Coen Enjoying First Taste of Kentucky-Louisville Rivalry

Liam Coen is in his first year as offensive coordinator at Kentucky. This week, he’s getting his first look at the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry.

He was asked when he noticed a difference in the team that could be caused by an impending rivalry contest.

“Yeah, today. For the most part at practice, it wasn’t anything negative toward those guys (Louisville),” Coen said. “It was more just, our level of practice, the way we practiced today, the energy, the enthusiasm that we had today at practice was, hands down, the best we’ve had all year. You just felt the energy, the juice. There was no negative or anything like that about Louisville. You just felt the change.”

Coen was able to cite at least one example of what he saw during Tuesday’s practice.

“I just felt a different vibe from these guys today,” Coen said. “We were 60 yards down the field, blocking for running backs and wideouts, we hadn’t really had that in practice. You just felt the energy amplified. I’ve gotten a sense that these guys are going to be ready to play.”

For Coen, it took him back to something he had experienced at his last coaching stop, with the Los Angeles Rams.

“It reminded me of 2018 when I was with the Rams and we finished the regular season and we’re going to play the Cowboys in the first playoff game of the year and you just felt the level of play, the level of focus and the level of practice just totally different,” Coen said. “That’s when I realized that playoff football is different and so is rivalry football.”

The Cats will face a number of challenges on Saturday. Not only playing against their archrival from one hour down the road, but also a night game, playing in a hostile environment and potentially cold weather. But defensive coordinator Brad White also knows that he and his unit must figure out how to contain Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham.

“He’s a special talent. There’s been a pretty marked jump since the last time we saw him,” White said. “There’s a confidence level that he’s playing with all season. Arguably the most talented offensive weapon we’ve seen all season. To say it’s a huge challenge is a bit of an understatement.”

Kentucky won the last game between the rivals, 45-13 in Lexington in 2019. Kentucky also beat U of L 56-10 in Louisville in 2018. The Cats have won three of the last four meetings after losing five in a row. Overall, Kentucky leads the series 17-15, and that includes an 8-5 edge in games played in the Derby City.

Rivalry football is special indeed. Coen and the Cats are hoping that a good week of practice leads to a win on Saturday.