Dec. 25, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Kentucky football team had its final on-field preparation for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl with a two-hour practice at Vanderbilt on Friday.
“We had a good practice,” Coach Rich Brooks said. “The players were in good spirits. They flew around and had a nice time, it was a good day.
Because of the game date of Dec. 27, the team had to be in the midst of game preparations on Christmas Day. The team went through its regular routine on Friday, with meetings, film sessions and practice. There will be a special treat on Friday night as many of the players are taking advantage of the opportunity to attend the National Football League game between Tennessee and San Diego.
“It’s a different feeling (on Christmas) because the previous three bowl games the players were able to spend a couple of days at home for Christmas and then come to the site and practice,” Brooks said.
Brooks announced two changes in the starting lineup. Senior Justin Jeffries will start at right offensive tackle in place of Brad Durham. Jeffries and Durham will rotate at the position during the game as they have during the season. Sophomore Chandler Burden will get the starting nod at defensive end in place of freshman Taylor Wyndham, although Wyndham will see action.
Kentucky will play Clemson on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 8:30 p.m. EST (7:30 p.m. CST). The game will be played at LP Field and will be televised by ESPN.
Conner, Lindley are Game Captains: Senior fullback John Conner and senior cornerback Trevard Lindley are the game captains for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Coach Rich Brooks has announced.
Bowl-game captains are usually chosen on the basis of their season or career performance. Conner has been a three-year starter, providing all-around offensive help through blocking, rushing and receiving. He’s also been a stalwart on special teams. Lindley has made numerous game-changing plays during his four years as a starter.
Conner and Lindley will join permanent team captains Zipp Duncan and Corey Peters for the pregame coin toss.
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.
