Dec. 21, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Joker Phillips said after practice Tuesday that he has been pleased with sophomore quarterback Morgan Newton’s play in practice recently, saying that Newton has gotten better at reading defenses and changing protections since he last started in 2009.

Phillips said that Newton performed well in practice Tuesday, looking good throwing some deep balls and that now it is just a matter of him getting familiar with his receivers.

“(Morgan Newton) did some good things today,” Phillips said. “He threw some nice deep balls again today but he just has to get more familiar with these receivers. He has moved from throwing with the ‘two’ (second-team) receivers to the ‘one’ (first-team) receivers and they have to continue to work. He will be fine.”

Phillips said that Newton has had good parts of practice in recent days but that he is yet to put an entire practice together. Overall, Phillips has been pleased with how Newton has progressed with another year in the Kentucky system under his belt.

“He is definitely better at reading (defenses) than he was last year,” Phillips said. “He can handle (changing) the protections a lot better and he should be able to. He has been in the system two years, so he should be better and he is. He is better at his reads and changing protections and reading coverages.”

The Wildcats will practice Wednesday morning for the final time before breaking for Christmas. The Wildcats will resume practice Dec. 30.

Sideline Seats Available Through UK: Tickets are available to the BBVA Compass Bowl for both season-ticket holders and the general public.  Fans are encouraged to buy directly from the Kentucky ticket office, as all tickets from the UK allotment are sideline seats.  All tickets are $50 each.

Tickets may be purchased:

• In-person at the UK Ticket Office in the Joe Craft Center, open
  • Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 20-21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. to noon
• By calling the ticket office at 800-928-2287
• By mail or fax; print a ticket application from UKathletics.com and mail or fax (859-323-1269) to the ticket office.

‘Operation Win’ to Benefit Birmingham: To implement the ‘Operation Win’ initiative in the community, Coach Joker Phillips and the Cats plan to sponsor children from elementary schools around Legion Field, as well as Birmingham-area military personnel.  Building off the GAMEDAY READY tour that traveled around Kentucky this past summer, the Wildcats hope to give back to the Birmingham community by providing game tickets sponsored by Wildcat fans and supporters.

Fans can participate by:

• Making a 100% tax-deductible contribution to the Operation Win Birmingham Fund
• Contributions can be made in $50 increments – the cost of one BBVA Compass Bowl ticket
• Ticket blocks will be donated to local Birmingham elementary schools and military personnel
• Help provide an opportunity for youth to experience Kentucky football
• Fans can make contributions to the Operation Win Birmingham Fund in addition to purchasing their BBVA Compass Bowl tickets
• Fans will receive three K Fund points for every $100 contribution
• Fans will receive one K Fund point for a $50 contribution
• The Operation Win drive will continue throughout December, as these tickets will be assigned separately from any priority ticket requests

To contribute to Operation Win Birmingham, fans may fax the application back to the UK Ticket Office at (859) 323-1269.  Contributions are also welcome by phone by calling the UK Ticket Office at (800) 928-2287 or the K Fund Office at (859) 257-6300.