Dec. 21, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Following final examinations, the Kentucky football team wrapped up its Lexington portion of preparations for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl with practices on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in the Nutter Field House.
“Lot better practice today (Monday),” said Coach Rich Brooks, who had not been pleased with Sunday’s workout. “We’re ready to reconvene in Nashville tomorrow night.”
A major area of concern for the Wildcats will be the strongside linebacker position, where All-Southeastern Conference performer Sam Maxwell will not play after undergoing shoulder surgery. Junior Jacob Dufrene and true freshman Ridge Wilson will occupy that spot.
“Jacob Dufrene knows what he’s doing, now he’s going to have an opportunity to go out and make plays, like a lot of other guys who had to step up and fill in spots this year,” Brooks said. “Ridge has made some progress, but he still a freshman. He’s got real talent but the assignment phase is sometimes problematic.”
Brooks reported that linebacker Ronnie Sneed continued to be out with his injured shin and wide receiver Matt Roark sat out Sunday with a hamstring strain.
Mike Hartline, who began the season as the team’s starting quarterback, is having some swelling in his knee after these recent practices but hopes to be available for backup duty. Brooks said earlier that true freshman QB Morgan Newton is expected to make his eighth-consecutive start.
Kentucky will take on Clemson on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 8:30 p.m. EST (7:30 p.m. CST). The game will be played at Nashville’s LP Field and will be televised by ESPN.
UPDATE on Ticket Office Hours: For fans who need to pick up their tickets to the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, or who need to buy tickets, the UK Ticket Office at the Joe Craft Center will be open in its normal business hours next Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 21, 22 and 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Update: because of the men’s basketball game Wednesday afternoon, the ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Wed. Dec. 23.
Fans also may call the ticket office at 800-928-2287 for information.
All Wildcat Fans Invited to Tailgate With UK Alumni Association at LP Field: Join fellow Wildcat fans at the official UK Alumni Association Tailgate Party at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, Dec. 27, from 4:30 – 6:30 CST. The tent will be located in the LP Field Parking Lot (South End Zone), Titans Way. UK will meet Clemson in the 12th annual Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CST.
The pregame fun will include a BBQ pork meal with sides, tea and water (other drinks will be available for purchase) and entertainment by UK alum Josh London. The UK band and cheerleaders will make an appearance. Admission is $15 for students, $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. The tent is enclosed and will be heated if necessary.
To register for the event, visit www.ukalumni.net/bowlgame. For more information, contact Jill Smith at jhsmith@uky.edu or call 1-800-269-ALUM or 859-257-8906.
“Cat Walk” Set for 5:15 p.m. Central Time: Fans wishing to participate in the “Cat Walk,” cheering the Wildcats when they enter LP Field prior to the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, should gather at 5:15 p.m. Central time. Here’s the info, as provided by “Cat Walk” guru Scott McGehee:
The buses will stop at the corner of Victory Avenue and South 2nd St. New to this year’s walk, the team will stroll down the middle of South 2nd St., which will be closed to traffic. Team will enter the stadium at the East Service Entrance.
