SB Nation User Blog: Ken Howlett

Kentucky Basketball: A Season to Embrace

Ken Howlett — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:22:40 -0000

Enjoy the great Wall while you've got him.

With the official start of the Kentucky basketball season now less than 36 hours away, the sense of anticipation among Big Blue backers is palpable. Found on message boards, blogs, sport's pages, and Starbucks throughout Kentucky, are opinions (some good, some lame), prognostications, and some downright emphatic enunciations about the prospects of UK fans witnessing a gloriously historic season. And really, who can blame them?

For a program and fan-base accustomed to Final Four runs, SEC championships, national accolades, and local adulation, the previous four basketball seasons have been the equivalent of an unwanted killjoy. We've seen two coaches depart, one of his own volition (sort of), and the other of his own hand. We've seen bad basketball, bad decisions by those trusted to make good decisions, and generally an unsettled feeling within the basketball program. It hasn't been fun, regardless how one may choose to spin the distaste-full events. And if sports are supposed to provide a fan with one thing, that thing would be enjoyment ... an escape, if you will, from the every day problems and trials of life. We don't want to be made to lament the state of the program. We want to celebrate victories, and discuss how much enjoyment we derived from our 'Cats schooling the Gators, Vols, and Cards on the art of winning, and winning decisively.

But through a series of unfortunate choices, we have had four years of enjoyment pilfered from under our noses. We've witnessed embarrassing losses to rivals Kansas, Indiana, Louisville, and North Carolina ... We've witnessed ESPN glorify Gardner-Webb and VMI, while at the same time de-glorifying the most tradition-rich college basketball program in the nation ... We've witnessed Rupp rumble with displeasure, dissatisfaction, and an inordinate amount of disharmony ... We've filled out NIT brackets for chrissakes. Yes, Kentucky has been the reluctant, yet cooperating whipping boy of UK wannabes since Kelenna Azubuike left for the Association ... it's been a long and frightful journey. But, like a Jeff Goodman column, we can now rejoice that it's over.

So, how should the average Kentucky basketball fan respond to this felonious four year theft? Simple, by enjoying, and reveling in the season ahead. Fight off the temptation to dissect every substitution, and every missed or made shot. Let's not bemoan a margin of victory not as substantial as we thought it would be. Let's not decry the freshmen when they make freshman mistakes. Push back the urge to criticize that which we don't understand.

After four years of purgatory, shouldn't we be able sit back in our easy chair, or our ~~uncomfortable~~ Rupp Arena seat and bask in the sunshine of certain victory? Shouldn't we be able to, with wonderment, nod our heads approvingly at the cumulative talent playing in our hallowed hall? Players such as Wall, Bledsoe, Patterson, Cousins, Orton and Dodson displaying their considerable skills for our viewing pleasure is not a sight often enjoyed at the collegiate level. So my advice is to take it all in, and TiVO the show if possible, because this season will be a singular sensation not seen again for who knows how long.

I know, I know. I hear UK fan now, "Well, wait a minute, John Calipari is a recruiting genius, what, with his dribble-drive as dangled bait. What recruit wouldn't want to play for him? And he's so darn nice."

Yeah, all that's probably true, but an accumulation of talent as rich as this Kentucky squad is indeed a rarity. Oh, it's happened before at UK ... 14 looong years ago. And like the 1996 team, this team will lose early, and lose late, but they'll have a chance to be great. But, our Italian friend residing down I-64 had it right when he implored, "Embrace the precious present," because we don't know when it will again be this good.

The empire will not always glisten with a gilded glow, this we should know. So don't take for granted the spectacle of Big Blue's superior athletes running roughshod over the competition, for this is a time to enjoy and praise, after so much heartache, the team of elite achievers dancing across our screens. Will UK be good over the next several years? I would think so, but what we have awaiting us this season is a tonic which is intended to vanquish forever the bitter after-taste of four years wasted. It's a tonic not often prescribed by the basketball gods, so it's intended to be cherished, not picked apart by the masses.

Am I saying the gods have opted to bless UK and its fans with a championship? No, that determination will be made on the hardwood. But, whether a championship is forthcoming or not shouldn't be the all-consuming, overriding theme of this 2009-2010 season. This season should be an exercise in enjoyment, something that has been absent from the experience for far too long. It's been Kentucky fans' nature to allow the enjoyment of the game to be corrupted by expectations, and although this team is talented in a scary sort of way, I choose to not expect, only to watch in anticipation of seeing something I've never seen before. That's how special this group is. And like the shooting stars of the past, players like Ron Mercer, Antoine Walker, and Jamal Mashburn, they'll bless us with their presence for only a short period of time.

So, when John Wall, Patrick Patterson, and DeMarcus Cousins suit up to please you, I, and Calipari, remember the clock is ticking. The hour glass has been turned upside down as of tomorrow night, and no amount of pleading will stop the sand from obeying gravity. This is a one year deal, with no option for a second. Cheer hard, and cheer often, keeping in mind the cheering only goes on for so long.

Of course, if the 'Cats don't beat the Cards, all bets are off.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Kentucky 37 EKU 12: After-Action Report

Ken Howlett — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:19:23 -0000

More photos » by James Crisp - AP

Kentucky's Morgan Newton made strides in UK's 37-12 victory over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels.

Browse more photos »

The Kentucky football Wildcats (5-4, 1-4 SEC) proved to be resilient in today's 37-12 victory over their Richmond neighbors, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (5-4, 5-3 OVC). With Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks deciding just before the game that UK's man-on-a-mission, Randall Cobb, would sit this one out due to a thumb injury, rookie quarterback Morgan Newton put together his best effort to date. Greatly aiding Newton in his quest for consistency were a group of formally inconsistent receivers -- Led by Chris Matthews' seven catches, eight different 'Cats caught passes today. And with star running back Derrick Locke sidelined with a bum knee, Kentucky's back-up runners plowed through the Colonel defense to the tune of 5.3 yards per carry.

I do want to add a hardy congratulations to the EKU Colonels. They represented their school well today with tough, clean play. I wish them well for the remainder of their season.

For a more detailed look at the points of interest for UK partisans, join me after the jump:

As noted, UK quarterback Morgan Newton played a solid, some might say, excellent game today. Newton was 20-29 through the air for 187 yards, and threw his first two passing touchdowns as a Wildcat. Coach Brooks had this to say about UK's star-in-early-development:

"Newton has improved a tremendous amount each week in practice. Eastern is not an SEC defense, but he showed he has the ability to read through his progressions, and protect the football."

Newton, instead of locking onto his hot read, scanned the field for his open receiver, which paid huge dividends with his 16-yard touchdown pass to under-used (and second option) tight end Maurice Grinter. All day Newton read his routes much more effectively than he has all year -- That's called progress.
Chris Matthews, who is still adjusting to the speed and intensity of major college football, replaced Cobb with aplomb this afternoon, nabbing seven passes for 56 yards (8.0 yards per reception) and one touchdown -- A touchdown where Matthews made a serious play for the ball. There is simply no excuse, other than inexperience, for Matthews to not excel at the SEC-level. He has the size, and physical attributes to be a go-to receiver, and hopefully today he took a positive step toward that end.
North Hardin alum LaRod King showed he just may be ready to make a difference in UK's offense. The freshman receiver caught four passes for 41 yards (10.3 ypr). He has played well when asked, I say he should be asked more often.
The magical disappearing/reappearing act of receiver Gene McCaskill made a timely breakthrough today with four catches for 33 yards (8.3 ypr).
Filling in admirably for Derrick Locke, capable running backs Moncell Allen and Alfonso Smith ran a combined 26 times for 122 yards (4.7 yards per carry). Each back recorded a touchdown.
Causing Commonwealth to buzz with excitement in the fourth quarter was the electric play of freshman running back Donald Russell -- Russell caught the Colonels napping with his 79-yard touchdown scamper (the longest UK rushing touchdown since 1998). Most impressive to coach Brooks, though, was Russell's 13-yard gain later in the fourth quarter, in which the talented tail back displayed a real ability to change directions while running at full speed. Russell is a down-hill runner with power. A dangerous combination for future UK opponents.
Linebacker Sam Maxwell continued his great play with yet another interception (which set-up the Newton to Matthews touchdown toss). That makes a team-leading four picks for Maxwell on the season. I sense an All-SEC nod for the senior LB.
Sophomore defensive back Cartier Rice also posted an INT today, picking off a Colonel hail Mary.
Junior defensive end DeQuin Evans led the 'Cats with 3.0 tackles for loss. The JUCO transfer continues to improve.
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Taiedo Smith led the team with 6.0 tackles.
UK's heralded offensive line held strong today, giving Newton time to throw, and opening holes for the running backs.
After being bullied last week by Mississippi State, Kentucky's defensive line recovered nicely this afternoon. They pressured EKU quarterback T.J. Pryor into only 9-28 passing for 137 yards. The Colonels gained 127 yards on the ground, but rushed 32 times (4.0 yards per carry) to attain that number.
Overall, EKU gained only 264 total yards on 14 first downs, compared to UK's 27 first downs and 444 total yards. Even considering the talent difference, those are numbers most UK fans should be happy with.
Kentucky was 9-17 on their third down conversions, while EKU was only 6-15. Those stats are as they should be -- A big, Big Blue advantage.
UK's special teams continue to hand out head-aches like Halloween candy -- A missed field goal (which was tipped), and a Colonel score on a fake field goal.
Kentucky set a school record today for most consecutive non-conference wins with 18.

After an understandably slow start , the 'Cats, behind the play of Morgan Newton, put away the Colonels with 30 points in the final three quarters (as they should have). Now, the goal is to get healthy. Vanderbilt on the road is UK's next test, and UK's next must-win.

Injuries coming out of today's contest look like this -- Tight end T. C. Drake has a serious groin injury; Linebacker Sam Maxwell has a thumb injury (x-rays negative); Cornerback Trevard Lindley "tweaked" an ankle late in the first half. Brooks theorized Lindley may have tore some scar tissue; we'll know more tomorrow.

The word from Rich Brooks on Cobb and Locke -- Locke should be ready to practice on Tuesday, making him likely to play next week versus Vandy. Cobb's thumb injury (he's in a cast), along with the fact that he's considerably bruised-up, portends a Cobb-watch for 'Cat fans in the upcoming week.

Mike Hartline update -- Hartline participated in practice last week (in limited duty), and coach Brooks will be looking this week at Hartline's maneuverability within the pocket. The junior signal-caller may see action next week at Vandy.

Newest Wildcat Fan

My wife Jennifer gave birth Monday to Carly Nicole, our third girl. All are doing well!

Thanks for reading and Go 'Cats!

Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: Breaking Down the Bulldogs

Ken Howlett — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:40:43 -0000

With Kentucky sitting at 4-3 (1-3 in the SEC) and dates with Eastern Kentucky and Vanderbilt to follow, tonight's 7:00 p.m. EST game at Commonwealth Stadium versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-5, 1-3) carries with it tremendous ramifications. A UK win will put the 'Cats clearly in the drivers seat to gain at least seven victories, which should translate into an upgraded bowl game (hopefully one not played in the state of Tennessee). Lose, and UK will be faced with having to beat Georgia on the road or Tennessee at home, in order to attain the magical seventh victory.

New Mississippi State head coach (and former Florida offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach) Dan Mullen has breathed much-needed oxygen back into the lungs of the Bulldog football program with an exciting brand of offense (he employs a spread-option look), and a defense that can most aptly be described as a work in progress. And after averaging only 15.2 points per game and 274.9 yards of offense in Sylvester Croom's swan song at State last season, Mullen has rewritten the playbook in 2009 to the tune of 100 more yards of offense per contest, and just over 11 more points per game.

For a closer look at what promises to be a nip-and tuck affair, and an examination of how the two contestants stand within the SEC, as well as a complete breakdown of the Mississippi State Bulldogs, join me after the jump:

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

UK MSU

Points Per Game -- 26.1 (9) 26.4 (8)

Scoring Defense -- 23.0 (8) 24.6 (9)

Total Offense -- 337.3 (9) 371.1 (7)

Total Defense -- 352.3 (8) 357.4 (9)

Rush Offense -- 186.3 (5) 203.1 (5)

Rush Defense -- 174.1 (12) 142.2 (7)

Pass Offense -- 151.0 (11) 168.0 (10)

Pass Defense -- 178.1 (8) 215.1 (10)

Kick Return Avg. -- 23.0 (7) 24.7 (4)

Punt Return Avg. -- 13.4 (3) 10.5 (5)

Interceptions -- 8 (7) 11 (2) Four returned for a touchdown

Punt Avg. -- 35.3 (6) 34.0 (9)

Kickoff Coverage -- 40.8 (7) 41.5 (6) Net Averages

Sacks By -- 12 (10) 13 (9)

Sacks Against -- 7 (2) 12 (7)

3rd Down Conversion -- 8.2% (9) 33.9 (10)

Opp. 3rd Down Conv. -- 43.1 (12) 33.6 (7)

Turnover Margin -- --1 (t7) -- 5 (10)

Red Zone Score% -- 86.4 (7) 78.6 (10)

Red Zone TD% -- 72.7 (2) 46.4 (9)

Red Zone Def/Scores -- 73.1% (4) 82.1% (8)

UK/MSU Players in SEC Top 10

Rush Yards Per Game -- MSU RB Anthony Dixon is 3rd -- 107.7; UK RB Derrick Locke is 5th -- 70.7.

All-Purpose Yards Per Game -- UK's Locke is 3rd -- 144.0; MSU WR Leon Berry is 8th -- 121.8; MSU's Dixon is 9th --112.1.

Touchdowns Scored -- UK ATH. Randall Cobb is 2nd -- 9; MSU's Dixon is 3rd -- 7.

Points Per Game -- UK's Cobb is 5th -- 7.7.

Reception Yards Per Game -- UK's Cobb is t6th -- 4.0.

Passing Yards Per Game -- MSU QB Tyson Lee is 10th -- 140.8.

Kick-Off Return Avg. -- MSU's Berry is 5th -- 26.3.

Punt Return Avg. -- UK's Cobb is 2nd -- 13.6.

Tackles Per Game -- UK LB Micah Johnson is t8th -- 7.9; MSU LB Jamar Chaney is 10th -- 7.2.

Tackles For Loss -- UK DL Corey Peters is t5th -- 7.5; MSU DL Pernell McPhee is t5th -- 7.5.

Sacks -- UK's Peters is t7th -- 4.0.

Interceptions -- MSU DB Jonathan Banks is 1st -- 4; MSU DB Corey Bloomfield is t4th -- 3; UK DB Calvin Harrison and LB Sam Maxwell are t8th -- 2.

Passes Defended -- UK's Maxwell is 2nd -- 9 (7 breakups and two interceptions); UK DB Randall Burden is 5th -- 8 (seven pass breakups and one interception).

Meet the Offensive Dogs

Tyson Lee -- 5'10", 200 lb senior quarterback: The diminutive signal-caller has thrown for 1,126 yards on 102-172 passing (59.3%). Lee has thrown only three touchdown passes, and has nine interceptions. He's also carried the ball 54 times for 163 yards, and two touchdowns -- Last season versus UK, Lee threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns (one interception) on 26 of 42 passing.

Lee threw three picks in Mississippi State's 29-19 loss to Florida last weekend. For his career, in 16 starts, Lee has thrown 14 interceptions and 10 touchdowns. He performed very well against a good Georgia Tech team, though, going 20-30 for 278 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Against Houston, Lee ran for 68 yards on 12 carries (5.7 yards per carry). Lee is highly mobile and is willing to take risks, whether it be with his arm or his legs.

Chris Relf -- 6'3", 235 lb sophomore quarterback: On the year Relf has completed 15 of 26 passes (57.7) for 213 yards. He's tossed three touchdown passes and two interceptions. He has also rushed 41 times for 232 yards (5.7 ypc), and one touchdown.

Relf, coming off an injury, has missed MSU's last two games. He will probably see some playing time tonight, though, if only as a change-of-pace for the Bulldog offense. As with Lee, Relf is adept at scampering away from pressure, and/or running the option game with aplomb.

Anthony Dixon -- 6'1", 235 lb senior running back: Dixon has rushed for 749 yards on 149 carries (5.0 ypc), and seven touchdowns. He's also caught seven passes for 36 yards (5.1 yards per reception).

Dixon, the No. 1 rusher in Mississippi State history, has run for 3,352 yards in his career, and 37 touchdowns. He also ranks 15th in SEC history in rushing yards. He's run for over 100 yards five times this season, with a season-high 135 yards (and two touchdowns) against Middle Tennessee State. Dixon nearly matched that output versus Houston, with 134 yards and another two touchdowns -- Last year against UK, Dixon rushed 15 times for 48 yards (3.2 ypc): In '07 versus Kentucky, he ran for 75 yards on 25 carries (3.0 ypc).

Dixon is a powerful, yet very quick running back. He can run through the middle, or, he'll beat you to the edges with his 4.5 - 40 speed. With UK giving up 174 ground yards per game, Dixon poses the biggest threat to 'Cat fans having a hauntingly good Halloween. If UK's middle linebacker Micah Johnson can't go this evening, backup Ronnie Sneed will have his hands full ... hopefully full of Dixon's jersey.

Christian Ducre' -- 6'0", 200 lb senior running back: This season Ducre' has rushed 42 times for 254 yards (6.0 ypc), and one touchdown. He's also caught eight passes for 124 yards (15.5 ypr), and one touchdown -- Versus UK in 2007, Ducre' had a huge day, running for 119 yards on only 19 carries (6.3 ypc).

Arnil Stallworth -- 5'9", 205 lb senior running back: Stallworth has rushed 23 times for 92 yards (4.0 ypc), and caught eight passes for 112 yards (14.0 ypr) -- Versus Kentucky last year, Stallworth caught eight passes of 71 yards (8.9 ypr).

For his career, Stallworth has rushed the ball 81 times and caught 55 passes. A poor man's Rafael Little, he has amassed 550 receiving yards to 300 rushing yards. Obviously he's versatile, and UK's defense, especially LB's Sam Maxwell and Danny Trevathan, must know where Stallworth is on every play.

Robert Elliott -- 6'0", 210 lb sophomore running back: Elliott has run for 110 yards on 31 carries (3.5 ypc), and one touchdown.

Coming out of high school, Elliott was the No. 8 rated running back in the country by Scout.

Chad Bumphis -- 5'10", 195 lb freshman wide receiver: Bumphis, MSU's leading receiver as a true freshman, has caught 24 passes for 270 yards (11.2 ypr), and three touchdowns. He has also returned five kick-offs for a 25.4 yard per return average.

Bumphis was rated the No. 16 wide receiver prospect in the nation last year by Rivals, and the No. 109 ranked prospect overall. He was heavily recruited (including by UK) by such powers as Alabama, LSU, Florida, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. For his career at Tupelo High School in Mississippi, he had 2,034 receiving yards, 1,348 rushing yards, and 568 passing yards.

Since a six catch, 123 yard (one touchdown) performance against Georgia Tech earlier in the year (three game ago), Bumphis has made only eight catches for 78 yards.

Leon Berry -- 6'0", 195 lb junior wide receiver: The JUCO transfer has played quite well in his first year with the Dogs, making 14 catches for 170 yards (12.1 ypr). He also serves as MSU's primary punt and kick returner: Eight punts returned for 67 yards (8.4 ypr), and 28 kick-offs returned for a 26.3 yard average (one touchdown).

Berry, a Second Team JUCO All-America, caught 59 passes for 1,003 yards and nine touchdowns for East Mississippi Community College last season.

Brandon McCrae -- 6'4", 205 lb senior wide receiver: The Morehead State transfer has snagged 11 passes for 97 yards (8.8 ypr).

As a freshman at Morehead, McCrae led the team in receiving with 28 receptions for 361 yards (12.9 ypr) and one touchdown.

O'Neal Wilder -- 6'5", 215 lb redshirt freshman wide receiver: Wilder has caught 10 passes for 140 yards (14.0 ypr).

Coming out of high school, Wilder ran a 4.5 - 40, and ran a state (MS) best 48.3 in the 400 meters.

Marcus Green -- 6'1", 235 lb sophomore tight end: Green has made 21 catches or 258 yards (12.3 ypr) and two touchdowns.

Meet the Defensive Dogs

Jamar Chaney -- 6'1", 240 lb senior linebacker: Chaney is MSU's leading tackler with 58 (24 solo), to go along with 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries -- Against UK in '07, Chaney, playing on a bum ankle, recorded three tackles; Versus Kentucky in '06, he made six tackles.

Released from his scholarship by Georgia prior to his freshman season, Chaney has made the most out of the change: For his career he's made 256 tackles, with 14.0 tackles for loss. He missed all but one game of the 2008 season because of a broken leg.

K. J. Wright -- 6'4", 215 lb junior linebacker: Wright has executed 55 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks -- Last season versus UK, Wright recorded seven tackles.

Pernell McPhee -- 6'4", 275 lb junior defensive lineman: McPhee leads the Bulldogs with 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and five quarterback hurries. The JUCO transfer from Itawamba (MS) CC, has recorded 33 tackles (21 solo).

Another major junior college talent, McPhee was heavily recruited by Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan and West Virginia. In his two-year JUCO career, he sacked the quarterback 33 times.

Chris White -- 6'3", 245 lb junior linebacker: Yet another JUCO transfer, White leads the team with 29 solo tackles (48 overall). He also has 3.5 tackles for loss, and one pass breakup.

White was First Team JUCO All-America last season out of Mississippi Gulf Coast CC. In his two years on the JC circuit, he recorded 204 tackles, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries (two returned for TD's).

Jonathan Banks -- 6'2", 170 lb freshman defensive back: Another true freshman contributor, Banks leads the SEC with four interceptions, with two "pick-sixes." He's made 16 tackles (11 solo).

Banks was considered the No. 63 "athlete" prospect out of high school by Rivals, and the No. 69 safety by Scout. He runs a 4.6 - 40.

Corey Bloomfield -- 5'10", 170 lb redshirt freshman defensive back: Bloomfield has made 13 tackles (9 solo), and picked-off three passes. He also has one pass breakup.

Bloomfield has some hops -- 34.1 inch vertical -- and some speed -- 4.5 - 40. He was rated the No. 56 cornerback prospect out of high school by ESPN.com.

Dog Biscuits

Florida ran for 249 yards against MSU last week ... Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was 12-22 with two interceptions ... Auburn's Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb rushed 36 times for 271 yards (7.5 ypc) against the Dogs in Auburn's 49-24 win versus State ... MSU held Auburn quarterback Chris Todd to only 10-23 for 186 yards ... Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer (2008 ACC Player of the Year) ran 16 times for 83 yards (5.2 ypc) in a 42-31 Jacket win versus MSU ... Yellow Jacket quarterback Josh Nesbitt threw for 266 yards and one touchdown, on 11-14 passing against the Bulldogs ... Houston Cougar running back Bryce Beall ran 15 times for 94 yards (6.3 ypc) and one touchdown in a 31-24 Cougar victory over State ... Cougar quarterback Casey Keenum threw for 434 yards and four touchdowns on 39-52 passing ... MSU lost to then-No. 7 LSU, then-No. 25 Georgia Tech, No. 1 Florida, and Houston, by an average of 8.0 points per game ... UK is 9-10 against MSU since 1990, but the 'Cats have won three of the last four contests ... MSU head coach Dan Mullen has coached No. 1 NFL pick Alex Smith (Utah), 6th round draft choice Josh Harris (Bowling Green University), former Florida quarterback Chris Leak, and current Gator QB Tim Tebow.

CliffsNotes Analysis

Tonights match-up promises to be a tight one -- Both team run the ball exceptionally well, yet neither defense stops the run with consistency. Both teams struggle with the passing game ... both offensively, and defensively. Both teams have an indispensable running back (Locke and Dixon), and both teams have indispensable hybrid athletes (Cobb, and a combination of Berry, Stallworth, and Bumphis).

Because of the "even-Steven" nature of the two combatants, turnovers and special teams could be the deciding factor in this most important of contests. UK Punter Ryan Tydlacka must (consistently) be on his game tonight, the 'Cat ball carriers must hold the pigskin smartly, and the coverage unit must fill their gaps, or risk costing the 'Cats the victory.

I'm sure coach Mullen has seen the tape of UK's victory over Auburn, and took note of the emasculation of the Tiger offense at the hands of the UK defense. So 'Cat fans, expect some Mullen creativity in an effort to foil the Wildcats' bid to shut down the State offensive attack. UK, as they did so well against Auburn, must "stay home" and fill the lanes, or it could be a long, cold, night of fear in Lexington.

Fearless Prediction

Kentucky 27 Mississippi State 24

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Wall Cleared to Play

Ken Howlett — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:03:27 -0000

Wall Cleared to Play

He'll have to sit the Campbellsville exhibition game, and the first regular season game against Morehead.

A Kind Request From Ken H.

Ken Howlett — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:37:38 -0000

Those who have been reading A Sea of Blue for any length of time know that we seldom stray from covering the 'Cats and their athletic pursuits. But, for just a moment I would like to issue a non-sports related personal request.

My father-in-law, and huge UK fan, Joe Morehead, has recently been diagnosed with what amounts to terminal cancer. It's in his liver, and sadly, there just isn't anything they can do for him. He's only 58 years old.

I know that cancer strikes hundreds-of-thousands people every year, and my intent is not to imply that my family members plight is any more important than the thousands of others stricken with this terrible disease. But, I have decided to use the forum that Tru has given me to discuss UK sports, to in this case, ask for your help.

If you could find the time to send Joe and encouraging note, I think it would lift his spirits as well as his resolve. Hearing encouraging words from fellow UK followers, strangers in one sense, but kindred spirits in every sense, should have an uplifting effect, and that's what I'm looking for.

If you feel like this is something that you would like to do, Joe's address is:

Joe Morehead

1412 Clayton Court

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Thanks,

Ken

Q & A with Kentucky Basketball Legend Kyle Macy

Ken Howlett — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:01:41 -0000

As I sat and watched the seconds slowly tick away in Kentucky's 94-88 national championship victory over the Duke Blue Devils on March 27, 1978, I wanted to be Kyle Macy, and believe me, I wasn't alone in that sentiment. Afterall, Macy was the leader of one of the greatest UK teams to ever grace the hardwood. He was as cool a customer as existed in college basketball, and it seemed he never made a mistake. He was that good, and to me, he was Kentucky basketball.

The fact that Macy stood-out so boldly on a team full of great players is a testament to not only his ability, but even more-so, to the discipline he exhibited on the court. Never one to rush a pass, or take a quick shot, Macy led the Wildcats almost effortlessly. Or at least it seemed that way.

The son of Hall of Fame Indiana high school coach Bob Macy (he scored over 1,000 points as a player, and recorded over 500 victories as a coach), Kyle learned at an early age that having structure within the context of the game will more often than not lead to victory, because most times the opponents won't be so thoroughly schooled in playing within the team concept. Macy knew that all the components of the team must work as one unit, none more important than the other. Most importantly, the transplanted Hoosier knew one great player will almost never defeat a great team.

Macy brought that mindset with him to Kentucky after having perfected his father's teachings at Peru High School in Peru, Indiana. Macy, who scored 2,137 point in his prep career, won Indiana's Mr. Basketball award in 1975, as well as being named a Parade All-America. After his illustrious high school career ended, he chose to attend Purdue University to play for coach Fred Schaus. But, after one year, a year in which Macy averaged 13.8 points per game, and led the Boilermakers to a 16-11 record, Macy decided to transfer. Luckily for UK, he chose the 'Cats.

After sitting out the '76-'77 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Macy embarked on a Wildcat career best described as legendary. Leading a team comprised of All-America's and future NBA players, Macy's calm, focused, business-like demeanor left his Kentucky teammates no choice but to follow, or get out of the way. Rick Robey, Jack Givens, Mike Phillips, James Lee, Truman Claytor, and Jay Shidler are just a few of the names that donned the back of UK jerseys during that most storybook of seasons, but Macy knew the name emblazoned across the front of his jersey was the only one that mattered.

The 1978 Wildcats, led by the 6'3", 180 lb point guard finished the season 30-2 (16-2 in the SEC), and won the University of Kentucky its fifth national title. Macy averaged 12.5 points, 5.6 assists (his 178 assists are the most ever by a UK sophomore), and 2.4 rebounds per game. He made an unheard of 53.6% of his shots and 89.1% of his free throws (third highest single season average for a Wildcat). Macy was named First Team All-SEC, Third Team All-America (UPI), and proved to be clutch when it matters most, winning the NCAA Mid-East Regional Most Outstanding Player award.

After losing an abundance of talent to graduation, the 1979 'Cats, mostly due to Macy's leadership and outstanding play, finished the year 19-12 (10-8). Not one to bemoan his or his team's fate, Macy led the 'Cats into the newly minted SEC Tournament (the tourney had been scrapped in 1952) and announced UK's presence with authority -- In round one versus Ole Miss and All-SEC performer John Stroud, Macy made 12-20 shots, and 8-11 free throws for a career-high 32 points in UK's 82-77 win: In round two against Alabama, and Tide great Reggie King, Macy made 9-16 shots and 4-4 free throws, good for 22 points. He also dished out seven dimes in Kentucky's epic 101-100 victory over 'Bama (still one of the most exciting basketball games I've ever witnessed): Round three brought the No. 8 ranked LSU Tigers and DeWayne Scales, but Macy could not be controlled -- He made 10-15 shots from the floor, and 9-9 free throws, resulting in 29 points. He also distributed four assists in the Wildcats 80-67 victory over Dale Brown's squad: Finally, though, in the tourney finals UK ran up against Tennessee. The Vols, led by 'Cat killer Reggie Johnson, Howard Wood, and Terry Crosby bested UK 75-69 in overtime. Macy made 4-9 shots, 2-2 free throws (10 points) and handed out six assists.

Macy was so fabulous, though, he was named the tournament MVP, even though UK lost in the finals. A look at his cumulative numbers from the event tells the tale -- 35-60 from the floor (58.3%), 23-26 from the charity stripe (88.5%), and 20 assists (5.0 per game) to go along with his 23.4 scoring average.

For the year, Macy averaged 15.2 points (on 50.4% shooting), 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game (his 69 steals are the most ever by a Wildcat junior). He continued his superb free throw shooting by making 86.8% of his tries. After the '79 season was concluded, Macy was named a Second Team All-America, and First Team All-SEC.

In the summer of 1979, Macy, as a member of the USA's national team, competed in and won the Pan Am Games held in Puerto Rico. The team, coached by then-Indiana coach Bob Knight, finished the tournament 9-0.

Kentucky entered the '79-'80 season ranked No. 4 in the country, and throughout the year never fell below No. 6. They put together two lengthy winning streaks of 12 and 11 games, and ended the season 29-6 (15-3). But, unfortunately for UK and UK fans, the season ended as it began -- With a loss to a Duke team led by Mike Gminski, Lexington native Vince Taylor, Gene Banks and Kenny Dennard. The 55-54 setback left UK fans with only memories of #4.

Memories that included a senior season where Macy averaged 15.4 points (on 52.5% floor shooting), 4.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. The end of the year brought even more accolades for the Kentucky hero -- He became only the seventh Wildcat ever named a consensus First Team All-America (Jamal Mashburn in 1993 became the eighth). Macy was also voted the SEC Player of the Year, at the time only the fourth Wildcat to ever earn that honor (there are now 10 UK players who have won the award a total of 12 times). Macy also was named to the All-SEC Tournament Team, as well as the SEC's Male Athlete of the Year.

Kentucky's record during Macy's reign as the "Top Cat" was an outstanding 78-20 overall (.796 winning %), and 41-13 in the SEC (.759 winning %). Macy left UK as the top career free throw shooter in the program's history by making 331 of 372 charity stripe attempts (88.97%), an honor he still holds today along with Jodie Meeks. He is also one of only seven UK players who hold the distinction of being a three-time All-America, and one of only 13 Wildcats named First Team All-SEC three times (the latest being Kenny Walker). He is still No. 6 in career assists at UK after accumulating 470 during his three year UK career. And of course, Macy's #4 jersey hangs in the rafters at Rupp.

His career numbers look like this -- 14.4 points (1,411 career points), 4.8 assists, 2,5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He shot 52.1% from the floor.

After Macy graduated from UK in 1980, he was selected with the 22nd overall pick of the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. He played five years with the Suns, and one year each with Chicago, and Indiana. Not surprisingly, Macy's teams made the playoffs all seven years of his NBA career. His under-appreciated NBA career numbers look like this -- 9.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game. He shot 50.1% from the floor, and 87.3% from the free throw line. In 44 career playoff games, he averaged 9.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. He followed up his NBA career by playing three years in Italy.

Macy entered the college coaching profession in 1997 as the head coach at Morehead State. He led the Eagles to their first 20 win season in nearly two decades in 2003. He left Morehead in 2006.

Legend isn't a big enough word to describe how revered Kyle Macy is to fans of UK basketball. Simply put, he was the consummate point guard, the consummate leader, the consummate teammate, the consummate champion, and now, he is the consummate icon.

I recently had the great honor of speaking with Macy about his UK career, and all things Kentucky basketball. Here's what #4 had to say:

ASOB: You transferred from Purdue to UK, did coach (Joe) Hall recruit you out of high school?

KM: Yeah, he definitely did. I was real late in deciding, it must have been May. Purdue was just an hour away, but it came down to those two schools. Coach Hall needed me to make a decision because there was a player named Truman Claytor he could sign, so he needed to know something, and I wasn't ready to make a decision.

ASOB: Did Indiana recruit you?

KM: Bob Knight didn't really recruit me very hard. He already had a bunch of great players, and didn't really need me. But later on, coach Knight told me if he had it to do all over again that he would recruit me, and I thought that was nice of him to say.

ASOB: What happened at Purdue, why did you leave?

KM: Purdue's a great school. I still have lots of friends from those days, but I wasn't happy with the basketball program, particularly the coach. There wasn't enough discipline in the program, and of course coach Hall believes in discipline, so I thought it was best to leave.

ASOB: The 1978 title team had the reputation of being all business. Did that result in a more focused team?

KM: The higher level of focus that the team had, the more fun we had ... when you win that many games it's a lot of fun. But our goal was to win it (the national championship), not just get there. That whole "all business, no fun" thing was blown out of proportion. Some of those guys had been to the final game (1975), and won the NIT (1976), and played in East Regional tournament (1977), so we were focused on one purpose. We had a purpose, and that's what we wanted to accomplish.

ASOB: Jack Givens took 27 shots (he made 18, for 41 points) in the title game versus Duke, when, during the course of the year he averaged taking 13 shots. Were the number of shots he took a result of design, or did it just kind of happen through the flow of the game?

KM: No, he was just gunnin' that day (laughs). Actually, a little bit of both. My first look down the floor was to try and find Jack. Duke was playing a 2-3 zone andthey never adjusted. He'd flash behind the front guy, and in front of the back defender, and he was quick enough and strong enough to either get to the paint, or pull up for a shot. Early on he was making all kinds of shots ... banking in shots from the corner. We kind of knew it was his day.

But an overlooked factor in that game was that (Rick) Robey had 20 points.

ASOB: How did that team deal with the expectations of the fans?

KM: We didn't really get caught up in the expectations of others, because we expected so much from ourselves. Nobody wanted to lose, and nobody expected more from us than we did.

ASOB: I know you've been asked this question a thousand times, but I'm going to ask anyway -- Rubbing the socks at free throw line, when did you develop that habit?

KM: My father taught me how to play basketball, and he taught me to develop a routine, so you know exactly whats going to happen.

When you play, you sweat profusely and my dad would crank up the heat in the gym, it would be really hot -- At the ballgames it would be cold outside and people would come in wearing their winter coats, and when they took it off they'd have short sleeve shirts on. They knew it was going to be hot in the gym -- We use to wear two pairs of socks, and the outside socks would be dry, so it became a habit for me to wipe my hands on my socks. Also, the bending down helped bring me my focus at the free throw line.

ASOB: If the three-point shot would have been in effect in 1978, do you think that would have changed the way the UK offense was run?

KM: I don't think our offensive sets would have changed. We all could shoot it long-range ... Jay Shidler, Truman Claytor, Jack ... and we did. But our first look would have been inside. That was the key to that '78 team; we could do it all -- We were underrated defensively, and we had good depth, we had great outside shooters, and great post players. But we ran a lot of plays that resulted in a long-range shot.

ASOB: Coach Hall is famous for his conditioning and weight lifting programs. Do you think that lifting weights has adversely affected the shooting percentages of players over the last couple of decades?

KM: It can. It's important to keep stretching. The muscles will tighten up if you don't stretch before and after lifting, which can result in bulkier muscles, like a football player.

One aspect of conditioning that's often overlooked is the mental aspect ... knowing you've accomplished what you have (in conditioning). In the game you have the mindset that you've worked harder than the guys you're playing, and that can give you an advantage.

ASOB: At UK, for your career, you dished out 470 assists to only 191 turnovers, for a 2.5-1 assist/turnover ratio. Did you employ a particular technique in order to post such outstanding numbers?

KM: My father and coach Hall put a tremendous value on possessing and taking care of the basketball. Plus, you have to want to pass the ball. My role was to distribute the ball ... my job was to get the team into the offense, and get the ball to a teammate in a position to score.

I wasn't the fastest guy in the world, so I would work on my ball-handling skills, and using my body to protect the basketball.

ASOB: Before we get into talking about today's UK team, I have to ask you -- You played one year with the Bulls. How was it playing with Michael Jordan?

KM: Actually, it sounds funny but it was a disappointment. I was brought in to play along side him, but he got hurt and only played in 15 games. I didn't really have the opportunity to do what I was brought in there to do.

ASOB: What are your thoughts on how John Calipari has handled the Kentucky job thus far?

KM: I don't know if someone talked to him, but he understands the job. He's been in the right places and said the right things. That's what the program was looking for. They're paying him to not just coach, and he gets that.

ASOB: As a former player, do any of Calipari's "run-ins" with the NCAA concern you at all?

KM: I would hope that before he was hired that UK checked with the NCAA, and I would hope their concerns were alleviated. In the search, the background check, that should have uncovered any potential problems.

ASOB: John Wall has been tabbed by some as the preseason player of the year. Do you think the expectations for this team are too high?

KM: First off, they have a lot of talent. But, realistically, I don't see how you can label a player who's never played in college, national player of the year.

They do have a very talented team, though. The challenge will be developing team chemistry. You have new players, you have 13 guys learning a new system. Talent can overcome a lot of things, but team chemistry is very important to the team's success. It could be ugly early on, but later in the season they should be coming together.

ASOB: Being an outstanding point guard yourself, do you have any advice for John Wall and Eric Bledsoe?

KM: Listen to the coach and enjoy the experience. Don't get caught up in the outside distractions, and do what the coach wants, not outside influences.

Great players have an innate ability to let the game come to them. They have a knack for knowing when to force things, and when to let the game flow to them. There are players on this team that are capable of being great, but will they allow themselves to learn?

I want to sincerely thank coach Macy for being to generous with his time, and forthright with his answers.

Currently Macy is the Vice-President of Basketball Operations and head coach of the Bluegrass Stallions, an ABA team based in Lexington. The Stallions have a definite Kentucky flavor with several former UK and Kentucky college alums on the roster -- Ravi Moss, Bobby Perry, Lukasz Obrzut, and Wayne Turner, all UK alums. Former Henry Clay, and Georgetown College star Aubrey White is also on the team, with former Tates Creek and Georgetown College product Justin Taylor. Darnell Dialls, of Lafayette High School and Eastern Kentucky University, has also been tabbed for the team.

The Stallions will play their home games in the new arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The first home game of the season is November 29, at 3:00 pm EST versus the Music City Stars. For ticket, and other information about the team, go to the teams web-site here -- Bluegrass Stallions.com.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

UK Football: Kentucky vs. Louisiana-Monroe Breakdown

Ken Howlett — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:11:59 -0000

Kentucky enters tonight's 7:00 EST home tilt with the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks looking to push their record over the .500 mark for the first time in a month. Coming off an inspiring 21-14 come-from-behind road victory at Auburn last weekend, UK (3-3, 1-3) figures to have confidence and momentum on their side. The Warhawks, though, aren't exactly Miami (OH). They enter tonight's Commonwealth Stadium contest at 4-2, and a league-leading 3-0 in the Sun Belt Conference.

With UK heading into a stretch of four straight games they should be favored (the 'Cats are favored tonight by 14 points), it's obviously important that the 'Cats continue to maintain focus, but for those battling the demons of complacency, a come-to-Jesus talk with a Wildcat possessing a long memory will result in a history lesson on UK's 42-40 near disastrous defeat to this same Warhawk team in 2006. Yeah, that team: Andre Woodson', Keenan Burton, Wesley Woodyard, Rafael Little, etc, etc. So, taking lightly this Sun Belt Conference member will very likely translate into a game similar to last season's nerve-rattling win over Middle Tennessee ... yet another Sun Belt Conference member.

Over the last three season's, Charlie Weatherbie, the Warhawks veteran coach, has competed very nicely with ULM's SEC opponents -- In 2007 ULM beat Alabama 21-14 (temporarily causing the state to enter into a period of mourning). And to go along with the near win at UK in 2006, last year ULM lost only 28-27 at Arkansas.

In ULM's offense, Kentucky will encounter an attack based on the spread-option ... with a twist; ULM presents the offense with lots of misdirection and motion. Rich Brooks had this to say about the unusual Warhawk offense:

"Offensively they totally mess with your mind. They false key. The pull linemen and run the ball away from where they're pulling them to. All your principles that you teach on defense are out the window in a game like this."

Adding additional question marks to the UK's defensive decision-makers is the absence of ULM starting quarterback Trey Revell. Revell injured his thumb in ULM's 16-10 victory against Arkansas State 11 days ago. He'll be replaced by redshirt freshman Cody Wells.

So without further time-wasting, here is the Warhawk team that UK must put away early:

Warhawk Offensive Personnel

Cody Wells: 6'0", 190 lb redshirt freshman quarterback -- Wells has played in only two games this season, completing seven of 13 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. After replacing Revell in the Warhawks' game versus Arkansas State, Wells was 5-9 for 67 yards.

In the first five-and-half games of 2009, Revell orchestrated the ULM offense by throwing for 1,124 and eight touchdowns on 81-140 passing (57.9%). He's also proved to be an exceptionally talented runner, rushing 50 times for 194 yards (3.9 yards per carry), and three touchdowns. Wells played well in his relief effort last week, so he comes into Commonwealth with some confidence. He's highly mobile, which fits nicely into the offensive schemes the Warhawks employ.

Frank Goodin: 5'9", 203 lb junior running back -- The Warhawks top ball-carrier, Goodin has rushed 110 times of 558 yards (5.1 ypc), and nine touchdowns. He's also caught six passes for 48 yards (8.0 yards per reception).

Versus Florida International earlier in the year, Goodin ran 19 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns. He's a dangerous runner, possessing both speed and power.

Rodney Lovett: 5'9", 200 lb junior running back -- Lovett has carried the ball 38 times for 147 yards (3.9 ypc), and one touchdown.

Last season against Arkansas Lovett rushed 17 times for 66 yards.

Darrell McNeal: 6'0", 220 lb senior wide receiver -- McNeal has made 24 catches for 360 yards (15.0 yards per reception) and four touchdowns. He also returns punts for the Warhawks; 14 returns for 52 yards (3.7 yards per return).

McNeal has accumulated over 1,600 receiving yards in his career, and he will at times be called upon to take the direct snap out of the "Wildcat" formation. He recorded four rushing touchdowns last season out of the "Wildcat," but has yet to score on the ground this season. Earlier in the year versus Florida International, McNeal made six catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

LaGregory Sapp: 6'3", 209 lb fifth-year senior wide receiver -- Sapp has 18 catches for 336 yards (18.7 ypr), and one touchdown.

The deep threat receiver made seven catches for 96 yards earlier this year in a game versus Florida Atlantic.

Luther Ambrose: 5'10", 175 lb sophomore wide receiver -- A triple-threat in every sense of the term, Ambrose has make 14 catches, good for 207 yards (14.8 ypr) and one touchdown, to go along with 13 carries for 121 yards (9.3 ypc) and another touchdown. Not satisfied with double-duty, Ambrose also returns kick-offs; 19 returns for 425 yards (22.4 yards per return).

In ULM's first game of the year versus then-No. 2 Texas, Ambrose recorded 207 all-purpose yards (receptions, rushes, returns). Ambrose is another weapon utilized in an unorthodox manner; UK must be ready for him to receive the ball both through the air and on the ground.

Alvin Jordan: 6'2", 253 lb junior tight end -- Jordan has made 13 catches for 100 yards (7.7 ypr), and one touchdown.

Warhawk Defensive Personnel

Cardia Jackson: 6'2", 230 lb senior linebacker -- The Warhawks leading tackler with 52 on the year (34 solo), the First Team All-Sun Belt Conference member is regarded as ULM's defensive stalwart. He's also recorded two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.

In 2008, Jackson averaged 10.6 tackles per game, racking up 18 against Ole Miss. In 2006 versus UK, he made nine tackles.

Aaron Morgan: 6'4", 235 lb senior defensive end -- The Second Team All-Sun Belt performer has made 30 tackles (25 solo) with a team-leading 9.0 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He's also had six quarterback hurries.

This season, Morgan has two, two sack games, versus Arizona State and Texas Southern.

Darius Prelow: 6'1", 205 lb sophomore defensive back -- Prelow has made 38 tackles (31 solo), one tackle for loss, and seven pass breakups.

Josh Thomas: 6'2", 228 lb senior cornerback -- Thomas has 38 tackles (30 solo), two tackles for loss, two sacks and three pass breakups.

Thomas, who has started 30 straight games in his college career, recorded a season-high six tackles versus UK in 2006.

Troy Evans: 6'2", 252 lb sophomore defensive end -- Evans in 2009 has made 16 tackles (10 solo), four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and three quarterback hurries.

Evans is the reigning SBC Player of the Week after forcing two fumbles late in ULM's 16-10 victory over Arkansas State 11 days ago.

Grant Clayton: 5'7", 160 lb freshman kicker -- Clayton, who handles the kick-off duties, has kicked-off 32 times, recording only one touchback, but opponents are averaging only 20.5 yards per return.

Warhawk Vitals

Louisiana-Monroe boasts the 12th ranked rush defense in the nation, allowing only 93.3 yards rushing per game ... Last week versus Arkansas State, ULM held ASU to a .9 yards per carry average ... In a 38-14 loss to Arizona State, the Warhawks held the Sun Devils to only 3.1 yards per carry ... ULM is a plus 2 on the season in turnover margin, but were a minus 3 in their loss to Arizona State ... ULM beat Texas Southern 58-0 in the seasons second game ... The Warhawks average 30.7 points per game, but give up 27.8 points ... ULM has more than doubled their opponents rush yards; 1,167 (4.6 ypc) to 560 (2.8 ypc) ... ULM converts 42% of their third down opportunities, but their opponents convert 43% ... In red zone chances, ULM has scored 83% of the time (24-29), but their opponents have scored 91% of the time (20-22) ... The Warhawks have also given up a high number of touchdowns in the red zone, 17 of 22 (77%) ... ULM is off to their best start since 1993 ... ULM quarterbacks have been sacked only five times all year ... The Warhawks have recorded a healthy 34 pass breakups.

Charlie Weatherbie

In his seventh year at Louisiana-Monroe, Weatherbie (29-44) has done what he's done twice before: Turn around a moribund football program -- As coach at Utah State, he took the Aggies to their first bowl game in 15 years. In his first season as head coach at Navy, Weatherbie went 9-3 with an Aloha Bowl win. This, coming on the heels of 15 straight losing season for the Midshipmen. He's also the first coach in Navy history to record back-to-back winning seasons --Weatherbie took over a ULM program in 1993 coming off a one win season, and in 2005 won the Sun Belt Conference championship, the Warhawks' first conference title since 1992.

Weatherby will be a formidable adversary for Rich Brooks tonight, and with the uncertainty surrounding the ULM quarterback situation, look for some out-of-the-box strategy from the cagey veteran coach.

Derrick Locke

Kentucky's top running threat is expected to play tonight. Locke, coming off an MCL strain suffered last week at Auburn, practiced lightly this week. Alfonso Smith, coming off a thumb, injury appears to be near 100%. UK will need both backs healthy in their effort to quash any confidence surges from the visiting Warhawks.

Ideally, Locke will rest in the second half of tonight's game, with Smith and Moncell Allen taking over the ball-carrying duties.

CliffsNotes Analysis

Defensively, UK must "stay home," and stay true to their assignments. ULM will use a variety of offensive sets, mixing in the spread-option with the "Wildcat." But, UK has the better athletes, and if the 'Cats attack and wrap-up the way they did last week, holding the Warhawks well below their season scoring average should be an attainable goal.

Offensively, it's the immovable object (ULM rush D) against a surging 'Cat ground attack. After posting the highest team rush total (282 yards) since Bill Curry was calling the plays, UK looks to continue its ground dominance, utilizing Randall Cobb out of the "Wildcat." But, with freshman quarterback Morgan Newton once again earning the start, look for UK to open up the passing game against a Warhawk team that allows 262.5 yards passing per game.

Fearless Prediction

Kentucky 34 ULM 17

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

UK Football: Mid-Season Accolades

Ken Howlett — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:42:23 -0000

More photos » by Butch Dill - AP

Randall Cobb, doing it all.

Browse more photos »

With Kentucky coming off a season-saving, come-from-behind 21-14 victory over Auburn on Saturday, we find ourselves at the mid-point of the season. The first six games of the 2009 season have regaled us with many great individual performances, several disappointing developments, and a record about where most (in the preseason), thought it would be. So, in keeping with the positive vibes surrounding UK athletics at the moment, let's honor those players and units that have achieved beyond the expected:

Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Randall Cobb (Sophomore Do-It-All Dynamo) -- The Alcoa, Tennessee native has simply been electric for nearly the entire season. Cobb has ran for 239 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns, as well as being a danger as a receiver; 24 catches for 322 yards (13.4 yards per reception), and another four touchdowns. In an effort to get the ball in his hands as many times as possible, the coaching staff has Cobb returning punts (although I'm not happy about it). He's hasn't broken-off a long one yet, but he's averaging a healthy 8.9 yards per punt return (3rd in the SEC). Cobb is also averaging 129.5 all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, and returns) per game (5th in the SEC).

Not in recent memory has UK possessed such an extreme talent. Cobb is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and with his exceptional speed, elusiveness, and explosiveness he has become option No. 1 in the Kentucky offense. Enjoy the "Cobbinator" while we have 'im!

Honorable mention goes to junior running back Derrick Locke. Coming off major knee surgery, there were question marks about his ability to maintain his incredible burst and overall speed, but Locke has posted some very strong numbers this season, rendering the medical questions null and void. Locke has rushed for 459 yards (4.6 ypc) and three touchdowns, and he's once again proving to be a real asset catching the ball out of the backfield with 16 receptions for 128 yards (8.0 ypr). In addition, he's returned 12 kick-offs for 385 yards (32.1 ypr), and a touchdown. Locke leads the SEC in all-purpose yards with 162 yards per game.

Locke does a splendid job of countering Cobb's "escapability" with a power/speed running game. Lucky us, Locke and Cobb have one more season together!

Outstanding Defensive Player: Micah Johnson (Senior LB) -- Johnson was thought to be the defensive leader of this team prior to the season, and he hasn't disappointed. He currently leads the team in tackles with 52 (5th in the SEC), to go along with 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

Solidifying himself as the best defensive player of the first half of the season, Johnson came up huge Saturday at Auburn. His 14 tackle effort was the impetus behind him being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Johnson's combination of size, strength, and quickness make him a ball-chasing holy terror, almost impossible to stop one-on-one. And when he locks his highly sensitive radar onto the ball carrier, it's time for the trainer.

Honorable mention goes to junior linebacker Sam Maxwell -- Maxwell has been excellent, especially on passing downs. He's recorded 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and an incredible five pass breakups, to go along with two interceptions.

Maxwell has shown Micah Johnson-type pursuit ability, and an uncanny knack for being around the ball.

Most Improved Offensive Player: John Conner (Senior fullback) -- Conner has been outstanding since arriving at UK, but I had to find a way to honor his dedication to perfecting the art of blocking. Conner's incredible effectiveness at providing room to run for UK's Locke, Alfonso Smith, Randall Cobb and Moncell Allen, makes him a valuable commodity to coach Rich Brooks. Conner, a 5'11", 240 lb wrecking ball of a fullback deserves much of the credit for the improved performance of the running game in 2009. He consistently clears a wide swath of turf for the ball-carriers, and has proved to be a reliable runner (15 carries for 47 yards) and pass catcher (11 receptions for 89 yards) out of the backfield.

Honorable mention goes to the offensive line -- Left tackle Zipp Duncan, left guard Christian Johnson, center Jorge Gonzalez, right guard Stuart Hines, and right tackle Brad Durham have paved the way for UK's talented ball carriers like a bulldozer clearing powdery snow. The penetration the linemen have gained, has at times, been almost comical ... at least to UK fans. They have collectively cleared a path for the fifth ranked rushing offense in the SEC (186.5 yards per game), and in UK's two most recent contests (versus South Carolina and Auburn), the O-line allowed Kentucky to rush for a combined 487 yards. Additionally, UK ran for 133 yards against an Alabama defense giving up an average of only 63.3 rushing yards per game. On the season, UK's backs have rushed for 1,119 yards (4.5 ypc) and 11 touchdowns, and just as importantly, UK's quarterbacks have been sacked only six times ...

... Saaaalute! To Kentucky's "big-uglies."

Most Improved Defensive Player: Danny Trevathan (Sophomore LB) -- Last season in mostly special teams duties, Trevathan accounted for five tackles and a blocked kick (versus Georgia), but this season the sophomore has made the most of his opportunity while playing alongside Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell. Trevathan is third on the team with 39 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and one pass breakup. In UK's last outing versus Auburn, Trevathan did his finest MJ impression, recording 14 tackles.

We said in the preseason that this kid could be the next great UK linebacker, and thus far, he's on the fast track.

Pleasant Surprise of the Year (Individual): Lones Seiber (Senior Kicker) -- Seiber came into the season having made less than 60.0% of his field goal attempts for his career, but in '09, he has made 5-8 field goals (62.5%), with one block, and a miss from 49 yards. So, overall he's been much improved from the inconsistent kicker he has been over the last three years. And with all of the criticism he has received (me included), he deserves some kudos.

Pleasant Surprise of the Year (Team): The running game -- Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith, Randall Cobb, Moncell Allen, John Conner and the offensive line are of course responsible for the incredible, season-saving success of the Kentucky's running game. It has been powerful, elusive, and overly effective ... let's keep it up. (See running game stats above)

Biggest Negative Play of the Year: The failed two-point conversion attempt versus South Carolina -- I don't want to belabor a point that has been beat to death by everyone from myself, to the mainstream media, but if I could ask Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips one question regarding that decision it would be, "Why?" The staff's decision to allow Will Fidler to quarterback on the play didn't cost UK the victory, but it cost the 'Cats the chance to win. I could keep going, but ... well, let's leave the unpleasantness where it belongs. In the past.

Biggest Positive Play of the Year: Randall Cobb's 61-yard scamper (or did he run about 80-yards?) to set up the winning touchdown versus Auburn -- Cobb, in that one play, displayed why he is considered such a dangerous weapon: He broke a long run, he evaded several would-be-tacklers, and he did it with the game on the line. Pressure? Cobb has pressure for breakfast.

Honorable mention goes to Louisville's Trent Guy for his fumble late in the fourth quarter of the UK vs. U of L game. If Guy doesn't put the ball on the turf on his attempted catch of a UK punt, Big Blue's chances of winning diminish exponentially.

Most Outstanding Performance of the Season: The defense in the Auburn game -- Without UK's smothering defense for the entire game, Cobb's 61-yard run would have been for naught. Kentucky's defense held Auburn to 170 fewer yards than the Tigers average on the year, and gave up only a single touchdown. This against a team that averaged nearly 39 points per game.

Thoroughly frustrated is the most appropriate term to describe Auburn quarterback Chris Todd. Coming into the game the Elizabethtown native was the SEC's second leading passer, averaging nearly 227 yards per game, while completing 57.8% of his passes. UK held Todd to 10-24 passing for 80 yards and only his second interception of the year. Kentucky's rush defense was nearly as impressive -- Auburn running back Ben Tate was averaging 6.1 yards per carry coming into the game, but was held to only 4.3 yards per carry. Tate's running mate, Onterio McCaleb, averaged 6.0 yards per carry, but MJ and his Crew held him to only 22 yards on seven carries (3.1 ypc).

Coming into the Auburn game, I wasn't sure UK could keep up with the Tiger's rapid fire offense, how silly of me. Hats off to the D! The Auburn victory belongs to you.

Feel free to condemn, but as always,

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

On the Brink of Madness

Ken Howlett — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:37:02 -0000

At long last. Since the April hiring of John Calipari as Kentucky's new basketball coach, the Commonwealth and all its zealous UK contingent have patiently awaited mid-October; the beginning of a new hoops season. Finally, four years of mediocrity are now behind us, and so, in the spirit of celebration, here are my 10 reasons for UK fans to party like it's 1998:

1.Gardner-Webb, VMI, Houston, San Diego, and UAB are off the schedule-- Not only are those teams not on UK's basketball schedule this season, but UK fans, players, and the athletic administration alike should feel comfortable in breathing a big sigh of relief at the thought that the current coaching regime will not sacrifice wins, in order to make a point.

UK losing to teams they are accustomed to punishing (for taking the money and running back home), should be a thing of the past. Not that Big Blue will win every game they play, they won't, but the unhappy circumstance of having to watch over, and over, and over as UK's latest distressing loss to the peasants is endlessly replayed on the World Wide Leader, is now a thing of the past. In five years we'll all look back and laugh, at least that's what I'm telling myself.

2. Rupp will be rockin'-- For the first time in at least four years, Rupp Arena will once again be a destination for the enthusiastic.

Recently, Rupp has been an unpleasant place, filled to the rafters with negativity and condemnation, but that will all change in 2009. Harken back to the halcyon days of Rick Pitino and his Bambinos, remembering the way they shook the foundation of college basketball's most storied arena (at least to us UK fans it is), and now, knowing we are on the precipice of that singular type of exuberance once again, should give the ticket holding fan at least one more reason to be excited about the upcoming season.

No more wishing Bruce Pearl was UK's coach (yes, I've heard that uttered more than once as I ran to the bathroom to regurgitate my Rupp dog), no more, "He (Gillispie) won't last 'til the end of the year," no more, "What in the ___ are they doing out there?" Instead of utterances filled with sarcasm and loathing, shouts of victory, and On On UK will once again fill Rupp's crib.

3. Rick Pitino vs. John Calipari -- Kentucky versus Louisville always has been, and always will be the recipient of much focus and intensity from both sides of the aisle, but adding to the combustible concoction is the apparent disharmony of the state's two major basketball figures. When and why the two coaches decided not to like each other is inconsequential. The only important aspect of their relationship (or non-relationship) is the fact that they don't care for one another. And that's how it should be.

I think the problem stems from the fact that the two coaches are so much alike. Brothers from a different mother, one might say -- Both very charismatic, both very articulate, both very comfortable in front of the camera, both very driven to succeed, both very comfortable with a microphone stuck to their mouth, both recruiters of the highest order, both Italian, and neither lacking in self esteem. The competition, not only on the court, but in the living rooms of the nation's top recruits, should be robust, adding fuel to an already flaming rivalry.

4. March Madness -- The month of March around Kentucky for the last four years has been a time for spring cleaning, instead of springing-up off the couch in jubilation. Dread and the uneasy anticipation of defeat is all that has kept UK fans warm as the March winds have propelled North Carolina, Texas, Michigan State, and a myriad of other programs past UK in the pecking order of college basketball's elite.

Finally, once again, Kentucky will be a "player" in March, and with a little luck, April.

5. Belated punishment-- Florida, Vanderbilt, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Mississippi State -- As is true with most UK fans, I am thoroughly sick and tired of UK consistently losing to the inferior programs of the SEC. If one desires to froth at the mouth with anticipation of payback, one only needs to think back to the whipping South Carolina game UK last season in Columbia, or the Senior Day loss to last place Georgia, or the Ole Miss loss that began the historic "Slide of '09," or the 41-point vaporizing at the hands of Vandy two years ago. Vandy for chrissakes!

Mel Gibson need not raise a hand to help, this payback will be handled, and handled with aplomb.

6. Patrick Patterson-- UK's All-SEC and All-America candidate will finally be able to show us what he's got. Before this year, poor Patterson was a lone warrior in the paint, left to his own devices to enforce his presence on the floor. This season, though, Patterson will at last have some help in the form of DeMarcus Cousins, and Daniel Orton on the inside, and a host of guards talented enough to consistently get the ball to the big fella.

The most appealing thought Patterson must be experiencing at the moment has to be that he won't be alone anymore; no longer will he be harassed by double- and triple-teams. The opponent will have no choice but to guard him honestly, with no cheating by an off-defender. It's a small reward for the man who chose to stay at UK (instead of taking the $$), but a reward he will reap with gusto.

7. The SEC Tournament -- Over the last two years UK has been in the unenviable position of playing on the first day of the SEC Tournament ... that garbage ends now.

For a program that is responsible for putting the SEC on the college basketball map, having to suffer the indignity of playing on the first day of the tournament has been an exercise in rationalization. It goes like this -- "Well, if they play on Thursday, they have a good chance to get another victory because they'll be playing a weak team ..." Note to self: If UK is playing on Thursday, they're the weak team.

Kentucky shouldn't be worried about getting another victory to pretty-up their resume'. The one and only goal of playing in the SEC Tournament should be to cut down the nets, and solidify UK's ...

8. Seed in the NCAA Tournament-- For far too long Kentucky, and Kentucky fans, have suffered through Selection Sunday with palpable dread at the thought of UK receiving a seed reserved for those lucky to be dancin'. Even worse, we've been left to wonder if an NCAA Tournament seed is forthcoming, and if so, wondering which No.1 or No. 2 seed UK will be saddled with in their second round game. This felonious assault on our nature has resulted in UK fans being sardonic about (what is historically), the most fruitful month of the season

But, now that UK has a coach that means business (and from what I can tell, business is good), March should become much more tasty, even to the most refined palate.

9. Leaving North Carolina in the dust-- Hey, Roy Williams can't coach forever, and with John Calipari at the helm of the biggest, baddest boat in the sea, the 'Cats should continue to hold the distinction of being the winningest college basketball program in the land. Plus, it's only just and right that Kentucky, the original gangster, hold its place at the apex of college basketball's ultimate tote board.

That tote board looks thusly -- UK 1,988 wins, North Carolina 1,984 wins. Beating UNC to the magical 2,000th win is an absolute must. Period. Thankfully the cavalry arrived in the nick of time.

December 5 ... circle it, cancel all plans, and hide the women and children. It will be Big Blue versus "Girly" Blue. Epic.

10. And we're gonna have fun, fun, fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away -- The point of A Sea of Blue, the point of being a fan, is to have fun. And since we UK fans have been predisposed by virtue of our DNA to be hot-blooded Wildcat worshipers, and in order to fully enjoy the fan experience, the fun meter needs to be in the red.

Of course, lately, fun and UK basketball have been battling foes; one wanting to have nothing to do with the other. At long last, though, after what seems like decades, fun and UK basketball will once again be willing partners. At last we can relax, and enjoy the ride, for UK is now back among those who enforce the rules, and not on the business end of the night stick.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats, do yer thang!

UK Football & Basketball: The Fairly Obvious Observations + Landon Slone Edition

Ken Howlett — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:42:06 -0000

More photos » by Mary Ann Chastain - AP

"What am I going to do now?"

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University of Kentucky sports are entering the time of year where the hotly anticipated basketball season overlaps with football season, leaving us with much to discuss. So, in an attempt to kill four birds with one stone, here are my four topics of the day:

The Failed Two-Point Conversion

Like most everyone else who roots for UK, I found the decision to utilize Will Fidler at quarterback and Randall Cobb at receiver, for Kentucky's attempted two-point conversion to tie on Saturday, a puzzling one, at best. Although I felt UK lost the game because of dropped touchdown passes (of which there were two) and poor special teams play (with the exception of Lones Seiber), one has no choice but to question why the UK coaching staff opted to have an inexperienced signal-caller under center for the most crucial offensive play of the game. Couple the facts that Fidler had been occupying space on the bench during the Cobb-led drive for six immediately prior to the conversion attempt, with Fidler's lackluster performance in the second half, and it only causes my head to ache even more enthusiastically.

To continue reading, please send $15 to the Couri ... oops, I forgot, A Sea of Blue's opinions are free ... after the jump.

It seems to me that Cobb at quarterback, with the option to run or throw, would have been the most advantageous decision in that spot -- Run a two-tight end set (one a receiver, one a blocker), roll Cobb out, with the option to run, or, pass to Chris Matthews or Gene McCaskill in end zone.

The second best option, in my view, was to call on Derrick Locke, Moncell Allen, or John Conner. All three of those backs have displayed the ability to gain tough yards, and yards are no tougher to gain than on the goal line. In addition, Locke could have been used as a pitch option for Cobb, if a run play were desired.

No, I'm not a coach, and I didn't stay at Holiday Inn Express last night, but Vince Lombardi one not need be, to plainly see the above options as more desirable than having a cold, inexperienced, unsure quarterback with the ball in his hands at the most critical juncture of the game. Partial proof: Chris Matthews was open in the end zone, but Fidler never looked his way.

Allow me to state that I do not hold Fidler responsible for the failure. He was put into a position to fail. That isn't his fault.

UK's Quarterback Quandary

With Mike Hartline sidelined at least four weeks, the quarterback situation in Lexington suddenly becomes fluid. Rich Brooks has stated that Fidler, and freshman Morgan Newton will battle for the starting job, with a high likelihood that both players will see time on The Plains, versus Auburn this weekend. Brooks has also said Randall Cobb might see increased time at QB out of the "Wildcat" formation.

I'm a firm believer that coaches, regardless of sport, are interested in winning. Ergo, for the most part, coaches are going to give game reps to the players most likely to lead the team to victory (there are exceptions, particularly coaches from Texas). Because of this, and the fact that UK football practices are closed, we have no choice but to trust that Brooks, head coach of the offense Joker Phillips, and quarterback coach Randy Sanders, will select the quarterback that gives UK the best chance of winning football games.

Those who espouse that Newton is a better choice than Fidler, or visa versa, are simply whistling in the wind. I don't know, they don't know, the coaches probably don't know at this point, or a starter would have already been named. But, considering Fidler has been in the program for three-plus years, and Newton since only June, one has to think Fidler has a firmer grasp of the offense. But does having a firmer grasp of UK's offense make Fidler the better option? That question, I cannot answer, because there is something to be said for the most gifted player being given the chance, regardless of experience. But, that most important of decisions lies with the UK staff.

Whoever wins out, I know this -- Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke must have the ball in their able hands for a considerable number of snaps. Obviously, both players represent UK's most potent offensive threats, and in the SEC, a team's chances at victory relies heavily on the best players having the ball in their hands a high percentage of the time. In an average game Kentucky will run 65 (or so) offensive plays. At minimum, 40 of those plays should be geared toward Cobb and Locke, with the remaining 25 plays revolving around the other backs and receivers.

Of course there are unforeseen game situations which might dictate play calling, but UK's base offense should be centered on getting the ball to Cobb and Locke in space.

Tempering Expectations, John Calipari Style

I have to laugh every time I read or hear coach Calipari, or anyone else for that matter, attempt to tamp down UK fans' expectations for the upcoming basketball season. The line is usually the same: New coach, new system, new players = struggles, especially early in the season.

All of that might be true, but it doesn't matter. The UK faithful are so "geeked" about the upcoming roundball season, anything short of an outbreak of cat-astrophic injuries will result in stratospheric expectations. Telling UK fans not to expect immediate and long-lasting success this season is akin to telling the starving man not to eat too fast -- UK fans are famished for a legitimate national contender, and at long last that yearning will be fulfilled.

Furthermore, with John Wall being touted by some as the preseason national player of the year, along with the lofty rankings UK is receiving from the preseason prognosticators, throwing cold, or even lukewarm water on UK fans' hopes seems like an exercise of the most futile nature. So, go ahead UK fan, expect great things, I'm right there with you. And remember, coach, no amount of subterfuge, no matter how well meaning, will dissuade the hungry masses from exercising their right to great expectations.

I'll give Calipari and "A" for effort on this one, even if the effort was ineffective

Landon "Rudy" Slone

The movie "Rudy" has always been a favorite of mine. Rudy's courage, conviction, and hustle endeared him not only to his teammates, but two decades later, to the movie-watching American public. His story is one of the underdog winning out in the end, and American's, being underdogs once upon a time ourselves, appreciate dedication even in the face of long odds.

As the tale goes, Rudy Ruettiger, a walk-on football player at Notre Dame, was promised by legendary Irish coach Ara Parseghian a chance to dress for one Notre Dame home football game in Rudy's senior year. This was Parseghian's way of rewarding the nonathletic, yet fiercely competitive Ruettiger for his never-ending, give-up-the-body attitude during practice. Of course, as fate would have it, Parseghian resigned prior to the start of the season, and evidently did not let incoming Irish coach Dan Devine in on his plan to allow Ruettiger to dress for one home game. So, prior to Notre Dame's final home contest, knowing Devine was not going to let Rudy dress, the entire Irish squad offered to give up their spot on the team, in order for Rudy to dress for the game. Devine relents, and allows Ruettiger to dress for the game, a game in which Rudy was lucky enough to play in. Of course, in the end, Rudy the conquerer was carried off the field on his teammate's shoulders, after the final horn.

Former UK walk-on, Landon Slone, is in a similar position. After being told by Billy Gillispie that he would be awarded a scholarship for the '09-'10 season, Gillispie was terminated, and now John Calipari has the opportunity to do the right thing.

I know Calipari has an aversion to walk-ons, a stance I have no real problem with, but this situation begs for special consideration. After all, Slone is not without talent; He scored over 3,000 points in his illustrious career at Paintsville High School, and wanting to play for UK so badly, turned down several scholarship offers. He was a member of the team last season, and by all accounts, played as hard as one would expect a boy from the mountains of Kentucky to play.

Is it Slone's birthright to walk-on at UK? No, it isn't. A love for UK doesn't qualify one to play basketball, or any other sport for Kentucky, but a combination of Slone's A.) talent, B.) desire, and C.) the fact that Calipari (mistakenly) did not clear 10 minutes in his schedule to sit down with the young man months ago, leads me to respectfully request of coach Cal ...

... At minimum, give the kid half-an-hour to convince you that he would be a positive addition to this year's basketball 'Cats. Half-an-hour, that's all. You spent an entire night outside Memorial Coliseum with the Midnight Madness maniacs, why not listen for a few minutes to what Slone has to say?

You might not be aware, coach, but there's just something unspeakably special about a Kentucky kid wearing "Kentucky" across his chest. Even if the player isn't the most talented, and sometimes, because the player isn't the most talented. Simply put, sometimes the Kentucky underdog will inspire those gifted with exceptional ability ... Sometimes the Kentucky underdog will show the diaper dandy what it means to give it his all ... Sometimes the Kentucky underdog, through his love for the University, will stimulate the pampered to fight for victory, instead of settling for defeat ... Sometimes the Kentucky underdog is carried off the field of play on the shoulders of his teammates, to the cheers of those who wish they were him.

Give 'em a chance, coach, he deserves at least that much.

Maple Street Press Wildcat Tip-Off Annual

As Tru reported in an earlier post, the Wildcat Tip-Off preseason basketball magazine can be found, around October 20, at the following retail outlets: Wal Mart, Kroger's, Target, Meijer, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, Food Lion, Food City, Sam's Club, and the University Bookstore on campus.

The magazine can also be ordered on-line from Maple Street Press.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!