UK's football 'Cats once again enter the final regular season game with high hopes of victory.  Kentucky, coming off a bye week, has had two weeks to put into place new plays, new looks, and hopefully a game-winning attitude, because gaining a victory won't be easy (it's never easy when a team has lost 23 straight to the same opponent).

Emotions are running high in Knoxville.  The players seem to have conquered their disappointment over Phillip Fulmer's dismissal of a few weeks ago, and with a victory over Vanderbilt last weekend, and their strong week of practice, they seem focused on winning their last game for the soon-to-be deposed Fulmer.

I would like to add my congratulations to coach Fulmer on an exceptional reign at UT.  He's been associated with the Tennessee program for 32 years, beginning with his time in Knoxville as a player (four years), then as an assistant to Johnny Majors.  He's of course served 16 years (plus four games) as head man of the big orange (he's 16-0 versus UK).  He guided UT to their first national championship in like a hundred years, in 1998.  He posted a 151-52 career mark ... here's hoping he ends up 151-53. 

Tennessee Schedule

This year UT has wins versus UAB (35-3), Northern Illinois (13-9), Mississippi State (34-3), and last weeks road win against Vandy (20-10).  The Vols losses shape up this way: @UCLA (27-24 in ot), home against Florida (30-6), @ Auburn (14-12), @ Georgia (26-14), home against Alabama (29-9), @ South Carolina (27-6), and at home against Wyoming (13-7).

Tennessee Offensive Personnel

Quarterback Jonathan Crompton: 6'4", 220 lb junior -- This year Crompton has thrown for 788 yards and three touchdowns, while going 80 for 159 and five interceptions.  For his career Crompton has completed 118 of 267 passes for 1,286 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions.  

Fulmer said this week that Crompton will be the likely starter this week versus UK.

Quarterback B.J. Coleman: 6'3", 210 lb red-shirt freshman -- In three games this year, Coleman is 4 for 8 passing, for 21 yards, one interception and zero touchdowns. 

Coleman was limited this week in practice with a foot injury.  Fulmer said this week that Coleman would probably see action against Kentucky.

Running back Arian Foster: 6'1", 215 lb senior -- The '07 Second Team All-SEC selection has rushed 110 times for 511 yards (4.6 yards per carry).  He's run for one touchdown.  He also has 18 catches for 149 yards (8.3 yards per catch), but no receiving touchdowns.  For his career Foster has rushed for 2,905 yards, which is good for second place all-time in Tennessee history.  Foster has proved to be multi-talented, evidenced by his 82 career receptions for 685 yards.  The senior is third all-time in UT history with 3,804 all-purpose yards, behind Stanley Morgan ('73-'76) and Willie Gault ('79-'82).

Foster as made a nice living at UK's expense over the years: In '05 versus the 'Cats he carried the ball 26 times for 114 yards and caught five passes for 44 yards.  Last year he rushed 27 times for 118 yards and caught 9 passes or 98 yards and a touchdown, on UT's first play from scrimmage.

Running back Lennon Creer: 6'1", 210 lb sophomore -- This year Creer has rushed 67 times for 364 yards (5.4 yards per carry), and three touchdowns.  For his career Creer has ran the ball 103 times for 578 yards (5.6 yards per carry), and four touchdowns.  He was honored as a PrepStar All-America coming out of high school in Texas.  He was also named the Old Spice Redzone Player of the Year in Texas.

Running back Montario Hardesty: 6'0", 210 lb junior -- Hardesty has 69 rushes for 252 yards (3.7 yards per carry), and six touchdowns.  He's also caught four passes for 24 yards.  For his career Hardesty has 270 carries for 1,027 yards (3.8 yards per carry), and 13 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Gerald Jones: 6'0", 185 lb sophomore -- Jones has made 27 catches for 308 yards (11.4 yards per catch).

Last year versus UK, Jones caught a touchdown pass in the first overtime.

Wide receiver Lucas Taylor: 6'0", 185 lb senior -- Taylor has made 26 catches for 372 yards (12.8 yards per catch), and one touchdown this year.  For his career he has 113 receptions for 1,43 yards, and six touchdowns. 

Last year against Kentucky Taylor had six catches for 103 yards and one touchdown.

Wide receiver Austin Rogers: 6'2", 185 lb senior -- Rogers has made 14 catches for 180 yards (12.9 yards per catch).  For his career he has 76 receptions for 891 yards (11.7 yards per catch), and four touchdowns.

Rogers was the cause of much pain for UK fans last year when he rushed 13 yards for a touchdown, and later caught the game-winning two-point conversion in the fourth overtime.

Wide receiver Josh Briscoe: 6'3", 183 lb senior -- This year Briscoe has made 14 catches for 176 yards (12.6 yards per catch), and one touchdown.  For is career he has 79 receptions for 866 yards (10.9 yards per catch), and eight touchdowns.

Wide receiver Denarius Moore: 6'1", 185 lb sophomore -- Moore has 10 catches for 208 yards (terrific 20.8 yards per catch), and one touchdown.  In his short career he has caught 24 passes for 420 yards (17.5 yards per catch), and one touchdown.

Tight end Luke Stocker: 6'6", 245 lb sophomore -- The Madison Central High School grad, and Berea native, has made 13 catches for 139 yards (10.7 yards per catch).  For his career he has 17 receptions for 150 yards (8.8 yards per catch), and a touchdown.

Placekicker Daniel Lincoln: 6'0", 204 lb sophomore -- On the year Lincoln has made 10 of 17 field goal attempts.  From 20-39 yards he's 8 of 11, and from 40-49 yards he's 2 of 3.  For his career he has made 31 of 46 attempts.  Lincoln was honored last year as an All-America by the Football Writers, and a Freshman All-America.  He was also named Second Team All-SEC.  Lincoln was a Groza Award semifinalist in '07( which goes to the nations top placekicker).

Tennessee Defensive Personnel

UT's defense is loaded with talent.  They possess size, speed and experience.  So it should not come as a surprise that the Vols rank very high nationally in nearly every statistical category: Total Defense - 6th (269.9 yards allowed) ... Scoring defense - 16th (17.4 points per game) ... Passing defense - 9th (166.2 yards per game) ... Rushing defense - 14th (103.7 yards per game).

Tennessee's defensive dominance begins with all-world ...

Safety Eric Berry: 5'11", 195 lb sophomore -- Berry has recorded 67 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven interceptions (265 INT return yards and two touchdowns) and six pass break-ups.  Berry was named SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year in '07.  He was also a consensus Freshman All-America and of course made Freshman All-SEC.  In '07 he was voted Second Team All-SEC, and he led all SEC freshman with 86 tackles.  Berry has 487 career interception return yards in only 24 games played.  He's threatening the NCAA record of 501 yards, set by Florida State's Terrell Buckley.  He is one of three finalists for the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nations top defensive back, and he's the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week.  Needless to say, Berry has to be accounted for on every UK offensive snap.

Last year versus UK he recorded a season high 14 tackles and one pass break-up. 

Linebacker Ellix Wilson: 5'10", 225 lb senior -- Wilson leads the Vols with 80 tackles.  He has recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and two pass break-ups.

Wilson recorded one sack last year versus UK.

Linebacker Rico McCoy: 6'1", 221 lb junior -- McCoy has 79 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three pass break-ups.  He was named Second Team All-SEC in '07.

Last year against UK McCoy recorded nine tackles and one pass break-up.

Defensive back Dennis Rogan: 5'10", 185 lb sophomore -- Rogan has 50 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and five pass break-ups.  Rogan also returns kick-offs, averaging a solid 24.9 yards per return.

Last year versus Kentucky, Rogan had three tackles and one tackle for loss.

Linebacker Nevin McKenzie: 6'2", 215 lb senior -- McKenzie has made 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception and one pass break-up.  He's a JUCO transfer. 

Defensive tackle Dan Williams: 6'3", 310 lb junior -- Williams has 46 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one pass break-up.

Last year Williams blocked a Lones Seiber field goal attempt, which ended up costing UK the football game. 

Defensive end Robert Ayers: 6'3", 275 lb senior -- Ayers has 43 tackles, a team leading 14.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, one pass break-up, and eight quarterback hits (tied for team lead).

Last year versus UK he recorded four tackles and one tackle for loss.

Defensive end Wes Brown: 6'4", 256 lb junior -- Brown has 37 tackles. 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits (tied for team lead with Ayers).

Punter Britton Colquitt: Colquitt has punted 38 times for a 43.2 average.  He's had no punts blocked.  Colquitt was selected Second Team All-SEC in '07.

Kicker Chad Cunningham: He's kicked-off 37 times, and recorded three touch-backs.

How did Tennessee beat Vandy ...

After UT's home loss to Wyoming (13-7) a few weeks ago, many thought the Vols may very well 'mail in' the remainder of the season ...  'many' would be wrong.  Tennessee responded with defensive gusto in their 20-10 victory over Vanderbilt last week.  Let's take a look at what enabled UT to come out with that seemingly improbable victory:

• UT ran the ball, Vandy did not -- The Vols rushed for 222 yards on 51 carries (4.4 yards per carry), while limiting Vandy to only 25 yards on 28 carries (0.9 yards per carry).  Tennessee was led in rushing by Lennon Creer with 80 yards on only 13 carries (6.2 yards per carry).  Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty chipped in with 53 yards and 41 yards respectively. 
• UT contained Vandy's passing game, and the Vols weren't forced to pass -- Vandy quarterbacks Chris Nickson and MacKenzie Adams were a combined 19 of 44 for 188 yards, and two interceptions.  Tennessee's D-line and linebackers pressured the Vandy QB's all day, finishing with six sacks.  Fulmer went with the run game almost exclusively (he did say this week that he would like to throw more against UK).  The two UT quarterbacks finished the day only 4 of 9 for 21 yards, and two interceptions (let's HOPE they throw more).
• UT didn't have to go far to score -- UT managed only one sustained drive: a nine play 65 yard drive, which resulted in the only offensive touchdown of the day for the Vols.  UT's other 'drives' and scores: five play 27 yard drive, which resulted in a field goal -- this drive was facilitated by a Vandy eighteen yard punt.  Eric Berry returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown, and after a 69 yard interception return by Brent Vinson, UT ran two plays for zero yards and again kicked a field goal.  All of UT's scoring occurred in the first half.

Final Thoughts

It will take a tremendous offensive and defensive effort to beat the Vols in Knoxville.  But it can be done: UK must force Tennessee to pass the ball, and there are only two ways to do that -- Shut down the UT ground attack, or score early and often, putting the Vols in the position of having to throw the ball in order to play catch up.

Neither of those scenarios are highly likely to happen though, after-all, UK's 50th ranked run defense gives up 136 yards per game on average, and we've seen a number of backs post huge numbers against the 'Cat's defense this year.  Getting off to a quick offensive start has also not been UK's forte this year; they've been outscored 98-31 in the first quarter, with many of those points coming off of UK turnovers, or other, more creative methods. 

Kentucky's only real hope (other than forcing a multitude of turnovers) is for Randall Cobb to play out of his mind.  With UK decimated by injuries to so many offensive players, Cobb will be the one looked toward to provide energy and creativity within the context of the offense.  In order to fully utilize Cobb's multifaceted offensive arsenal, I feel that the run to pass ratio should be around 60-40 or 65-35, run.  Kentucky has the talent to wear down UT's defensive unit, but the coaches have to stay with the run.  UK has been far too successful running the spread/option sets to give up on the tactic if early success is not forthcoming.  As an aside, I would really be pleased if 6'5" TE Maurice Grinter was utilized more when UK opts to throw the ball.  He's a nightmare match-up for a linebacker, because of his size, athleticism and speed, plus he as Charmin-soft hands, and he gains yards after the catch.

On a positive note; UK does have one aspect of this game going their way, and that's the fact that they've had an extra week to prepare.  Hopefully, we will see some new looks from Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks, if not, it could be a very long evening for the boys in blue.

Most prognosticators are predicting a low scoring affair.  I say ...

Kentucky -- 20 Tennessee -- 17 ... hope springs eternal, and 7-5 looks a lot better than 6-6.

Tim Masthay 

UK punter Tim Masthay has been named a First Team Academic All-America, and he currently ranks third in the NCAA in punting with a 45.6 yard average.

Congratulations to the UK senior.  Truly, a job well done.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats beat Tennessee!

On a gloriously sun-kissed, southern Saturday afternoon filled with fumbles, bumbles, and a bit of timely acting, the Kentucky football team, led by tailback George Adams, sent 93,000 plus UT fans home to a turkey not quite as tender, and a pumpkin pie less than sweet.  But more importantly, the improbable Kentucky victory left Rocky Top sounding more like the sweet Sounds of Silence.

Kentucky's victory gives them eight wins on the season, and after the disheartening loss to #5 Florida last week, it enables UK to prepare for a probable Hall of Fame Bowl invitation in a positive state of mind.

The Game

The theatrics began early.  On Tennessee's first possession, and very first play, UK's David Thompson caused Tennessee's Charles Wilson to fumble on the UT 30-yard line.  This rather fortuitous turn of events led to George Adams bulling his way through from the two-yard line for UK's first score of the day: Good Guys - 7  Orange Guys - 0. 

After a pair of Fuad Reveiz field goals (which extended his record-setting streak to 18 straight made field goal attempts), and another George Adam's touchdown (which set a new UK record for most rushing touchdowns in a season), half-time found UK up 14-6. 

Kentucky punter Paul Calhoun and the Wildcat defense starred in the second half. 

Tennessee quarterback Tony Robinson had his way with UK's secondary in the first half; Robinson had time aplenty to zone in on his speedy receivers, because the Vol offensive line consistently gained ground on UK's D-line -- Robinson experienced no pressure.  That all changed in the second half.  After a half-time defensive adjustment, UK's D-line harassed the UT signal-caller for the rest of the delightful afternoon.  He was sacked four times and 'hurried' countless others. 

Tennessee did manage an early fourth quarter touchdown, but Robinson was stopped outside of the end zone on UT's two-point conversion attempt, keeping the score at 14-12.  While a big play at the time, no one realized it was UK's game clinching play. 

UK and UT traded scoreless possessions for the remainder of the fourth quarter, until, with five minutes remaining in the game, and Kentucky clinging to a slim two point lead, the 'Cats were stopped on third down.  Facing a fourth and long, coach Jerry Claiborne decided to punt away.

Paul Calhoun could see the Vols coming.  As he received the snap, the Kentucky punter knew he had to deliver the ball into the atmosphere quickly, or disaster would ensue.  As Calhoun swiftly booted the pigskin skyward, UT linebacker Reggie McKenzie landed squarely on Calhoun's plant foot, a second later his kicking leg came crashing down atop McKenzie's hand.  Down Calhoun went.  Out came the penalty flag, and onward marched UK.

Calhoun admitted that the 'hit' wasn't fall inducing, but we all appreciate his gamesmanship.

The resulting roughing-the-kicker penalty gave the 'Cats the ball on UT's 47-yard line.  From that point on it was all about George Adams and Mark Higgs.  The 'Cats smartly kept the ball on the ground, eating up precious clock. 

Facing fourth down on the 16-yard line, Claiborne sent in the always reliable Joey Worley to kick a 33-yard field goal: Good Guys - 17  Orange Guys - 12.  Less than three minutes remained.

As good as UK's defense was in the second half, Tony Robinson was better in the final few minutes.  Starting from their own 11-yard line (with no timeouts), the Tennessee quarterback, along with stud receiver Tim McGee, began the march to victory.  I write 'march to victory,' because that's surely what it looked like to me.

UK had the Vols seemingly stopped three different times, but instead, Tennessee converted three fourth down attempts to keep Rocky Top's impossible dream alive --  it seemed as if the gods were conspiring against the good guys.  Reinforcing my feeling of doom, and with less than 15 ticks left on the clock, Robinson hit a streaking McGee with a 32-yard strike.  He made it to UK's 12-yard line, but McGee couldn't get out-of-bounds.  As the UT lineman struggled up the field, doing their best to beat the clock, Kentucky fans everywhere were doing their best NASA countdown impression ... 10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... 6 ... 5 ... Robinson took the snap with four seconds remaining.  He immediately threw the ball out-of-bounds, but the clock read 00:00 (I'll give 10-1 odds there is a new time-keeper at Neyland next year): Good Guys - 17  'Burnt' Orange - 12!

Jerry Claiborne was carried off the field on the shoulders of his victorious warriors.  Neyland was stunned ... Rocky Top was pleasingly mute.

This victory is filled with several scenarios, which if played out differently, could have resulted in Kentucky's fourth loss of the year: Reveiz missing his first field goal in 19 tries, the roughing-the-kicker penalty which sustained a field goal producing drive for UK, and finally, Robinson being stopped on his two-point conversion attempt.  All of those events ensured that UT needed a touchdown to win, instead of merely a 29-yard field goal to tie.

What the 'W' means

This victory was sweet on many fronts: It gave Kentucky eight victories for the first time since 1977, and only the third time since 1951.  It guarantees UK a second straight bowl appearance, and it announces to the SEC that Kentucky football is back, only two seasons removed from an 0-10-1 campaign.

Jerry Claiborne has this program moving in the right direction, finally moving out of the relentlessly depressing shadow cast by the chaos of the Fran Curci administration.  With the return next year of sophomore quarterback Bill Ransdell, freshman running backs Mark Higgs and Marc Logan, and the abundance of talent on the defensive side of the ball, one shouldn't be surprised if beating the Vols becomes a happy habit.

Congratulations to all of the 'Cats on an inspiring victory. 

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats ... relive history!

EDITOR'S NOTE: This 'reconstruction' would not have been possible without the information provided by Jerry Tipton's original column, published on November 25, 1984, in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

By now, everyone in the Northern Hemisphere knows that UK is 0-2 for the first time since 2001, and only the second time since 1976.  There have been many opinions stated as to why Kentucky is off to such a uninspiring start, with more than a few being found here at ASoB.  While I have agreed with some of the countless theories as to why UK has struggled, I thought I would offer up my thoughts on the rather unpleasant subject.

Area of Opportunity: Numero Uno - Lead guard play

Of course, coming into the season we all knew that the lead guard play was going to be a point of concern for Billy Gillispie; put a check mark next to that prophecy. 

The two primary lead guards (DeAndre Liggins and Michael Porter) have combined for 17 assists and 20 turnovers (Liggins dished out five of those dimes in the second half versus Carolina).  Not great numbers, but considering UK as a team has committed 53 turnovers in two games, the lead guards ball-handling can hardly be considered a primary reason for UK's terrible offensive output.  Two upperclassmen, Jodie Meeks and Ramon Harris have combined for 20 turnovers themselves (to go with only five assists).

So for those bemoaning the lead guard play as sub-standard, you are right, but on the 'Big Blue Get Better to-do list,' lead guard ball-handling and decision making is near the middle of the list, not the top. 

Continue reading this post »

Many of the younger Wildcat fans only know Mike Pratt as being the color analyst for the UK basketball team.  Pratt, and play-by-play man Tom Leach, form one of the best broadcasting duos in college sports.  We, as UK fans, are truly fortunate to have them both.

But, Pratt has done so much more.  He played on some of the best UK basketball teams of all time.  The 6'4", 217 pound forward starred for UK from 1967 to 1970.  He, along with Dan Issel and Mike Casey, form one of the best recruiting classes in the illustrious history of Kentucky basketball.  Pratt's UK team's three year record stands at an impressive 71-12.  If you're counting at home, that's an .856 winning percentage.  Wow!

Pratt capped off his rather impressive college career by being named an All-America in 1970.  He was also First Team All-SEC in his senior year (Second Team his junior year).  Pratt scored 1,359 points in 81 career games (25th in UK history), good for a career average of 16.8 points per game (he had a career high 42 points versus Notre Dame in December of '69).  At only 6'4", he averaged 9.5 rebounds per game his senior year, 8.7 for his career.  Pratt also made 48% of his career field goal attempts (53.9% his junior year).  The Dayton, Ohio native was also an Academic All-America his senior year. 

After graduating from UK in 1970, Pratt played two seasons with the Kentucky Colonels, where he averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.  Soon after leaving professional basketball he ventured to UNC-Charlotte, where he was the head coach from 1978 to 1981.  He posted a 55-52 record while at Charlotte.

Mike Pratt is one of the many illustrious figures in UK basketball history, but I feel he is a bit under-appreciated.  After-all, he played alongside the leading scorer in UK history in Dan Issel (2,138 points), and with another great Wildcat, Mike Casey, who scored 1,535 points in his career.  Good for 13th on UK's all-time scoring list.  But it was Pratt who not only averaged 14.1, 16.9, and 19.3 points per game in his three years, he also led the team in assists in both his sophomore and senior years (3.0 and 3.5 apg respectively).  His rebounding numbers (8.7 for his career) are also outstanding, especially when considering that he's only 6'4".  UK fans are indebted to all three players, but Mike Pratt stands out in my eyes as a player who could do it all; shoot, rebound, and pass.  I wonder if he has any eligibility left?

That group was also on the receiving end of an unfortunate bit of bad luck, when Casey broke his leg in a car accident the summer before their senior year.  The injury left him unable to play the '69-'70 season.  With him they surely would have won Rupp another title.

Mr. Pratt recently took the time to answer my questions regarding a variety of issues, including: His time in a UK uniform, his take on Billy Gillispie, this years prospects at having a successful season, as well as other topics:

ASOB: You're originally from Dayton, Ohio, did Ohio State, Indiana, or any of the other Big Ten schools recruit you out of high school?  Did coach Rupp have to do much persuading to get you on campus?

MP: "Yes.  Big Ten schools recruited me and I considered Ohio State, Michigan and Indiana.  Joe B. Hall was the main recruiter back then, and my senior year coach Rupp had the highly publicized Rupp's Runts, which gave them lots of national exposure, so that helped.

Coach would call me from time to time, but Joe B. was the guy who was always in Dayton.  My final choice got down to Dayton, Cincinnati, and UK.  The hardest thing I had to do at that time was to tell coach Don Donoher of Dayton that I was going to UK."

ASOB: You played for coach Rupp at the tail end of is career.  Do you think the Baron mellowed with age?

MP: "I only have to go on what I experienced, and what I heard from players who were there years before me.  And from those conversations I would say that he did, but he still was a very demanding coach both on and off the floor.  He coached to find perfection and pushed his team to find it also.  He was very proud of his players after basketball, and what they had accomplished in their lives."

ASOB: I hate to bring up an unpleasant memory, but: Jacksonville, the team that eliminated UK from the 1970 NCAA Tournament, was led my All-America center Artis Gilmore.  Was he the most impressive player that you ever played against, along with Pete Maravich?

MP: "The Jacksonville game was a heart-breaker, to say the least.  All four teams in the regional were ranked in the top seven in the country.  All four teams sent multiple players to the pros after their college days.  I would have liked to have played them (Jacksonville) without referees because Issel (Dan),Larry Steele and myself all fouled out.  Our young players almost pulled it out for us.

Artis was sensational, as Pete was in a different way.  I also played against Austin Carr (Notre Dame), Larry Miller and Charlie Scott (N. Carolina), Don May (Dayton), Bill Hosket (Ohio State), George Thompson and Dean Meminger (Marquette), Rudy Tomjanovich (Michigan), and many top players in the SEC: Neal Walk (Florida) and  Perry Wallace (Vanderbilt)."

ASOB: You were the head basketball coach at UNC-Charlotte from 1978 to 1981.  Do you look back fondly on those years?

MP: "Absolutely.  I went down there with Lee Rose and Everett Bass.  Lee was the athletic director/head coach and Everett and I were his assistant coaches.  We had some fantastic success going to the NIT Championship game in 1976, and the Final Four in 1977.  Lee left one year after the Final Four to coach at Purdue, and I was given the head coaching job, but not the AD job.  A fellow was brought in from Kansas to be the AD.

I knew even before I coached a game that I was in for a rocky road when the new AD told me over lunch that he would not have hired me if he had been there at the time.  I had four years as a head coach, with only the third year being a losing one, and that came about after our leading scorer broke his jaw after three games, and our center flunked out at Christmas.  We started three freshman most of the year and managed a big win over Marquette late in the year.

A major problem there at that time was the administration felt they should go to the NCAA Tournament every year, and the Final Four on occasion.  I was fired and the fellow who followed me had three losing years and was fired along with the AD.

We were fortunate to have so many wonderful players in our program and I still hear from some of them.  We were in the original Sun Belt Conference which had coaches such as Gene Bartow, J.D. Barnett, Cliff Ellis, Tates Locke, and Lee Rose, who came back to the league at South Florida.  The quality of the coaching, and the teams, were challenging to say the least."

ASOB: From the beginning of last season, to the end of the year, there was a readily noticeable change in Billy Gillispie's attitude and demeanor, especially when he dealt with the media.  Do you attribute that change to the team beginning to win, or to Gillispie becoming acclimated to the demands of the job?

MP: "Billy seemed to really become more comfortable as the season rolled on, especially in the SEC regular season.  I give the credit for the UK turnaround in the second half of the season to a combination of Billy, Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford all coming together for a common cause -- winning.  Joe and Ramel were use to a different coaching style, and Billy wanted to do things his way.  That situation is not unusual after coaching changes, and many times it never gets resolved.  That is why I give all three of them equal credit for getting together and making the necessary changes.  It could have continued down the road it was headed through the U of L game, but those three wouldn't let it."

ASOB: You have a very unique perspective on all things UK basketball; early on last season, did you have a sense that UK could turn their season around in such a dramatic fashion?

MP: "Having been around basketball so long I sensed the above issue as we moved through November and December.  But, what made it even harder to see the light at the end of the tunnel were the injuries to Meeks and Jasper.  Those were major problems for Billy to overcome.  I am sure he had planned on those two being key players on his first team, then to lose them, or get one back not fully recovered, had to be extremely tough on developing a team in your mold.  They were really coming together right when Patrick Patterson went out for the year.  The job the team did after that was terrific."

ASOB: Coming into the '08-'09 season, which UK player do you think has improved the most since last year?

MP: "I would have to say Meeks, if only for the reason that he was hurt last year and we didn't see what improvement he had made then.  Also, I see a real confidence growing in Perry Stevenson.  He is the key in the early part of this season because so many new players have to be moved in at key positions"

ASOB: Do you think Jared Carter will challenge for playing time this year?

MP: "Carter should see playing opportunity in the middle, then it's up to him to make the most of the opportunity.  It would really help out in the rebounding area if he can play big minutes."

ASOB: Over the last several months there has been much speculation and conjecture surrounding UK's lead guard situation.  How do you see the lead guard position shaking out?

MP: "Billy is looking for someone to grab hold of the spot: Run the offense, distribute the ball as Billy wants, and to 'D' it up.  The one who does those things the best will end up as the lead guard.

I haven't seen enough of Galloway to have an opinion on him yet.  Porter needs to not make turnovers and hit the open 'J.'  Liggins seems to have the most talent at that position but he still has a long way to go; he's only a freshman, so it is gong to take time.  As with Galloway, in a sense he is new also.  Because of that, Porter is the current starter."

ASOB: One of the great things about the beginning of basketball season is the overwhelmingly optimistic outlook most fans have for the upcoming season.  Most fans are counting wins and losses, and hoping for a deep tourney run.  Do you think UK will be significantly better than last year?

MP: "I think we all have the right to be optimistic about the season, but we must remember that it is way too early to be talking NCAA runs.  We need to watch how this team develops at lead guard, and a third perimeter shooter, and hope that we avoid injuries like we had last year.  With the way college basketball is now, with the early entries into the NBA, etc., the way to judge a team is the game to game improvement by individuals, and as a group, in executing the coaches style of play.  If you want to look at the big picture to start a year, look at the recruiting and see if the weakness of a team can be addressed by the people who sign for next year.

NCAA's are won by teams with talent, and ones who, game by game, develop as a team -- not by a preseason pick.  I think this team should be better than last years, and I will be watching the game by game development of the group and individuals."

ASOB: Gillispie seems to be loving life in the Bluegrass.  Do you see him staying long term (10-12 years)?

MP: "Billy seems to really be enjoying himself at UK.  This is a tough job, and if you are not one-hundred percent familiar with the situation it can overwhelm you at first.  In this day and age of college basketball, seven to ten years seems to be the optimum coaching span, but everybody's approach is different, and Billy might be comfortable coaching at UK for fifteen to twenty years.  If he does, then we all will have enjoyed some fantastic basketball seasons."

ASOB: With UK losing to yet another unlikely opponent, how do you think UK fans should react to the loss?  Be very, very worried, or chalk it up to being a 'flukish'  loss?

MP: "It was a very disappointing game.  The team didn't seem to be in the game mentally from the start.  It is tough to play a team like VMI, not only because of their style of play, but also because of the perception of them by everyone.  An experienced team wins that one even when playing poorly, but a young team loses those because they don't know any better ... like life, it is a tough price to pay to learn that lesson!!

This team needs to find a couple of pieces of their game; point guard leadership,and another shooter from the perimeter.  It could be a very rocky next two months, but once we see development in the above two areas, we should see this team really blossom.  Let's wait until SEC play to really judge them."

I want to thank Mr. Pratt for taking the time out of his brutal schedule to answer my questions so candidly.  It is truly appreciated.

For previously posted interviews with other UK legends, follow the links:

Louie Dampier   Bob Burrow   Cotton Nash

Happy Birthdays

Heartfelt Happy Birthdays go out to my father Coleman, my niece Jasmine, and my niece Lydia!

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!  Beat the Heels!

Thankfully we have what should be an exciting football game to look forward to, which hopefully will take the Big Blue Nation's mind off the unfortunate start to the basketball season.

The game versus Vanderbilt (5-4, 3-3 in the SEC) Saturday night in Commonwealth Stadium isn't a 'must win,' but it is a 'must win in order to play in a warm weather bowl game.'  Atlanta and Tampa are a heckuva lot warmer than Nashville in December. 

Vandy has fallen on hard times of late, losing four in a row.  UK, at home, with a newfound offensive effectiveness, should most certainly come out the victor, but Vandy games have historically been close: UK has won the last four games by an average of only six points.  Even though Bobby Johnson's club is reeling, I expect the Commodores to battle (smart guys don't give up) for their elusive sixth win, and their first bowl game since 1896 (or something like that). 

Commodore Offensive Personnel

Quarterback Mackenzi Adams: 6'3", 215 lb junior -- This year Adams has thrown for 619 yards and five touchdowns to go along with six interceptions.  He has rushed for 144 yards on 52 carries (2.8 yards per carry).  For his career Adams has completed 172 of 319 passes for 1,886 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions.  His career rushing stats:158 carries for 519 yards and three touchdowns.  Adams started the last six games of '07.  Last year versus UK Adams threw for 193 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-20 Wildcat victory.

Adams has taken over the starting quarterback spot from Chris Nickson, but after last weeks Florida loss, Nickson may have regained his starting position.  Last week Adams was 5 for 8, with one interception.  He ran for seven yards on seven carries.  More importantly, Vandy did not score while Adams was at the helm. 

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A wealth of possibilities: The forwards for the '08-'09 Wildcats are talented and deep enough to have a very special year for coach Billy Gillispie.  UK returns all of the contributors from last years team, and adds JUCO transfer Josh Harrellson.  Last year, sophomore Patrick Patterson was double-teamed more than Terrel Owens, this year those same double-teams will be made to pay more dearly. 

While I know that college basketball success is largely predicated on solid guard play, this years Kentucky squad will be carried to greatness (if greatness is forthcoming) on the shoulders of their big men ...

... and the biggest man of them all is ...

Patrick Patterson: 6'8", 235 lb sophomore forward --  Last year Mr. Everything averaged 16.4 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, he shot 57% from the field and 73% from the foul line.

I'm not sure it's possible for a freshman to accomplish more, within the framework of the team, as Patrick Patterson did last year: He was asked to score, so he did.  He was asked to lead, and he led.  He was asked to play through pain, and he did.  He was asked to play 35.7 minutes per game, and he did without complaint.  He was asked to be the only boy in blue battling in the paint, and he battled until he broke. 

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Count me as one of many who resisted the urge to shout-out to Rich Brooks that he should make a change at the quarterback position.  I thought the UK head coach was wise to afford Mike Hartline every opportunity to succeed as the starting quarterback.  And Brooks did just that, but with an assist from Dicky Lyons' season ending injury, the coach made the right call, at the right time.  At least in my opinion.

Now, all that seems so foolish.  I don't think I was being foolish, but it sure SEEMS as if I were. 

Since making the switch to Randall Cobb as UK's starting quarterback, the 'Cats previously feeble offense has sprung to delightful life.  I credit the sudden sea change in UK's offensive fortunes to not only naming Cobb the starter, but also to "The Change" made at halftime of the Mississippi State game last week; Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks decided to take the option look from the practice field, to the playing field. 

Where in the previous seven-and-a-half games the shotgun, and or spread look, was missing in action, but beginning with the second half of the MSU game we have witnessed a genesis in the Kentucky offensive sets: Versus Georgia, UK ran 79 offensive plays, 50 of those plays were run from the shotgun formation (63%).  Usually, there were two running backs in the backfield with Cobb, and multiple wide-outs spreading the field.  In the second half of Saturday's game, UK ran out of the shotgun on 28 of 39 offensive snaps (72%), and scored 24 points.

Here are some more tangible results due to "The Change:"

Rushing Yardage

Prior to the second half of the MSU game, UK as a team, had rushed for 1,033 yards on 273 carries (3.8 yards per carry).  In the game-and-a-half since, UK has rushed for 325 yards on 72 carries (4.5 yards per carry).  That's nearly a yard more per carry. 

• Tony Dixon has to be pleased with "The Change."  He's progressed from averaging less than three-and-a-half yards per carry, to 111 yards on only 24 carries (4.6 yards per carry).
• Alfonso Smith has carried 14 times for 71 yards (5.1 yards per carry) since "The Change."
• Randall Cobb's production has been phenomenal since "The Change."  He's carried the ball 24 times for a total of 115 yards (4.8 yards per carry).  He's also recorded four rushing touchdowns.

Lighting up the Scoreboard?

The best and most accurate method to gauge whether "The Change" is working, or not, is to gaze at the scoreboard. 

In the last six quarters UK has scored 52 points, which extrapolates out to 34.4 points per game.  It goes without saying that 34 points a game is significantly better than the 12.7 points per game UK averaged for their first four-and-a-half SEC contests. 

The yardage increase has been nearly as noticeable; UK gained 331 yards versus Georgia (the 'Dogs give up 306 yards on average).  In the second half against MSU Kentucky gained 152 yards on a team that averages giving up only 274 total yards. 

In SEC play, prior to "The Change," UK was averaging only 279 yards per game. 

Cobb

Although Rich Brooks said that he's looking to "next week," and not next year, one has to think that Randall Cobb is, to this point, making an air-tight argument for himself being the prohibitive favorite to start at quarterback next year.  Up to this point I've considered Cobb to be merely a seat-warmer for either Newton, Mossakowski, or Hartline in '09.  But, that may merit reconsideration.

Cobb certainly has not played mistake-free football; he has thrown a few ill-conceived passes which were intercepted, and he has a penchant for fumbling the ball (both a product of his youth), but man, what about his incredible athleticism.  He has accounted for four rushing touchdowns, and one passing touchdown in the last six quarters played.  That's an incredible output against quality competition.  With Cobb at quarterback, the opposing defense has to pay an inordinate amount of attention to only one guy.  That in itself makes him dangerous.

Rich Brooks

Who said an ol' dog will resist change?  Papa Brooks seems to have embraced "The Change," even though some will say he waited too long to make his move.

If UK wins out against Vandy, Tennessee, and a bowl victim, I would bet that next year UK will resemble the West Virginia of three and four years ago (or some variation thereof).  The more success that Cobb has, the easier Brooks' decision will be.

I'm betting Rich Brooks knows what to do with a thoroughbred. 

DeMoreo Ford

It seems that junior UK wide receiver has been told by doctors that he should quit playing football.  Ford has experienced several head injuries over the last few years (he's suffered two concussions this year).

DeMoreo will always be remembered for his 70 yard touchdown scamper in the Music City Bowl two years ago versus Clemson.

We wish you well.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats.

Since the end of last season, arguably the most hotly debated and often discussed topic about the UK basketball team has been the guard positions.  With the graduation of Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford, and the transfer of Derrick Jasper, UK coach Billy Gillispie is left with a number of question marks at the lead guard position, as well as the shooting guard spot. 

In this post I will break down what Kentucky lost statistically at both guard positions, and look forward to what the 'Cats have coming back, as well as the newcomers. 

So refill your coffee cup, and strap yourself in, because here we go:

2007 - 2008 Statistics, along with a few comments (Alex Legion stats not included.  He only played 105 total minutes).

• Joe Crawford -- Points per game (30 games): 17.7 -- Field Goals: 188-401 (46.9%) -- 3-point FG's: 63-173 (36.4%) -- 2-point FG's: 125-228 (54.8%) -- Free Throws: 99-130 (76.2%) -- Rebounds: 109 (3.6 pg) -- Assists: 64 (2.1 pg) -- Turnovers: 83 (2.8 pg) -- Steals: 17 (.57 pg).  Along with his exceptional stats, UK loses a player with the innate ability to finish at the rim among the tall timber.  His fearless incursions into the paint provided Kentucky with a scoring weapon not often found in major college basketball.  Crawford also displayed true leadership on the court by playing selflessly for an average of 33.6 minutes per game (35.9 mpg in SEC play).  Crawford's defensive prowess finally came to the forefront during the second half of last season, and will be missed this year.  Crawford's ability to play both the shooting guard, and small forward spots will be difficult to replace.
• Ramel Bradley -- Points per game (30 games): 15.9 -- Field Goals: 139-330 (42.1%) -- 3-point FG's: 58-153 (37.9%) -- 2-point FG's: 81-177 (45.8%) -- Free Throws: 142-171 (83.0%) -- Rebounds: 126 (4.2 pg) -- Assists: 101 (3.4 pg) -- Turnovers: 100 (3.3 pg) -- Steals: 48 (1.6 pg).  Bradley was considered by most to be the unquestioned leader of the '07-'08 'Cats.  He consistently iced games with his final minute free throws, and took over games with his ability to penetrate any man-to-man, or zone defense.  Bradley's lock-down defender status was unquestionably one of the improvements responsible for UK's enhanced play once SEC play began.  Playing out of position at the lead guard spot for most of the year, Bradley embraced the challenge put to him by Billy Gillispie and produced when others around him were not.  During SEC play Bradley averaged an incredible 38.0 minutes per game.  He never seemed to tire, and he never allowed his teammates to sulk or hang their heads when games weren't going as planned.  He will be greatly missed, and difficult to replace.
• Derrick Jasper -- Points per game (20 games): 4.1 -- Field Goals: 29-68 (42.6%) -- 3-point FG's: 16-37 (43.2%) -- 2-point FG's: 13-31 (41.9%) -- Free Throws: 9-25 (55.6%) -- Rebounds: 109 (5.5 pg) -- Assists: 47 (2.4 pg) -- Turnovers: 36 (1.8 pg) -- Steals: 13 (.65 pg).  Jasper was simply a nightmare match-up for opposing coaches last year.  At 6'6" he was able to play the lead guard, shooting guard, and small forward positions.  His ability to pass effectively into the post enabled Patrick Patterson to maximize his talents.  Another quality that Jasper brought to the court was the ability to see the entire floor because of his size.  Jasper miraculously found his 3-point shooting touch which provided UK with another, much needed, outside shooting threat.  Although he never regained his defensive lateral quickness due to his knee injury, he played solid perimeter defense, and was UK's best 'passing lane' defender.  His transfer to UNLV leaves UK with a legitimate dilemma regarding the '08-'09 lead guard spot.
•  Michael Porter -- Points per game (25 games): 2.0 -- Field Goals: 15-49 (30.6%) -- 3-point FG's: 13-31 (41.9%) -- 2-point FG's: 2-18 (11.1%) -- Free Throws: 7-8 (87.5%) -- Rebounds: 29 (1.2 pg) -- Assists: 27 (1.04 pg) -- Turnovers: 39 (1.6 pg) -- Steals: 21 (.84 pg).  Porter rode the proverbial roller coaster last year: At the beginning of the year he played double-digit minutes, then saw his minutes evaporate.  But, toward the end SEC play his minutes began to pick up again.  Through all of the uncertainty Porter remained one of the most intense, hard-nosed, determined members of the team.  If there was a statistic for floor burns per minute played he would have led the nation.  Although not as gifted athletically as some of his peers, Porter is the type of player that every team needs; he's a totally selfless player who will run through The Great Wall of China in order to gain a victory.  Although he suffered through the aforementioned uncertainty regarding his playing minutes, his 3-point shooting accuracy didn't wane.  He did struggle at times on the defensive end of the court, but his effort was never in question. 
• Jodie Meeks -- Points per game (11 games): 8.8 -- Field Goals: 27-88 (30.7%) -- 3-point FG's: 16-50 (32.0%) -- 2-point FG's: 11-38 (28.9%) -- Free Throws: 27-34 (79.4%) -- Rebounds: 29 (2.6 pg) -- Assists: 16 (1.5 pg) -- Turnovers: 12 (1.1 pg) -- Steals: 6 (.49 pg).  Meeks had the unfortunate luck of suffering from a steady progression of injuries, one worse than the other. At first there was a stress fracture of his hip, which led to a hip flexor strain, and finally the dreaded sports hernia.  That misfortune resulted in the '07-'08 season being all but lost for Meeks.  He did show flashes of being the great player many feel that he can be in December with his two 21 point performances against Florida International and Houston.  Other than those two games, he clearly wasn't healthy, and was perceptibly frustrated. 

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