SB Nation - Garry Williams

Post-Spring Previews: Kentucky Wildcats

Gamecock Man — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:49:41 -0000

The Gamecocks dive into the meat of their SEC schedule when the Kentucky Wildcats come to Columbia. You have to think that the 'Cats really want this one, as we're currently enjoying a lengthy winning streak against them, with Coach Spurrier enjoying an even longer one. While we've undoubtedly been a bit better than Kentucky over the past decade, we haven't always been substantially better, so the losing streak miffs the 'Cats faithful to some degree.

Last year, Kentucky featured a great defense and a pitiful offense, perhaps the league's worst. This year, the defense should still be good, but it might be asking a bit much of it to play like it did last year, so the offense will need to improve. That's a big "if," though, as the 'Cats still have some significant question marks on offense. Let's take a look at how these guys stack up against us.

Offense

Quarterback

Last year's transition to life without Andre Woodson was largely a nightmare for the 'Cats. Offensive coordinator (and future head coach) Joker Phillips's pro-style offense thrives on a strong passing game, but last year the 'Cats sputtered to a 96-ranked passing offense. That's a big dip from the heady days when Woodson was under center. The coaching staff juggled Mike Hartline and multi-talented Randall Cobb throughout the season, with the two signal callers posting abysmal 104.7 and 95.1 QB ratings, respectively. Both, though, showed potential at times, and with more experience and a more experienced offensive line protecting them, the 'Cats could be poised to return to their old ways this year. At this point, Hartline appears to be the starter, with Cobb returning to his receiving and special teams duties. If Hartline doesn't play well, look for prize recruits Ryan Mossokowski or Morgan Newton to see the field. Cobb may also see time under center in special Wildcat packages, in much the same way that we plan to use Stephon Gilmore.

I'd say we have a slight to a strong advantage here; while Garcia hardly lit the world on fire last year, he was better than Hartline, and his ceiling is probably higher.

Verdict: Slight advantage South Carolina

Running Backs

Senior Alfonso Smith, who has been a reliable part of the rotation throughout his career but has never had a chance to be the featured back, appears to be about to get his chance to lead the 'Cats rushing attack. The 'Cats need him to perform well, as the 'Cats need to improve on their 81-ranked rushing offense from a year ago. Smith is a speedster that can also catch passes out of the backfield, the latter a valuable skill in the Phillips offense. Derrick Locke is another option at tailback, although there are questions about Locke's health after he tore two ligaments in his knee last year against Arkansas. The coaches say Locke will be ready in the fall, but it's not easy to come back from the kind of injury that he suffered.

I would give us a slight advantage here; I like Smith quite a bit, but I think we have a bit more talent and a lot more depth. If Smith goes down, the 'Cats could really be in trouble here.

Verdict: Slight advantage South Carolina

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends

After struggling at receiver last year, the 'Cats now appear to have a lot of talent here. The aforementioned Cobb will likely be the go-to guy; Cobb played only sporadically at the position last season, but he showed lots of potential. The 'Cats also bring in JUCO transfer Chris Matthews. Matthews was one of the very best JUCO receivers last year, when he caught 80 passes for over 1200 yards in nine games. (It's also worth noting that at 6'5, Matthews looks like a prototypical NFL prospect.) Buffering Cobb and Matthews will be a crew of talented players that have shown the ability to contribute.

I would call this a push. Both teams have lots of talent here but lack a proven guy that has shown he can carry the load all season. Both will need to figure who that guy will be in their early-season games.

Verdict: Push

Offensive Line

Although they graduate former star tackle Garry Williams, Kentucky returns seven players that have starting experience on the offensive line. Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips are hoping that all that experience amounts to a better performance than they got last season. Kentucky's line is a little smallish for the SEC, but they are athletic and appear capable.

I would call this a push. I'm tempted to give us a slight advantage here as I believe we have more overall talent and depth, Kentucky returns more experienced depth, which is hugely important on the line. At any rate, both teams appear ready to get better protection this year than last.

Let's take a look at the defenses after the jump.

Defense

Defensive Line

Kentucky had one of the conference's best defensive line a year ago. Unfortunately for them, Kentucky loses a lot here this year. The 'Cats expected to lose Myron Pryor and Ventrell Jenkins to graduation, but they also lost star end Jeremy Jarmon after Jarmon was declared ineligible after testing positive for a banned substance. Jarmon was one of the conference's best ends and losing him leaves Kentucky without the fierce pass rush they thrived off of last year. Kentucky does return talents Corey Peters and Ricky Lumpkin, but to say that they now have serious questions to answer on their defensive line would be an understatement.

Barring injury, defensive line will be a strong point for us this year. Big advantage here.

Verdict: Strong advantage South Carolina

Linebackers

The 'Cats return a talented all-conference candidate in senior ILB Micah Johnson. Johnson recorded 93 tackles last season despite missing a couple of games due to injury. The 'Cats hope Sam Maxwell and Danny Travathan can competently complement Johnson by shoring up the OLB positions.

I would call this a push. Like Kentucky, we return an all-conference candidate in Eric Norwood. However, we will have to hope that Rodney Paulk can effectively replace Jasper Brinkley.

Verdict: Push

Secondary

Perhaps the best thing that happened to Kentucky over the offseason was CB Trevard Lindley's choice to stay in school for his senior season. Lindley is one of the best defensive players in school history and is a legit All-American candidate. Lindley is probably the best cover corner in the SEC and will effectively shut down one side of the field. We'll have to attack the other side, where things are a bit more unclear for Kentucky; they'll likely rotate Randall Burden and Paul Warford. Talented safety Winston Guy shores up a very solid Kentucky secondary.

Kentucky has a strong advantage here. I would say our safeties are comparable to slightly better than the ones the 'Cats have, but we unfortunately don't have anyone that has proven he can compare to Lindley.

Verdict: Strong advantage Kentucky

Special Teams

Kentucky had good return units last year, especially when Derrick Locke was returning the ball, so getting a healthy Locke back on the field could be important here, as well. Past that, the 'Cats were pretty rough around the edges on special teams last year. They gave up lots of return yards, had lots of punts and field goal tries blocked, and missed lots of field goals when they weren't blocked. Improving protection and coverage has to be on the agenda; Kentucky probably would have beaten us last year if not for an atrocious special teams performance that included giving up long kickoff and blocked-field-goal returns to Captain Munnerlyn. While Kentucky returns their most experience placekicker in Lones Seiber, they're considering handing over kicking duties to punter Ryan Tydlacka after Sieber's dissappointing 2008. Tydlacka will also take over full-time punting duties from graduated stalwart Tim Masthay.

I would give us a slight advantage here; we have questions of our own to answer at special teams after losing Ryan Succop to the draft, but Kentucky was truly atrocious here last year and really needs to improve.

Verdict: Slight advantage South Carolina

Head Coaches

While his overall record in Lexington isn't phenomenal, the job Rich Brooks has done at Kentucky has been remarkable. He inherited a program that had only seen intermittent success since the late 70s and that was at the time mired in probation. After some poor seasons early in his tenure, Brooks turned things around in 2006, leading the 'Cats to eight wins, including a bowl victory over heavily favored Clemson. He would follow with another eight wins in 2007 and seven this past year. Both included more bowl wins; the three straight is a Kentucky record. Indeed, these have been heady days for the Kentucky football faithful.

I would call this a push; both Brooks and Spurrier have proven themselves capable of doing pretty big things at schools that haven't always been very successful, but both have a little work to do to get to the next level in the competitive SEC East.

Overall

With a schedule that includes Miami (OH), Louisville, Lousiana-Monroe, Eastern Kentucky, and Mississippi State, Kentucky could very well make it back to the postseason if they can win those five and pick up an upset somewhere else, most likely against us, Auburn, Vanderbilt, or Tennessee. They could conceivably win seven or eight games if they can win multiple games against that quartet. However, on paper this looks like the weakest team in the SEC East. While the offense looks much better at receiver, quarterback is still a huge issue, and the defense will probably be significantly worse than last year's excellent unit. That could all change if Hartline or one of the freshmen step up at quarterback and they fix some of the holes on defense, but those are big "ifs" at this point. I'm predicting that our more complete lineup and home-field advantage will net us a 10-14 point victory here.

Prediction: 10-14 point Carolina victory

Poll

The Kentucky game will result in a...

Blowout Carolina victory

17 votes

Close Carolina victory

27 votes

Close Kentucky victory

40 votes

Blowout Kentucky victory

23 votes

107 votes | Poll has closed

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!

Western Kentucky @ Kentucky: Game overview

Truzenzuzex — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:49:34 -0000

When I went to Western Kentucky University back in 1975-1979 (yes, that was after the Industrial Revolution) it was a much different place than it is now. For one thing, it was a much smaller school. I don't remember the exact enrollment figures, but back when I attended, I believe it was less than half of their current 19,000+ students. Western is now the fastest-growing school in the entire state, enrollment-wise, and has added substantial new construction and modernized almost its entire campus since the halcyon days of my attendance there.

I am still a Hilltoper fan and will forever be one, although I was a UK fan first and more passionately. I remember staggering into the L.T. Smith stadium in the fall with my fraternity brothers (for those who care, my fraternity is Sigma Phi Epsilon), and having a great time. Western was usually very good, even in those days, but WKU played in what I believe was Division II back then.

Then came round about 1993, when only by a slender 1-vote margin was the Western Kentucky football program saved from extinction. That's right, the Board of Regents almost euthanized Western's football team and this story in the WKU Herald tells the tale of how this nearly happened. But didn't, not quite. Now in the second and final year of probation before moving from FCS to a full FBS school, Western's football has gone from near extinction to perhaps its highest point in WKU's history, so far.

By that, I don't mean playing the Kentucky Wildcats. The Toppers have already faced the likes of Florida last year and Alabama this year, so they are no stranger to the biggest, baddest programs. UK will not intimidate the Hilltopers at all. Last year, Western was 7-5, and although they are 2-2 this year (losses to Indiana and Alabama), they will be ready to play in Commonwealth Stadium and fully capable of pulling an upset if UK doesn't take them seriously.

So let's look at some quick stats to see what I mean:

	Rank
Statistic	Western	UK
Scoring offense	64	58
Scoring defense	66	2
Rushing offense	93	62
Rushing defense	78	5
Passing offense	95	92
Passing defense	82	55
Total offense	104	81
Total defense	76	17

These are all courtesy of cfbstats.com. Now, these rankings only tell a general tale, not the whole story, but they do show us directionally the difference between these two football teams. I have highlighted the big disparities above, and it doesn't take a football fan to notice that UK and WKU are pretty close offensively. It is the defensive side that UK comes out so rosy on, and that by a wide margin. This is nothing new, really, and has been the narrative when talking about the UK football team all year.

One thing we don't take into account here is the strength of schedule. I think it is safe to say that Western has played the tougher opponents so far, although they have fared poorly against the good teams. Kentucky has only played one team that can plausibly be called a "good team," i.e. Louisville, and given the current opinion of the Cardinals, that is stretching the definition quite a bit.

So what should we expect tomorrow? Here are my thoughts on that:

Offense:

I fully expect Kentucky to finally break out on offense, particularly in the running game. The Toppers are 93rd in the nation in run defense, the sort of ranking Kentucky has had over the last few years, and we all know what that meant when we faced teams like Arkansas and LSU last year as far as giving up running yards.

Another reason I think we will see improvement here is because I expect Kentucky's receiving corps to actually catch some footballs on Saturday, which should force WKU to back off the box a bit and give UK's backs some room. In addition, Garry Williams, the starting left tackle, will be back from arthroscopic knee surgery on Saturday, and that should help shore up the interior line even more. Plus, I expect Brooks and Phillps to take a few more shots at the edges, and I believe Kentucky can shine there.

Hartline needs to show that he can throw the ball vertically, and the receivers need to show that they can catch it. If that happens, this UK team could eventually become very dangerous. If it does not, we could see another game where UK has trouble scoring in the red zone, something the 'Cats haven't struggled with for a long time.

This isn't a make-or-break game for Hartline since Cobb is not likely to return for at least another 2 weeks and maybe longer, and Fidler is just not ready to step in and take over for him. So right now, there is no quarterback controversy -- Hartline is the man, and he needs to make the most of it.

Defense:

UK lost two starters last game on defense, and both Lupkin and Micah Johnson will remain out this game with high ankle sprains. I understand both are coming along well, and there is a reasonable chance they will both be available for Alabama, although that is by no means a foregone conclusion. The loss of these guys will be felt, although I think no so much against Western as against Alabama, if they are unable to go next weekend.

Despite the fact that the Hilltoppers run the dreaded Spread Option offense which gave Kentucky fits early in the MTSU game, I think the 'Cats will be more prepared this time. UK must learn how to handle speedy backs and receivers inside a bubble of space, and against MTSU, Steve Brown went to a one and two-linebacker package that seemed to slow down that offense quite a lot when he figured out a 4-3 look just wasn't going to work. Obviously, against a team with more accomplished running backs that is not likely to work as well, but you have to take advantage of what your opponent gives you. Still, UK can't afford to let Western's speedy players get isolated in a bubble of space against linebackers -- that's what often leads to big plays. There has to be enough speed behind the line of scrimmage to keep those guys from breaking big yards after catches on the quick slants and dumps to receivers or running backs.

Kentucky has some SO experience now, so hopefully they will be ready for the mismatches it tries to create. It will demand a strong, intelligent game from the defensive line and a lot of focus from the defensive backs, but Brooks has added the highly intelligent Matt Lentz to the starting lineup at strong safety, and he should be better than most at reading the Spread Option before it can get mismatches. Lentz could have a big impact on this game if he does what Brooks thinks he can.

Special teams:

With the exception of field goal kicking, the Wildcats have played excellent special teams football this year. Nobody has broken a big return against UK, and Tydlacka has been one of the best pooch-punters in the league. Tydlacka will also be taking over the the field goal duties from Lones Seiber this week, and I sure hope we see an improvement over the MTSU game. Kentucky has had problems scoring touchdowns in the red zone all year, and if they are going to be successful, the 'Cats must make field goals.

On kickoffs and long punts, I expect Tim Masthay to be a weapon, just as he has been all year.

Overall:

Overall, I don't expect the Hilltoppers to come in to Commonwealth Stadium and pull off an upset unless Kentucky just fails to fire, and that is sometimes possible after a bye week, particularly early in the game. The 'Cats need to get some quick points on the board and demonstrate the defensive dominance that has defined the season to this point. WKU will play will the abandon of a team who has nothing to lose, and a team like that almost stole a game from UK two weeks ago.

Playing catch-up

Ken Howlett — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:45:26 -0000

Having been away from the computer for the last week or so, I thought I would emerge from my beach dwelling lifestyle to "clean house" on a few items.

The Middle Tennessee near-disaster

Going into UK's contest versus Middle Tennessee there were warning signs that the Kentucky football team wasn't a completely focused group. The rantings of Rich Brooks about the unacceptable practice habits of the team leading up to the game is not what fans want to hear, and should have served as a foreshadow that the game wasn't going to be the easy win ( if there is such a thing ) it should have been. Make no mistake, the MTSU game should have been an opportunity for some of the younger players to enjoy some valuable game experience, as well as the Commonwealth faithful to enjoy a relaxing route prior to the beginning of the rugged SEC schedule.

Along those same lines; let's very quickly put to rest the talk of MTSU being a very good football team, a football team that had every right to be in the game in the fourth quarter. They did beat Maryland who then beat Cal, but with the exception of USC, the Pac 10 looks dreadful, and the entire ACC looks to be just as incompetent. And oh by the way, MTSU lost Saturday to Arkansas State by a score of 31-14; Middle was outgained by 125 yards for the game. So, no, MTSU had no business being within three feet of defeating Kentucky.

Kentucky nearly beat Kentucky, as evidenced by Rich Brooks and Joker Phillip's words after the game:

"We had way too many people, particularly on offense, not knowing what was going on, not running the right routes, missing checks. There were a lot of things Hartline was doing, getting us in the right play, and then all of a sudden the receiver wouldn't complete a route, wouldn't run the right route. Right now our quarterback goes back where, he's not sure what he's going to get on those routes. It was very disturbing."

Joker was a bit less verbose, but just as crystal clear:

"Here's what's discouraging to me. You see guys in the pre-game singing Kanye West songs. How can they freaking understand every word that he sings and they can't understand the freaking signals. That's what's frustrating."

You play like you practice. Rinse and repeat.

I realize the UK receiving corps is littered with youngsters ( who probably think they are the next Jerry Rice ), but what they evidently don't understand is that Jerry Rice worked his tail off becoming Jerry Rice. Just as Tiger Woods works harder than any other professional golfer, just as Walter Payton worked harder than any other NFL running back, just as Michael Jordan worked harder than any other professional basketball player.

It's not a happy accident that Rice, Woods, Payton and Jordan are considered by many to be the unrivaled athletes in their chosen sport. They are all considered to be the hardest, most focused and driven performers of their time; Tiger Woods will practice putting for eight hours a day ... eight hours! Yet many of UK's football players find it challenging to practice at an acceptable level for eight hours a week.

Why is that? I surely don't have the answer, but I have the juice, and here it is; if Kentucky's players don't discover the fact that you get better in practice, that a team plays like it practices ( a fact I learned in high school ), then they are in for a long and winless SEC schedule.

As it stands right now, there isn't an SEC team that UK can beat:

They won't be able to score on Mississippi State.
Vanderbilt is capable of lighting up the scoreboard bulbs at a frightening pace, UK won't be able to keep up with them.
As bad as South Carolina is, Steve Spurrier is much too football smart to lose to this group.
You can bet your parking pass that Bobby Petrino will have Arkansas ready, because I guarantee he's getting the effort out of his group in practice.
Forget about being competitive with 'Bama, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. Squads that don't take practice and getting better, seriously, don't beat teams of that caliber.

And let me add; thank gawd UK doesn't have to play U of L again, because the Cards looked like an improving club Wednesday night in their beat-down of Kansas State.

My advice is that somebody wearing a uniform needs to step up and kick some ass. The coaches can scream and berate all day long, but if their is a lack of player leadership, a lack of accountability among the players themselves, then many times the coaches "vocal encouragement" goes unheeded, especially among the young and the clueless.

Running backs and offensive linemen

Kentucky's ability to run the ball was touted as a team strength a mere three weeks ago, but presently the ball carriers in blue have been the most profound disappointment for the 'Cats. The four primary running backs: Tony Dixon, Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith, and Moncell Allen are averaging 2.9 yards per carry in their two Division I games. They have accumulated 171 yards on 59 carries. That is simply pitiful.

I place most of the blame on the offensive line. I don't care if Barry Sanders is running with the pigskin, if he gets hit two yards behind the line of scrimmage, he's not going to run for a lot of yards, and that's what is happening to UK's corps of fleet-footed backs. The penetration the opponents D-line is getting on running plays is not conducive to large ground gains, but Hartline has for the most part enjoyed adequate protection. That tells me that the offensive linemen can stave off a rush, but they aren't strong enough, or fundamentally sound enough to impose their will on opponents, in order to open up holes to run through ... in other words, they can't move 'em.

That's a problem.

I'm not going to pretend to know all the answers to the myriad of questions surrounding their unexpectedly poor performance ( except to say that they obviously miss the injured Garry Williams, along with the graduated Jason Leger and Eric Scott ), but they must begin to play better, or we're going to witness negative rushing yardage games in the very near future.

Lones Seiber

I'm not going to recount all the negative stats relevant to Seiber's perfomance that have been printed in the papers and on-line this week. My stomach couldn't take it.

I know the kid is trying, and I know he feels bad. But a tough-love benching is called for, in my opinion. I realize Brooks has said there will be an open-competition in practice for the starting place-kicking job, but that competition should not include Seiber. He has been given many chances, and it's time to see what Ryan Tydlacka or J.J. Housley can do under the pressure of the spotlight.

MIke Hartline

A hearty congratulations goes out to the UK quarterback for being selected the SEC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the MTSU game ( 28-47 for 254 yards and two TD's ).

I hope the boo birds are sufficiently ashamed. The young man is growing up right before our surprised eyes.

Western Kentucky

With the WKU game coming up Saturday, I'll have much more on Western and the contest itself, but for now, let me leave you with this scary thought ... the Toppers are better than Middle.

Thanks for reading, and practice like you mean it!

UK Football: A three-week work in progress

Ken Howlett — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:31:44 -0000

With the glow of the thoroughly Chuck Norris-like deconstruction of the once proud Louisville Cardinals slowly fading into our memory bank, the reality of what this football team needs to accomplish over the next three weeks has quickly become apparent. And by the way, for those of you who had unkind, and questioning words for Mitch Barnhart and Rich Brooks for producing a 'weak' non-conference schedule, you may now meekly bow with a softly spoken "well done" for the two scheduling geniuses. Well, "geniuses" may be overstating the case a bit, but whether it was wisdom or luck, the timing of playing Norfolk St., Middle Tennessee, and WKU in preparation for the SEC opener in Tuscaloosa, can be described as nothing short of perfection.

So as we enter into a three week preparation period, I have put together what I feel are the most vital areas that Kentucky needs to concentrate on in order to be fully capable of beating the likes of Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi St, and Vanderbilt. But just as important; at minimum UK needs to be also "fully capable"of being competitive with Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee ( the Vols look very beatable, at this point ). But, in order for all of that to come to fruition, this honey-do list needs to be checked off one by one:

Get the ball to Randall Cobb

Sometimes it's indescribable; when a player has that extra bit of talent, that 'something' that makes him special. Well, that's what Cobb has. He only caught three balls for 31 yards Sunday, but it was readily apparent to even the most near-sighted fan that this kid oozes talent:

The ball fits so naturally between his forearm and chest ( I think he sleeps with a football ).
Somebody check his hands for 'stickum', because the ball seemed more captured than caught, when it was thrown his way.
He went from standing nearly stationary, to a full blown gallop quicker than the Porsche 911 I wish was sitting in my driveway.
He's as smooth a runner as one will ever see; he seems to glide more than run. I've seen this in players before, and it's never a bad thing.

Joker Phillips must find a way to utilize Mr. Cobb more in the offense, and I am sure he realizes that fact himself. So I would look for Cobb to be on the receiving end of more hand-offs, more passes, and more punts over the next few weeks. Remember, when one has a weapon of this caliber, one has to take it out, and show it off from time to time.

Get the offensive line to block

The loss of starting guard Garry Williams ( cartilage tear ) for at least the next two to three weeks certainly doesn't help this unit. And after the performance they put on Sunday, they need all their healthy, experienced bodies on the field, not on the training table.

When a teams running backs are either hit at, or behind the line of scrimmage on half of their carries, then the O-line needs to refocus, and rededicate itself to protecting and serving the backs. Rich Brooks wasn't as harsh, but he did have this to say about the offensive line's performance:

"We had some problems with the snap count and getting off the ball in a noisy environment. I thought the line was out of sync and our fundamental footwork wasn't what it needs to be."

I suppose that's the result of inexperience playing in a big game, and in a big environment. After-all, two of the up-front four are of meager experience; center Jorge Gonzalez's first start was Sunday, and Zipp Duncan only started playing offensive guard last year ( he was recruited as a tight end ). James Alexander has been fighting an injury all fall ( he may start Saturday in place of Williams ), and with the loss of Christian Johnson ( redshirt ), that leaves only Justin Jefferies, and the injured Garry Williams as the lone experienced offensive line members. On the bright side, Williams being out for the next couple of weeks will be a terrific opportunity for redshirt freshman Billy Joe Murphy and Alexander to gain some valuable experience.

Whatever the reason for Sunday's poor O-line performance, it has to be fixed. If they can't run the ball, then UK is in for a long and forgettable season; I don't care how good their defense plays.

But all is not lost. They have three weeks to correct the mistakes, and gain some confidence, which is what I am sure will happen. If not, cue the fat lady.

Note to readers: To be fair, coach Brooks did offer up a bit of criticism of the running backs for their performance. I believe his words, though, were a bit of misdirection on his part; he doesn't want to lay all of the responsibility for the offense's shortcomings at the feet of such a young group. If that is in fact the case, then I applaud his coaching style, and I believe as always, that he will fix what is broken.

Continue to grow Mike Hartline

UK's quarterback play Sunday, while not spectacular, was certainly competent, and it inspired confidence that Hartline is the man to lead this team ( for those few 'message board' types who think Hartline should be shelved in favor of Cobb at quarterback, I have one piece of advice; increase the medication dosage ).

"I thought Hartline did a great job managing the offense and not making the critical errors. I thought he showed real poise out there handling the game, and not taking unnecessary risks with the ball."

So said Rich Brooks.

"Considering the fact that we didn't run the ball, I think that makes his performance even more impressive. Usually with a young quarterback you want to establish a running game to help him out, and we didn't have that today."

So said Joker Phillips.

Now, over the next three games I want to see Hartline progress. He clearly has the mental tools with which to handle the pressures of the position, and he seems to have the physical tools as well ( catchable ball, accurate for the most part, adequate arm ). So over the next three games, I want to see those 'tools' on full display.

He will need some help, of course; there were several drops on what should have been easy catches, and I'm sure there were problems with route running; both of those ailments are a product of having a young receiving corps. I feel that all Hartline needs is some chemistry to develop between himself and his receivers ( paging Randall Cobb ), and UK's passing game will be good enough to win. But that chemistry is usually borne out of battles fought side-by-side, so live-game snaps are the only antidote. Just another reason to love the schedule-maker.

Don't allow the defensive unit to become complacent or overconfident

Over the next three games the defense will have occasion to pulverize and demoralize their opponents, but they can't let dominating the upcoming competition swell their hat sizes to that of Barry Bonds.

The defense needs to continue to play the same way they played Sunday; with great intensity, great technique, and with bad intentions. Don't let up, don't feel sorry for anyone, and don't let it go to your head. Players like Jeremy Jarmon, Trevard Lindley, Myron Pryor, Corey Peters, and Marcus McClinton have all been through the SEC wars. They know this conference, 'ain't no joke,' and I expect to see that mindset as they progress through the schedule.

But for now defense, just remember, you ain't as 'bad' as you think you are, and continue to work and improve. 'Bama is just around the corner.

So as we head into the next three contests, keep an eye out for the above listed items to be satisfactorily executed. Unless the Titanic sinks, UK should be 4-0 going into the game in Tuscaloosa. Then the real fun starts.

Thanks for reading, and a big thanks to the 'Dores! If my math is correct that is two years in a row. Woe is the 'ole ball coach.'