Dec. 29, 2008
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thanks to a change of venue, the Kentucky football team was on firmer footing during Monday’s practice as the Wildcats continue preparations for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
UK practiced for two hours and 10 minutes at mid-day on the artificial surface at Memphis University School. Because of a torrential rain Saturday night, the Wildcats had slipped and slid in muddy conditions at Rhodes College during Sunday’s practice, prompting the change of site.
Monday’s practice saw the arrival of quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders, who had missed Sunday’s workout because of kidney stones.
“It’s important to have Randy here and preparing our quarterbacks,” Coach Rich Brooks said. “It’s good to have him here. There may be some down time for him in the next day or so and I hope he doesn’t have too much more pain.”
During a post-practice news conference, Brooks announced that sophomore tailback Moncell Allen will not participate in the bowl game. The third-team tailback, Allen has rushed for 202 yards and one touchdown this season while catching five passes for 39 yards and one TD. He also made 10 tackles in special-teams action.
Official bowl activities began Monday afternoon when several UK players visited patients at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The welcome party for the Kentucky and East Carolina teams will be held Monday night. On Tuesday, the Wildcats will attend the official bowl luncheon, followed by practice.
The 50th edition of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be played Friday, Jan. 2, at 5 p.m. EST (4 p.m. CST in Memphis) at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPN and also will be carried on ESPN Radio, the Big Blue Sports Network (radio) and on ESPN360.com.
Catwalkin’ in Memphis: Kentucky fans are invited to participate in “Cat Walk” on Friday by cheering the players when they arrive at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Fans should be at the stadium by 1:45 p.m. Central time. The team buses will arrive via Mississippi Avenue and stop where the avenue dead-ends (press box side of the stadium). The players will walk past Gate 4 and enter the South Tunnel of the stadium.
