Live TotalCast
South Florida (1-0) at Kentucky (0-1)
Sept. 9, 2000, 1:30 p.m. EDT
Commonwealth Stadium (cap. 67,530)
Wildcats Headlines
UK home opener
First meeting between UK and South Florida
Wildcats looking to bounce back from loss in season opener
On the Tube
Live No live telecast.
Delay — The UK TV Network, administered by Host Communications, will televised the game on a delayed basis.
Veteran announcer Rob Bromley calls the play-by-play and former UK quarterback Bill Ransdell is the analyst. Dick Gabriel reports from the sidelines.
ESPN Regional also will handle a delayed telecast to stations in Florida.
On the Radio
The University of Kentucky Football Radio Network will carry the broadcast on approximately 80 stations. The networkincludes new flagship stations WLAP (630 AM) and WBUL (98.1 FM) in Lexington and 50,000-watt stations WHAS (840 AM)and WSAI (1530 AM).
Tom Leach calls the play-by-play for the Wildcats. Former Wildcat star Jeff Van Note is the analyst and Dick Gabriel is thesideline reporter.
Tickets
Tickets are available at the UK Ticket Office in Memorial Coliseum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is$22 each.
Tickets also may be ordered over the phone with Visa or MasterCard by calling 1-800-928-CATS or (859) 257-1818. Tickets may be ordered on the internet at ukathletics.com.
Tickets are available for all remaining home games except Georgia.
Kentucky Results and Schedule (0-1, 0-0 SEC)
Sept. 2 Louisville 40, UK 34 (A, OT) Sept. 9 South Florida, 1:30 p.m., UKTV delaySept. 16 Indiana, 6:00 p.m., ESPN2Sept. 23 at Florida, 3:30 p.m., CBSSept. 30 at Mississippi, 7:00 p.m.Oct. 7 South Carolina, 7:00 p.m.Oct. 14 at Louisiana State, 8:00 p.m.Oct. 21 Georgia, 7:00 p.m.Oct. 28 openNov. 4 Mississippi State (Homecoming), 1:30 p.m.Nov. 11 Vanderbilt, 1:30 p.m.Nov. 18 at Tennessee, time TBA
South Florida Results and Schedule (1-0)
Sept. 2 USF 40, Jacksonville State 0 (H)Sept. 9 at KentuckySept. 16 James MadisonSept. 23 at BaylorSept. 30 Troy StateOct. 7 at Southern MississippiOct. 21 LibertyOct. 28 at ConnecticutNov. 4 Western KentuckyNov. 11 at Middle TennesseeNov. 18 Austin Peay
Scouting South Florida
The University of South Florida has a relatively brief, but remarkable, football history.
Founded in 1956, USF organized a football team in 1996. The team practiced for a year, competed in Division I-AA in1997-99, and jumped to Division I-A this season.
Coach Jim Leavitt has done a great job in building the program from the ground up. He compiled a 20-13 record in the firstthree seasons.
The Bulls play in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium a site familiar to the Wildcats who played in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1,1998.
How Experienced are the Tentative Starters? Sr. Jr. Soph. RFr. Fr.UK 7 8 4 1 2USF 14 3 5 0 0
Florida Ties
Kentucky has nine players from Florida, including:
Sr. OG Aaron Daniel (Valparaiso)
Jr. WR Anthony Kelly (Campbellton)
Sr. CB Eric Kelly (Panama City)
Sr. DE Matt Layow (Miami)
Sr. LB Marlon McCree (Daytona)
Sr. WR Kyle McDuffie (Tallahassee)
Fr. HB Chad Scott (Plant City)
Sr. OL Omar Smith (Miramar)
Jr. FS Jermaine White (Gainesville)
Starting ‘Em Young
Coach Hal Mumme isn’t afraid to play true freshmen immediately. In fact, Mumme has started at least onetrue freshman in the season opener each season at Kentucky.
In 1997, running back Derek Homer and safety Willie Gary started their first games as Wildcats. In ’98, safety David Johnsongot the starting call in the opener. Last season, guard Kip Sixbery started the opener.
This year, freshman defensive tackles Jeremy Caudill and Dewayne Robertson and offensive tackle Antonio Hall started againstLouisville.
Charting the Tendencies
Kentucky has an 18-18 overall record in three seasons under Coach Hal Mumme. Here are some tendencies that haveemerged that generate success for the Wildcats. Kentucky’s record when:
UK scores 40+ points: 8-0
UK scores 30+ points: 16-4
Opp. scores less than 30 points: 13-6
UK loses 0 or 1 turnover: 8-1
UK is plus or even in turnover margin: 12-3
UK creates four or more turnovers: 6-2
UK rushes for more yards than opponent: 10-2
UK holds opp. to 100 or fewer rushing yards: 10-1
Wildcats in the SEC Stats
Team and individual stats in the top three in the SEC:
Team
Passing Offense: 3rd, 322 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 1st, 136.8 rating points
Quarterback Sacks: T2nd, 5 sacks
Kickoff Returns: 3rd, 23.3 yards per return
Punt Returns: 1st, 13.8 yards per return
Net Punting: 1st, 39.9 yards per punt
Field Goal Percentage: 3rd, 82.4 percent
Time of Possession: 2nd, 32:16 of time per game
Individual
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 322 yards per game
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 360 yards per game
Receptions: Derek Smith T2nd, 6 receptions per game
Interceptions: Anthony Wajda T3rd, 0.45 int. per game
Kickoff Returns: Kendrick Shanklin 1st, 24.5 yards per game
Wildcats in the NCAA Stats
Team and individual stats in the NCAA top 25:
Team
Passing Offense: 13th, 322 yards per gameFumble Recoveries: 2nd, 4 recoveriesPassing Efficiency: 22nd, 155.7 rating points
Individual
Pass Attempts: Jared Lorenzen 24th, 34 attemptsComp. Per Game: Jared Lorenzen 13th, 22 comp. per gameCompletion Percentage: Jared Lorenzen 18th, 64.7 percentPassing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 10th, 322 yardsTouchdown Passes: Jared Lorenzen T8th, 3 TD passesPassing Efficiency: Jared Lorenzen 22nd, 155.7 rating pts.Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 360 yards per gamePoints Responsible For: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 26 pts. resp.Receptions: Derek Smith T22nd, 6 receptions per gameKickoff Returns: Kendrick Shanklin 19th, 24.5 per return
“Air Raid” Offense
Offensive Line All five starters return from last season, but there have been some changes Freshman Antonio Hall startedat right tackle against Louisville, with Omar Smith moving to right guard and Josh Parrish to left guard Center Nolan DeVaughnleft the Louisville game in the fourth quarter because of an injury. His status is uncertain as of this writing Senior Aaron Danielfinished the game in DeVaughn’s place.
Tight Ends Sophomores Derek Smith and Chase Harp got the season off to a good start. Smith caught six passes for 99yards and his first collegiate touchdown in the Louisville game and Harp added a 22-yard reception Slot receiver Bobby Blizzardcan also play tight end if needed.
Running Backs Sophomore fullback Artose Pinner picked up 38 yards in 10 carries in the season opener Senior halfbackDerek Homer, 12th in UK career rushing, picked up 19 yards on four carries Speedy freshman Chad Scott saw his first actionand caught three passes for 25 yards.
Wide Receivers Six players had at least one reception in the opener, led by Dougie Allen, who caught three for 75 yards anda touchdown. Allen looked good after returning from the knee injury that sidelined him last season Senior Quentin McCordcontinued his big-play ways as he caught one pass and zipped 67 yards for a touchdown. In the 1999 and 2000 seasons, McCordhas caught 19 passes, seven for touchdowns Senior Jimmy Robinson, granted a sixth year to complete his eligibility, celebrated hisreturn with one reception for five yards.
Quarterbacks Redshirt freshman Jared Lorenzen had some fine moments in the opener, accounting for 360 yards total offenseand four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). His first official collegiate pass was a 34-yard TD to Dougie Allen. Lorenzenranks second in the nation in total offense and points responsible for Backups are senior Mark Perry and freshman Shane Boyd.
Homer Looking to Move Up Charts
Senior halfback Derek Homer ranks 12th in school history with 1,569 rushing yards. He needs 41 yards to surpass SteveCampassi (1,609) for 11th place and 96 yards to eclipse Bill Leskovar (1,664) and reach the top 10.
Homer also has 93 career pass receptions and needs seven more catches to become the fifth player in school history with 100career receptions.
Here is the UK career receiving chart: Player, Years Receptions1. Craig Yeast, 1995-98 2082. Anthony White, 1996-99 1943. James Whalen, 1997-99 1204. Kevin Coleman, 1995-98 1075. Tom Hutchinson, 1960-62 946. Derek Homer, 1997-2000 93
“Black Flag” Defense
Coordinator Mike Major calls his unit the “Black Flag” defense. The idea is to give his players the mindset of “never surrender” The Wildcat defenders made four fumble recoveries in the season opener. UK led the SEC in “takeaways” (fumbles recoveredplus interceptions) last season with 31.
Defensive Line Several players saw action in the opener as the defensive coaches like to rotate fresh players in the D-Line.
DE Matt Layow got his senior season off to a fine start with three tackles for loss at Louisville, including two quarterback sacks,along with a caused fumble and a fumble recovery Dennis Johnson, Chris Demaree, and Otis Grigsby all saw action in the opener,with Demaree and Grigsby notching sacks. True freshmen Dewayne Robertson and Jeremy Caudill started at DT in the Louisville game, making one tackle apiece Reserve Nick Seitze made three tackle in his first game.
Linebackers Juniors Chris Gayton and Ryan Murphy led the tackle chart at Louisville with nine stops each. Gayton had threefor loss, including a sack Senior Marlon McCree had eight tackles and two fumble recoveries, including a nine-yard return for atouchdown.
Secondary All four starters return from last season, including senior CBs Eric Kelly and Kenneth Grant, senior SS Willie Gary,and junior FS Anthony Wajda.
With Grant out because of a sprained ankle, Gary moved to cornerback and started there vs. Louisville Junior PatrickWiggins moved into Gary’s old spot and started at strong safety.
A Note About the Defensive Statistics
There has been a change in how the Southeastern Conference will list tackles for loss this season. The stat column “tackles forloss” will combine tackles for loss on running plays and quarterback sacks. In previous seasons, the tackles for loss column did notinclude quarterback sacks.
Checking the Defensive Progress
The Kentucky defense has shown improvement each season since Coach Hal Mumme and defensive coordinator Mike Majortook over in 1997. Here’s a chart of the progress:
1997 1998 1999 Yards Per Game Allowed 392.3 386.1 373.7 Points Per Game Allowed 32.9 30.9 29.4Turnovers Gained 20 16 31
A Look at the Specialists
Kickers Senior Brandon Sanders made both extra point attempts in the season opener. He shared kickoff duties withfreshman Clint Ruth.
Punters Junior Seth Hanson averaged 39.2 yards per punt in his first game in that role. He also had good accuracy and hangtime, helping prevent significant return yardage. Hanson was the team’s regular kicker in 1997-98 and moved to punter this season.
Returners Junior Kendrick Shanklin averaged 24.5 yards on two kickoff returns at Louisville Shanklin had one punt returnfor no yards as well. He led the SEC in punt returns last season.
Block That Kick!
During the three seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of the Kentucky defense, the Wildcats have blocked 11opponent kicks, including eight field goals, two punts, and one extra point. Here’s the list:
1997, Indiana punt (Bob Holmberg)
1997, Alabama field goal (David Ginn)
1997, Georgia field goal (Jeff Zurcher)
1997, Georgia extra point (Lamont Smith)
1997, Louisiana State field goal (David Ginn)
1998, Arkansas field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1998, Louisiana State field goal (Jermaine White)
1999, Arkansas field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Mississippi State punt (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Syracuse field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Syracuse field goal (Jamal White)
Numbers Here, Numbers There
Here are some various career statistical superlatives among current players, including regular-season games only.Most Games Played: 34 by Aaron Daniel, Derek Homer, Marlon McCreeMost Games Started: 24 by Willie Gary100-Yard Rushing Games: 4 by Derek Homer100-Yard Receiving Games: 1 by Jimmy Robinson, 1 by Kendrick ShanklinGames With Double-Figure Tackles: 4 by Willie Gary, 1 by Marlon McCree
Scoring in the Blue Zone (20-and-in) Kentucky: Converted one of two opportunities for six points (one touchdown, oneblocked field goal).
Opponents: Converted four of five opportunities for 27 points (four touchdowns, one fumble lost).
Charting the Nailbiters
Under Coach Hal Mumme, UK has a 6-5 record in “nailbiter” games, i.e., games decided by seven points or less.
In overtime, UK is 1-1 under Mumme, a 40-34 home win over Alabama in 1997 and a 40-34 setback at Louisville to open thisseason.
Head Coach Hal Mumme
Hal Mumme (Tarleton State, 1975) has an 18-18 record in his fourth season as head coach of the Wildcats. Mumme was thefirst UK coach to have a winning record in his first three seasons since Blanton Collier in 1954-56. Along with Paul “Bear” Bryantand Jerry Claiborne both of whom are in the College Football Hall of Fame Mumme is one of three coaches who has takenKentucky to consecutive bowl games. He was voted 1997 GTE Region 2 Coach of the Year by his peers in the American FootballCoaches Association and named the 1999 South/Southwest Coach of the Year by Football News. He is in his 12th season as acollegiate head coach and has a record of 83-43-1 (.657).
Mumme had a 40-17-1 mark from 1992-96 at Valdosta State, where he took the Blazers to the NCAA Division II nationalplayoffs in 1994 and 1996. He was named 1994 Georgia Coach of the Year by the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the 1996 GTERegion 2 Coach of the Year by the AFCA, and the 1996 Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year when the Blazers won theleague title.
Mumme had a 25-10 record from 1989-91 at Iowa Wesleyan College. He took his team to the Steamboat Classic bowl gamein 1989 and ’90 and to the NAIA national playoffs in 1991. He was named the NAIA District Coach of the Year in 1989 and1991.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mumme is receiving plenty of compliments, as two of his former assistantcoaches Mike Leach (Texas Tech) and Chris Hatcher (Valdosta State) have been hired as head coaches with the hope ofduplicating the success of his system.
“Mummeball”
UK coach Hal Mumme is known for his unconventional ways. Here are some examples of his off-the-beaten-path approach:
Throwing the football: Mumme’s offensive goal is to throw the ball to set up the run. His run-pass ratio at UK in 1997 was36 percent run and 64 percent pass. In 1998, the ratio was 37 percent run and 63 percent pass. In 1999 the ratio was 44 percentrun and 56 percent pass.
Taking risks: See the note on the next page for fourth-down analysis.
Limited hitting in practice: The Wildcats had four scrimmages in the spring and none in August. Otherwise, hitting inpractice is usually limited to work on technique; there is very little full-scale hitting or tackling to the ground.
“We’re not going to get anybody hurt if we can help it,” Mumme says. “Why get hurt during the week when you’re going to play on Saturday?”
“Mummeball is more classroom than battlefield,” wrote John Clay of the Lexington Herald-Leader in 1997. “The head coachis not a Schwarzkopf but an alchemist, busy turning ordinary metals into gold.”
The approach paid off with fewer injuries in 1997, when only four players on the two-deep depth chart missed games becauseof injury. Seven players missed at least one game via injury in 1998 and 11 in 1999. By comparison, a total of 18 players missedgames because of injury in 1996 under a conventional practice system.
Punting the ball out of bounds: UK’s punts are designed to go near the sideline or out of bounds. The strategy improvedKentucky’s net punting from 32.7 yards per punt in 1996 to 37 yards per punt in 1997. In 1998, Kentucky improved to 37.4 netyards per punt. The Wildcats set a school record last season with 39.92 net yards per punt.
Playing true freshmen: Mumme believes in playing true freshmen. In his first three seasons at UK, 62 percent of his truefreshmen played in their first season.
Junior varsity team: Mumme continues to field a junior varsity team again this season. See on the next page for a story on theJV squad.
Fourth-Down Analysis
In four seasons under Hal Mumme, Kentucky has “gone for it” on fourth down 109 times and made it 53 times.
The 53 successes have eventually resulted in 30 touchdowns and four field goals for Kentucky. The 56 missed attempts haveresulted in 18 touchdowns and two field goals on the ensuing opponent possessions.
Kentucky has made 9 of 12 fake punts under Mumme.
The Wildcats did not attempt a fourth-down conversion in the opener against Louisville.
UK Football History
The Kentucky Wildcats are in their 110th season of intercollegiate football. The first Southeastern Conference school tointroduce football (1881), Kentucky has an all-time record of 517-489-44 (.513).
Kentucky has two SEC championships, 1950 and 1976. The Wildcats have been to nine bowl games, including the last twoseasons. Kentucky’s highest in-season national ranking is third, by The Associated Press, on Nov. 20, 1950. UK’s highest finalranking is sixth in the AP poll in 1977.
Junior Varsity Team Returns
One of Coach Hal Mumme’s innovations in 1997 was the start of a junior varsity team. The team is comprised primarily ofwalk-ons, in addition to a few scholarship players who are not being redshirted.
The 2000 team is coached by graduate assistants Rob Manchester and John Schlarman and student coaches Randy Garver andTramaine Gaines. Manchester is head coach and defensive coordinator and Schlarman is the offensive coordinator.
Here is the 2000 JV schedule: Mon. Sept. 18 at Georgetown 6:00Mon. Sept. 25 Campbellsville 6:00Mon. Oct. 2 Georgetown 6:00Mon. Oct. 9 at Eastern Kentucky 7:00Mon. Oct. 16 St. Francis 6:00Thurs. Oct. 26 Hargrave Military Acad. 6:00Thurs. Nov. 9 at Pikeville College Club 7:00
Catscellaneous
Team captains for 2000 on offense are HB Derek Homer, WR Quentin McCord, WR Jimmy Robinson, and OT Omar Smith. Defensive captains include DB Willie Gary, CB Eric Kelly, LB Marlon McCree, and DT Grayson Smith.
Kentucky is in its 28th season in Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcats have a record of 93-71-4 (.559) in Commonwealthsince the stadium opened in 1973. Kentucky is 11-7 at home under Mumme.
UK has led or tied for the league lead in most players on the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 10 of the last 16 years.
Six current players are walk-ons who were awarded full scholarships WR Neal Brown, WR Alex Herman, WR Gary Hughes,QB Mark Perry, DT Grayson Smith and SS Patrick Wiggins. Mumme has awarded 17 scholarships to walk-ons during his time atKentucky.
The Kentucky cheerleaders won an unprecedented 10th national championship at the 1999 Universal CheerleadersAssociation competition in January. The Wildcats cheerleaders have won the last five national titles – 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and1999.
Wildcats on the Web
Visit the official University of Kentucky Athletics web site at www.ukathletics.com. The official Southeastern Conference web site is www.secsports.com.
