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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!

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!

UK vs. WKU: What we have seen -- What we need to see

Ken Howlett — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:23:29 -0000

As UK's football team enters into their final pre-conference test versus Western Kentucky, let's review what the 'Cats have shown us on the field in their first three games, versus what we need to see tonight. With a road game at Alabama only a week away, the SEC countdown clock is nearing zero.

What we have seen: Mike Hartline play better than expected.

The sophomore signal caller has shown more poise and on-the-field leadership than many thought him capable of only a month ago. He's been booed by the home crowd, albeit, only a minority of the Commonwealth faithful, and he also won the SEC Offensive Player of the Week Award two weeks ago after his performance against a game Middle Tennessee squad ( he's handled both ends of the fan behavior spectrum with much aplomb ).

We've not seen him throw an interception, which us certainly a pleasant surprise considering his youth and inexperience.

What we need to see tonight: Some semblance of a vertical game, and continued cool play under pressure. Although Hartline has shown considerable accuracy and ability when throwing the short to intermediate passes, he has yet to show the ability to toss the long ball. That is partly due to the game-plan decisions of the coaching staff, partly due to the youth of his receivers, and partly due to his ever-so-slight inaccuracy on the few stretch-the-field attempts he's made to this point.

Hartline and his receivers must at least show the ability to stretch the field, because the speed of the SEC defenses will not allow only a short to midrange pass game. In order to be successful offensively against the nations best teams, UK must demonstrate they can throw the ball long, or UK's future opponents will stuff eight or nine defenders in the box and Kentucky's offense will cease to exist.

What we have seen: UK"s offensive line struggle with opening gaps for the running backs, but doing a credible job of protecting the quarterback.

What we need to see tonight: Offensive line domination.

With the return of O-lineman Garry Williams, UK will now be back at full strength in the offensive trenches. The front four need to show they are capable of creating holes for UK's best weapons, because as of yet, they have not performed up to their anticipated capabilities.

What we have seen: The running game struggle; the four primary backs are averaging 2.9 yards per carry versus FBS competition.

What we need to see tonight: A per carry average of 4.5 to 5.0 yards, at minimum.

WKU did not show a propensity to stop the run versus Alabama and Indiana, and they have also given up a number of big plays to the ball carriers. UK has to take advantage of this Topper defensive weakness. If not, then going into SEC play one can have very little confidence that UK will be able to score on some of the best defenses the nation has to offer.

What we have seen: UK's defense perform admirably, but against Middle Tennessee they did give up a number of big plays.

What we need to see tonight: Defensive domination; in my view, UK's defense is the biggest question mark; I don't question that they are strong, I question how strong.

After-all, they have yet to play what one would consider a strong offensive unit. The front four of UK"s defensive corps have been able to gain penetration and pressure the quarterback with regularity ( without the benefit of much blitzing ), although against MTSU, quarterback Joe Craddock at times had several seconds to pick apart UK's secondary. That has to change tonight. WKU quarterback K. J. Black is extremely athletic, and possesses the ability to elude the rush. With Western head coach David Elson's spread/option attack the 'Cat's defensive front will be in for a test unlike any they have experienced this year. If they are to have any hope in stopping, or even slowing down the likes of Tim Tebow or Vanderbilt's Chris Nickson, they must keep Black under control.

Western doesn't run the ball particularly well, so UK overpowering their ground game is imperative in order for me, or anyone else, to have confidence going into the SEC slate.

Coach Brooks made a switch this week; benching safety Ashton Cobb in place of former quarterback Matt Lentz. A lack of focus and effort in practice was the stated reason for the change by coach Brooks. I say good for you coach. Lentz has wowed 'em since the spring with his athleticism, but he hasn't gotten much playing time so far this year. After he shakes off his nervousness ( I'll give him one play ) I expect to see Lentz perform up to the standard set by Marcus McClinton, Cobb, Trevard Lindley and David Jones ( Robbie McAtee has also performed well ).

UK will have a definite defensive advantage in the team speed category, so a recurrence of the big plays that MTSU executed will be unacceptable tonight; the 'Cats need to crush the Topper's when the red and black have the ball ... period.

What we have seen: Punters Tim Masthay and Ryan Tydlacka perform marvelously.

What we need to see tonight: A continuation of the same.

Folks, field position is so very important. UK has two punters who's talents almost guarantee the opponents will start drives from deep inside their own territory. That trend must continue; giving UK's defense an opportunity to work their magic.

What we have seen: Inconsistent field goal kicking.

What we need to see tonight: Ryan Tydlacka, if given the chance, make all of his attempts inside 45 yards.

As of yet, UK's poor kicking game hasn't cost them ( thank you Rob McAtee ), but it was only a matter of time. Tydlacka was an All-State performer at Trinity High School, and beat out Lones Seiber in a two man competition over the last couple of weeks. Kentucky has to solidify that position, let's hope Tydlacka is the answer.

What we have seen: Poor receiver play.

What we need to see tonight: Receiver play that doesn't give Joker Phillips a coronary.

The youth of the receiving corps ( except for Dicky Lyons ) has resulted in dropped balls, incorrect route running, and an inability to finish running the right routes. They also have not picked up on the check-offs at the line.

All of that has to stop. UK has practiced now for two months, the youth excuse, as it pertains to the above sins, is no longer valid. All of the young receivers have the physical talent needed to perform at a high level, and it is now time to prove they belong.

I don't expect perfection, but definite signs of progress need to be visible ... and no drops would be greatly appreciated.

What we have seen: Conservative play-calling.

What we need to see tonight: An opening up of the playbook.

For reasons that are understood, offensive coordinator Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks have been hesitant to allow Mike Hartline to utilize the entire playbook. It is now time to see exactly what we have.

The WKU game affords UK's offensive personnel the opportunity to succeed and build confidence.

The countdown clock is nearing zero; it's now or never.

What we have seen: A near loss to Middle Tennessee.

What we need to see tonight: UK -- 38 WKU -- 10.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Middle Tennessee State University @ Kentucky: After Action Report

Truzenzuzex — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:08:15 -0000

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

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

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

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

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

What I liked:

Mike Hartline is becoming a solid quarterback -- Listening to the game, I thought Hartline was doing a below average job. But after watching the game, I know where the blame truly belongs -- to the offensive line and receivers. More on that later.

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

What I did not like:

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

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

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

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