Bleacher Report - Articles by Nathan Towles

Kentucky WIldcats: Prediction at 2009 Schedule

Nathan Towles — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:22:41 -0400

When Rich Brooks took Kentucky to its third straight bowl game in 2008, he became only the second coach in Kentucky football history to accomplish that feat behind the great Bear Bryant.

Like the previous years, Kentucky will have its work cut out for them if they want to go bowling this season as well. They have found a way the past three years, so this year should not be any different.

Kentucky will most likely have all the chips on the table, ready to go all in. Ready to take that next step and insure there mark in the history of Kentucky annuals.

Kentucky Wildcats 2009 schedule:

Saturday, September 5: Miami (Ohio)

Series: Kentucky leads 6-4-1
Where: Paul Brown Stadium
2008 record: 2-10
Starters lost: 10
Returning starters: 11
Player to watch: Daniel Raudabaugh, QB

It marks the first time in years that Kentucky has not started the first game of the year at home. It should have the home field feel to the game being so close to Lexington.

Kentucky should not have a problem taking care of the Redhawks. The defense will stop Miami from ever getting started. The question here is: Mike Hartline.

If Hartline doesn't seem to be moving the ball against a defense that lost six starters, then he won't be able to do much. If this happens, look for Brooks to make a switch at some time and put in one of his studs behind center.

Kentucky 27-10

Saturday, September 19: Louisville

Series: Kentucky leads 12-9
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 5-7
Starters lost: 11
Returning starters: 17
Player to watch: Victor Anderson, RB

In the past years, the winner has gone on to a bowl game. The loser has endured a long season. This rival game means everything to the state of Kentucky.

Look for it to be closer then it was last year when Kentucky won 27-2. The cats will have the upper hand on the cards again this year as Kragthorpe goes win less against Kentucky in his tenure.

Kentucky 28-17

Saturday, September 26: Florida

Series: Florida leads 42-17
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 13-1
Starters lost: 4
Returning starters: 18
Player to watch: Tim Tebow, QB

Florida has owned and will own Kentucky again in 2009. Kentucky has yet to gain the talent needed to keep up with the Gators. The losing streak continues.

Florida 45-13

Saturday, October 3: Alabama

Series: Alabama leads 34-2-1
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 12-2
Starters lost: 9
Returning starters: 13
Player to watch: Julio Jones, WR

Kentucky kept it close last year, proving that they could play with the crimson tide. Only a field goal keep Kentucky away.

It will be another hard task for Kentucky to win against a defense that lost only two players from last year. The good thing is that 'Bama lost seven on the offense side of the ball.

Could be a upset if everything goes Kentucky's way, but as of now: Alabama 17-7

Saturday, October 10: South Carolina

Series: South Carolina leads 13-6-1
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium
2008 record: 7-6
Starters lost: 11
Returning starters: 11
Player to watch: Moe Brown, WR

Steve Spurrier has owned Kentucky when he was at Florida and the same at South Carolina. Spurrier lacks the depth and talent as years past. Game should come down to the fourth quarter.

Kentucky 24-21

Saturday, October 17: Auburn

Series: Auburn leads 24-5-1
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium
2008 record: 5-7
Starters lost: 8
Returning starters: 14
Player to watch: Kodi Burns, QB

Auburn will be looking to rebuild under Gene Chizik. Chizik was a surprise hire, having a career record of 5-19. Auburn still has talent, but do they have the coach to make the best of it?

Auburn 13-6

Saturday, October 24: Louisiana-Monroe

Series: Kentucky leads 2-1
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 4-8
Starters lost: 8
Returning starters: 14
Player to watch: Anthony McCall, WR

Louisiana-Monroe doesn't have the talent to match up with Kentucky on offense or defense. Cats should run up the score on this one.

Kentucky 38-17

Saturday, October 31: Mississippi State

Series: Kentucky leads 21-15
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 4-8
Starters lost: 10
Returning starters: 13
Player to watch: Tyson Lee, QB

Usually a hard fought game, with the winner coming late in the game. State is rebuilding under new coach Dan Mullen. Look for Kentucky to avenge a lost to the dogs two years ago at home.

Kentucky 27-14

Saturday, November 7: Eastern Kentucky

Series: Kentucky leads 2-0
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 8-4
Starters lost: 10
Returning starters: 12
Player to watch: Cody Watts, WR

Kentucky has more talent that will win the game. Kentucky won the last meeting hands down and the same with this one.

Kentucky 41-21

Saturday, November 14: Vanderbilt

Series: tied 38-38-4
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium
2008 record: 7-6
Starters lost: 5
Returning starters: 17
Player to watch: Jared Hawkins, TB

Vanderbilt got over the long hump last season going to a bowl game and winning. The 'Dores and cats always play hard and close. Game is won before the fourth.

Kentucky 20-14

Saturday, November 21: Georgia

Series: Georgia leads 49-11-2
Where: Sanford Stadium
2008 record: 10-3
Starters lost: 9
Returning starters: 13
Player to watch: A.J. Green, WR

Georgia has lost star power off last years team but has talent to replace them. Kentucky has played Georgia close the past few years. Kentucky could pull out another upset.

Georgia 27-24

Saturday, November 28: Tennessee

Series: Tennessee leads 72-23-9
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
2008 record: 5-7
Starters lost: 10
Returning starters: 13
Player to watch: Gerald Jones, WR

Like Florida, Tennessee has dominated Kentucky. Before the game last year, Kentucky looked to have the edge after Tennessee fired there coach. Tennessee showed Kentucky that they didn't

The Lane Kiffin season one, ends with a loss to rival Kentucky.

Kentucky 21-17

Final prediction on 2009 season: 8-4

Mar. 27, 2009: Black Friday in the Commonwealth

Nathan Towles — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:00:23 -0400

Over the past few days, since Kentucky lost to Notre Dame in the NIT tournament, there has been a dramatic change of events concerning the head coach.

The whole state of Big Blue Nation was waiting and holding its breath for the announcement that would follow at 4:30 on Friday afternoon.

The verdict: Termination of Billy Clyde Gillispie.

In a matter of moments, the nation was aware of what had happened in Lexington.

"After long and deliberate discussions, President (Lee T.) Todd and I have decided we must charter a new direction for the University of Kentucky men's basketball program." Mitch Barnhart said and reported on ukathletics.com.

"Unfortunately there are times when a situation and the people involved do not create the right chemistry or right fit. It is our belief that is where we are and where we find ourselves with Kentucky basketball today.

"For that reason, we decided to not bring Coach Gillispie back to lead our men's basketball program."

Not a shocker to some Kentucky fans, but most people around the nation was singing another tone.

Outside of Memorial Coliseum, students had made signs saying: Todd is a fraud and Fire the media, not Billy.

It seems that the fans are spilt down the middle. One person, that is not, is father of Kentucky star Jodie Meeks.

"You don't want to throw gasoline on the flames, but, clearly, a lot of things happened behind the scenes that made it difficult for the kids to play basketball and focus on winning," the Orestes Meeks said and reported to the Herald-Leader.

Normally, I do NOT enter my own opinions in my articles, but today I can just not help but enter in on this, knowing that I will get blasted.

Let me say this before I begin with my little rant. Please do not tell me that I am just another crazy UK fan. That I do not understand anything about college sports.

Playing baseball for a short time at the University of Kentucky, I still have family and friends that play a sport or go to the school.

I know the pressure of having to strive to be the best you can. I know how the fans can act towards you at times. I know the importance of any sport at Kentucky.

This was the right move at the right time for the University of Kentucky. They understood that it was going to get worse before it got better.

It is a bad situation for the man. However, when the man says that Kentucky is just another name in college basketball, I don't feel sorry for him.

Kentucky is NOT just another name in college basketball; Texas A&M is just another name, but not Kentucky.

That is enough of my soap box, the rest cannot be said here.

Now the task of hiring the right coach will be put upon Mitch Barnhart again. This time he knows that he must get it right or his job will be next.

Kentucky has said that they will take its time in deciding the new "caretaker" for the program.

Some names have already been taking out in Billy Donovan and Tom Izzo. Some have commented on that they love where they are out now, but have came short to rule out going to Kentucky.

Here is the short list of coaches that could take the job:

Travis Ford
Current job: Oklahoma State
2008-2009 record: 23-12
Overall record: 146-127

This could be the man that will be the next coach. He is true Kentucky boy. He is a Ex-UK player. He understands what Kentucky means. He reminds some of a young Rick Pitino. If Kentucky calls, Ford will most likely come home to the Bluegrass.

Jamie Dixon
Current job: Pittsburgh
2008-2009 record: 31-4, but still in tournament
Overall record: 163-4

Could be bought at a high price. He know how to coach and understands the game. It is unknown at this time to committed he is to the Pitt program. He is a California guy, so he doesn't understand Kentucky tradition.

Mike Anderson
Current job: Missouri
2008-2009 record: 31-7
Overall record: 154-76

The style of play that he desires is the same that Kentucky fans love to watch. Most Kentucky fans know him because he was the coach at UAB in 2004. That was when the blazers upset the No. 1 seed Kentucky.

He has had five losing seasons to his name. Missouri is in talks to keep Anderson, but anything could happen.

Stay tuned to the Kentucky basketball homepage for updates on the coaching search.

Rich Brooks, Kentucky Wildcats Gaining Ground in SEC

Nathan Towles — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:52:46 -0500

When Rich Brooks accepted the head coaching job at Kentucky, he had one supreme goal in mind for his new team.

It wasn't just getting Kentucky to win some games here and there. It wasn't just getting them to knock on the door of some of the top SEC schools. The goal was for one thing and one thing only: make Kentucky into an SEC power and national name.

It took some time for the Kentucky faithful to get behind Brooks and accept the new coach.

After the LSU thumping in 2006, blue and white wanted him gone for good.

Then after the year ended with a Music City Bowl win over Clemson, Brooks sold himself on the faithful. That was just the start of the turnaround that he had in store for Kentucky.

Like the previous year, Brooks made another splash for the Wildcats in 2007: notching the first win against Louisville in his tenure and getting the attention of the nation. Kentucky was ranked for the first time in ages.

That was only the start for 2007.

GameDay, a revered college football program on ESPN, broadcasted live from Lexington for Kentucky's matchup with Florida, a game the Wildcats lost in a heartbreaker.

Kentucky also hosted the No. 1 team in the country—LSU—and beat the Tigers in four overtimes.

Kentucky went on to beat a depleted Florida State team in the Music City Bowl, winning that event for the second year in a row.

Brooks wanted more and Kentucky now expected more.

2008 was a rebuilding year and nobody expected Kentucky to keep up with the previous two years. The year didn't produce a signature triumph, but winning enough games to go to a third straight bowl game sat well with Kentucky fans.

The Liberty Bowl offered a new scene and a new chance for the Wildcats. Kentucky was matched up with a talented East Carolina team that had won the Conference USA title.

Everybody had written Kentucky off before, and at halftime, of the game. Kentucky rallied and beat the Pirates the only way it knows best: defense.

The season ended the way it began—with a win. Brooks and Co. had set school records in the process and let everyone know that Kentucky wasn't just a basketball state.

Kentucky fans were hungry for more. They all were looking forward to signing day on Feb. 4. They wanted to see what new talent would be wearing the blue and white the next year.

Brooks and his assistant coaches were not going to let the Bluegrass State down. They came away with the best recruiting class since Brooks took the head coaching job. They filled every spot that they needed for next year.

Brooks signed two of the best quarterbacks in the nation and added some talented junior college transfers to fill some much-needed depth on both sides of the ball. They recruited in 12 different states.

According to Rivals.com, Kentucky ranked among the top 25 at certain positions: quarterbacks (No. 6), wide receivers (No. 23), tight ends (No. 11), and defensive ends (No. 15).

Here is a look at the class of 2009 signees:

Name: position, star rating, state

Brian Adams: WR/QB, 2-star, Georgia
Jordan Aumiller: LB, 2-star, Kentucky
Justin Bean: WR, 2-star, Mississippi
Mister Cobble: DT, 2-star, Kentucky
Mark Crawford: DT, 3-star, Kansas, JUCO
DeQuin Evans: DE, 4-star, California, JUCO
Jonathan George: RB, 2-star, Alabama
Qua Huzzie: LB, 3-star, Georgia
Tristian Johnson: DE, 3-star, Georgia
Anthony Kendrick: TE, 3-star, Texas
LaRod King: WR, 3-star, Kentucky
Patrick Ligon: DE, 2-star, Tennessee
Chris Matthews: WR, 4-star, California, JUCO
Demetri Merritt: LB, 2-star, Georgia
Kevin Mitchell: OL, 2-star, Georgia
Terrell Mitchell: TE, 3-star, Georgia
Ryan Mosby: LB, 3-star, Texas
Ryan Mossakowski: QB, 4-star, Texas
Martavius Neloms: DB, 2-star, Tennessee
Morgan Newton: QB, 3-star, Indiana
Donte Rumph: DE, 3-star, Virgina, JUCO
Donald Russell: RB, 3-star, Florida
Sam Simpson: OL, 3-star, Kentucky
Dakotah Tyler: RB, 2-star, Indiana
Jarvis Walker: LB 3-star, Louisana
Myron Walker: DT, 3-star, Louisana
Larry Warford: OL, 3-star, Kentucky
Ridge Wilson: LB, 3-star, Kentucky

Kentucky Baseball Looking Ahead at 2009 Season

Nathan Towles — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:53:46 -0500

The Kentucky baseball team had plenty to cheer for at the end of last season. In 2008, the Wildcats tied a school record with 44 wins and advancing to the Ann Arbor NCAA Regional Championship.

Just five days after Kentucky lost to Arizona at regional, head coach John Cohen resigns to take the head coaching job at Mississippi State.

Kentucky did not miss a beat and announced associate head coach and pitching coach, Gary Henderson as the new skipper the same day of Cohen's resignation.

"I am very excited to be named the Kentucky baseball coach," Henderson said and reported on catspause.com. "It has been a true honor to work for coach Cohen, Mitch Barnhart and Rob Mullens over the past five years. I felt when I was coming here that we could do some great things at Kentucky and that Mitch would support the program however necessary to make is successful. I look forward to getting back to work at cementing UK's position among the elite programs in the nation."

Then Kentucky went on to sign there best recruiting class in school history and the fourth best class in the nation. However, baseball in the SEC is very difficult.

The recruiting class was only the third best in the SEC behind baseball power LSU and Florida.

In 2008, Kentucky ranked at the top in almost every category in pitching and defense units. They expect to stay there in the 2009 season.

That will be hard to do after losing two All-Americans in Collin Cowgill and Sawyer Carroll. Both outfield players led Kentucky in almost every offense category.

Kentucky also lost starting and quality pitchers in Greg Dombrowski, Andrew Albers, Brock Baber, Aaron Lovett and Scott Green.

UK will return first-team All-SEC starting pitcher Chris Rusin. Also returning is pitcher James Paxton, freshman All-America shortstop Chris Wade, and top SEC third baseman Chris McClendon.

The 2008 University of Kentucky roster looks like this:

Chris Bisson, INF, So.
Sean Bouthilette, RHP, Fr.
Andy Burns, INF, Fr.
Will Campbell, 1B/OF, Jr.
Logan Darnell, LHP, So.
T.J. Daugherty, C, RS Fr.
Cory Farris, C/OF, Fr.
Duran Ferguson, RHP, RS So.
Troy Frazier, OF, Jr.
Gunner Glad, INF/OF/RHP, Jr.
Chase Greene, RHP, Fr.
Navarro Hall, OF, RS Fr.
Tyler Henry, RHP, Jr.
Jonathan Huff, RHP, Sr.
Neiko Johnson, INF, So.
Mike Kaczmarek, LHP, So.
Braden Kapteyn, INF/RHP, Fr.
Nick Kennedy, RHP, Jr.
Spencer Korus, INF/OF, Sr.
Chris McClendon, INF, Sr.
Alex Meyer, RHP, Fr.
Marcus Nidiffer, C, Jr.
James Paxton, LHP, Jr.
Bryan Rose, OF, So.
Chris Rusin, LHP, Sr.
Brain Suerdick, C, So.
Clint Tilford, RHP, Jr.
Chris Wade, INF, So.
Keenan Wiley, OF, Jr.
Michael Williams, C, Fr.
Brock Wright, OF, Jr.
Chad Wright, OF, Jr.

The 2009 Kentucky baseball schedule will consist of: 27 games against 2008 NCAA tournament teams, Two College World Series teams, 17 clubs that finished in RPI-Top 100, combined record of teams for 2008 are 909-692 (.568).

"We are extremely pleased with our 2009 schedule," Henderson announced and reported on UKathletics.com."One of our goals in putting together the schedule was to increase our overall RPI and present a more challenging non-conference slate, including a tough opening-season tournament at Coastal Carolina. Playing in the best conference in college baseball, we will always play 10 of the top teams in the nation, and it was important for us to be challenged outside of conference action as well."

February 20- Troy (32-26 74 RPI) @ Coastal Carolina Tournament
February 21- James Madison (39-19 61 RPI) @ Coastal Carolina Tournament
February 21 & 22- Coastal Carolina (50-14 8 RPI) @ Coastal Carolina Tournament
February 27 & 8, March 1- Western Michigan (29-23 195 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 3- Wright State (30-23 180 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 4- Eastern Kentucky (26-27 212 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 6,7 & 8- Indiana State (18-32 146 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 11- Indiana (31-30 129 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 13,14 & 15- LSU (49-14 8 RPI) @ LSU
March 16- Nicholls State (10-44 269 RPI) @ Nicholls State
March 17- New Orleans (43-21 47 RPI) @ New Orleans
March 20,21 & 22- Vanderbilt (41-22 35 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 24- West Virginia (35-27 103 RPI) @ West Virginia
March 25- Cincinnati (39-20 85 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 27,28 & 29- South Carolina (40-23 23 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
March 31- Marshall (30-30 72 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
April 3,4 &5- Ole Miss (39-26 39 RPI) @ Ole Miss
April 7- Western Kentucky (32-27 84 RPI) @ Western Kentucky
April 8- Western Kentucky (32-27 84 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
April 10,11, & 12- Georgia (45-25 11 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
April 14- Louisville (41-21 55 RPI) @ Louisville
April 17,18 & 19- Mississippi State (23-33 127 RPI) @ Mississippi State
April 21- Ohio State (30-26 137 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
April 22- Evansville (14-42 278 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
April 24,25 & 26- Alabama (35-28 48 RPI) @ Alabama
April 28- Louisville (41-21 55 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
May 1,2 & 3- Tennessee (27-29 96 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
May 8,9 & 10- Auburn (28-28 69 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
May 12- Morehead State (18-33 261 RPI) Cliff Hagen Stadium
May 14,15 & 16- Florida (34-24 21 RPI) @ Florida
May 20,21,22,23,24 & 25- SEC Tournament @ Hoover, Alabama

Kentucky has earned a No. 19 national ranking in the preseason Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and a No. 23 in the preseason National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll.

Kentucky Looking Ahead to 2009

Nathan Towles — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:39 -0500

When Coach Rich Brooks came to Kentucky years ago, he knew that building Kentucky into an SEC football team would be no easy task.

In 2006, Brooks and the Cats went on to win the Music City Bowl and again in 2007. In those two years, Kentucky beat the likes of Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Clemson, and Florida State.

Then again in 2008, Kentucky won just enough games in a rebuilding year to go to the Liberty Bowl against East Carolina.

Kentucky took care of East Carolina and completed an improbable comeback to capture the Liberty Bowl championship.

Kentucky set a school record when they went to the Liberty Bowl. It marked the first time since 1949-1951 that Kentucky had been to three straight bowl games.

They also set the school record for winning all three of the last bowl games.

Brooks has slowly built Kentucky from the ground up. Now he is working on putting the furniture in the new house.

The Wildcats have already gotten good news from two key defensive players that will be returning to Kentucky for their senior year.

6'2", 250-pound middle linebacker Micah Johnson told the faithful blue and white fans that he will be back for the 2009 season.

Another key player returning will be 6'3", 277-pound defensive end Jeremy Johnson. He, like Micah Johnson, will be returning for his senior year.

The only key player left is 6'0", 175-pound cornerback Trevard Lindley. Lindley just announced today that he was comeing back to play for Kentucky.

Here are projected returning players for Kentucky in 2009.

Quarterbacks

Mike Hartline, Will Fidler, Randall Cobb, DeAunte Mason, Tyler Sargent

Running Backs and Fullbacks

Moncell Allen, Stephen Ball, Trey Bowland, John Conner, Derrick Locke, A.J. Nance, Matt Ramsey, Alfonso Smith

Wide Receivers

E.J. Adams, Eric Adeyemi, Aaron Boyd, Nik Brazley, E.J. Fields, Jonathan Gholson, Kyrus Lanxter, Gene McCaskill, Matt Roark

Tight Ends

Ross Bogue, Chris Cessna, T.C. Drake, Maurice Grinter, Andre Henderson

Offensive Line

Marcus Davis, Zipp Duncan, Brad Durham, Jorge Gonzalez, Stuart Hines, Osaze Idumwonyi, Justin Jeffries, Christian Johnson, Jake Lanefski, Dustin Luck, Billy Joe Murphy, Matt Smith, Sean Stackhouse, Dave Ulinski, Michael Williams, Trevino Woods

Defensive Line

Chandler Burden, Antwane Glenn, Jeremy Johnson, Ricky Lumpkin, Shane McCord, Luke McDermott, Greg Meisner, Josh Minton, Charles Mustafaa, Corey Peters, Joe Scott, Collins Ukwu, B.J. Wiedemann, Taylor Wyndham

Linebackers

Jacob Dufrene, Micah Johnson, Williams Johnson, Mikhail Mabry, Sam Maxwell, Brain Murphy, Mike Schwindel, Ronnie Sneed, Antonio Thomas, Brandon Thurmond, Danny Trevathan

Defensive Backs

Randall Burden, Ashton Cobb, Daryl Faulkner, Winston Guy, Calvin Harrison, Matt Lentz, Anthony Mosley, Cartier Rice, Taiedo Smith, Greg Wilson, Trevard Lindley, Paul Warford*

Kickers, Punters, and Snappers

Brad Hart, J.J. Helton, Lones Seiber, Jon Thomas, Ryan Tydlacka

* Paul Warford expected to rejoin team in 2009.

Kentucky 2009 Commitments

Player, Position, Star Rating

Brian Adams: Athlete, two-star

Jordan Aumiller: Linebacker, two-star

Justin Bean: Wide Receiver, two-star

Mister Cobble: Defensive Tackle, two-star

Mark Crawford: Defensive Tackle, three-star

Qua Huzzie: Linebacker, three-star

Tristian Johnson: Defensive End, three-star

Anthony Kendrick: Tight End, three-star

LaRod King: Wide Receiver, three-star

Chris Matthews: Wide Receiver, four-star

Demetri Merritt: Linebacker, two-star

Kevin Mitchell: Offensive Lineman, two-star

Ryan Mossakowski: Quarterback, five-star

Morgan Newton: Quarterback, three-star

Donte Rumph: Defensive End, three-star

Sam Simpson: Offensive Lineman, three-star

Dakotah Tyler: Running Back, two-star

Jarvis Walker: Linebacker, three-star

Myron Walker: Defensive Tackle, three-star

Larry Warford: Offensive Lineman, three-star

Ridge Wilson: Linebacker, three-star

Look at 2008 Kentucky Football Schedule (subject to change)

Sept. 5: Open

Sept. 12: Open

Sept. 19: Louisville

Sept. 26: Florida

Oct. 3: Alabama

Oct. 10: @ South Carolina

Oct. 17: @ Auburn

Oct. 24: Louisiana-Monroe

Oct. 31: Mississippi State

Nov. 7: Eastern Kentucky

Nov. 14: @ Vanderbilt

Nov. 21: @ Georgia

Nov. 28: Tennessee

Kentucky-Tennessee: History Goes to Jodie Meeks and Wildcats

Nathan Towles — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:00:05 -0500

What more evidence does the college basketball world need after Tuesday night?

At the start of the year, Kentucky was pretty much written off by all of college basketball.

Here is what we learned from Tuesday night: Kentucky is Kentucky again.

Kentucky went down to Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville to play the Tennessee Volunteers. What happened next was a historic game that Kentucky won 90-72.

A record that had stood for nearly 39 years, by Kentucky legend Dan Issel, was broken by Jodie Meeks. Meeks also set the scoring record for most three-point shots made in a game at 10.

The junior from Norcross, Georgia scored 54 points on 15-of-22 shots, hitting on 10-of-15 three-point shots and adding another 14 from the free throw line, where he did not miss. He had eight rebounds and four assists.

It was even good enough to be number one on SportsCenter's top 10 plays.

It will be a long time before this record is broken by another Kentucky player. The only person that seems like he can break it is the one who set it.

"'Til he gets 60," UK coach Billy Gillispie said to the Herald-Leader, "it'll probably be at the top of the list. One of the most unbelievable individual achievements I've ever seen."

People couldn't stop talking about Jodie Meeks. Even the Tennessee players.

Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson said on ESPN.com that Tennessee's players yapped all game, despite the napalming put on them. "I wouldn't be talking at all," Patterson said. "My mouth would be shut. Especially when a guy's got 54 in your own gym. They can talk all they want. Jodie's shots speak for themselves."

Most people thought that the talk would be of Kentucky native Scotty Hopson. Not on Tuesday night, when it was the Meeks show.

Experts were calling Hopson better than Mr. Kentucky basketball and Kentucky player Darius Miller.

Not on Tuesday night. Hopson finished the game with five points. He was one of many players that was standing beside Meeks after a shot when in. Miller ended the game with seven points.

It was a beautiful BLUE night in Kentucky. You can't ask for much more then a dominating victory over a rival opponent. You can't ask a player to be more perfect.

Kentucky gets back into the national eyes, and Jodie Meeks becomes a Kentucky legend.

Most importantly, Kentucky is Kentucky again.

Kentucky-Louisville: Armageddon Sunday

Nathan Towles — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:55:15 -0500

In the state of Kentucky, 363 days out of the year, all people get along. The other two days out of the year, blue and red are mortal enemies to say the least.

Going into the 2008-2009 basketball year, Louisville was ranked at number three in the polls and looking towards a national title, while Kentucky was outside the top-25 poll since 1990.

Last year, Louisville went into Rupp Arena and handed Kentucky a 89-75 loss. The score was a little deceiving because Kentucky was never in the game from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Louisville did a great job of containing a young Patrick Patterson. Patterson shot three for 14 and finished with a career low, six points.

The last two times that Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks has been to Freedom Hall, he is averaging 32 points a game and shooting 13-21 from three point land.

This year, Kentucky and Patrick Patterson must be ready for a battle in Freedom Hall. Louisville will sure bring the heat, considering its last home game was a lost to UNLV on Wednesday night.

Now a look at the University of Louisville Cardinals:

Name- Points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game
Terrence Williams- 11.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.0 apg
Preston Knowles- 7.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.0 apg
Earl Clark- 13.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.0 apg
Edgar Sosa- 5.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 2.7 apg
Chris Brickley- N/A
Reginald Delk- 1.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.5 apg
Kyle Kuric- 2.7 ppg, 1,2 rpg, 0.3 apg
Will Scott- 4.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.3 apg
Jared Swopshire- 2,5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.4 apg
George Goode- 2.0 ppg, 1,8 rpg, 0.3 apg
Terrence Jennings- 2.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.4 apg
Samardo Samuels- 14.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.1 apg
Lee Steiden- N/A
Andre McGee- 5.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg
Jerry Smith- 7.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.3 apg
Louisville Cardinals-76.2 ppg, 41.9 rpg, 17.5 apg

For a victory, Kentucky must apply pressure on defense to Louisville. In all of the three lose games for Louisville, the opponent has harassed the Louisville offense and kept them out of sync for most of the game.

Keep control of the ball and make smart decisions with the rock in their hands. Make Louisville guard each and every one of them. If Louisville can double team either Patterson or Jodie Meeks, the other Cats must prove that they can handle the pressure.

They must play a full 40 minute game and not just a half. For some of the season, Kentucky has done just that, but other times it has went limp in the first half and dug to deep of a hole to get out of in the second half.

It is very noticeable when watching the Louisville center, Samardo Samuels, that if given even a hint of pressure on him, he folds under the pressure. You can also say that to the Louisville point guards as well.

Kentucky isn't perfect in its own regards. It can come out and flop like it did at the start of the year. If Kentucky does a hint of what has been said, it can win the game on Sunday.

This game is too close to call on how both teams are playing right now and how they can play. This is called a rivalry game for a reason. You never know what will happen and when it will happen when Kentucky takes on the hated Louisville Cardinals.

My personal guess would be that Rick Pitino and Billy Gillispie will have their squads ready for battle on Sunday. Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks will power Kentucky over Louisville in a close game: UK-73, UL-69

Kentucky-East Carolina: Cats Look to End Year with Liberty

Nathan Towles — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:24:49 -0500

Before the 2008 season started, everybody had all but wrote the Kentucky Wildcats off. After losing NFL star talent at many of the most notable positions, Kentucky was not expected to make it to a third straight bowl game under Rich Brooks.

Kentucky proved to most of the "non-believers" that it was not backing down. The record doesn't show it at 6-6, but getting to go to a post-season bowl game is a stepping stone to becoming a national name team.

Going to a bowl game at Kentucky is like going to the National Championship. It rarely happens and when it does, blue and white fans travel to watch the Cats battle.

Kentucky had not gone to three consecutive bowl games since Bear Bryant was the head coach from 1949-1951.

Like the two previous years, Kentucky has been matched against a more powerful ACC team in the Music City Bowl. In 2006 it was Clemson, but Kentucky came away with a 28-20 shocker. In 2007, Kentucky beat a depleted Florida State team 35-28.

This year will be different in many ways. This year it is East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl. This will be Kentucky's first Liberty Bowl, and it will be East Carolina's third.

The only meeting between the two teams was back on Nov. 13, 1993. Kentucky came away with a 6-3 win at Commonwealth Stadium.

Now the last preview/prediction of the 2008 Kentucky season.

The University of East Carolina Pirates offense depth chart:

WR: Joe Womack (6'1", 195, Fr.), Reyn Willis (6'3", 215, Jr.)
LT: Terence Campbell (6'5", 320, Jr.), Steven Baker (6'8", 315, Jr.)
LG: Cory Dowless(6'5", 287, So.), T.J. Harper (6'2", 317, Jr.)
C: Sean Allen (6'3", 307, Jr.), Fred Hicks (6'0", 304, Sr.)
RG: Doug Palmer (6'3", 300, Jr.), Sean Allen (6'3", 307, Jr.)
RT: D.J. Scott (6'6", 320, So.), Willie Smith (6'6", 280, So.)
TE: Davon Drew (6'4", 260, Sr.), J.R. Kraemer (6'5", 250, Sr.)
QB: Patrick Pinkney (6'0", 198, Sr.), Rob Kass (6'4", 250, Jr.)
RB: Brandon Simmons (6'1", 223, Sr.), Norman Whitley (5'9". 187, So.)
FB: Kevin Gidrey (6'2", 260, So.), Jason Simmons (6'0", 237, Sr.)
WR: Alex Taylor (6'4", 210, Jr.), Darryl Freeney (5'11", 196, Fr.)

University of East Carolina Pirates defense depth chart:

LE: Zack Slate (6'5", 221, Sr.), Josh Smith (6'1", 240, So.)
LT: Jay Ross (6'3", 306, Jr.), Robert Jones (6'3", 260, Fr.)
NG: Linval Joseph (6'6", 300, So.), Antonio Allison (6'4", 297, Fr.)
RE: C.J. Wilson (6'4", 271, Jr.), Scotty Robinson (6'4", 250, Jr.)
OLB: Jeremy Chambliss (6'0", 235, Jr.), Dustin Lineback (5'11", 229, So.)
MLB: Nick Johnson (6'1", 215, Jr.), Steve Spence (6'2", 215, Fr.)
OLB: Pierre Bell (6'2", 233, Sr.), Chris Matocks (6'0", 210, Jr.)
SC: Travis Simmons (5'10", 179, So.), Derek Blacknall (5'11", 190, Fr.)
SS: Leon Best (6'0", 205, Sr.), J.J. Millbrook (5'9", 191, Sr.)
FS: Van Eskridge (6'0", 200, Jr.), Julian Carter (6'2", 191, Fr.)
WC: Dekota Marshall (6'1", 195, So.), Emanuel Davis (5'11", 190, Fr.)

University of East Carolina Pirates special teams:

P: Matt Dodge (6'2", 220, Jr.), Nathan Przestrzelski (6'5", 195, So.)
PK: Ben Hartman (5'11", 210, Jr.), Matt Dodge (6'2", 220, Jr.)
DS: Wilson Raynor (6'2", 235, Sr.), William Smith (5'11", 240, Fr.)
H: Joe Sloan (5'11", 174, Jr.), Darryl Freeney (5'11", 196, Fr.)
PR: Travis Simmons (5'10", 179, So.)
KR: Dennis Rogan (5'10", 185, So.), Lennon Creer (6'1", 210, So.)

Pirates to watch:

Patrick Pinkney has passed for 2,379 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Pinkney is a dual threat, but has gotten into being a more pocket passer. His experience will make plays in the end.
Brandon Simmons and Norman Whitley have rushed for 1,097 yards together. Whitley has the longest run of the year at 69 yards but Simmons has rushed for six touchdowns.
Dwayne Harris would have been on this list, but his injury has sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Pierre Bell has the most tackles on the team, from his outside linebacker spot, with 92 tackles and one sack.
C.J. Wilson has been a monster on the right end. He will make his self known early and often. He has 10.5 sacks on the year.
Van Eskridge and Emanuel Davis have both been a corner who can pick apart a quarterback. They both have four interceptions a piece.

Keys to the game for a Wildcat victory:

Kentucky must start out fast and get the offense going. It can not afford to get behind early and try to come from behind late in the game. East Carolina has a good pass defense. It shut down the powerful Tulsa offense.

Mike Hartline must prove that he can be the starting quarterback. He is starting the bowl game because of a injury to Randall Cobb, who is out of the game with a knee injury. Hartline must get into the passing game early and hope that his receivers do not drop or run wrong routes.

The defense must get back to form and shut down the Pirates offense. It is as healthy as it has been all year. The defense started out great early, but feel apart late due to injuries.

Trevard Lindley must be vintage Trevard Lindley. If he is, East Carolina must watch out for him whenever they throw the ball. Jeremy Jarmon will be in his hometown and will be ready to play for his family and friends.

Special teams have been both of these teams' worst nightmare. If either one of the two teams come away with a special teams play, it could be the end of the game. Neither team has an advantage in this area.

The game will probably come down to who wants it more. Both teams are making its third straight bowl game.

East Carolina was thinking more than just the Liberty Bowl at the start of the year when they beat West Virginia and Virginia Tech. The team that comes out and plays with more heart will win this game.

In the end, it would be hard to pick against East Carolina. However, who knows which Kentucky team will come to play. If is is the Kentucky team at the start of the year, then Kentucky is the team.

The guess is that Kentucky has the more advantage on the defense side, and defense wins games. Kentucky ends the year on a high note, making many defense stops and turnovers.

Kentucky 21, East Carolina 17

Kentucky-Tennessee: Cats Look To End Skid Against Volunteers

Nathan Towles — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:44 -0500

It has been a long time since Kentucky has beat Tennessee. Matter of fact it has been 24 long, enduring years since Kentucky has won.

A lot has changed since Kentucky beat Tennessee in 1984. That is Kentucky having losing seasons in most and being put on probation by the NCAA.

Tennessee was up for most of the past 24 years, including winning a National Championship, but has been down recently. They will miss a bowl game for the second time in four years and the worst season since 1977. The season has been so bad for Tennessee that they have already fired coach Phillip Fulmer.

For Kentucky, it has been a up and down season. After starting 4-0, Kentucky has lost five out of the last seven games. The injuries finally took a toll on the cats. One goal, before the season started, was to reach six wins and get to a third straight bowl. That goal was a success.

This game Saturday will be a bowl game for Tennessee. They will have more to play for. They are hoping to send coach Fulmer out with a win, and keep the streak alive.

The University of Tennessee offense depth chart:

TE: Luke Stocker (6'6", 245, So.), Jeff Cottam (6'8", 260, Jr.)
LT: Chris Scott (6'5", 310, Jr.), Ramone Johnson (6'5", 315, So.)
LG: Vladimir Richard (6'4", 300, Jr.), Jarrod Shaw (6'4", 330, So.)
C: Josh McNeil (6'4", 280, Jr.), Cody Sullins (6'1", 285, Jr.)
RG: Anthony Parker (6'3", 300, Sr.), Jacques McClendon (6'3", 320, Jr.)
RT: Ramon Foster (6'6", 325, Sr.), Jarrod Shaw (6'4", 330, So.)
WR: Austin Rogers (6'2", 185, Jr.), Josh Briscoe (6'3", 183, Jr.)
WR: Gerald Jones (6'0", 185, So.), Quintin Hancock (6'3", 200, Jr.)
WR: Lucas Taylor (6'0" 185, Sr.), Denarius Moore (6'1", 185, Jr.)
QB: B.J. Coleman (6'3", 210, Fr.), Jonathan Crompton (6'4", 220, Jr.)
TB: Arian Foster (6'1", 215, Sr.), Montario Hardesty (6'0", 210, Jr.)
FB: Kevin Cooper (6'0", 240, So.), Austin Johnson (6'2", 242, Fr.)

University of Tennessee defense depth chart:

LE: Wes Brown (6'4", 256, Jr.), Chris Walker (6'3", 230, So.)
LT: Demonte Bolden (6'6", 290, Sr.), Walter Fisher (6'3", 275, Sr.)
RT: Dan Williams (6'3", 310, Jr.), Walter Fisher (6'3", 275, Sr.)
RE: Robert Ayers (6'3", 270, Sr.), Ben Martin (6'3", 240, So.)
SLB: Nevin McKenzie (6'2", 215, Sr.), Adam Myers-White (6'2", 215, Sr.)
MLB: Ellix Wilson (5'10", 225, Sr.), Nick Reveiz (5'10", 225, So.)
WLB: Rico McCoy (6'1", 215, Jr.), Savion Frazier (6'2", 210, So.)
LCB: DeAngelo Willingham (6'0", 200, Sr.), Brent Vinson (6'0", 190, So.)
RCB: Dennis Rogan (5'10", 185, So.), Marcalous Johnson (5'9", 180, Jr.)
FS: Demetrice Morley (6'2", 195, Jr.), Prentiss Waggner (6'2", 170, Fr.)
SS: Eric Berry (5'11", 195, So.), Anthony Anderson (6'1", 180, Fr.)

University of Tennessee special teams:

PR: Gerald Jones (6'0", 185, So.)
KR: Dennis Rogan (5'10", 185, So.), Lennon Creer (6'1", 210, So.)
P: Britton Colquitt (6'3", 205, Sr.), Chad Cunningham (6'3", 210, So.)
PK: Daniel Lincoln (6'0", 204, So.)
SN: Morgan Cox (6'4", 225, Jr.)
HOL: Bram Cannon (6'2", 185, Jr.)

Volunteers to watch:

Arian Foster was probably the second best back in the SEC going into this season. Foster has had a slow year due to the lack of offense for Tennessee and his fumbling issues.
Eric Berry has had a excellent year for a down Tennessee team. He has 11 career interceptions. He is a dangerous defensive player. He will also play on the offense side of the ball, either as a receiver or the quarterback.
Rico McCoy has had a down year on defense if you compare it to his totals last year. He does have the experience to be a play maker.
Robert Ayers can get some pressure on the quarterback, but not as much as Tennessee was hoping for this season.

Some of the talk this week has been about the streak, but most of the talk has been about current Kentucky wildcat, Randall Cobb. Cobb is a Tennessee native that was not recruited by his state school until the last minute.

Cobb is talking and acting like a senior in a true freshman body. He doesn't hold that against Tennessee. "It's time to let that recruiting stuff go," Cobb said to the Herald-Leader. "We're too far into it to start talking about recruiting. That's nothing to me anymore. I'm a Kentucky Wildcat. Once I signed those papers, it was over. There are no hard feelings."

His teammates think different. "I think he wants to go down there, end the streak and score three touchdowns," Alfonso Smith said to the Herald-Leader. "I don't think all that talk is real. He wants this game. I can see it in his eyes in practice. It seems like he's focused, and he's ready."

Coach Rich Brooks and company knows that this game will be won in the first half. Both teams have started the games very poorly this year. Tennessee has yet to score on its opening drive and Kentucky has only got a field goal on there opening drive.

Kentucky must get back to how they played against Georgia on Nov. 8. They will need to bring out the pony package and run all over the Tennessee defense. Force them to stop them. Keep them honest by throwing the ball.

Kentucky's quarterback situation is not a situation. Cobb has proved that he is the man. Tennessee, on the other hand, has had a horrible quarterback situation. They have yet to settle on just one. They have used many players in one spot, including safety Eric Berry in the last game.

Last week against Vanderbilt, Tennessee only throw the ball nine times for 27 yards. They will probably throw the ball more and keep the running game going strong yet again. They man handled Vanderbilt on both offense and defense.

Kentucky was off last week and is rested. They will be again without some of the main players on defense. The most notable is Jeremy Jarmon. The reserves must come in and play as if he was alongside them.

Tennessee will be playing very hard for the coach that was forced out. It will be hard for Kentucky to go to Neyland Stadium and win. It can be done. Wyoming went there and won on Nov. 8.

Throw out any predictions for this game. It will be hard to choose who will win this game. It will be Kentucky versus a streak and a tearful goodbye. Over 100,000 strong will be up and rowdy for the burnt orange.

Kentucky Wildcats Season Recap: Wildcats Persevere for Third Straight Bowl Bid

Nathan Towles — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:40:09 -0500

Going into the 2008 football season for Kentucky, only one mission was in mind: Go to a third straight bowl and build upon the program that was a doormat in the SEC.

That mission was a success, but other objects were not a success. Coach Rich Brooks' goal was to move out of the bottom half of the SEC and into elite status in the SEC. That was a little out of reach for a rebuilding year.

The season was put in turmoil before the season even started. With the loss of the probable starter in Curtis Pulley and returning starter Paul Warford, it put Kentucky in hurry-up mode early.

The season had highs and the lows like any other rebuilding program. Here's a look at the season at a glance.

Aug. 31, 2008 at Louisville

Mike Hartline made his first start in a hostile in-state rival game. The Kentucky offense was mostly not at the game and a non-factor, but the defense showed up and put on a defensive clinic against the Cards. Louisville was kept out of the end zone but scored on a safety.

The defense played at elite status for the SEC, but the offense was more like a mid-conference team playing against an elite defense. The score didn't show how the game really was. Both offenses played horrible.

Final score: Kentucky 27, Louisville 2

Sept. 6, 2008 versus Norfolk State

Mike Hartline once again struggled to get the offense going. Coach Brooks then put in Randall Cobb, and the offense clicked. Kentucky's defense showed some elite status again and held Norfolk State to a field goal.

Kentucky overpowered a smaller Norfolk State team. The most exciting part of the game was halftime, when the visiting Norfolk State band performed.

Final score: Kentucky 38, Norfolk State 3

Sept. 13, 2008 versus Middle Tennessee State

Kentucky came into the game knowing that Middle Tennessee can hang with a bigger program, as they came close to beating a Louisville team the previous year. Kentucky may have taken this team softly.

The defense that was stopping the run and the pass didn't show up at this game. Offense was late to start but came in just in time to take the lead late at 20-14. Middle Tennessee was not giving up that easy.

If Robbie McAtee was not at the one-yard line to stop a long Hail Mary pass, then Kentucky would have walked away with a loss.

Final score: Kentucky 20, Middle Tennessee State 14

Sept. 27, 2008 versus Western Kentucky

This was the first meeting between the two in-state schools. Western Kentucky was hoping for a better showing at Commonwealth Stadium. The defense came back to life and shut down the Hilltoppers.

The offense seemed to be on the right page and put up big numbers. Kentucky was on a roll and couldn't be stopped.

Final score: Kentucky 41, Western Kentucky 3

Oct. 4, 2008 at Alabama

Alabama jumped on Kentucky early and added to the score when Mike Hartline fumbled and Alabama picked it up and went into the end zone. The Kentucky defense stepped up and shut down Alabama for the next three quarters.

Kentucky scored in the third quarter to cut the lead down to 14-7. In the fourth, Alabama hit a field goal to go ahead 17-7. On the next Kentucky drive, Hartline threw a long touchdown pass with the clock running down to cut the lead to 17-14.

The onside kick went out of bounds and ended a Kentucky comeback.

Final score: Kentucky 14, Alabama 17

Oct. 11, 2008 versus South Carolina

Kentucky looked like the zero for forever against the ol' ball coach was going to end. However, turnovers killed Kentucky in the end, and they could never get over the hump. South Carolina gave Kentucky every shot they could.

The defense gave the offense turnover after turnover. In the end, the offense could not overcome the loss of senior receiver Dicky Lyons Jr., who was hurt in the first half and was lost for the season.

Final score: Kentucky 17, South Carolina 24

Oct. 18, 2008 versus Arkansas

The Kentucky defense could not stop Arkansas for most of the game. It took the offense until late in the fourth quarter before it came to life. It looked like a Kentucky comeback was out of the question.

Kentucky proved everybody wrong. Randall Cobb came up big by catching two huge touchdown passes. Kentucky proved that a true bluegrass miracle was in effect and sealed it with a late interception. The win came at a cost, losing running back Derrick Locke for the season.

Final score: Kentucky 21, Arkansas 20

Oct. 25, 2008 at Florida

Kentucky took the game off, and Florida was on a mission of killing the Cats. The defense was not there. The offense was not there. The special teams were not there also. The first two Kentucky punts were blocked and led to easy touchdowns for the Gators.

Every Kentucky fan wanted to forget this game and put it in the past as the score was of the past.

Final score: Kentucky 5, Florida 63

Nov.1, 2008 at Mississippi State

Coach Brooks made the switch and put in Randall Cobb at quarterback. The offense took a while to get going but showed up in the second half. The defense was strong but strong late.

If Kentucky hadn't blocked an extra point try, the game would have most likely gone into overtime. In the end, Kentucky pulled out win number six to get them bowl eligible.

Final score: Kentucky 14, Mississippi State 13

Nov. 8, 2008 versus Georgia

Kentucky once again fell behind early, but did not get down. Randall Cobb sparked the Kentucky offense and kept them in the game. The defense was hurt, and it showed as Matthew Stafford threw all over the field.

Kentucky had a chance to win the game at the end. A Randall Cobb interception sealed the game for the Bulldogs. Kentucky was kicking themselves in the end for blowing the game.

Final score: Kentucky 38, Georgia 42

Nov. 15, 2008 versus Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt did not have history on their side. Kentucky could not handle the Vandy quarterback when he was running or throwing. The offense sat on the sideline for almost the whole first half.

Kentucky did not help its cause by getting flagged for roughing the punter more then once. Kentucky came back in the end, but a late roughing the passer was the end of the game.

Final score: Kentucky 24, Vanderbilt 31

Nov. 29, 2008 at Tennessee

Tennessee is looking to extend the streak to 24 wins over Kentucky. Tennessee is also looking to send Phillip Fulmer out with a win. Kentucky is looking to end the streak. The person with the most to gain is Randall Cobb.

Cobb was insulted by Tennessee when they said that they didn't have the time to go watch the Tennessee native play. It was only 10 minutes away, but they didn't have the time.

Kentucky has a lot to play for still. They can get the seventh win of the year with a victory Saturday. They would not like to go to the Music City Bowl for the third straight year.

Kentucky will take it anyway. Going to a third straight bowl game was the mission at the start.

Kentucky Wildcats Schedule: Part Two

Nathan Towles — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:21:45 -0500

Part two of two.

The non-conference games are over in this look at the 2008-09 Kentucky Wildcats schedule. The SEC looks like it will have a better year then it did last year. The freshman are a year older, and more talented freshman come to play.

The Tennessee Volunteers were last year's regular season champions, and picked to win again this year. Florida Gators are picked to finish in second with Kentucky in third.

The Georgia Bulldogs shocked everyone last year at SEC tournament by winning the tournament championship. This year could be the same for some unexpected winners and flopper's.

Preseason First Team All-SEC

Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Nick Calathes, Florida
A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt
Devan Downey, South Carolina
Tyler Smith, Tennessee

Preseason Second Team All-SEC

Tasmin Mitchell, LSU
Chris Warren, Ole Miss
Wayne Chism, Tennessee
Ronald Steele, Alabama
Jodie Meeks, Kentucky

SEC All-Underrated Team

Chris Johnson, LSU
Jermaine Beal, Vanderbilt
Perry Stevenson, Kentucky
Dan Werner, Florida
Quantez Robertson, Auburn

Now its time to take a look at the conference games for the University of Kentucky.

January 10, 2009 at Lexington, 2 p.m.

Vanderbilt Commodores
Head Coach: Kevin Stallings
2007-2008 Record: 26-8
Conference Record: 10-6
Top Returning Players: A.J. Ogilvy (17.0 ppg), Jermaine Beal (7.6 ppg), Darshawn McClellan (2.7 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Shan Foster (20.3 ppg), Alex Gordon (10.8 ppg), Ross Neltner (8.3 ppg)

The Commodores lost three of last years starters, but return a talented player in A.J. Ogilvy. The question for this team is who is going to take the shot since Shan Foster is gone?

History is on Kentuckys side in this game. It is at Rupp, where Vanderbilt has had a hard time winning in the past. Since Vandy has lost many of its top players, it is hard to have them win at Rupp. Kentucky wins 75-65.

January 13, 2009 at Knoxville, 9 p.m.

Tennessee Volunteers
Head Coach: Bruce Pearl
2007-2008 Record: 31-5
Conference Record: 14-2
Top Returning Players: Tyler Smith (13.6 ppg), Wayne Chism (9.9 ppg), J.P. Prince (8.0 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Chris Lofton (15.5 ppg), JaJuan Smith (14.4 ppg), Ramar Smith (7.4 ppg), Duke Crews (5.4 ppg)

Tennessee does lose two starters from last year in Kentucky native Chris Lofton, and JaJuan Smith. They did have a good signing in swaying away Kentucky native Scotty Hopson from Mississippi State. They are still very talented and have a experienced depth chart.

They are like Kentucky when it comes down to it. They have a lot of inexperienced players in the backcourt. The game is in Knoxville, so the edge goes to the Vols, 72-68.

January 18, 2009 at Athens, Noon

Georgia Bulldogs
Head Coach: Dennis Felton
2007-2008 Record: 17-17
Conference Record: 4-12
Top Returning Players: Terrance Woodbury (11.0 ppg), Jeremy Price (8.1 ppg), Zac Swansey (3.9 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Sundiata Gaines (14.8 ppg), Billy Humphrey (12.2 ppg, Dave Bliss (7.6 ppg), Jeremy Jacob (5.2 ppg)

Georgia did get hot at the right time last year. It got them into the NCAA tournament by winning the SEC tournament. Don't look for this year to be the same. Georgia is losing three starters from last year.

It may be in Athens, but Georgia doesn't have the power to keep up with Kentucky, 79-64.

January 21, 2009 at Lexington, 9 p.m.

Auburn Tigers
Head Coach: Jeff Lebo
2007-2008 Record: 14-16
Conference Record: 4-12
Top Returning Players: Korvotney Barber (13.8 ppg), Rasheem Barrett (13.6 ppg), DeWayne Reed (8.9 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Quan Prowell, Frank Tolbert

Auburn did lose two starters, but have a talented player in Quantez Robertson. They still have a problem with lack of size and depth in the front court. If any players get hurt like last year, the season will go with them.

This game being in Rupp doesn't help Auburn any, Kentucky shows them what size and depth is, 85-59.

January 24, 2009 at Tuscaloosa, 3 p.m.

Alabama Crimson Tide
Head Coach: Mark Gottfried
2007-2008 Record: 17-16
Conference Record: 5-11
Top Returning Players: Ronald Steele (missed last season), Alonzo Gee (14.5 ppg), Brandon Hollinger (6.3 ppg), Demetrius Jemison (5.6 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Richard Hendrix (17.8 ppg), Mykal Riley (14.9 ppg)

If Ronald Steele can perform like he did when he was healthy, then Alabama could return to the top of SEC West. They return starters but it will be hard to replace the two that they lost. The question for them is, who is going to fill the void that Hendrix left in the post?

The season will rest on Steele. If he performs like the All-SEC guard he was, Alabama will be hard to beat. If not, it could be hard for them. The game is in Tuscaloosa and Steele should be back to his prime. Kentucky wins due to no real center for Alabama. It will be close as Steele keeps them in the game, 68-64.

January 27, 2009 at Oxford, 7 p.m.

Ole Mississippi Rebels
Head Coach: Andy Kennedy
2007-2008 Record: 24-11
Conference Record: 7-9
Top Players Returning: Chris Warren (15.8 ppg), Eniel Polynice (10.7 ppg), David Huertas (10.7 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Dwayne Curtis (14.9 ppg), Kenny Williams (8.5 ppg)

Ole Miss is wanting to take the next step and turn themselves into one of the SEC's elite. Losing two starters won't help, and losing the front court will help them badly. They did play Kentucky to the wire last year in Rupp, but no front court has them hurting in this one, 68-62.

January 31, 2009 at Lexington, 3 p.m.

South Carolina Gamecocks
Head Coach: Darrin Horn
2007-2008 Record: 14-18
Conference Record: 5-11
Top Players Returning: Devan Downey (18.4 ppg), Zam Fredrick (14.8 ppg), Dominique Archie (10.6 ppg)

Top Players Lost: Dwayne Day, Chad Gray

South Carolina returns all but one starter from last year. The backcourt play will be a must for Carolina this year. The depth will be a concern for them this year. The backcourt will have a extra load on them as the season goes one.

Darrin Horn has already done a good job in his first year without playing a game. He has more talent then recent years. The game is at Rupp, and USC doesn't have much depth in the backcourt, Kentucky loves the big man and feed him every time, UK wins 79-68.

February 3, 2009 at Lexington, 7 p.m.

Mississippi State
Head Coach: Rick Stansbury
2007-2008 Record: 23-11
Conference Record: 12-4
Top Players Returning: Barry Stewart (11.5 ppg), Jarvis Varnado (7.9 ppg), Phil Turner (4.0 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Charles Rhodes (17.4 ppg), Jamont Gordon (17.2 ppg), Ben Hansbrough (10.5 ppg)

Mississippi State lost three of last years five starters. State does have one of the best shot blockers in the nation in Jarvis Varnado. But this year is a rebuilding year. The bad thing for State is that Barry Stewart got hurt in the offseason playing pick up games.

If Stewart doesn't get back to normal, then they will have to go with inexperienced players. This is a game of asking who will challenge Jarvis Varnado? Kentucky keep on going to the post last year, and Varnado keep throwing them into the stands. This year Kentucky knows better, UK wins at Rupp, 78-70.

February 10, 2009 at Lexington, 9 p.m.

Florida Gators
Head Coach: Billy Donovan
2007-2008 Record: 24-12
Conference Record: 8-8
Top Players Returning: Nick Calathes (15.9 ppg), Walter Hodge (10.4 ppg), Dan Werner (9.1 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Marreese Speights (14.5 ppg), Jai Lucas (8.5 ppg)

In the past week, point guard, Jai Lucas has chosen to transfer because lack of play at the point guard spot. Donovan has done a good job of getting better recruits for this year. This is still a very young team, and the loss of Speights and Lucas will hurt the team.

Florida must fill the spot that Speights left. A young player must step into the point. If they can do that it can be a good year. Nick Calathes should improve and have a great year.

Kentucky knows what to do with the Gators. Kentucky will feed the low-post the whole game and make Florida come up with plays to defend it. Rupp will be rocking for this one, and Kentucky rocks Florida, 85-77.

February 14, 2009 at Fayetteville, 1 p.m.

Arkansas Razorbacks
Head Coach: John Pelphrey
2007-2008 Record: 23-12
Conference Record: 9-7
Top Returning Players: Stefan Welsh (5.3 ppg), Michael Washington (4.3 ppg), Marcus Britt (0.8 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Sonny Weems (15.0 ppg), Darian Townes (12.1 ppg), Patrick Beverley (12.1 ppg), Gary Ervin (9.5 ppg), Charles Thomas (9.2 ppg)

Arkansas is starting from scratch this season. They lost six due to graduation and then lost Patrick Beverley. Pelphrey must somehow get his razorbacks ready for the season. It will be hard because the team looks like a high school basketball team.

Kentucky shouldn't have any trouble with a depletted Arkansas team. Kentucky will have its most lopsided win in conference play at 93-56.

February 17, 2009 at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Vanderbilt Commodores

This game should be as good as the first. By this time of the year, the Commodores should have found a shooter to replace Shan Foster and found the winning way. Kentucky already has its shooters and a good defense.

This game should be closer, but Kentucky has more talent and a deeper bench. Kentucky pulls out the win, but not by much, 68-65.

February 21, 2009 at Lexington, 1 p.m.

Tennessee Volunteers

This game should show who will win the SEC. Tennessee should have ran through the schedule just like Kentucky has. This game will as close as the first game and could go into overtime.

It would be hard to not pick Kentucky to win since it is at Rupp. The crowd will be into the game and lift the cats to a victory over Tennessee, 78-76.

February 24, 2009 at Columbia, 3 p.m.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Kentucky will have to keep the emotions under control. They will be facing a dangerous South Carolina team that can knock them off the road. USC should be ready for this game.

Kentucky has to maintain the momentum they would have. The game will be close, but Kentucky escapes with a win in a battle tested game, 72-67.

February 28, 2009 at Lexington, 2 p.m.

LSU Tigers
Head Coach: Trent Johnson
2007-2008 Record: 13-18
Conference Record: 6-10
Top Players Returning: Marcus Thornton (19.6 ppg), Chris Johnson (11.6 ppg)
Top Players Lost: Anthony Randolph (15.6 ppg)

LSU will get a huge boost, thanks to the return of Tasmin Mitchell. He was hurt in the third game of the season last year, and received a medical red shirt. Mitchell has the potential to be All-SEC forward. He can take over games.

The team only lost one starter and got back another in Mitchell. The only knocking on LSU is: Can the new coach get them to buy into his system and his beliefs? My answer is yes, but Kentucky is more athletic and better coached. Kentucky wins another thanks to Rupp, 75-69.

March 4, 2009 at Lexington, 8 p.m.

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia will probably be in desperation mood. That won't suit well for Rupp and the rowdy fans. Dennis Felton will most likely have one foot out of the Georgia door. Kentucky also slams the door on the bulldogs, 69-57.

March 7, 2009 at Gainesville, 2 p.m.

Florida Gators

Kentucky can wrap up a good conference season, but might give players a few less minutes. The young Gators will know more and play harder for Donovan. Florida spoils Kentucky, 66-57.

If all works out for Kentucky the conference record would be at 14-2. That would give them the SEC regular season championship. They would be ready for post-season play in the SEC tournament at Tampa.

The season record for the Cats would be 30-3. That would be a incredible turn around from last years 18-13. However, the cats could stumble in SEC play and be 12-4 again, like last year.

The Pattern of Excellence begins.

Kentucky Wildcats Upset Bid Falls Short to Georgia Bulldogs

Nathan Towles — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:12:49 -0500

What a beautiful Saturday it was in the Bluegrass State. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a Kentucky win. We all should be happy with the play of our Cats anyway.

Kentucky played the No. 13-ranked Georgia Bulldogs to the wire, 42-38. The young Wildcats showed heart and determination in the loss, two things Kentucky hasn't done that much this year.

Kentucky needed a almost perfect game to upset Georgia. They got that from the special teams, which blocked a Georgia punt inside Georgia territory. The defense forced Georgia into two fumbles.

At the start of the game, it didn't look like it would be close after Georgia put two touchdowns on the scoreboard early in the first quarter. Kentucky stood tall and didn't take the knockout punch.

They hit back.

John Conner helped UK pick up two fourth-down conversions. Later in the drive, Tony Dixon took in it for a touchdown. The defense held Georgia and forced them to punt.

Randall Cobb then fumbled at the Kentucky 37, but the defense played tough and didn't allow any points off that turnover. Cobb took control of the game and scored on a two-yard keeper.

Then the shootout was on.

Georgia took a 21-17 lead into halftime. But it wouldn't stay that for long as Danny Trevathan blocked a punt. That led to a 10-yard touchdown run by Cobb.

The score went back and forth into the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth, Tony Dixon ran in his second touchdown from 14 yards.

The Kentucky defense made plays on defense, but not enough as Georgia went ahead late in the fourth quarter for good. Kentucky did have a chance to win, but a Cobb pass was intercepted.

Georgia threw the knockout punch as many times as they could, but Kentucky never went away to the end. The defense held its own without cornerback Trevard Lindley, who got hurt, but Kentucky needed him at the end.

Cobb threw for 105 yards on 12-for-20 with one interception. His damage came from the ground, as he ran the ball 18 times for 82 yards and three touchdowns.

Kentucky had its best game of the year on the ground, as they racked up 226 yards. Third down conversions had been terrible this year as they are last in the league. On Saturday they were 8-for-17.

You couldn't have asked for more from Kentucky. They are without two of their star players due to injury in Dicky Lyons Jr. and Derrick Locke. Playing Georgia to the end was a statement.

You can't ask more from a true freshman, starting his second game of his career, in Randall Cobb. He played his heart out and left it on the field.

Just seeing him cry in the arms of Coach Rich Brooks says a lot. Who couldn't help but cry? I know that I did.

He resembled former UK quarterback Andre Woodson on Saturday. He checked at the line of scrimmage and put his team on his shoulders. That is to show what an athlete he already is.

Even if it wasn't a win, Kentucky got a lot of momentum going into next Saturday's showdown with Vanderbilt.

Kentucky Wildcats Schedule: Part One

Nathan Towles — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:57:13 -0500

Part one of two.

It is the time of the year for all Kentucky residents to come together and root for their Wildcats. No matter what gender, race, or religion they may be. This time of the year, the religion is Kentucky basketball.

Fans will live and die with the blue and white from November to March. Family events will be moved to find a way to watch or listen to Kentucky. Women know better than to have a kid during a game.

Every person talks to the next, even if they haven't met before. From young to old. You bleed blue upon birth, and wearing Kentucky attire.

Put on the blue and white Kentucky fans and lets take a closer look at the upcoming non-conference games.

November 14, 2008 at Lexington, 7 p.m.

Virginia Military Institute
Head Coach: Duggar Baucom
2007-2008 Record: 14-15
Top Returning Player: Chavis Holmes at 18.3 ppg
Top Player Gone: Reggie Williams at 27.8 ppg

The Keydets will be out matched and out played. Kentucky will score easy baskets and have a stingy defense. Kentucky wins easy 83-47.

November 18, 2008 at Chapel Hill, 7 p.m.

University of North Carolina
Head Coach: Roy Williams
2007-2008 Record: 36-3
Top Returning Player: Tyler Hansbrough at 22.6 ppg
Top Player Gone: None

North Carolina is more experienced than a young Kentucky team. Kentucky does have the talent to hang with UNC and can beat them. Close game but UNC edges Kentucky 78-73 but a few calls Kentucky's way and UK wins.

November 22, 2008 at Lexington, Noon

Delaware State University
Head Coach: Greg Jackson
2007-2008 Record: 14-16
Top Returning Player: Donald Johnson at 27.6 ppg
Top Player Gone: Roy Bright at 36.2 ppg

Kentucky will run all over Delaware State and let more of the young players get some action. Kentucky wins 77-50.

November 24, 2008 at Lexington, 7 p.m.

Longwood University
Head Coach: Mike Gillian
2007-2008 Record: 9-22
Top Returning Player: Kirk Williams at 16.9 ppg
Top Player Gone: Lamar Barrett at 9.3 ppg

November 28, 2008 at Las Vegas Tournament, TBA

Kansas State University
Head Coach: Frank Martin
2007-2008 Record: 21-12
Top Returning Player: Jacob Pullen at 9.7 ppg
Top Player Gone: Michael Beasley at 26.2 ppg

Kansas State does not have the fire power that it did a year ago and it will show. Kentucky wins 67-59.

November 29, 2008 at Las Vegas Tournament, TBA

West Virginia University or University of Iowa
Head Coach: Bob Huggins or Todd Lickliter
2007-2008 Record: 26-11 or 13-19
Top Returning Player: Darrius Nichols at 10.7 ppg or Cyrus Tate at 8.3 ppg
Top Player Gone: Joe Alexander at 16.9 ppg or Tony Freeman at 13.8 ppg

Either way it goes here, Kentucky can beat either team. If Kentucky plays West Virginia 84-71. If Kentucky plays Iowa, UK 71-61.

December 3, 2008 at Lexington, 7 p.m.

Lamar University
Head Coach: Steve Roccaforte
2007-2008 Record: 19-11
Top Returning Player: Kenny Dawkins at 34.9 ppg
Top Player Gone: Darren Hopkins at 28.9 ppg

Kentucky wins another game easily. Kentucky will be ready and set at 88-67.

December 6, 2008 at Lexington, 5:30

University of Miami of Florida
Head Coach: Frank Haith
2007-2008 Record: 23-11
Top Returning Player: Jack McClinton at 17.7 ppg
Top Player Gone: Anthony King at 7.1 ppg

This should be a interesting game. Miami lost 5 players that didn't play much of last year. Kentucky is young and Miami is older and more experienced. Give the edge to Kentucky because they are playing at home. UK wins at 73-68.

December 7, 2008 at Lexington, 3 p.m.

Mississippi Valley State
Head Coach: Sean Woods
2007-2008 Record: 17-16
Top Returning Player: Michael Clark at 7.8 ppg
Top Player Gone: Carl Lucas at 12.5 ppg

Mississippi Valley State does not have the talent to keep up with Kentucky. Kentucky hangs close to a hundred, 95-54.

December 13, 2008 at Lexington, 4 p.m.

Indiana University
Head Coach: Tom Crean
2007-2008 Record: 25-8
Top Returning Player: Kyle Taber at 1.3 ppg
Top Player Gone: There is to many to list. Indiana lost a lot of players with the departure of Kelvin Sampson

Indiana is a few years from being where they was last year. Sampson left Tom Crean in a very hard spot. Kentucky will avenge last year's beat down, but will be worse. UK 82-48.

December 20, 2008 at Louisville, Noon

Appalachian State
Head Coach: Houston Fancher
2007-2008 Record: 18-13
Top Returning Player: Donald Sims at 11.5 ppg
Top Player Gone: Jeremy Clayton at 8.7 ppg

There will be no upset like the football team pulled off last season at Michigan. UK handles business at 82-46.

December 22, 2008 at Lexington, 7 p.m.

Tennessee State
Head Coach: Cy Alexander
2007-2008 Record: 15-17
Top Returning Player: Gerald Robinson at 29.5 ppg
Top Player Gone: Bruce Price at 34.0 ppg

Kentucky will get an early Christmas present and send Tennessee State home packing. Kentucky wins 72-57.

December 28, 2008 at Lexington, 3 p.m.

Florida Atlantic University
Head Coach: Mike Jarvis
2007-2008 Record: NA
Top Returning Player: NA
Top Player Gone: NA

Not much information was found on the Owls. From what I could gather they do have some experience but not enough. UK wins 75-64.

December 29, 2008 at Lexington, 7 p.m.

Central Michigan University
Head Coach: Ernie Zeigler
2007-2008 Record: 14-17
Top Returning Player: Allen Jeremy at 7.2 ppg
Top Player Gone: Giordan Watson at 16.4 ppg

Lexington will be rocking for the New Year and so will the Cats. Kentucky wins 68-46.

January 4, 2009 at Louisville, TBA

University of Louisville
Head Coach: Rick Pitino
2007-2008 Record: 27-9
Top Returning Player: Earl Clark at 11.1 ppg and Terrence Williams at 11.1 ppg
Top Player Gone: David Padgett at 11.1 ppg and Derrick Caracter at 8.3 ppg

This is always what the Kentucky and Louisville fans look for every year. Since Pitnio is there, all deals are off. Kentucky was embarrassed last year and looking for revenge. This should be a close game and very physical. Throw out everything. UK wins a close game 83-80.

Looking back on the non-conference games, Kentucky could be at 14-1 going into conference play. Giving the North Carolina game, Kentucky could go undefeated. They would be no worse then 13-2. The schedule is very easy this year before conference play.

This will make a lot of Kentucky fans very happy. It could also make a lot of non-Kentucky fans very angry. That is what Kentucky brings to college basketball every year.

The future is very bright and only going to get better with time and progress. Billy Gillispie is going to push and push his players to the brink. That is the greatest personal trait Gillispie can have.

On-On U OF K!

Kentucky-Georgia: Wildcats Look to Add to Six

Nathan Towles — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:56:17 -0500

The buzz around Lexington this week is all about basketball. At this time of year, most Kentucky fans quit following football and switch on the "hardcore" basketball fanatic button (which is on basically all 365 days a year).

For the Kentucky football team, it is another story. Their season is in full swing and ready for the end of the year—ready for anything.

This is the time of the year where the strong get stronger and the weak get weaker. Kentucky is hoping that they belong in the first category.

Last week's game against Mississippi State was a must win. The Wildcats left Starkville with the win, which put them into bowl eligibility.

For Georgia, they may belong in both categories. After a strong start to the season, the Bulldogs lost to Alabama 41-30. The game was not close, and the score didn't show it.

Georgia is also coming off last week's blowout loss to Florida in Jacksonville. They are looking to prove that they can win out the rest of the year.

The University of Georgia offense depth chart:

SE: Mohamed Massaquoi (6'2", 198, Sr.), Kenneth Harris (6'3", 215, Sr.)
LT: Clint Boling (6'5", 290, So.), Josh Davis (6'6", 293, So.)
LG: Cordy Glenn (6'5", 313, Fr.), Chris Davis (6'4", 292, So.)
C: Ben Jones (6'3", 300, Fr.), Chris Davis (6'4", 292, So.)
RG: Chris Davis (6'4", 292, So.), Cordy Glenn (6'5", 313, Fr.)
RT: Justin Anderson (6'5", 328, RFr.), Kiante Tripp (6'6", 270, So.)
TE: Bruce Figgins (6'4", 254, So.), Tripp Chandler (6'6", 263, Sr.)
QB: Matthew Stafford (6'3", 237, Jr.), Joe Cox (6'1", 208, Jr.)
FB: Shaun Chapas (6'2", 236, So.), Brannan Southerland (6'0", 240, Sr.)
TB: Knowshon Moreno (5'11", 207, So.), Caleb King (5'11", 212, RFr.)
FLK: A.J. Green (6'4", 190, Fr.), Michael Moore (6'2", 200, Jr.)

University of Georgia defense depth chart:

DE: Jarius Wynn (6'5", 273, Sr.), Demarcus Dobbs (6'2", 282, So.)
DT: Corvey Irvin (6'4", 286, Sr.), DeAngelo Tyson (6'2", 306, Fr.)
DT: Geno Atkins (6'1", 290, Jr.), Kade Weston (6'5", 325, Jr.)
DE: Roderick Battle (6'4", 261, Jr.), Jeremy Lomax (6'4", 247, Sr.)
SAM: Akeem Dent (6'2", 218, So.), Darius Dewberry (6'3", 230, Jr.)
MIKE: Darryl Gamble (6'2", 247, So.), Dannell Ellerbe (6'1", 232, Sr.)
WILL: Rennie Curran (5'11", 220, So.), Marcus Dowtin (6'2", 215, Fr.)
WCB: Prince Miller (5'8", 190, Jr.), Bryan Evans (5'11", 188, Jr.)
SS: C.J. Byrd (6'2", 193, Sr.), Andrew Williams (6'0", 197, Sr.)
FS: Reshad Jones (6'2", 203, So.), John Knox (6'2", 194, RFr.)
SCB: Asher Allen (5'10", 198, Jr.), Ramarcus Brown (5'11", 170, Sr.)

University of Georgia special teams:

P/HOL: Brian Mimbs (5'11", 205, Sr.), Drew Butler (6'2", 205, RFr.)
PK: Blair Walsh (5'10", 175, Fr.), Jamie Lindley (5'11", 166, Fr.)
SN: Bo Fowler (6'2", 215, Sr.)
KR: Ramarcus Brown (5'11", 170, Sr.), Richard Samuel (6'2", 215, Fr.)
PR: Prince Miller (5'8", 190, Jr.)

Bulldogs to watch:

Matthew Stafford is a NFL-ready quarterback now. He has a cannon arm and can burn a defense when he has time to throw. However, he has not shown enough poise when he gets pressured.
A.J. Green is a top wide receiver in the nation as a true freshman. He has already had good games this year. If he can break away from Kentucky defender Trevard Lindley, then he can have a good game.
Knowshon Moreno has come into form. He started out slow but has been a beast lately. He can come out of the backfield and catch the ball. Moreno can be slowed down with a lot of pressure.
Rennie Curran can cover the field unlike any other linebacker in the nation. He will cause trouble all day if an offense allows him. That shows because he is the leading tackler.
Asher Allen is looking more like a lockdown corner this year. He can be explosive in the return game as well.

Kentucky will start Randall Cobb at quarterback again this week. He was nervous in his first start last week but settled down as the game progressed. Look for Kentucky to bring in Mike Hartline sometime in the game for a change of pace.

The wide receivers and running backs must step up and have a near-perfect game for the upset. They have to find holes in the defense and exploit them, and hit the holes fast and hard.

For Kentucky to win this game, the defense has to step up and play like they did against Alabama. There are not 100 percent healthy but can be just as effective. Lindley is going to have to shut down A.J. Green. Lindley has done that almost every game that he has been in.

Upset was the theme back in 2006, the last time that Georgia rolled into Lexington, when Kentucky stunned Georgia 24-20. It could be the same, seeing what Georgia has and hasn't done this year.

In the end, Georgia has a bunch of talent and more experience on its side. Georgia wins 24-14. If the upset is in order, then it would be more like the same score as it was in 2006.

Kentucky-Ouachita: Wildcats Look to Oil Machine Before Season

Nathan Towles — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:46:09 -0500

The University of Kentucky will be looking for another blowout win in Rupp Arena on Friday against Ouachita Baptist.

Kentucky is coming off a 111-53 victory over Missouri-St. Louis on Monday and is looking for a similar game to get ready for the upcoming season.

Even though it was just one exhibition game, UK is looking more like the old UK. They beat a Division II college the way an elite team should.

This game should be more of the same.

Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks have proved that they are healthy and better then ever. They are very hungry—hungry for a championship.

The new faces on campus are feeling the same.

There is room for improvement, and Billy Gillispie will be quick to point out the mistakes.

"Not good enough," the UK coach said to the Herald-Leader .

Gillispie was talking about how a UK defender let a Missouri-St. Louis player slash to the basket and lay it in.

What Gillispie wants is the defense not to give away an easy basket to a smaller player on the opposite team. He wants the defense to play with greed. He doesn't want to give away any free points. Period.

That is unrealistic, but it's a good way of thinking.

Most likely starting lineup:

Forward: Patrick Patterson
Forward: Perry Stevenson
Small Forward: Ramon Harris
Shooting Guard: Jodie Meeks
Point Guard: Michael Porter

My starting lineup:

Forward: Josh Harrellson
Forward: Patrick Patterson
Small Forward: Darius Miller
Shooting Guard: Jodie Meeks
Point Guard: DeAndre Liggins

Gillispie will probably go more to the same lineup that he used on Monday. He will sub in Liggins for Porter. Liggins has proved that he can run the lead guard spot. He just needs a little more playing time.

Josh Harrellson is ahead of schedule and should be starting before long. He will take a lot of weight off of Patterson. Teams will not be able to double team Patterson and leave Harrellson open because he can hit the trey, unlike many big men.

Darius Miller can be like Patterson was last year—a game changer. He can shoot the ball with the sweetest touch and play hard-nosed defense, which is what Gillispie loves.

Kentucky will lock down on defense and force more turnovers. The offensive side will be much of the same.

The Cats will run and gun the offense and mop the floor with Ouachita Baptist to the tune of 99-47.

Kentucky Wildcats: Blue-White Scrimmage

Nathan Towles — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:38:33 -0500

Don't tell Kentucky fans that this scrimmage doesn't mean anything. To Kentucky, basketball is just as important as family. It may just be more important then some family events.

On Saturday night in Rupp Arena, Kentucky hosted its annual blue-white scrimmage. The main point out of the night: Kentucky is healthy and ready to take on the world. They are more athletic and more hungry.

Jodie Meeks looks better than at the start of last year. He lead his blue team to a 86-81 victory with 32 points. This should be the year he breaks loose and becomes a star. (Last year would have been, but a injury postponed his rise to stardom.)

Patrick Patterson looks like a beast down low, scoring 17 points. If he plays like this he could be a All-American at the end of the year.

Transfer Josh Harrellson lead his white team with 16 points and 10 rebounds. He will probably be the key to Patterson having a break out year.

The starting line-up for the blue team may have some indication to what the starting positions will be this year. Patterson started at center with Perry Stevenson at the four spot. The freshman, Darrius Miller, stated at small forward. Meeks stated at the two spot. Michael Porter started at point, but DeAndre Liggins will most likely be the lead guard by the conference play.

Most fans attending, or watching on T.V., had to keep looking at the roster to get the names of all the new faces.

Kentucky plays a exhibition game on Monday against Missouri-St. Louis at 7 p.m.

The University of Kentucky Wildcats open the 2008-2009 season at home against Virginia Military Institute on November 14, at 7 p.m.

Kentucky-Mississippi State: Escape Cats Edge Bulldogs, Become Bowl Eligible

Nathan Towles — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:43:31 -0400

Kentucky players are shining their bowling shoes for the third straight year after defeating Mississippi State 14-13 on Saturday afternoon.

It was a beautiful afternoon for football, but Kentucky and Mississippi State did not get the memo.

The game was more exciting than what Mississippi State (game vs. Auburn) and Kentucky (game vs. Florida) have had this season, but not by much.

At the start, Kentucky looked like they did last Saturday. The offense didn't move the ball under Randall Cobb, making his first college start, as they would have liked.

The defense didn't look much better, allowing Tyson Lee to toss a 29-yard touchdown pass to Brandon McRae.

Mississippi State was headed for another score before the Kentucky defense stepped up and stopped them on fourth down.

That was when the momentum changed.

Mike Hartline came into the game and moved the ball and got Kentucky going.

Kentucky seemed like they were going to get into the game before halftime. However, Lones Seiber thought it would be better to wait as he missed his field goal attempt.

The second half had all the excitement. Randall Cobb came back to start the third quarter and had great field position after Tony Dixon had a 42-yard return to start the third.

Cobb led the Cats 53 yards to pay dirt and finished it off with his five-yard touchdown run. That tied the game at seven.

But Cobb wasn't done.

He led them on an 82-yard drive that was finished with a three-yard touchdown pass to Maurice Grinter.

Then the nerves started to act up for fans.

Mississippi State rallied to get another touchdown, but the extra point try was blocked, leaving Kentucky ahead 14-13.

Mississippi State was not out just yet.

Adam Carlson had a chip shot from 27 yards, but his field goal attempt hit the post and bounced out.

That wasn't the end for Mississippi State—there was one more shot.

The only thing that they had to do was get into field goal position, but they had to get past a 4th-and-7.

That wasn't going to happen. Tyson Lee was forced to throw, and his pass was intercepted by Robbie McAtee to clinch a Kentucky victory.

"There were a lot of things we can build off from this game," coach Rich Brooks said to the Herald-Leader. "I'm proud of the effort, the guts, the determination and just finding a way to win a game on the road, which is hard in this league. I hope (the players) know we have a chance to do something special, even though we had a major egg-laying last week. This wasn't the prettiest example of football, but it was a pretty nice win."

A win is a win. Another win out of the next three games will put Kentucky at the win total of the past two years, not counting the bowl win.

A hard-fought win was what Kentucky needed and just what they got. It didn't need to be the prettiest, just a win.

Next week Kentucky will host Georgia, which lost to Florida very badly on Saturday.

Kentucky-Florida: Wildcats Look to End Losing Streak to Gators

Nathan Towles — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:46:29 -0400

Going into this Saturday's game, Kentucky is in almost as much trouble as they were last week.

This is going to be the toughest game for the Cats so far. They have played Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, but this is a different game.

They have a lot more players that are going to miss or have limited playing time Saturday.

Playing against the number five ranked team in the country, with limited players, and in one of the most feared places to play, isn't something Kentucky needs at this time in the season.

The University of Florida offense depth chart:

QB: Tim Tebow (6'3", 240, Jr.)
RB: Jeffrey Demps (5'8", 176, Fr.)
WR: Riley Cooper (6'3", 215, Jr.)
WR: Louis Murphy (6'3", 205, Sr.)
WR: Percy Harvin (5'11", 195, Jr.)
TE: Aaron Hernandez (6'3", 255, So.)
OT: Phil Trautwein (6'6", 310, Sr.)
OT: Jason Watkins (6'6", 310, Sr.)
OG: Carl Johnson (6'6", 330, So.)
OG: Mike Pouncey (6'5", 312, So.)
C: Maurkice Pouncey (6'5", 312, So.)

University of Florida defense depth chart:

DE: Jermaine Cunningham (6'3", 250, Jr.)
DE: Carlos Dunlap (6'6", 290, So.)
DT: Terron Sanders (6'2", 300, So.)
DT: Lawrence March (6'5", 305, So.)
LB: A.J. Jones (6'1", 225, So.)
LB: Dustin Doe (6'0", 230, Jr.)
LB: Brandon Spikes (6'3", 245, Jr.)
CB: Janoris Jenkins (5'10", 185, Fr.)
CB: Joe Haden (5'11", 185, So.)
S: Ahmad Black (5'9", 190, So.)
S: Major Wright (6'0", 200, So.)

University of Florida special teams:

PK: Joey Ijjas (6'2", 204, Sr.)
P: Chas Henry (6'4", 215, So.)
KR/PR: Brandon James (5'7", 186, Jr.)

Gators to watch

Tim Tebow will always be on this list, as he was last year's Heisman trophy winner. He has been more of a throwing quarterback this year, as he has a running back now.
Percy Harvin can make catches, but he can also run the ball. He will be in on many of the plays that the Gators will run.
Jeffrey Demps is just a Freshman, but has been a dose of TNT for the gators every time he gets the ball. He won't be caught from behind when he gets into the open.
Any of the running backs for Florida are ready to make a impact for the gators. The list includes Chris Rainey, Emmanuel Moody, and Kestahn Moore.
Brandon James can take a punt or a kick return back to the house anytime he is returning them. UK has to know where they are kicking and how to handle James.
Brandon Spikes is a top-notch SEC linebacker. He will run all over the field and break up any passing or running play. UK has to know where Spikes is anytime they take a snap.

Last week, Randall Cobb showed he has the ability to step up and catch passes. Now he just has to keep doing that.

Mike Hartline cannot get rattled early, because if he does, it will be a very long day for the sophomore.

If Hartline can't do anything against the Florida defense, look for Cobb to come in and play quarterback for a few snaps, just as a change of pace look for the Cats.

Kentucky has to get the running game and passing game open early. It cannot wait until the last minutes of the game to move the ball. That has been a thorn in the side of UK all year.

They must keep moving the ball to give the defense a rest on the sideline.

It is going to be harder to match up against Florida this week. Some of the UK defense is hurt. They will need some of the younger players to step up and make a play here or there and keep Florida out of the end zone.

This is a very hard matchup for Kentucky. It is also hard to pick against Florida.

Kentucky will have a long day on both offense and defense without key players.

Florida wins 31-10.

Kentucky Loses Derrick Locke for Remainder of Season Due to Injury

Nathan Towles — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:04:15 -0400

A week later, and more bad news comes out of Lexington.

For the second straight week, a Wildcat has had an MRI done on his knee.

The news is almost exactly the same for sophomore running back Derrick Locke.

Torn medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments will sideline him for the rest of the year.

Locke has been the key to the Kentucky offense. He has rushed for 303 yards with a touchdown. When needed, he has went out and caught 23 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown.

This is another blow after losing senior receiver Dicky Lyons Jr. last week due to basically the same injury.

It doesn't look good for Kentucky on the week they will be traveling to Gainesville to play Florida.

There are plenty of Wildcats that have injuries and may miss the game.

Wildcats hurting:

Dicky Lyons Jr.: Out for season due to knee injury
Derrick Locke: Out for season due to knee injury
Myron Pryor: Doubtful due to high ankle sprain
Micah Johnson: Re-aggravated high ankle sprain
David Jones: Arm/elbow injury
Marcus McClinton: Sprained MCL

Hopefully it gets better before it gets any worse.

Kentucky Wildcats Use All Nine Lives in Victory Over Arkansas

Nathan Towles — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 06:48:43 -0400

On another beautiful night in Commonwealth Stadium, Kentucky looked like the same team that played very poorly against South Carolina last Saturday.

Kentucky shot itself in the foot for most of the game by missing on plays and being flagged for penalties. When Kentucky fans thought is was over, it was just the beginning.

Unlike last Saturday, Kentucky pulled together an improbable come back victory over visiting Arkansas.

For the most part of the game, the Kentucky offense was worse at best. With there backs against the wall, UK came out fighting for the last five minutes of the game.

"I told them in the locker room football is a reflection of life in a lot of ways," Brooks said to the Herald Leader. "When it's the very darkest and the very worst, you have to keep on believing because giving up is not an answer, it's not an alternative. But then to actually make it happen and make those words real, I'm very proud of them."

Believing is what they did. Believing is a understatement for what they did. While trailing 20-7 with five minutes to go, Kentucky staged a come back. All it took was a fumble by reserve running back De'Anthony Curtis.

That's when believing came to life. That is when Mike Hartline found Randall Cobb wide open for a 32 yard touchdown pass.

All that was left was for the Kentucky defense to stop Arkansas and force them to punt.

Randall Cobb then took the punt return to the Arkansas 35 yard line. Hartline once again found Cobb for a 21 yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Lones Seiber hit the extra point to send UK ahead 21-20.

There was still time left for Arkansas to win the game. The defense had to hold on for the UK victory. On fourth down, the Kentucky defense picked off Arkansas quarterback, Casey Dick, to seal the victory.

Even after the win, Kentucky is holding their breath until Monday. That is when Kentucky will get the results back from a MRI on Derrick Locke. Locke was injured on a kick return when a Arkansas defender ran into his knee.

This will make the second time in two weeks that a key Kentucky player has went down due to a knee injury.

Now Kentucky is only one win away from going bowling this season. It would make the third straight year that Kentucky has went to a bowl game.

Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Roster for 2008-2009

Nathan Towles — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:20:46 -0400

Kentucky was on a roller coaster for much of last year.

The low had to come early in the season when UK lost, at home, to Gardner-Webb, 84-68.

They did, however, have a high when they beat Vanderbilt at home 79-73. Then they beat Tennessee 72-66.

They did get to the NCAA tournament but lost in the first round to Marquette, 74-66. UK finished the season with a record of 18-13.

Last year, UK had a transition period with new coach Billy Gillispie. It was rough: The players weren't buying into the new coach, and the coach wasn't buying into the players.

When they got it together, they had to do it without a key piece, as they lost Jodie Meeks to injury for most of the season.

They had a player transfer midseason in Alex Legion. It was hard to envision that Kentucky was going to go anywhere anytime soon.

This season seems to be different for Kentucky. They have the team chemistry of a family. They are laughing, joking, and most importantly, having fun.

There are a lot of new faces on the bench and on the court. The coaches are the same, but the players are different.

Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley have gone on to the NBA. That is a main spot that UK has to fill. They have to fill the points that are lost from those two stars.

They have the talent to do that. They have a good transfer in Kevin Galloway, a solid freshman in DeAndre Liggins, and Mr. Kentucky Basketball Darius Miller, along with another transfer, Josh Harrellson.

Now meet your Kentucky team.

2008-2009 University of Kentucky roster

Patrick Patterson (6'9", 235, Forward/Center) 2007-2008 scoring: 16.4
Jodie Meeks (6'4", 208, Guard) 2007-2008 scoring: 8.8
Perry Stevenson (6'9", 207, Forward) 2007-2008 scoring: 5.9
Jarard Carter (7'2", 270, Center) 2007-2008 scoring: 0.8
Ramon Harris (6'7", 218, Guard/Forward) 2007-2008 scoring: 4.2
Michael Porter (6'3", 198, Guard) 2007-2008 scoring: 2.0
A.J. Stewart (6'7", 218, Forward) 2007-2008 scoring: 2.1
Josh Harrellson (6'10", 265, Forward)
Darius Miller (6'7", 223, Guard/Forward)
DeAndre Liggins (6'6", 202, Guard)
Kevin Galloway (6'7", 215, Guard/Forward)
Donald Williams (6'3", 205, Guard)
Matt Pilgrim (6'8", 233, Forward) Must sit out 2008-2009 season
Dwight Perry (6'1", 173, Guard) Walk-on
Mark Krebs (6'5", 207, Guard/Forward) Walk-on
Matt Scherbenske (6'1", 178, Guard) Walk-on
Landon Slone (6'3", 178, Guard) Walk-on
Adam Delph (6'1", 161, Guard) Walk-on
Mark Halsell (5'11", 182, Guard) Walk-on
Jarvis Walker (6'3", 215, Guard) Walk-on

There are a few transfers on the team that are going to contend for starting spots right away.

Along with the new faces, there is a new look. A new uniform is in order.

The future looks bright for Kentucky. If the injury bug goes away this season, then UK can be a top 25 team.

The schedule is rough at spots, but it's like that every year.

The starting lineup seems hard to judge. Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks will start, but from there it is anybody's guess.

Now it's time for Kentucky to take back college basketball.

The only thing left to say is:

This is Kentucky. This, my friend, is the Pattern of Excellence.

Kentucky-Arkansas: Wildcats Look to End Two-Game Skid

Nathan Towles — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:45:44 -0400

What a week it has been for the University of Kentucky.

Hearing on Monday that they will be without Dicky Lyons Jr. for the remainder of the season is a huge blow to a very young wide receiver position.

It doesn't end the season for UK. They just have to find a way to move forward and adjust.

Next in line is Arkansas and coach Bobby Petrino.

The University of Arkansas offense depth chart:

T: Ray Dominguez (6'4", 315, So.)
G: Wade Grayson (6'4", 292, So.)
C: Jonathan Luigs (6'4", 314, Sr.)
G: Grant Cook (6'6", 320, RFr.)
T: Jose Valdez (6'5", 313, Sr.)
RB: Michael Smith (5'7", 173, Jr.)
FB: Mitchell Bailey (6'1", 220, Fr.)
QB: Casey Dick (6'2", 215, Sr.)
WR: Lucas Miller (6'3", 201, Jr.)
WR: London Crawford (6'2", 200, Jr.)
WR: Joe Adams (6'0", 175, Fr.)
TE: D.J. Williams (6'2", 250, So.)

University of Arkansas defense depth chart:

DE: Jake Bequette (6'5", 265, RFr.)
NT: Zach Stadther (6'1", 285, Fr.)
DT: Malcolm Sheppard (6'3", 277, Jr.)
RUSH: Adrian Davis (6'4", 238, Jr.)
SLB: Freddy Burton (6'2", 221, So.)
MLB: Jerry Franklin (6'2", 229, RFr.)
WLB: Elston Forte (6'0", 219, Sr.)
CB: Jamar Love (6'1", 197, Sr.)
SS: Jerico Nelson (5'9", 195, Fr.)
FS: Elton Ford (6'0", 208, Fr.)
CB: Isaac Madison (6'0", 181, So.)

University of Arkansas special teams:

PK: Shay Haddock (5'9", 185, So.)
P/HOL: Jeremy Davis (5'9", 206, Sr.)
PR: Michael Smith (5'7", 173, Jr.)
KR: Dennis Johnson (5'7", 195, Fr.)

Razorbacks to watch

Casey Dick is having by far his best year at Arkansas. He isn't a real threat to take over a game, but he has the tools to control the game.
Michael Smith has a hard job getting fans to forget last year's loss of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. He has done a pretty good job so far.
Jerry Franklin has a set of wheels and gets all over the field to make a tackle. He is the team's leading tackler and is only a redshirt freshman.
Malcolm Sheppard can get to a team's quarterback when needed. He must be blocked or will break up any run or pass.
Jeremy Davis is a punter. However, he can put the opposing team into difficult spots with his long and booming punts.

The Cats must find a wide receiver to step up and make some plays. It will take pressure off Mike Hartline.

Hartline has been under pressure this week due to his poor performance against South Carolina last Saturday.

If Hartline can't move the ball, look for a change of pace in backup quarter back Randall Cobb. Cobb will also be playing at wide receiver and punt returns.

UK needs to get the ground game on track. It would take a lot of pressure off the passing game and will run time off the clock.

The Cats must keep the offense moving so the defense has a chance to rest. They have to convert on third down and not have a lot of three and out like last week.

The defense needs to keep doing what they have been. Not much needed to correct—just stay in their spots and make plays.

Keep pressure on Casey Dick. Make him beat them with his arm. When Dick is pressured he will make poor decisions.

This is a must win for Kentucky. You will know the rest of the season after the game.

If Kentucky loses, it is going to be very hard to get two more wins this season.

If Kentucky wins, it will take help out the confidence of the team and get them on track for the remainder of the year.

Kentucky will be playing with a lot of emotion on Saturday. Look for a slow start by both teams.

Guessing game is in order for this game.

My guess is that Cobb will come in and take over the game to the tone of 28-13 UK.

Dicky Lyons Jr.: A True Kentucky Wildcat

Nathan Towles — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:34 -0400

Close your eyes for a moment.

Now remember growing up and your mother or father always told you one simple thing. Something that people should always remember.

"Don't take what you have for granted—someday it may just be gone. After it is gone, you realize what you had."

Such a simple saying that everybody just let slip past and out of their minds.

That is something that, since Saturday, I can't get off my mind and out of my thoughts.

Ever since Dicky Lyons Jr. was tackled after making a catch and went down in obvious pain, it just sticks in my mind.

That moment is when you ask the college football gods, "Why?"

"What did he do to deserve this?"

A young student-athlete doesn't deserve this, but it is part of the game.

It is the part of life. One must end and another begin.

It was on Monday that the news came: A torn posterior cruciate ligament and a torn medial collateral ligament.

"I feel bad for Dicky. He's had a great career and made a lot of great plays," UK Coach Rich Brooks said to the Herald Leader. "He's a crowd favorite who's meant a lot to the program. To see his career end in that manner is obviously disappointing."

It is just sad to see a young man miss the rest of the season and his career at the University of Kentucky.

Who couldn't but like Dicky? He made football fun again at UK.

No matter the age, young or old, you couldn't help but like him and his antics.

Yes, he was cocky, but he backed up what he said.

Remember back two years ago, Dicky said at a press conference, "Yeah, we'll beat Mississippi State."

You better believe that he went out there and left in all on the line, like any other day. He even had more catches than Burton, Johnson and Tamme.

Yes, he made the coaches mad, but he sparked his team and lead them to their first bowl game in years.

What about that block last year he made on LSU defender Craig Steltz? He sent him flying into outer space with that hit.

Hit up YouTube and you will find it, along with more.

The media day for the SEC was just funny. Nobody couldn't help but laugh at his story of his fiancee and Matthew Stafford. It just made the air easier to breathe.

It just makes me sad to know that last Saturday will be his last game in Kentucky blue and white.

As a fan, I want to personally thank Mr. Lyons for the fun, passion, and love of the game that he showed from day one to the last catch.

I just hope one day when I tune in to watch the NFL, that he is there playing the game with every ounce of passion he displayed at Kentucky.

Thank you again, Dicky, for all the great times.

Kentucky Loses Dicky Lyons Jr. for Remainder of Season Due to Injury

Nathan Towles — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:02:56 -0400

University of Kentucky coach Rich Brooks announced on Monday that Dicky Lyons Jr.'s season is over.

Lyons suffered a knee injury Saturday during the second quarter of the loss to South Carolina.

He was very badly missed in the second half, where Kentucky had only 53 yards of total offense.

Lyons has two torn ligaments, which will probably end his career in blue and white.

This is not what UK needed going into the second half of the season, where a bunch of young receivers will have to step up to fill the void left with his departure.

Randall Cobb will most likely play more wide receiver the rest of the year. The coaches have been saying that Cobb will play more at quarterback, but this changes everything.

This could be a very long rest of the season for the Cats of blue and white.

Kentucky Lands Big Time Commitment For Next Season

Nathan Towles — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:16:21 -0400

The University of Kentucky got a huge addition to next year's recruiting class on Sunday.

Still on his official campus visit and after Friday's Big Blue Midnight Madness, Top 25 player/center, Daniel Orton committed to play for the Cats next year.

Citing from his announcement on Sunday, Orton said that the fans and current players helped make his mind up.

“Everybody told me that the fans were crazy about basketball; that really sealed the decision,” Orton said and reported to the Herald-Leader newspaper.

On Friday night at Midnight Madness, many of the some 23,000 fans were heard, (and as I myself,) chanting Daniel Orton's name.

Billy Gillispie has proven that he is the savior for the winningest program in college basketball history.

He has proven that he can get the big time recruits that former coach, Tubby Smith, couldn't.

It is showing that he is bringing UK back to elite status and ready to take on the world and the NABC if needed.

The next step is the great eight—which would be Kentucky's eighth championship.

Kentucky-South Carolina: Wildcats Look to Get Back on Track Against Gamecocks

Nathan Towles — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:25:01 -0400

The University of Kentucky comes back home for a crucial two-game home stand where South Carolina will visit this Saturday and Arkansas next Saturday.

If Kentucky wins these next two games, the Wildcats will be 6-1 (2-1) and bowl bound for the third straight year.

If they end up losing one or both, then it will be ever so hard to pick up those lone two remaining victories against teams like Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee.

No need to look ahead of schedule—South Carolina is first.

The University of South Carolina offense depth chart:

WR: Freddie Brown (6'3", 208, Jr.)
WR: Moe Brown (6'0", 184, Jr.)
LT: Jarriel King (6'7", 285, So.)
LG: Jamon Meredith (6'5", 297, Sr.)
C: Garrett Anderson (6'4", 310, Jr.)
RG: Terrence Campbell (6'3", 277, So.)
RT: Justin Sorensen (6'7", 316, Sr.)
TE: Jared Cook (6'5", 240, Jr.)
QB: Chris Smelley (6'2", 211, So.)
FB: Patrick DiMarco (6'1", 238, So.)
TB: Brain Maddox (5'10", 224, So.)

University of South Carolina defense depth chart:

DE: Clifton Geathers (6'7", 284, So.)
DT: Nathan Pepper (6'1", 287, Jr.)
DT: Ladi Ajiboye (6'1", 298, So.)
DE: Cliff Matthews (6'4" 259, So.)
WLB: Eric Norwood (6'1", 253, Jr.)
MLB: Jasper Brinkley (6'2", 269, Sr.)
SPUR: Darian Stewart (5'11", 219, Jr.)
CB: Toney Woodson (5'11", 200, Sr.)
FS: Chris Culliver (6'0", 199, So.)
SS: Emanuel Cook (5'10", 203, Jr.)
CB: Captain Munnerlyn (5'9", 185, Jr.)

University of South Carolina Special Teams:

PK: Ryan Succop (6'3", 221, Sr.)
P: Spencer Lanning (5'11", 182, So.)
HOL: Stephen Flint (6'2", 197, RFr.)
SNAP: Charles Turner (6'4", 225, So.)
KR: Chris Culliver (6'0", 199, So.)
PR: Captain Munnerlyn (5'9", 185, Jr.)

USC has a lot of young talent to go with their experienced talent. Look for Steve Spurrier to mix up his offense and keep the Cats defense off balanced.

Gamecocks to watch

Chris Smelley has emerged as the starting quarterback for now. He is a better passer than the other option in Stephen Garcia. If Smelly cannot do anything against UK, then look for Coach Spurrier to put Garcia in.
Jared Cook has helped out the quarterback, no matter who he may be. Cook has stepped up due to Kenny McKinley being out with an injury.
Captain Munnerlyn has been one of two thorns in Kentucky's side the past two years. Munnerlyn is a very dangerous playmaker and can guard any wide receiver in the nation.
Ryan Succop is one of the best kickers in the SEC. He can just about hit a field goal from anywhere when given the shot.
Eric Norwood, the other thorn, can also slide into the defensive end slot and rush from there. He killed the Cats last year, taking two fumbles back for touchdowns.

The Cats have got to get their running game on track. That is going to be very hard against USC because they are at the top of stopping both the running and throwing games in the SEC.

Kentucky has to make sure that quarterback Mike Hartline has time to throw and not force anything. If any mistakes are made, the USC defense will make Kentucky pay dearly.

Like last week, the Kentucky defense has to put pressure on USC. Make the running backs and quarterback make plays. If that happens, UK might be able to get some takeaways.

Finally, UK needs to end the curse of 0-for-infinity against Steve Spurrier. The Cats did not beat him when he was at Florida, which is understandable, but it's not understandable at USC.

The last few games have been lost because of mistakes. Correct the mistakes and Kentucky will surely win.

Coach Rich Brooks has some help this week as he will get back Micah Johnson on the defense and Randall Cobb on offense.

If Kentucky is ready, and my guess is they are, the game will be close with both of the good defenses. The losing streak ends finally to the tone of 20-10 UK.

Kentucky Comes Up Short Against Alabama, Gains Respect

Nathan Towles — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:33:23 -0400

The upset was there for the University of Kentucky; however, Alabama stopped a UK come back.

On a beautiful Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, the tide gave Kentucky every chance to pull off the win.

The same Alabama offense that put up 41 points against Georgia last week was held to just 10 points offensively. They turned the ball over and missed on chances to add points to the board by the field goal unit.

The play that won the game for Bama was when UK quarterback Mike Hartline fumbled away a pass on the four yard line and was picked up by an Alabama defender for a touchdown.

You could also take the fumble Coffee had on the Kentucky 12 yard line. The ball bounced to the one where UK defender David Jones jumped on the ball and had it pop out and roll out of bounds before another UK defender Marcus McClinton could reach it.

After the referee's talked about it, Bama got the ball back at the 13 and then kicked the game winning field goal.

The Kentucky defense did allow its first rushing touchdown on them this year when Glen Coffee scampered 78 yards for a touchdown on the Tide's second possession of the game.

Kentucky did just about everything they didn't want to do in the first half. They had more flags thrown on them then they had total offense at one time.

After settling down in the second half, Kentucky mounted a comeback.

Hartline had two back-to-back screen plays to Derrick Locke and then a touchdown pass to Dicky Lyons Jr.

The passing game was all that Kentucky could get going, as the Bama defense shut down the run and forced them to throw.

This ended up being a closer game than the spread was set at 16.5. Kentucky played a good game and shouldn't be disappointed with their effort.

"I think we had a legitimate shot at them, but they made the plays and we didn't," Brooks said of Alabama to the Hearld Leader. "I was proud of the way our players went in there and battled back. I think we have a very good football team, and we showed it at times. I also think we have some growing pains we need to work through. Now we'll have two home games, and obviously we have to find a way to win a game next week after a very disappointing loss here."

Kentucky Football Looks for Respect Against Alabama

Nathan Towles — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:45:46 -0400

As we all know, the University of Kentucky will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday to face the Crimson Tide.

Every Saturday in the SEC is usually the same—a hard-nosed fight, where anything can happen.

As we all have witnessed in the past three years, the bottom tier of the SEC is catching up the the so called "elite" teams of the conference.

However, this Saturday some 'Bama fans are looking at Kentucky and saying, "It's just Kentucky. That's a win already."

Kentucky should have earned a whole lot more respect for what it has done in the past two years, going 8-5, gaining back-to-back Music City Bowl rings, and upsetting last year's BCS champion, LSU.

That is not the case for Kentucky. They are getting no respect and no "love" from other programs.

The Wildcats are currently 16.5-point underdogs going into to the 'Bama game.

We all know that UK hasn't had a very hard schedule so far this year, but when you play in the SEC, you can't afford a hard non-conference slate. Everybody should know and understand that.

I am not saying Kentucky will kill or beat 'Bama on Saturday; all that I'm asking is to show a little respect, and some will be given back.

The Kentucky players are showing a swagger never seen in Lexington in some 50 years. They believe they can hang with Alabama and maybe just upset the Tide.

The evidence is showing in how they act and play. They know that to get respect they have to earn it.

"In order to get respect, you have to win," Derrick Locke told the Herald-Leader. "Even if you play a good game and stay close, it's like, 'Well, you still lost. You're still the old Kentucky.' You're not climbing up the ranks if you lose. We've got to win."

That is a tall task, but it can be done. Look what happened with LSU last year.

"The more your program elevates, the bigger the game gets," Dicky Lyons Jr. said to the Herald-Leader. "These are the games we need to start winning and proving we can win on a year-to-year basis. We had a great team last year when we beat LSU. If we can come out and beat Alabama, then I think people have to start saying that Kentucky has a great program."

In order for UK to win, they need to air it out, make trick plays, and just do things that 'Bama won't think they will do.

"Now we're going down to Alabama, and we're going to let it fly. We have nothing to lose. They have everything to lose," Lyons said.

That pretty much sums it up.

First Meeting Of Kentucky and Western Kentucky Ends In a Blowout

Nathan Towles — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:10:22 -0400

The University of Kentucky wanted to make a statement entering the game with Western Kentucky on Saturday night.

Boy, did it ever. Jeremy Jarmon came off the end and got up close and personal with the Western Kentucky quarterback for a 9-yard sack.

The defensive tone was set, and Western was shut out of the end zone. Kentucky has kept the opponent out the end zone for three of its first four games.

There was one offense that got rolling in front of 70,731 fans. Kentucky gained 216 yards on the ground and throwing for 182.

Mike Hartline threw his first interception of the year on a tipped ball. Hartline did show poise and confidence yet again by not getting rattled. He just let it go.

Hartline ended the night going 19-for-30 for 172 yards and one touchdown and that lone interception.

The four-headed running back rotation did finally get the ground game going.

Tony Dixon ran for 45 yards and two scores. Reserves Derrick Locke, Moncell Allen and Alfonso Smith had a respectable 34, 41, and 67 yards.

Alfonso Smith had most of his yards on two touches of the ball. The first time he ran it was for 17 yards. Three plays later, he ran 35 yards to paydirt.

After Western finally got on the board with a field goal, Derrick Locke took the ball two yards deep into the end zone, and ran back 102 yards for a touchdown.

"Our kickoff-coverage team has been a big strength for us," Western Coach David Elson said. "They executed and Locke is really fast, and at that time the momentum changed. They took it to us in the second half."

Elson's prediction came true as Kentucky rolled up the points. At the end of the game, the scoreboard read Kentucky 41, Western Kentucky 3. This was the two teams' first meeting on the gridiron.

Kentucky did finally get a good showing from new field goal kicker Ryan Tydlacka. Tydlacka made his first two collegiate field goal kicks and his 7-of-7 on field goals dating back to his high school days.

Kentucky hopes the offense continues on into next week when they travel to Alabama for their first SEC game.

Quarterbacks Dominate Early Heisman Watch List

Nathan Towles — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:10:02 -0400

What a year it has been so far, just weeks into the 2008 season.

We have the half the SEC in the top 25, six non-BCS teams in the top 25, and other more recent powerhouses out of the top 25.

After four weeks of play, there are plenty of hopeful teams and plenty of disappointed coaches, players, and fans that have already had their BCS hopes busted.

The most surprising team is still Georgia (even with BYU unbeaten). They are still unbeaten and proving they are a very good team with wins over South Carolina and traveling across the states to beat Arizona State.

USC has shown that they are just as good, hosting an Ohio State team that finally got exploded on in regular season, rather than in the BCS title game like the years before.

BYU is still undefeated, even though the game with Washington was given to them. They have a very good offense and now the defense is showing up. That may have something to do with the weak show of their conference and lack of playing a power football team.

The most disappointing team is a toss-up. I would have thought that post-RichRod West Virginia would have played a lot better.

At the same time, Michigan really hasn't done anything with him.

Vanderbilt is ranked for the first time since some people can remember and actually want to remember.

The quarterbacks are taking over the Heisman race, but most conference games have yet to be played and most likely will change this race.

Here are my top Heisman candidates.

Chase Daniel has passed for 1,412 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only one interception. His completion percent is 75.9 percent. Missouri hasn't really played anybody except for Illinois. Daniel is putting up stupid numbers week in and week out. If this is kept up, then look out.

Sam Bradford has had a good year so far, passing for 882 yards, 12 touchdowns, and two interceptions. His completion percent is 79 percent. Oklahoma hasn't played anybody so far—look for their game against TCU this weekend to show if he will stay on this list.

Tim Tebow hasn't had very good numbers, but you have to put the defending Heisman winner on the list. He's passed for 489 yards and five touchdowns and has an average completion percentage of 59.4 percent. He has also rushed for 118 yards. This isn't last year's Tim Tebow and won't be last year's Tim Tebow.

Knowshon Moreno has rushed for 455 yards with nine touchdowns, coming out of the backfield with seven receptions for 96 yards. He can move up the list with more productive games like the one at ASU, where he rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Max Hall has shown he deserves to be in this talk, passing for 1,284 yards, 15 touchdowns, and two interceptions. His completion percent is at 74.3 percent, although against poor defenses.

This year again should be like last year, where the BCS title game could come down to the conference championship week.

It is still early and anything can happen—just like college football.