Miss. State (5-2, 2-2) at Kentucky (2-6, 0-5)
Nov. 4, 2000, 1:30 p.m. EST
Commonwealth Stadium, cap. 67,530
Wildcats Headlines
Wildcats play host to Mississippi State for the UK Homecoming game
UK is second in the nation in passing offense, 13th in total offense
UK defense is 20th in the nation in fumbles recovered, fourth in the SEC inquarterback sacks
On the Tube
Live No live network TV. There will be a live pay-per-view back to the state ofMississippi.
Delay The UKTV Network will carry the game. Rob Bromley calls theplay-by-play, with Bill Ransdell handling analysis and Dick Gabriel providing reportsfrom the sidelines. Viewers should check their local listings for time and channel.
Ticket Info
Tickets are available for $22 each. These are tickets from the student allotment,which were not fully claimed by the UK student body.
Tickets may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum TicketOffice. Tickets may be charged on credit cards by calling (859) 257-1818 or1-800-928-CATS. Tickets also may be ordered on UK’s internet site, ukathletics.com.
On the Radio
The University of Kentucky Football Radio Network will carry the broadcast onapproximately 80 stations. The network includes new flagship stations WLAP (630AM) 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 VanNote is the analyst and Dick Gabriel is the sideline reporter.
The broadcast also can be heard around the world through the internet atukathletics.com.
Kentucky Results and Schedule (2-6, 0-5 SEC)Sept. 2 Louisville 40, UK 34 (A, OT) Sept. 9 UK 27, South Florida 9 (H)Sept. 16 UK 41, Indiana 34 (H)Sept. 23 Florida 59, UK 31 (A)Sept. 30 Mississippi 35, UK 17 (A)Oct. 7 South Carolina 20, UK 17 (H)Oct. 14 Louisiana State 34, UK 0 (A)Oct. 21Georgia 34, UK 30 (H)Oct. 28 openNov. 4 Mississippi State (Homecoming), 1:30 p.m.Nov. 11 Vanderbilt, 1:30 p.m.Nov. 18 at Tennessee, time TBA(all times Eastern and subject to change)
MSU Results and Schedule (5-2, 2-2 SEC)Sept. 2 MSU 17, Memphis 3 (A)Sept. 9 openSept. 14 MSU 44, Brigham Young 28 (A)Sept. 23 South Carolina 23, MSU 19 (A)Sept. 30 MSU 47, Florida 35 (H)Oct. 7 MSU 17, Auburn 10 (H)Oct. 14 openOct. 21 LSU 45, MSU 38 (OT-A)Oct. 28 MSU 61, Middle Tennessee 35 (H)Nov. 4 at KentuckyNov. 11 AlabamaNov. 18 ArkansasNov. 23 at Mississippi
The SeriesOverall: UK leads 16-11Current Streak: MSU has won oneFirst Meeting: 1914, UK 19-13 in LexingtonLast Meeting: 1999, MSU 23-22 in StarkvilleLast UK Win: 1998, 37-35 in LexingtonIn Lexington: UK leads 11-3Series Notes: UK’s lead in the series comes on the strength of an eight-game win streak from 1958-90 The teams have met annually since 1990, with MSU leading6-4 since that time.
How Experienced are the Tentative Starters? Sr. Jr. Soph. RFr. Fr.UK 7 3 7 1 4MSU 10 8 4 0 0
Mississippi State Ties
Guy Morriss, Kentucky’s assistant head coach and offensive line coach, coachedthe offensive line at Mississippi State under Coach Jackie Sherrill in 1996.
Last Year vs. Mississippi State
Scott Westerfield’s 45-yard field goal with five seconds to play lifted undefeatedMississippi State to a 23-22 win over Kentucky in a Thursday night ESPN game inStarkville.
MSU got on the board first to take a 7-0 lead, but the Wildcats stormed back withthree consecutive touchdowns. Kendrick Shanklin caught his first career TD pass,then, following a blocked punt by Dennis Johnson, Dusty Bonner bulled over from theone-yard line. Anthony White gave UK a 19-7 lead with a six-yard run.
UK still led, 22-20, when MSU took over on its own 20 with 1:30 remaining in thegame. The Bulldogs drove to the Kentucky 28, setting up Westerfield’s game-winner.
The game was a defensive struggle for much of the night. MSU gained 334 yardstotal offense, highlighted by WR Kelvin Love, who caught six passes for 147 yards.
UK was held to 176 yards the lowest output of the Hal Mumme era. Bonnercompleted 28 of 44 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. His favorite target wasTE James Whalen, who grabbed 11 passes for 99 yards. In the process, Whalenbroke the NCAA single-season record for receptions by a tight end.
The Kentucky defensive effort was led by linebacker Jeff Snedegar, who made 14tackles, including two quarterback sacks.
UK at Homecoming
Kentucky’s first Homecoming Day occurred on Nov. 25, 1915, as Kentuckydefeated Tennessee, 6-0. Subsequent records are sketchy, but Kentucky has held aHomecoming game every year since 1946 and owns a 42-12-0 record in those 54contests.
The Wildcats have won five consecutive Homecoming games, dating back to aloss against Mississippi State in 1994. UK is 2-2 against MSU as a Homecomingopponent.
Homecoming Activities
Mon. Oct. 30: Paint the Town Blue competition judged. UK studentorganizations have teamed with local businesses for a window-painting competition. Students have decorated windows in businesses along Limestone Street and EuclidAvenue. Winners are judged Oct. 30.
Wed. Nov. 1: Bulldog Bash will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the StudentCenter Patio. UK players, cheerleaders, and pom squad will take part.
Fri. Nov. 3: The Homecoming Parade begins at 6 p.m. The parade will start atCommonwealth Stadium, head north along University Drive, turn right onto HilltopAvenue, left on Woodland Avenue, and left on Euclid Avenue. The parade will end atStoll Field, next to the Singletary Center for the Arts.
Starting at approximately 7:15 p.m., or immediately following the parade, will bethe pep rally. Homecoming student recognition finalists will be announced. Coach HalMumme and the team will join the UK cheerleaders, pom squad, and Wildcat DanceCats at the pep rally.
Sat. Nov. 4: The community college princesses will be presented in pre-gameceremonies. The Homecoming King and Queen will be introduced at halftime.
UK vs. Ranked Opponents
Over the years, Kentucky has played 182 games against teams ranked in the APTop 20/25 poll. The Wildcats have a 35-142-5 record against ranked foes. UK is 1-3against MSU when the Bulldogs are ranked.
New Defenses Helping Against the Run
Beginning with the Mississippi game on Sept. 30, the UK defense has used afive-man front, playing a 5-2 or 5-3 alignment, replacing the 4-3 scheme that hadbeen used.
The Wildcats used a 5-2 lineup against Ole Miss and South Carolina and wentwith the 5-3 in the last two games.
The change has helped UK improve its run defense. In the first four games,opponents averaged 185.5 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. Sincebeginning the five-man front, the Wildcats have allowed 122.5 rushing yards per gameand 3.4 yards per carry.
The Wildcats also have gotten more efficient against the run in each succeedinggame allowing 179 yards at Mississippi, 159 vs. South Carolina, 114 at LSU, andonly 38 yards vs. Georgia.
UK on Pace to Break Team TFL Record
The Kentucky defense is on a record pace to break the school record for totaltackles for loss in a season.
The Wildcats have 68 tackles for loss in eight games this season, an average of8.5 per game. If they continue at the same pace, they will break the mark of 88 totalTFL (an average of 8.0 per game) set in 1998.
McCree, Robertson, Layow Among SEC Leaders
Linebacker Marlon McCree, defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, and defensiveend Matt Layow are among the Southeastern Conference defensive leaders.
Through games of Oct. 21, McCree led the SEC in tackles for loss with 14. Robertson was second with 12.5 tackles for loss. Layow was tied for third with 11.5TFL, along with Anthony Sessions of Tennessee.
McCree was third in the league in quarterback sacks with 5.5. Jarret Johnson ofAlabama and John Henderson led the SEC with six sacks each. Tied for third withMcCree, at 5.5 sacks each, were Derrick Burgess of Mississippi and Matt Stewart ofVanderbilt.
Lorenzen Spreading the Wealth
Redshirt freshman quarterback Jared Lorenzen has done a good job ofdiversifying his receivers this season. Lorenzen has completed passes to at least 10different receivers in seven of the eight games this season.
Lorenzen Breaks SEC Freshman Passing Record, Two School Records vs. Georgia
Freshman quarterback Jared Lorenzen needed only eight games to break theSEC freshman passing yardage record.
Lorenzen’s 528 passing yards against Georgia gave him 2,710 this season,eclipsing the SEC record of 2,484 yards by Quincy Carter of Georgia in 1998.
Lorenzen’s 528 passing yards broke the single-game school record of 499 yardsby Tim Couch at Arkansas in 1998. Lorenzen also had 525 yards total offense vs.Georgia, breaking Couch’s single-game school mark of 498 yards at Louisville in1998.
Kelly Ties Pass Breakup Record
Senior cornerback Eric Kelly has tied the school’s career record for passbreakups. Kelly leads the team with six PBU this season, giving him 25 for his career tying Van Hiles’ mark of 25.
Here is the UK career list for pass breakups. Player, Years Pass Breakups1. Van Hiles, 1993-96 25 Eric Kelly, 1997-2000 253. Brad Armstead, 1989-92 21 Gary Willis, 1989-91 21
Kelly and Willis also share UK’s single-season PBU record of 13, which Kelly tiedlast season.
UK Remembers Claiborne
The University of Kentucky football program is honoring the memory of JerryClaiborne, former student-athlete, assistant coach, and head coach of the Wildcats,who died on Sept. 24.
First, the Commonwealth Stadium flag was flown at half-mast through Sept. 28,the date of Claiborne’s funeral. And, since the games of Sept. 30, the UK helmetsfeatured football-shaped black stickers with the initials JDC.
Claiborne played at Kentucky from 1946-49 as a defensive back, end, andblocking back. He still holds UK’s single-season record for interceptions with nine. He was an assistant coach under Paul Bear Bryant.
In 1982, with the program struggling because of NCAA probation and off-the fieldproblems, Claiborne returned to his alma mater. He led the Wildcats to the 1983 and1984 Hall of Fame Bowls and restored the integrity of the program on every front.
Claiborne retired from coaching following the 1989 season, but stayed involved atUK by helping raise the funds for the Nutter Field House, which opened in 1993.
Wildcats in the SEC Stats
Team and individual stats in the top three in the SEC:Team
Passing Offense: 1st, 338.8 yards per game
Total Offense: 1st, 438.9 yards per game
PAT Kicking: T1st, 100 percent
First Downs: 3rd, 173 first downs
Individual
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 338.8 yards per game
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 346.9 yards per game
PAT Percentage: Seth Hanson, T1st, 100 percent
FG Percentage: Seth Hanson 2nd, 90.9 percent
FG Per Game: Seth Hanson 3rd, 1.25 FG per game
Wildcats in the NCAA Stats
Team and individual stats in the NCAA top 25:
Team
Passing Offense: 2nd, 338.8 yards per game
Total Offense: 13th, 438.9 yards per game
Fumble Recoveries: T20th, 10 recoveries
Individual
Pass Attempts: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 405 attempts
Comp. Per Game: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 30.1 comp. per gm.
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 3rd, 2710 yards
Touchdown Passes: Jared Lorenzen T18th, 14 TD passes
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 346.9 yards per game
Points Responsible For: Jared Lorenzen 15th, 14.5 points responsible per game
FG Per Game: Seth Hanson T21st, 1.25 FG per game
Running Game More Effective
Kentucky’s running game is showing improved effectiveness this season. The Wildcats are averaging 100.1 yards per game in the 2000 campaign, upfrom 75 yards per game last season. Even more important is the fact that UKfullbacks Chad Scott and Artose Pinner the primary ballcarriers are averaging 4.6and 4.8 yards per carry, respectively.
Offensive Line Growing
UK’s offensive line, with only one senior starter, has been an improved unit thisyear. As mentioned in the previous note, rushing yardage is up from 75 yards per gameto 100.1 yards per game so far this season.
Pass protection has gotten better as well. UK has allowed just 14 quarterbacksacks in 421 passing plays this season a sack prevention ratio of 96.7 percent. Kentucky allowed 52 sacks last season.
Homer Looking to Move Up Charts; McCord Joins Century Club
Senior halfback Derek Homer ranks 11th in school history with 1,639 rushingyards. He needs 26 yards to eclipse Bill Leskovar (1,664) and reach the top 10. Homer also has 121 career pass receptions and is third on the UK receiving list. Senior wide receiver Quentin McCord has joined the century club with 100 catches. Here is the UK career receiving chart:
Player, Years Receptions1. Craig Yeast, 1995-98 2082. Anthony White, 1996-99 1943. Derek Homer, 1997-2000 1214. James Whalen, 1997-99 1205. Kevin Coleman, 1995-98 1076. Quentin McCord, 1996-2000 100
Starting Em Young
Coach Hal Mumme isn’t afraid to play true freshmen immediately. In fact, Mummehas started at least one true freshman in the season opener each season at Kentucky.
In 1997, running back Derek Homer and safety Willie Gary started their firstgames as Wildcats. In ’98, safety David Johnson got the starting call in the opener. Last season, guard Kip Sixbery started the opener.
This year, freshman defensive tackles Jeremy Caudill and Dewayne Robertsonand offensive tackle Antonio Hall have started every game.
Another true freshman has joined the lineup as running back Chad Scott hasstarted four games.
A Note About the Defensive Statistics
There has been a change in how the Southeastern Conference is listing tacklesfor loss this season. The stat column tackles for loss combines tackles for loss onrunning plays and quarterback sacks. In previous seasons, the tackles for loss columndid not include QB sacks.
Block That Kick!
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of theKentucky defense, the Wildcats have blocked 11 opponent kicks, including eight fieldgoals, two punts, and one extra point. Here’s the list, with current Wildcats underlined:
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)
Checking the Defensive Progress
The Kentucky defense has shown improvement each season since Coach HalMumme and defensive coordinator Mike Major took over in 1997. Here’s theprogress:
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
Defense Scoring, Too
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of the UKdefense, the defensive Cats have scored 10 times, including seven TDs, two safeties,and a two-point defensive PAT after a blocked extra point kick.
The UK defense has scored twice this season, Marlon McCree’s nine-yardfumble return at Louisville and Matt Layow’s 21-yard game-winning fumble return vs.Indiana.
Charting the Tendencies
Here are some tendencies that have generated success for the Wildcats in thefour seasons under Coach Hal Mumme. Kentucky’s record when:
UK scores 40+ points: 9-0
UK scores 30+ points: 17-6
Opp. scores less than 30 points: 14-7
UK loses 0 or 1 turnover: 10-1
UK is plus or even in turnover margin: 14-4
UK creates four or more turnovers: 6-2
UK rushes for more yards than opponent: 11-4
UK holds opp. to 100 or fewer rushing yards: 10-2
Scoring in the Blue Zone (20-and-in)
Kentucky: Converted 23 of 27 opportunitiesfor 124 points (14 touchdowns, nine field goals, one turnover, one lost on downs, oneblocked field goal, one punt).
Opponents: Converted 30 of 36 opportunities for 169 points (20 touchdowns, 10field goals, two turnovers, two held on downs, two missed field goals).
Numbers Here, Numbers There
Here are some career statistical superlatives among current players, includingregular-season games only.
Most Games Played: 41 by Aaron Daniel, Derek Homer, Marlon McCree
Most Games Started: 31 by Willie Gary
100-Yard Rushing Games: 4 by Derek Homer, 1 by Chad Scott, 1 by Artose Pinner
100-Yard Receiving Games: 3 by Quentin McCord, 1 by Jimmy Robinson, 1 byKendrick Shanklin, 1 by Derek Smith
Games With Double-Figure Tackles: 6 by Willie Gary, 4 by Marlon McCree, 2 by RyanMurphy, 1 by David Johnson
Charting the Nailbiters
Under Coach Hal Mumme, UK has a 7-7 record in nailbiter games, i.e., gamesdecided by seven points or less. The Wildcats are 1-3 in nailbiters this season.
In overtime, UK is 1-1 under Mumme, a 40-34 home win over Alabama in 1997and a 40-34 setback at Louisville to open this season.
Honoring the Wildcats in 2000
Center Nolan DeVaughn was chosen for the All-America Farm Team sponsored by Successful Farming magazine.
QB Jared Lorenzen was named the SEC Player of the Week by USA Todayfollowing the Louisville game.
DE Matt Layow was chosen for the National Good Works Team by the AmericanFootball Coaches Association. Layow was one of only 11 players from Division I-Awho were honored for their community service.
WR Jimmy Robinson was named to the Southeastern Conference Good WorksTeam in recognition of his community service.
Freshman DT Jeremy Caudill was one of only four players chosen for the NationalHigh School Scholar-Athlete Award as selected by the National Football Foundationand Hall of Fame.
Long snapper Coleman Barnes, WR Mike Beirne, and WR Neal Brown haveearned nominations for the Verizon Academic All-America Team.
Head Coach Hal Mumme
Hal Mumme (Tarleton State, 1975) has a 20-23 record in his fourth season ashead coach of the Wildcats. Mumme was the first UK coach to have a winning recordin his first three seasons since Blanton Collier in 1954-56. Along with Paul BearBryant and Jerry Claiborne both of whom are in the College Football Hall of Fame Mumme is one of three coaches who has taken Kentucky to consecutive bowl games. He was voted 1997 GTE Region 2 Coach of the Year by his peers in the AmericanFootball Coaches Association and named the 1999 South/Southwest Coach of theYear by Football News. He is in his 12th season as a collegiate head coach and has arecord of 85-50-1 (.628).
Mumme had a 40-17-1 mark from 1992-96 at Valdosta State, where he took theBlazers to the NCAA Division II national playoffs in 1994 and 1996. He was named1994 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 ConferenceCoach of the Year when the Blazers won the league title.
Mumme had a 25-10 record from 1989-91 at Iowa Wesleyan College. He tookhis team to the Steamboat Classic bowl game in 1989 and ’90 and to the NAIAnational playoffs in 1991. He was named the NAIA District Coach of the Year in 1989and 1991.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mumme is receiving plenty ofcompliments, as two of his former assistant coaches Mike Leach (Texas Tech) andChris 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 someexamples of his off-the-beaten-path approach:
Throwing the football: Mumme’s offensive goal is to throw the ball to set up therun. His run-pass ratio at UK in 1997 was 36 percent run and 64 percent pass. In1998, the ratio was 37 percent run and 63 percent pass. In 1999 the ratio was 44percent run and 56 percent pass. This season, it has been 36 percent run and 64percent pass.
Taking risks: See the note later on this page for fourth-down analysis.
Limited hitting in practice: The Wildcats had four scrimmages in the spring andnone in August. The Wildcats do some live tackling work in practice, but there is noscrimmaging. 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 playon Saturday?
Mummeball is more classroom than battlefield, wrote John Clay of the LexingtonHerald-Leader in 1997. The head coach is not a Schwarzkopf but an alchemist, busyturning ordinary metals into gold.
The approach paid off with fewer injuries in 1997, when only four players on thetwo-deep depth chart missed games because of injury. Seven players missed at leastone game via injury in 1998 and 11 in 1999. By comparison, a total of 18 playersmissed games 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 sidelineor out of bounds. The strategy improved Kentucky’s net punting from 32.7 yards perpunt 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 perpunt.
Playing true freshmen: Mumme believes in playing true freshmen. In his firstthree seasons at UK, 62 percent of his true freshmen played in their first season.
Junior varsity team: Mumme continues to field a junior varsity team again thisseason. See the next column for a story on the JV squad.
Fourth-Down Analysis
In four seasons under Hal Mumme, UK has gone for it on fourth down 132 timesand made it 65 times.
The 65 successes have helped lead to 34 touchdowns and six field goals forKentucky. The 67 missed attempts have resulted in 20 touchdowns and three fieldgoals on the ensuing opponent possessions.
Kentucky has made 9 of 14 fake punts under Mumme.
The Wildcats have made 12 of 23 fourth-down attempts this season.
UK Football History
The Kentucky Wildcats are in their 110th season of intercollegiate football. Thefirst Southeastern Conference school to introduce football (1881), Kentucky has anall-time record of 519-494-44 (.512).
Kentucky has two SEC championships, 1950 and 1976. The Wildcats have beento nine bowl games, including the last two seasons. Kentucky’s highest in-seasonnational ranking is third, by The Associated Press, on Nov. 20, 1950. UK’s highestfinal ranking 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 varsityteam. The team is comprised primarily of walk-ons, in addition to a few scholarshipplayers who are not being redshirted.
The 2000 team is coached by graduate assistants Rob Manchester and JohnSchlarman and student coaches Randy Garver and Tramaine Gaines. Manchester ishead coach and defensive coordinator and Schlarman is the offensive coordinator.
Here is the 2000 JV results and schedule:
Mon. Sept. 18 Georgetown 42, UKJV 13 (A)
Mon. Sept. 25 Campbellsville postponed, weather
Mon. Oct. 2 Georgetown 38, UKJV 14 (H)
Mon. Oct. 9 at Eastern Kentucky cancelled
Mon. Oct. 16 UKJV 21, St. Francis 17 (H)
Thurs. Oct. 26 Hargrave Military Acad. 9, UKJV 5 (H)
Mon. Oct. 30 Campbellsville 6:00
Thurs. Nov. 9 at Pikeville College Club 7:00
Catscellaneous
Team captains for 2000 on offense are HB Derek Homer, WRQuentin McCord, WR Jimmy Robinson, and OT Omar Smith. Defensive captainsinclude DB Willie Gary, CB Eric Kelly, LB Marlon McCree, and DT Grayson Smith.
Kentucky is in its 28th season in Commonwealth Stadium. TheWildcats have a record of 95-73-4 (.561) in Commonwealth since the stadium openedin 1973. Kentucky is 13-9 (.591) at home under Coach Hal Mumme.
UK has led or tied for the league lead in most players on the SECAcademic 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, DE GraysonSmith and SS Patrick Wiggins. Mumme has awarded 17 scholarships to walk-onswhile at UK.
The Kentucky cheerleaders won an unprecedented 10th nationalchampionship at the 2000 Universal Cheerleaders Association competition inJanuary. The Wildcats cheerleaders have won the last six national titles – 1995, 1996,1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.
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.
Position-by-Position with the Wildcats
Offense
Kentucky is second in the nation in passing offense, 338.8 yards per game, and13th nationally in total offense, 438.9 yards per game UK leads the SEC in bothcategories UK has led the SEC in passing offense all three previous seasonsunder Coach Hal Mumme The Wildcats are coming off a 620-yard performanceagainst Georgia, which had come into the game leading the SEC in total defense,allowing just 268 yards per game.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has made progress since last season Rushing yardage isup 25 yards per game The Wildcats allowed 52 quarterback sacks last season, butonly 14 so far this year The Wildcats have a sack prevention ratio of 96.7 percent,fifth-best in the SEC.
Matt Brown Starting left tackle has had injury problems this season Sustaineda sprained ankle against Louisville Missed the South Florida game, breaking astring of 15 consecutive regular-season starts Returned for the Indiana game Dislocated his shoulder at Mississippi and has missed three more games Hopesto return for the Mississippi State game Did not begin playing football until hissophomore year of high school Hobby is working on vintage cars.
Keith Chatelain Took over at center when Nolan DeVaughn was lost for theseason with a knee injury in the Louisville game Has started the last seven games Has handled the shotgun snap well.
Aaron Daniel Fifth-year senior who is the utility reserve in the offensive line Can play center or either guard position.
Nolan DeVaughn UK’s starting center suffered a knee injury in the Louisvillegame and is lost for the season.
Antonio Hall True freshman has started every game at right tackle One of thenation’s most highly sought lineman prospects a year ago Has excellent musicalaptitude, plays the piano, and is a gifted singer Member of the Lexington Singers, acommunity choral group.
Josh Parrish Has started six games, twice at left guard and four games at rightguard Played every offensive snap of the 1999 season at right guard.
Kip Sixbery Has started six games at left guard Played every down of the1999 season at left guard, and at the age of 17 was the youngest full-time starter inDivision I-A football.
Omar Smith UK’s only senior starter in the offensive line Moved from righttackle to right guard for the 2000 season and is well-regarded as a pro prospect Hoped to play only at right guard this season, but injury problems have required him to fill in at both tackle slots as well Played left tackle vs.South Florida while Matt Brown was out with an injury and has returned to left tackle since the Mississippi gameas long as Brown is out with his dislocated shoulder Played every down of the 1999season at right tackle One of four Wildcats who have graduated already and hashis degree in social work.
Tight Ends
Chase Harp Reserve tight end has 11 catches for 134 yards, including a long of35 yards vs. Indiana Missed the Mississippi and South Carolina games because ofa sprained ankle Came to UK as a quarterback and moved to tight end in thespring of 1999.
Derek Smith Starting tight end is the team’s leading receiver with 35 catches for508 yards and four TDs Ranks sixth in the SEC with 4.4 receptions per game Caught five passes for 108 yards vs. Georgia, his first 100-yard game Had an89-yard play against Georgia that is the third longest pass play in school history Had a career-high eight catches at Florida.
Wide Receivers
Derek Abney Shares the X receiver position with Quentin McCord Has 30catches for 331 yards and three TDs Best game came vs. South Florida with fivecatches for 62 yards and two TDs Longest play this season was a 50-yard TD atMississippi Wears uniform No. 12 in honor of his childhood best friend, EzraHartinger, who died when they were in seventh grade.
Dougie Allen Starting Z receiver has made a remarkable recovery from theknee injury and reconstructive surgery that occurred in Oct. 1999 Has 19 catchesfor 254 yards and two TDs Missed the Mississippi game because of a strainedhamstring.
Bobby Blizzard Starting H receiver has caught 21 passes for 176 yards Hasworked hard to lose approximately 20 pounds and improve his conditioning sincearriving at UK in Jan. 1999.
Neal Brown Reserve Z receiver has caught five passes for 19 yards Got hisfirst collegiate touchdown on a two-yard catch against South Carolina Has earned anomination for the Academic All-America team.
Anthony Kelly Reserve receiver has six catches for 46 yards Also does agreat job covering punts and has six tackles this season.
Quentin McCord Shares the X position with Derek Abney Has been abig-play receiver for the Wildcats with 33 receptions for 581 yards and three TDs,averaging 17.6 yards per catch Has five plays of 45 yards or more this season andthree 100-yard games Set career highs with seven catches for 126 yards vs.Georgia Has 100 career receptions, the sixth player in school history to reach thecentury mark.
Jimmy Robinson Playing in a rare sixth year to complete his eligibility, as hemissed the 1996 and 1999 seasons because of injuries Has one reception for fiveyards Missed the Mississippi and South Carolina games because of a strainedhamstring, but returned for LSU One of four Wildcats who have graduated alreadyand has diploma in the field of social work Named to the SEC Good Works Teamin honor of his community service.
Running Backs
Derek Homer Starts at halfback but also sees action at fullback Has gained89 rushing yards Ranks 11th in school history with 1,639 rushing yards Third onthe team in receptions with 30 for 264 yards Has 121 pass receptions in his career,ranking third in school history Coaches also have lauded his excellent blocking.
Martez Johnson Got the starting call at fullback at LSU in the absence of injuredChad Scott Gained 53 yards on 11 carries at LSU and also caught three passesfor 20 yards.
Artose Pinner Started the first two games at fullback Came off the bench atFlorida to rush for 125 yards on 17 carries, the first 100-yard game of his collegiatecareer Team’s second leading rusher with 188 yards on 39 carries, averaging 4.8yards per attempt Also has nine receptions for 28 yards.
Chad Scott True freshman got his first collegiate start in the Indiana game andhas started four times Team’s leading rusher with 353 yards on 76 carries,averaging 4.6 per attempt, and has three touchdowns Rushed for 106 yards in thewin over South Florida Gained 63 yards vs. Indiana and scored his first twocollegiate touchdowns Rushed for 17 yards and a TD at Florida before sustaining asprained ankle Had 170 yards against South Carolina, 85 rushing and 85receiving, but sprained his other ankle and missed LSU.
Ernest Simms Enjoyed his best collegiate game vs. his homestate school,Georgia Took a short pass and weaved his way 86 yards for a touchdown againstthe Bulldogs, the fifth-longest pass play in school history Also had a 21-yard runagainst the Bulldogs Has three rushes for 40 yards this season and threereceptions for 93 yards Has noteworthy speed.
Quarterbacks
Shane Boyd True freshman who is a fine prospect and has a very strong arm Coaches hope to redshirt him.
Jared Lorenzen Has completed 241 of 405 passes for 2,710 yards and 14touchdowns Leads the nation in completions per game, is second in total offense,third in passing yardage and 18th in TD passes Leads the SEC in total offense andpassing yardage Already has broken the SEC single-season freshman record forpassing yardage Has thrown for at least 300 yards in six of eight games Namedthe SEC Player of the Week by USA Today following his performance in the seasonopener at Louisville Broke two single-game school records against Georgia with528 passing yards and 525 yards total offense The 528 passing yards is second inSEC history and most ever in an SEC vs. SEC game The 525 yards total offense isthird in league history Was chosen as the preseason SEC Newcomer of the Yearas predicted by the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook.
At 6-4, 275 pounds, Lorenzen might be the largest regular starting quarterback incollege history Was born 13 pounds, three ounces Has been a quarterbacksince beginning to play organized football at age five Has remarkable agility for aplayer his size and rushed for 160 yards, with a net of 65 yards after sack yardagededucted Has rushed for five touchdowns Has run the quarterback sneak 16times this season, making 10 first downs and three touchdowns Has avoidedseveral sacks because of his size and strength, which have enabled him to get rid ofthe ball despite pressure.
Mark Perry Team’s backup quarterback Also the holder for placekicks.
Defense
Coordinator Mike Major calls his unit the Black Flag defense. The idea is togive his players the mindset of never surrender The Wildcat defenders are fourthin the SEC in quarterback sacks with 20 The Cats are tied for 20th nationally infumble recoveries with 10 The Wildcat defense has scored twice this season onfumble returns The UK defense has 68 tackles for loss this season and is on paceto break the school record of 88 TFL set in 1998 UK led the SEC in turnovertakeaways last season with 31.
Defensive Line
Jeremy Caudill True freshman has started every game in the defensive line Started four games at defensive tackle and the last four at nose guard when theWildcats switched to a five-man front Has 16 tackles, including a season high offour against Indiana Has 5.5 tackles for loss, including his first collegiate sack in theIndiana game Has remarkable physical gifts of strength and speed, which enablehim to play as a true freshman In September, was one of only four players chosenfor the National High School Scholar-Athlete Award as selected by the NationalFootball Foundation. He will receive his award at the annual NFF honors program inNew York City in December.
Chris Demaree Has 26 tackles Has played in all seven games, starting twice Has five tackles for loss (-21), including a sack at Louisville Is a cousin of LonnyDemaree, a sportswriter for the Community Voice newspaper in Lexington.
Otis Grigsby Has played in every game and started four games Has 14tackles, including three quarterback sacks.
Dennis Johnson Sidelined by a high ankle sprain in the Louisville game Hasnot played since the opener Second-team All-SEC performer last season.
Matt Layow Senior end has played outstanding football so far this season Has32 tackles Third on the team in total tackles for loss (11.5 for -48) and is second inquarterback sacks (4.5 for -33) Also has three fumble recoveries With twominutes to go against Indiana, he picked up a fumble and rumbled 21 yards for thegame-winning touchdown It was his second touchdown as a Wildcat, also scoringon a six-yard interception return at Florida in 1998 Has two interceptions during hiscareer The brightest moment of his career came in the summer of 1999, whilevisiting his girlfriend in Lexington, when he saved the life of a choking baby Dedicated to community service and is one of only 11 players in NCAA Division I-Achosen for the National Good Works Team as selected by the American FootballCoaches Association.
Dewayne Robertson True freshman defensive tackle has played very well Thehero of the Indiana game, causing two fumbles, both of which resulted in Wildcat TDs His last fumble caused came with two minutes remaining in the game, and theloose ball was returned 21 yards by Matt Layow for the game-winning touchdown Has totaled 29 tackles on the season Has a knack for penetrating the offensive line Ranks second in the SEC, behind teammate Marlon McCree, in tackles for losswith 12.5 (for 51 yards).
John Robinson Moved into the starting lineup the last four games when theWildcats switched to a five-man line Had a career-high five tackles, including onefor loss, at LSU Has 14 tackles on the season.
Nick Seitze Reserve defensive tackle has made nine tackles this season.
Grayson Smith Began the season as a reserve tackle, then moved to end whenDennis Johnson was hurt in order to provide more depth Has made four tackles Reached the semifinals of the heavyweight division of the 2000 National BoxingChampionships held in April.
Linebackers
Chris Gayton Was the starter at strongside linebacker until sustaining a sprainedknee at Florida Missed two games and returned vs. LSU Has 21 tackles,including a career-high nine at Louisville Has three tackles for loss (-10), includingone sack.
Marlon McCree The starter at weakside linebacker His outstanding speedand blitzing can create havoc with opposing offenses Leads the team lead intackles (67), tackles for loss (14.5 for 75), and quarterback sacks (5.5 for 39) Leads the SEC in tackles for loss Recovered two fumbles at Louisville, returningone of them nine yards for a touchdown Had 10 tackles vs. South Florida, four forloss, including two QB sacks Also had two sacks at Florida Notched acareer-high 17 tackles at Mississippi Has accounted for 207 yards of opponentlosses during his career One of four Wildcats who has already graduated and has adegree in finance.
Ryan Murphy Has started all eight games at middle linebacker Has 48tackles, including four for loss Had a season-high 13 tackles at Mississippi andalso caused a Rebel fumble Had 12 stops at LSU.
Jamal White Sees action as the backup middle linebacker and at outsidelinebacker Has 16 tackles this season Had a season-high six stops againstSouth Florida and LSU.
Defensive Backs
Willie Gary Now starting at free safety after starting the first two games atcornerback in place of the injured Kenneth Grant Has totaled 59 tackles and threepass breakups this season, second on the team in both categories Intelligent playerwho has played every position in the secondary during his career at UK Has 31career starts, more than any current Wildcat.
Kenneth Grant Missed the first two games while recovering from an ankle sprainsuffered on the first day of practice Aug. 11 Has played in the last six games andhas 16 tackles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
David Johnson Has played in eight games, including five starts at strong safety Fourth on the team in tackles with 38 and made a career-high 13 stops againstIndiana Also had a pass breakup against the Hoosiers Has three tackles for loss(-5) Has made an excellent recovery after sustaining a broken orbital bone (eyesocket) in the 1999 season opener The injury threatened his career, but he made afull recovery.
Eric Kelly In his third year as a starting cornerback and is an outstanding coverman Playing with a broken thumb sustained in the opener at Louisville Has 25tackles and a team-high six pass breakups this season Has 25 pass breakups inhis career, tying the school career record Had 13 PBU last year, tying thesingle-season school record One of four Wildcats who have already graduated andhas his degree in social work.
Derrick Tatum Team’s top reserve at cornerback earned his first start at LSU Has made 27 tackles this season Tied his career high with seven tackles vs. SouthCarolina and also had a fumble recovery.
Anthony Wajda Started the first two games of the season at free safety and nowplays as a reserve Has 12 tackles and has the team’s only interception of theseason Second-team All-SEC last season when he had five interceptions andthree pass breakups and was SEC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Louisiana State.
Patrick Wiggins Started the opener at strong safety and now plays as a reserve Has 19 tackles this season SEC Defensive Player of the Week last season inthe bowl-clinching win at Vanderbilt.
Special Teams
Coleman Barnes Team’s long snapper on punts and placekicks Had a highsnap on his first extra point in the Louisville game, but has snapped well since In hisfirst year on the varsity after playing for the junior varsity last season Has earned anomination for the Verizon Academic All-America Team.
Seth Hanson Team’s starting punter and also has been handling field goals andextra points since the South Florida game If he continues as a regular in both roles,he will be the first Wildcat to do so since All-American Lou Michaels handled puntingand kicking in 1957 Is in his first season punting since his senior year of highschool (1996) Averaging 37.1 yards per punt, with eight landing inside the 20-yardline Has made 10 of 11 field goal attempts, with a long of 40 yards, and is 19-19 onextra points Had a career-high three field goals vs. Georgia Ranks third in theSEC and 21st nationally with 1.25 field goals per game Second in the SEC in fieldgoal percentage (90.9 percent) and tied for first in extra point percentage (100percent) Was the team’s starting kicker in 1997 and 1998 before going through aninjury redshirt season last year Has made 25 of 33 field goals in his career Holds UK career records for extra points made (97) and attempted (101) In 1998,set UK single-season records for extra points made (48) and attempted (51) and formost points made by a kicker (81) President of the school’s chapter of theFellowship of Christian Athletes Named to the 1999 National Good Works Teamby the American Football Coaches Association in honor of his community service.
Clint Ruth True freshman who has shared kickoff duties with Brandon Sanders Has kicked off 30 times, with 24 returned, three out of bounds, and threetouchbacks.
Brandon Sanders Has shared kickoff duties with Clint Ruth Has kicked off 12times, with 10 returned, one onside and one touchback Also handled placekickingagainst Louisville and made both extra point attempts.
Kendrick Shanklin UK’s primary kickoff and punt returner Averaging 21.2 onkickoff returns Averaging 1.1 yards on punt returns Led the SEC last season inpunt returns with a 13.5-yard average, including a TD return vs. Louisiana State.
