LEXINGTON, Kty.–The University of Kentucky football team held its second scrimmage on Saturday, a two and one-half hour workout at Commonwealth Stadium, and the young Wildcats defense continues to hold its own against the UK offense.
The first-team defense allowed four touchdowns in 16 possessions against the first-team offense. Quarterbacks Tim Couch and Matt Mumme each led the first-team offense to two touchdowns in eight possessions. Couch completed 14 of 21 passes for 153 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to fullback Derek Homer. Mumme completed 15 of 36 passes for 215 yards, including a two-yard touchdown pass to fullback Mike Kamphake and a 30-yard TD strike to wide receiver Craig Yeast on the final play of the scrimmage. Yeast also scored on a 69-yard run on a reverse.
The first-team defense made its share of big plays. The first unit sacked the quarterback 10 times, including three each by defensive end Robert Jones and linebacker Marlon McCree. On one possession, the first team sacked the QB on three consecutive plays, the last time by Jones for a safety. The first defense also forced three turnovers, including two fumble recoveries plus an interception by linebacker Lee Wesley.
“We’re still extremely thin but the defensive coaches have done a good job in getting the right people in the right places,” Coach Hal Mumme said after the scrimmage. “The defense is showing us a lot more looks and giving us more pressure. The defense is a lot quicker and they are really closing on the ball in the secondary.”
The second-team defense allowed two touchdowns on nine possessions against the second-team offense. Quarterback Dusty Bonner had another good scrimmage, completing 17 of 23 passes for 191 yards and an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end James Whalen, Jr. QB Corry Doyle also led the second unit. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 86 yards, including a 45-yard TD to wide receiver Jimmy Robinson.
Wide receiver Craig Yeast piled up the most rushing yardage, gaining 80 yards on two reverses, including his 69-yard TD run. First-team fullback Derek Homer added 52 yards on nine carries. Halfback Patrick Wiggins gained 40 yards on five carries for the second team.
Nine players caught at least three passes during the scrimmage, led by tight end James Whalen, Jr. (7 receptions for 91 yards, one TD) and wide receiver Jimmy Robinson (6-96, one TD).
Only one field goal was tried during the scrimmage. Seth Hanson’s 56-yard attempt was long enough, but hit the right upright and bounced away, no good.
Kentucky is now at the midway point of spring practice. The Wildcats return to action Monday at 2:20 p.m. at the Nutter Training Center. One scrimmage remains – Sat. Apr. 18 – before the Blue/White Spring Game concludes spring drills on April 25.
