Florida offense made them look like a high school team. The real problem, though is UK's offense, which has not been competent against SEC competition. Yes, it has had a few good moments in the Alabama and Arkansas game, but generally speaking, the Wildcat offense has put tremendous pressure on the defense to carry the load.

Will that change with Randall Cobb now at the helm? Obviously, we hope so, and Brooks at least thinks it may or he wouldn't have made the move. Don't think for a minute that Rich Brooks isn't stubborn enough to thumb his nose at Kentucky fans who have been screaming at the top of their collective lungs for Randall Cobb at QB if he thinks the things that are going wrong can't be corrected to some extent with this move. The fact that Brooks is making it is really a confirmation that the situation looks to Brooks pretty much like it looks to the rest of us -- Cobb provides an extra dimension that appears to take UK's offense from futility to some semblance of proficiency, something Kentucky has only known against inferior competition this year. Is a merely competent offense enough to overcome our other problems? We won't know until Saturday.

I know this is obvious, but it bears repeating -- the biggest thing Cobb can give UK at quarterback is the ability to sustain favorable field position by moving the football. Yes, points are important also, but Kentucky has been able to beat opponents this year by keeping them in a hole and forcing turnovers and mistakes. Against three of our last four opponents, UK was unable to do that with any consistency. Even if a drive doesn't score, if it keeps the defense off the field a while and backs the opponent up to near their goal line, it has to be considered a strategic success.

Tactically, though, Kentucky needs to start putting points on the board. That begins with getting the football back into the red zone with some semblance of regularity, and getting at least three points out of those efforts. SEC teams are going to score on Kentucky, but they will score way less if the 'Cats keep them pinned down and our defense as fresh as possible. That gives the 'Cats an opportunity to be in every game.

Another thing Cobb brings to the table that couldn't be found under Hartline is a constant threat of a big play, which he can make either with his feet or with his arm. Cobb's mobility forces linebackers to always be concerned about him, the pass rush to be more conservative, and blitzes much more dangerous. That puts pressure on defenses, especially linebackers, not to make bad judgments or face the possibility of turning a running back or Cobb loose in the secondary. That makes scoring points when the Wildcats get behind much more probable.

The other thing Cobb brings, in my opinion, is confidence. It has been clear to me, as it has to others, that the offense has lost much of its confidence in Mike Hartline's ability to run the team. It isn't all Hartline's fault, but as I have said before, UK needs to forget about blaming people and start looking for ways to fix the problem. Cobb's presence gives the offense more confidence, and that is very important. A confident offense is a dangerous offense, as we all well remember from the gunslinging days of André Woodson & Co.

Finally, Cobb gives UK a look for which there is precious little tape for opponents to study. Cobb has been used sparingly at quarterback, and he gives Phillips the freedom to call plays that the opponents simply haven't seen, which is always an advantage, and Kentucky needs every advantage they can find against SEC opponents on the road. Mississippi State may not be as threatening a competitor as the Gators this year, but last year Brooks & Co. took the Bulldogs for granted, and they sent UK fans home from Commonwealth Stadium with frowns instead of smiles.

In the final analysis, Cobb's presence under center makes UK's offense look much more threatening than Hartline has this year. A lot of that is because of Kentucky's youth and inexperience at wide receiver, but as I said earlier, blame is not relevant here. What is relevant is making the offense a genuine threat, and taking some of the pressure off a defense that is trying to get healthy enough to compete for the SEC stretch run. It's a sure bet that if Cobb can't get that done, his stint at starting QB will be a short one.

63-5: Will UK redefine the moment?

Ken Howlett — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:18:39 -0000

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!