Aug. 26, 2008
Rich Brooks
Head Coach
Opening Statement…
“Most everybody is ready to go at full speed. We had James Alexander and Stuart Hines back today. Marcus McClinton went through contact practice today and he looks to be clear and ready to go. DeMoreo Ford was also back on the practice field this week after a death in his family. We need to polish up and get a little fresher. I thought after a day off yesterday we would be sluggish, but overall the focus and intensity were pretty good. Now we just need to go out on the field and play the games.”
On what to expect from quarterbacks Randall Cobb and Mike Hartline…
“I don’t know what to expect. (Cobb) is going to take some snaps at receiver. He will probably take a few punt returns, and whether he plays quarterback or not, I don’t know. Hartline is the starter, the experienced guy and he has been looking good in practice. We don’t have a plan for anything at that position, but if we need to shake something up, we will shake it up.”
On what to expect from Louisville…
“At the end of the year Louisville ran the ball very well. Their line is enormous and physical and I think they will establish a running game on Sunday. The running game is going to be vital to both quarterbacks’ success. The quarterbacks also need to be successful in order for the running game to open up. It will be an interesting game from that standpoint.”
On Louisville ‘s quarterback Hunter Cantwell…
“He has a big arm and he is the prototype of an NFL quarterback. He is big and tall with a strong arm.”
On Kentucky ‘s incoming freshmen…
“About six or seven freshmen will probably play in this game and one or two others could play in a game or two. It depends on their performance and what happens at their position. The good news is we are able to redshirt a lot of very good freshmen. They are at positions where we don’t need to throw them into the fray right away.”
On the importance of turnovers to Kentucky ‘s success…
“I hope we can create some takeaways. We have done some of that, mostly interceptions and a few fumble recoveries by our defense. Last week at the scrimmage there were no takeaways or giveaways. I wasn’t happy on one side and I was very happy about the other. It’s critically important in our success not only in this game, but all year long.”
On the importance of beating Louisville…
“In 2006 we got smoked in the opening game at Louisville, but we still ended up going to the Music City Bowl, ending the season 8-5. Last year we had an exciting win at home against Louisville in the third game and ended up with virtually the same results. It’s important to get out of the blocks well and it’s also important to win because it’s the rivalry game. Winning or losing the game doesn’t create the end of the season, but it helps to win. I like our chances for a really good year after a win rather than after a loss. For a lot of guys, it’s their first real experience of playing a lot or starting. The game is on the road, it will be noisy and it will be a different situation for a lot of the guys. How they respond is the key to the outcome of the game.”
On quarterback Mike Hartline and the offense…
“Hartline is making better decisions and our surrounding cast did better in the scrimmage last week. Players weren’t in his face like when he was throwing it the weekend before. The protection was better, he was making better decisions and he was throwing the long ball much better. I’m confident in the ability of the receivers and we will play to see if they will catch every ball and do everything right. It is always a concern if what happens in practice and scrimmage will carry over to the game. They can shine or they can shy. Our receivers have a lot of ability and I’m excited to see what they do.”
On Kentucky ‘s offensive line…
“I feel good about them. We made some strides in the past week. Having James Alexander and Stuart Hines back makes the line better than a few weeks ago. We still have young guys who haven’t played a lot. But we also have three guys who started all of last year and all of them are better than a year ago.”
Tony Dixon
Sr., Tailback
Tony Dixon
On Kentucky ‘s offensive line and the chemistry he feels with them…
“I’ve seen them from day one until now and they have come together as an offensive line. They are all experienced and are starting to put it together for the game. You get to know the offensive linemen just as a running back. As a captain of the offense you want to know just about everybody. We are definitely going to be dependent on them to open up some holes and our passing lane.”
On the first game against Louisville…
“It’s the first game, what more can you say? It’s Louisville, the big in-state rivalry game. We have to come out and establish our running game and passing game as well.”
On keeping Hartline calm throughout the game and how he is doing…
“You know I am going to be there to give him a hug! Whenever he needs me or any other running back, we’re going to be there to support him and keep his head up. He has shown a lot of poise and is becoming more and more comfortable in the pocket. I think he is starting to trust our offensive line more.”
On having freshman wide receivers this season…
“It is difficult but I think they are starting to come around and get used to the feel of our offense. I think that is a big part of it. They’re new and they don’t know what is going on, but I think they are starting to come around.”
On his feelings on the upcoming game against Louisville…
“I’m calm and cool, but I also know that it is Louisville week. I have to keep my poise and keep the other guys’ momentum in the right place. No fears. It is all based on how you prepare yourself mentally and physically. You have to keep your mentality on the big goal and what we’re really here to do.”
Zipp Duncan
Jr., Offensive Guard
Zipp Duncan
On the offensive line…
“We took it upon ourselves after the first scrimmage. We knew we had to get a lot better, to play together and work together. I think the guys took it as a challenge that every day we just needed to go out and get better. I think we really showed Saturday that we have improved.”
On feeling pressure about protecting the quarterback…
“I definitely think there is a lot of pressure on the offensive line, but we have talked about that even since the spring we knew that we had a lot of experience coming back. We try to work every day on being the backbone (of the offense). We need to run the ball, open the holes, pass the ball, and protect the quarterback. We are practicing every day knowing that the game is going to ride on us.”
On line blocking as a strength…
“I think it is right now. When trying to establish the running game, any time you can run the ball you take a little bit of pressure off of the quarterback and the receivers. We know it is going to be the first big game for those guys. We feel as the experienced group that we need to be able to open those running lanes and set the tempo for the game.”
On the week between the first and second scrimmage…
“It was a really tough week, we hit a lot, ran a lot and focused on us. The guys came out, and we were a focused unit we knew we had to get better and improve. Every guy took a personal challenge upon himself to improve his abilities. I think it was an execution thing. Guys were nervous because it was their first scrimmage and they were trying to do a little too much. What it comes down to is fundamentals. That was a big key for us; doing the basic rules and fundamentals and doing it full speed.”
Braxton Kelley
Sr., Linebacker
Braxton Kelley
On the rivalry against Louisville…
“There is pressure anytime we play Louisville. Of course we have been playing for years and years but UK hasn’t always been the one on top, but last year we changed that and hopefully we can continue that trend.”
On the impact of playing the Louisville game first versus later in the season…
“I take it one game at a time. No matter what., I do not see why it really matters when you play them as long as you play them. As long as we are playing these games we have to show up each week to play. It should not matter when we play, we still have to go in prepared for victory. If you do not go in prepared for victory, you are going to lose. We still have to go out and win the game.”
Trevard Lindley
Jr., Cornerback
Trevard Lindley
On playing Louisville the first game…
“It really doesn’t matter when we play them, but it’s exciting to play them the first game since it is our rival. It’s exciting for the fans since it’s our in-state rival game.”
On how the win against Louisville changed UK ‘s season last year…
“We got a little confidence going through the season. It was our third win, and it helped us out a little bit getting our momentum going throughout the season.”
On how the defense is going to be this season…
“A lot better, more experienced, and a lot faster than last year. Everybody played last year and everybody has played about three years and has a lot of experience. We all know what to do.”
