Nov. 15, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky football head coach Joker Phillips and the Kentucky football team began its preparation for the No. 13/14 Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday inside the Nutter Field House.
After practice, Phillips addressed the media about the team starting the week of practice. The UK head man talked about the physicality of the top-25 ranked Georgia Bulldogs, saying it’s one of the most noticeable differences in the team than in past years.
“Georgia is physical,” Phillip said. “That’s one thing you notice, it’s very noticeable from the past. They’re a lot more physical. They went into this season down a lot of backs and now it seems like their backs is their strength.”
The Bulldogs rank fourth in the Southeastern Conference in rushing offense this season, averaging 188.4 yards per game. Individually, true freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell leads the team with 821 yards. Crowell has five rushing touchdowns this season, while quarterback Aaron Murray has done well at keeping defenses honest with his SEC-leading 27 passing touchdowns this season.
Part of Georgia’s success offensively has been because of the impressive play from its offensive line, Phillips said.
“They’re doing a really good job up front,” Phillip said. “They have a big offensive line that’s coming off the ball and running some attitude-type plays. We have to match it and get them stopped.”
In terms of injuries, Phillips said that defensive lineman Mister Cobble and defensive backs Martavius Neloms, Cartier Rice and Winston Guy did not practice on Tuesday. The coach noted that Neloms is doubtful for the game on Saturday with an ankle injury and true freshman Ashely Lowery would get the call if Neloms is unavailable.
Kentucky will return to the practice fields on Wednesday.
Close Start in the Big Blue Crush; Fans Urged to Bleed Blue for the Cats! After day one of the 24th annual Big Blue Crush, Kentucky trails Tennessee by only 21 points, 583 to 562.
The yearly blood battle, which assures a strong blood supply heading into the holidays, will continue through Friday.
All donors will receive a Big Blue Crush T-shirt and a coupon for a free McDonald’s McCafé Beverage. Everyone who registers will also be eligible to win prizes. Monday and Tuesday donors have a chance to score two tickets to the Kentucky-Tennessee football game on Nov. 26. All donors will also be eligible to win one of five $200 gas cards and the grand prize NCAA Game Package.
All KBC donor centers will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the competition. There will also be numerous blood drives throughout the region.
Tennessee leads the rivalry 12 to 10 with 1 tie, but Kentucky won the competition last year for the first time since 2002. KBC has set a goal of 4,000 donors this year, in hopes of keeping the trophy. This friendly competition ensures an adequate blood supply during the holidays.
To find a donation location or to schedule an appointment, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
