Kentucky Defense Looking to Bounce Back Against Auburn

One week after playing well against Texas, the Kentucky defense had its share of struggles against Tennessee. Now, the Cats are preparing themselves to face another Southeastern Conference opponent, the Auburn Tigers.

Following Wednesday’s practice, UK defensive coordinator Brad White said that he knows his unit needs to bring its best in every game.

“Each week is its own challenge and each week, as soon as you say I feel good about this or I like this matchup, this league has a way to humble you really, really fast,” White said. “We understand the challenge we’re facing and that we’ve faced tough challenges in the past and that we’ve elevated and met those challenges, like the Texas game. You’ve got to show up each week. Our strengths need to show out for us and we need to minimize our weaknesses.”

Linebacker Daveren Rayner agreed with his coordinator on that point.

“I think we’re approaching this week of practice like a team that has a lot to prove,” Rayner said. “I think we’ve done a great job of making sure that we’re doing what we need to do and having a certain demeanor about ourselves

When asked what White and the defense were excited about this week, he answered quickly.

“That we get to get that taste out of our mouth,” White said. “That’s the thing right now I think motivates me, I think motivates a lot of guys, the other coaches, the guys in that locker room defensively, that we have an opportunity, within seven days, to try to wipe away that feeling and that game. That’s exciting.”

Linebacker Alex Afari said that the defense is looking forward to the chance to get back on the field this weekend.

“We’ve got another opportunity in front of us,” Afari said. “We can’t dwell on the last (game). We’ve just got to learn from our mistakes and just move forward. We’ve got another SEC game in front of us.”

White has faith in his unit and he knows that they will respond this weekend after not being happy with their results against Tennessee.

“I know what these guys are made of character-wise,” White said. “I can’t promise what the result is going to be but I do know that they’re going to fight and I know they’re a resilient group, so I’m excited to see what they put on the field. They pour a lot into this.”

The UK defense is looking forward to getting back on the field this weekend against Auburn, hoping to show who they really are.