Jan. 2, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky football team had its final practice in Lexington on Sunday morning in the Nutter Field House as the Wildcats now set their sights on Birmingham, Ala., and the BBVA Compass Bowl.

“Another good practice, good energy, good enthusiasm,” Coach Joker Phillips said after the two-hour workout.  “We have to get better work on our special teams, though.  We have to get a better look out of our scouts (scout-team players) when we get down to Birmingham.  We’ve had some good work (during postseason practices).  There’s no question about that.  We’ve gotten ourselves better.  We just hope it shows up (in the game) on the 8th.”

Phillips was asked about the challenge of playing a team whose coach will be in his last game with that squad, as is the case when Kentucky takes on Pittsburgh.

“I got a chance to see the Maryland group (which was in a similar situation with Ralph Friedgen), how they played for Ralph, and I expect this group to play the same way, especially with their style, which is a tough, aggressive, physical, running the ball and playing solid defense.  I expect those guys to play for the staff they have there.”

The Wildcats travel to Birmingham on Monday.  The team will practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and have a walk-through on Friday.  The game is scheduled for Saturday at noon EST (11 a.m. Central) at Legion Field.


“Cat Walk” Set for 8:45 a.m. Central time: Fans wishing to participate in the “Cat Walk,” cheering the Wildcats when they enter the stadium at the BBVA Compass Bowl, should be at Gates 16 and 17 of Legion Field at 8:45 a.m. Central time.