Nov. 28, 2001
Kentucky Offense Among League’s Best Since Oct. 20: Since the games of Oct. 20, Kentucky’s offense has been among the most potent in the Southeastern Conference.
The Wildcats have averaged 485.3 yards per game in total offense since Oct. 20, as UK has played four games – at Georgia, at Mississippi State, at Vanderbilt, and vs. Tennessee – and rolled up 1941 yards. Kentucky is surpassed only by Florida during that time frame, as the Gators have averaged 522.5 yards in their four games since that date.
Kentucky leads the league in passing yardage since Oct. 20, averaging 389 passing yards over the four games. Florida is second in passing yardage with 363 per game.
The Wildcats have stepped up their scoring as well, averaging 33.5 points since Oct. 20. UK has been effective in the “Blue Zone” (20-yard line and in), converting 12 of 14 opportunities – 10 touchdowns and two field goals.
Sam Ball to Represent UK at SEC Living Legends Dinner: Former University of Kentucky All-America offensive tackle Sam Ball will represent UK at the annual Southeastern Conference Living Legends Dinner, held Fri. Dec. 7 in conjunction with the SEC Football Championship Game in Atlanta.
Twelve SEC Living Legends, one from each league school, are honored each year at the championship game. In addition to the dinner, the Living Legends participate in autograph and public interview sessions at the “Dr Pepper SEC FanFare.” The FanFare will be held Dec. 7-8 at the Georgia World Congress Center, located next to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Ball played at Kentucky from 1963-65 and was named first-team All-America as a senior by United Press International, The Football Writers Association of America, and The Sporting News. He also was a first-team All-SEC choice. After his senior season, he played in the College All-Star Game, the North-South Shrine Game, and the Senior Bowl. He was a first-round NFL draft choice in 1966 by the Baltimore Colts and played six seasons with that team. The Colts advanced to two Super Bowls, winning the 1971 title and losing in 1969.
Ball lives in Henderson, Ky., where he manages a 350-acre farm and is an award-winning salesman in an agri-business company. He also is very involved in civic and church activities and is in high demand as a public speaker.
Since 1993, UK’s Living Legends have been George Blanda (1993), Vito “Babe” Parilli (1994), Derrick Ramsey (1995), Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones (1996), Jerry Claiborne (1997), Bob Gain (1998), Steve Meilinger (1999), and Lou Michaels (2000).
– UK –
