SB Nation - E.J. Adams

UK Football: Spring Practice Wrap-Up -- The Receivers

Ken Howlett — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:06:41 -0000

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

For most Kentucky football fans, the '08 season was filled with frustrations -- Frustration with the quarterback situation, frustration with injuries, and finally, frustration with the receivers inability to catch the ball.

Whether one receivers "dropsies" were contagious, or if the group of young wide-outs were overly anxious to execute the catch-and-run, the sad fact is that many times they forgot the initial phase of the operation, which is to "catch."

Most blame the youth of the 2008 receiving corps as the primary culprit for their collective misdeeds, and if that is indeed the case, hopefully, for the sanity of UK fans and the sanctity of the program, we'll witness a maturity upgrade in the '09 season.

UK's 2008 Receiver Numbers

Points Per Game -- 22.6

First Downs Receiving -- 98

Average Yards Per Reception -- 9.8

Average Yards Per WR Reception -- 9.7

Average Yards Per TE Reception -- 15.0

Wide Receiver Touchdowns -- 6

Tight End Touchdowns -- 2

The Receivers

Players lost to graduation/injury: Dicky Lyons, Jr -- Lyons played in only six games before injuring his knee. He caught 33 passes for 264 yards (8.0 yards per catch), and two touchdowns. DeMoreo Ford played in seven games before sustaining a career-ending injury. He caught three passes for 56 yards (18.7 ypc), and one touchdown.

Returning players of note: Randall Cobb 5-11, 190 lb sophomore -- 21 catches for 197 yards (9.4 ypc), and two touchdowns. Kyrus Lanxter 6-2, 195 lb junior -- 23 catches for 196 yards (8.5 ypc), and one touchdown. Gene McCaskill 6-0, 175 lb sophomore -- 15 catches for 182 yards (12.1 ypc). E.J. Adams 6-0, 200 lb senior -- 14 catches for 180 yards (12.9 ypc). E. J. Fields 6-2, 190 lb sophomore -- No receptions last year (converted defensive back). Eric Adeyemi 6-0, 170 lb sophomore -- 13 catches for 108 yards (8.3 ypc). Aaron Boyd 6-3, 210 lb sophomore -- Five catches for 46 yards (9.2 ypc). Matt Roark 6-6, 200 lb sophomore -- One catch for 16 yards. Nick Melillo 6-2, 215 lb junior -- No receptions last year (walk-on).

Everybody; the fans, the coaching staff, and the media, knew going into the 2008 football season that the receiver position was a huge question mark for the Kentucky football team. After losing Steve Johnson, Keenan Burton and Jacob Tamme to graduation, the 'Cats were left with only two experienced receivers (Dicky Lyons, Jr and DeMoreo Ford), and a host of freshman and sophomore talent that had caught nary a pass, much less tasted the end zone.

Unfortunately, Lyons suffered a season-ending injury in the sixth game of the year versus South Carolina, and Ford never was fully healthy (knee), playing in only seven games, and eventually calling it a career after suffering a concussion versus Mississippi State on November 1, 2008 (doctors advised Ford to give up football). Adding to the misery was Aaron Boyd's (the highest rated UK receiver recruit in recent memory) fall fight with mononucleosis, which stole all-important practice repetitions away from the talented receiver, and ultimately led to his meager production.

What head coach Rich Brooks was left with was a receiver corps apt to drop passes, apt to run the wrong routes, and apt to run before making the catch.

A receiving corps, that at the end of spring practice, had Rich Brooks singing the praises of walk-on Nick Melillo, a Trinity High School grad, who had four catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue-White Game:

"He's going to move ahead of some scholarship players. Right now he deserves a better look, and he deserves to move up the depth chart."

Joker Phillips also loves the kid Melillo:

"He's 100 mile per hour on every play. I told him he needed to gain weight and he could possibly be a guy like Jacob (Tamme). He comes back and he's gained 15, 20 pounds in the off-season. He does everything you ask him. He's a coach's dream. He's a tough kid."

Sounds like "Rudy" with talent.

If I were anyone other than Randall Cobb, I would be looking in the rear-view mirror, because everybody's job is up for grabs.

Brooks even took a stab at his receiving corps, disguised as praise for Cobb:

"He reminded me of Dicky Lyons. He made a one-handed grab that was behind him, and got it and gained extra yards. Those are the plays we need our receivers to make from time to time."

He's right about Cobb; he can be very special, but he needs help.

Similar to last season, the question in '09 is; who will take the pressure off Cobb? Who will emerge as a legitimate receiving threat, so Cobb won't have to endure double and triple-coverage all night, as Dicky Lyons did last year.

As of now, the top candidates are: Kyrus Lanxter, Gene McCaskill, and Eric Adeyemi. All are blessed with tremendous speed (along with Cobb, possibly the fleetest group of wide-outs in UK history), and the talent to out-maneuver their secondary counterparts. But, will they catch the ball? Will they demand an honest secondary?

I wish I had the answer.

In the late spring, however, Phillips had some complimentary words for at least two Wildcat receivers:

"Gene McCaskill continues to get better. I think he's got a chance to help us. I've got to get E.J. Fields coming because he's got a great body and great speed and he's got to help us. We've got to continue to get him better."

How the receivers perform this season will determine just how effective UK's offense will be. And if they continue down their current path, UK will be (to borrow a hardwood phrase) easy to guard. The opposing D-coordinators will have an elementary game-plan to put together -- "Spy" Cobb, and close hard on (Derrick) Locke and (Alfonso) Smith.

Maddening in all of this chaos, is the fact that all of UK's receivers are blessed with serious break-away speed; they can all gain separation on their defenders; and they all possess the physical tools of the trade. But, they must conquer the three mental aspects of the game -- Concentration, execution, and CONCENTRATION.

Freshman Receivers of Note

Chris Matthews 6-5 , 210 lbs -- The Los Angeles Harbor College transfer has two seasons of eligibility remaining, and he is expected to contribute right away. He's a Rivals 4-star recruit, and one of the top-10 JUCO prospects in the nation. Last year Matthews caught 80 passes for 1,235 yards and 11 touchdowns in only nine games. He runs a 4.5-40, and will push Kyrus Lanxter, Gene McCaskill, and Eric Adeyemi for playing time. He attended Dorsey High School, in Los Angeles.

Brian Adams 6-4, 210 lbs -- The Gainesville, Georgia native runs a 4.4-40, and will get a look at the receiver spot, as well as a possible punt returner. Adams is a 3-star recruit who played quarterback in high school.

North Hardin's LaRod King (6-6, 190 lbs) will also have the opportunity to earn some playing time in '09. He's a Rivals and Scout 3-star recruit who displayed his versatility in high school by playing quarterback, receiver, tight end, safety, and on special teams. Justin Bean (6-2, 180 lbs), a Tupelo, Mississippi product, is another freshman who will get a look at the wide-out spot. He's a 2-star recruit who caught 35 passes for 753 yards and six touchdowns in his senior season.

The Tight Ends

Players lost to graduation: Zero.

Returning players of note: Maurice Grinter 6-3, 260 lb senior -- 12 catches for 162 yards (13.5 ypc) and two touchdowns. T. C. Drake 6-6, 235 lb senior -- 12 catches for 204 yards (17.0 ypc). Ross Bogue 6-5, 250 lb senior -- One catch for eight yards.

The tight ends represent Kentucky's most solid offensive position on the field. UK returns experience, talent, athleticism, and depth at a position I thought was the most underused on the field last season.

Grinter, Drake, and Bogue all possess soft hands, and nimble feet. They provide the quarterback with a large target area, and an ability to make yards after the catch. While all three are terrific down-field blockers, I would like to see the trio thrown toward much more often.

Bogue came out of the spring No. 1 on the depth chart, but I expect Grinter to eventually win the job.

*T.C. Drake underwent successful sports hernia surgery earlier in the spring, but is expected to be a full strength by fall camp.

CliffsNotes Analysis

Randall Cobb is a stud, we all know that, but it will take more than Cobb's considerable talents to win football games in the SEC. That's just one more reason I would like to see UK's talented trio of tight ends utilized more effectively. With the receiving corps still posing a huge question mark, Grinter and company are answers, sitting there, unused.

Because of this (an unstable group of receivers), I foresee a major battle at the wide-out position this fall. Possibly coming out victorious in one of those battles with be JUCO transfer Chris Matthews. He has an excellent chance to earn a starting nod over one of the returning receivers, because of his demonstrable ability to catch the ball, while possessing the same speed numbers as his teammates. While it took UK's last JUCO receiver, the ultra-talented Steve Johnson, a full year to make an impact, Matthews isn't competing with Keenan Burton and Dicky Lyons for playing time. I look for this JUCO to receive serious consideration for meaningful game action.

Frankfort High product, and converted cornerback E.J. Fields also provides an interesting option for "head coach of the offense," Joker Phillips. Fields is sure-handed and as athletic as anyone on the offensive side of the ball. And, the fact that he was asked to make the switch to a very crowded position tells me that the coaches like his chances of seeing the field.

But, regardless of which player, or players, cut to the front of the line, it should be an interesting fall camp as it pertains to the receiver slot. Lots of competition, and lots of eyeballs monitoring the progress of that competition.

The bottom line, though, is simple -- They have to be better, much better than they were last year, if UK hopes to continue the upward tic that they have carved out over the last three years.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

UK vs. Arkansas: For the 'Cats, as "must win" as it gets

Ken Howlett — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:38:17 -0000

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).

Arkansas Related Statistics

Arkansas scores only 18.7 points per game, while giving up 35.3.
Arkansas averages 3.8 yards per rush, while giving up 4.8 yards per carry.
Arkansas has turned the ball over 14 times (five fumbles and nine interceptions), compared to only six takeaways (five interceptions and one fumble recovery). The 'Backs have had 10 opportunities to recover fumbles but gathered in only the one.
Arkansas quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times.
Arkansas has been outscored 48-3 in the fourth quarter.
Arkansas averages 362.8 total yards per game, but they give up 355.5 yards per game.
Arkansas is 13-16 (11 touchdowns) in red zone scoring opportunities. Their opponents are 18-22 (14 touchdowns) in the red zone.
Opponents are converting 41% of their third downs against Arkansas.
Arkansas opponents are averaging 183 yards rushing versus the Razorbacks.
Alabama running back Glen Coffee ran for 162 yards versus Arkansas ('Bama had 328 total rushing yards). By way of comparison, Coffee ran for 218 yards on 25 carries versus UK, and Alabama had 282 total rushing yards.
The University of Texas recorded seven sacks versus the Razorbacks.

The Razorback Schedule

Arkansas has defeated Division I-AA Western Illinois 28-24, Sun Belt member La.-Monroe 28-27, and Auburn 25-22. They've lost to #9 Alabama 49-14, #7 Texas 52-10, and #12 Florida 38-7.

Which one of these doesn't belong? Think Sesame Street.

Never have I been so surprised than to see Arkansas beat Auburn, on the road. Their other five games are rather uneventful; the 'Backs were soundly defeated by the big boys, and they beat a couple of teams that they should have, but sticking out like P Pat's new coif is the Auburn game. We all know that the Tigers have had trouble scoring, so much so, that they ('they' being Tommy Tuberville) fired new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin after only five games. To say that things are in disarray in Dixie would be an understatement.

A closer look at the Arkansas vs. Auburn game revealed a few revelations of note:

Auburn couldn't run the ball -- The Tigers ran for only 56 yards, which was good for only a 1.7 yards per carry average.
Arkansas could run the ball -- Tailback Michael Smith had a career day; rushing 35 time for 176 yards and a score. As a team the Razorbacks ran for 188 yards (4.3 yards per carry).
Since Auburn couldn't run the ball, Arkansas controlled the clock -- The Razorbacks won the time of possession battle 35:02 to 24:58.
Auburn quarterbacks Kodi Burns and Chris Todd were atrocious -- The two combined to go 10-28 for 137 and three interceptions.
Auburn had their chances to put the game away, but failed to deliver -- The Tigers were only two of five in the red zone. In the three unsuccessful trips they threw an interception, turned the ball over on downs (they had the ball 1st and Goal from the five yard line), and missed a field goal.
Arkansas converted their third downs -- The 'Backs were 8-17 on their attempts, while Auburn, unable to run or throw, converted only 4-15.
Both teams turned the ball over three times.
Total offense=total domination -- Arkansas 416 yards, Auburn 193 yards.
Casey Dick was serviceable -- The Razorback signal-caller was 17-32 for 222 yards and two interceptions. Well, on second thought, 'serviceable,' is being kind.

UK and Arkansas -- An SEC Stat Comparison

Scoring -- UK averages 26.2 points per game (6th in the SEC), Arkansas averages 18.7 (10th).
Scoring Defense -- UK allows 10.5 points per game (1st), Arkansas gives up 35.3 points per game (12th).
Total offense -- UK gains 317 yards per game (8th), Arkansas gains 362.8 (6th).
Total defense -- UK holds opponents to 274.2 yards per game (5th), Arkansas gives up 355.5 yards per game (12th).
Rush offense -- UK averages 129.2 yards per game (8th), Arkansas averages 115.2 (11th).
Rush defense -- UK gives up 108.2 yards per game (6th), Arkansas gives up 183.0 yards per game (12th).
Pass offense -- UK throws for 187.8 yards per game (7th), Arkansas throws for 247.7 yards per game (2nd).
Pass defense -- UK gives up 166.0 yards through the air (4th), Arkansas gives up 172.7 yards per game (5th).
Kick-off returns -- UK averages 29.4 yards per return (1st), Arkansas averages 21.9 yards per return (8th).
Punt returns -- UK averages 11.5 on punt returns, Arkansas averages 5.7 yards per return (11th).
Kick-off coverage -- UK nets 46.4 yards per kick-off (2nd), Arkansas nets 36.8 yards per kick-off (12th).
Sacks against -- UK has allowed four sacks (1st), Arkansas has allowed 21 sacks (11th).
Opponents third down conversions -- UK allows a 29.3% conversion rate (4th), Arkansas allows a 41.0% conversion rate (11th).
Third down conversions -- UK converts 30.1% of their third downs (11th), Arkansas converts 39.8% of their third downs (7th).
Turnover margin -- UK is +7 (t2nd), Arkansas is - 8 (12th).

What Must Happen Offensively

Kentucky has to win this game. They just have to. But how ...

In order for UK to come out victorious Saturday night they must run the ball better than they have all year. With Tony Dixon out with an injury, Derrick Locke and Alfonso Smith will be receiving the bulk of the carries. Locke will also be on the receiving end of his fair share of passes, considering the loss of Dicky Lyons leaves him the leading receiver on the team (22 catches for 189 yards and one touchdown). But, the game-plan needs to be run, run, run. Because what happened last week can't happen again ...

Last week versus South Carolina, UK threw the ball twice as much as they ran the ball (44 passes, 22 rushes). That's a ratio designed for failure, and it has to change, pronto. I realize Brooks can't run if they aren't gaining positive yards, so Locke, Smith and Moncell Allen have to find what it is they have been looking for all year, and that might be ...

With the addition of Randall Cobb to the starting lineup (he'll play wide receiver), one can at least hope for a more productive vertical game (actually, the mere existence of a vertical game would be news we can use). His athleticism and evade-ability make him a very dangerous weapon when healthy. UK fans will be watching every cut and catch, waiting for him to break a long one for six. But if he doesn't, always remember this ...

Simply Cobb's presence on an every-down basis will quite possibly loosen up the defenses UK faces, because now the defense has a definite play-maker they must keep one eye on at all times. The offensive possibilities are limitless when a coach possesses a talent like Cobb, lets hope we witness a healthy number of those possibilities versus Arkansas. He's not only talented, he's a good teammate ...

Classy move; the freshman displayed real leadership with his decision to wear Dicky Lyons' #12 Saturday. Dicky, we all wish you well, and only the best.

Here's a quick look at the remaining UK receivers and their numbers:

Derrick Locke -- 22 catches for 189 yards, one touchdown.
Randall Cobb -- 11 catches for 84 yards.
T.C. Drake -- 8 catches for 121 yards.
Kyrus Lanxter (will not play versus Ark.) -- 7 catches for 89 yards.
Maurice Grinter (questionable) -- 7 catches for 76 yards, one touchdown.
E.J. Adams -- 6 catches for 59 yards.
Aaron Boyd (he may start versus Arkansas) -- 4 catches for 30 yards, and ZERO DROPS.
Eric Ademyemi -- 4 catches for 24 yards.
Gene McCaskill -- 3 catches for 27 yards.
DeMoreo Ford -- 1 catch for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Matt Roark -- 1 catch for 6 yards.

In case you're counting, that's six freshman (and only three touchdowns).

What Must Happen Defensively

UK cannot allow running back Michael Smith to have a big day on the ground. The 'Cats have already fallen victim to running backs Glen Coffee ('Bama) and Bobby Rainey (WKU). Smith going for more than a-buck-twenty-five will lesson UK's chances at winning this game, and as we all know this is a "must win" for the boys in blue. At only 5'7", perhaps a brain-rattling hit from Micah Johnson is what our Mr. Smith needs to readjust his goals for the day. How they do it is of no consequence to me (that sounds harsh), as long as UK doesn't allow Smith to do his best Barry Sanders impression.

Razorback quarterback Casey Dick is only average. If Kentucky can get pressure on him, the likelihood is high that somebody will make a play on the ball (if he throws Lindley's way I'll be surprised). He's apt to throw picks, and UK's secondary is one of the best he'll face this year. UK must capitalize.

This is a tough one to predict, but since it's a "must win" I'll go with UK - 23 Arkansas - 14.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats, beat the Hogs!

Governor's Cup Jeopardy: Ten answers for Kentucky vs. Louisville

Truzenzuzex — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:14:05 -0000

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

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

Category: Kentucky -- Answer: Randall Cobb

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

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

Category: Louisville -- Answer: Bilal Powell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No further comment necessary.

Category: Kentucky -- Answer: Micah Johnson

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

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

Category: Louisville -- Answer: One

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

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

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

Category: Kentucky -- Answer: Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Category: Governor's Cup -- Answer: Unknown

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

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

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

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