White, UK Defense Hoping to Carry Momentum from Saturday

The Kentucky defense played very well in Saturday’s game against Texas. The Cats held the Longhorns to just 179 total yards of offense, including just 47 yards rushing.

Following Wednesday’s practice, UK defensive coordinator Brad White spoke about his unit’s effort against Texas.

“I think the first thing that stands out is how we played on second down,” White said. “That was a big emphasis point going into the game. We had been playing well on first (down), but second down, the guys really stepped up. It gave us chances to play in third and long and get more aggressive.”

This week, White and the Kentucky defense face a big challenge as the Cats host Tennessee. The Vols lead the Southeastern Conference in scoring at more than 44 points per game, and are second in total offense, averaging more than 500 yards per contest. White knows that Tennessee poses a lot of problems for opposing defenses.

“Every week’s its own little unique challenge scenario,” White said. “So, the guys have to wipe (away) last week in terms of knowledge. What you’d like them to feel is that energy that they played with. I was really proud of the effort that they displayed and we’re going to need to carry that over. We’re going to have to play a really clean game. Guys are going to have to win one-on-ones.”

Tennessee is known for its passing game, but White pointed out that the Vols are rushing the ball effectively this season as well.

“They do an unbelievable job pushing the ball down the field,” White said of the Vols. “I think what people don’t realize is just how well they run the football. They are physical up front. It’s 200 yards a game rushing and 300 passing.”

What does the UK defense need to do to slow down the potent Tennessee attack?

“The back end is going to have to make some individual plays, front end is going to have to win some individual one-on-ones and affect the quarterback,” White said. “We’re going to have to try to get some turnovers, create some short fields. We’re going to have to get off (the field) on third down when we have an opportunity. And we’re going to have to match their tempo with our effort.”

Coming off one of their best games of the season, the Kentucky defense will be called upon to step up big again this week.