Sept. 12, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the second time in as many days, the University of Kentucky football team hit the Tim Couch Practice Fields at the Nutter Training Facility to continue its preparation for in-state foe Western Kentucky University. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
Phillips and the Wildcats were in good spirits after practice Wednesday, which featured a high energy level.
“Good practice today with a lot of energy,” Phillips said. “The guys are in tune to our plan and we are excited to play again.”
On the injury front, Phillips said senior tailback Coshik Williams has practiced both days this week and will resume his starting spot Saturday night. The head coach said that they will continue to rotate in juniors Raymond Sanders and Jonathan George and freshman Dyshawn Mobley.
One area that UK has emphasized in practice this fall has been creating turnovers. So far this season, UK has forced one turnover after a fumble recovery last week, something Phillips said needs to happen more to create more scoring chances for the offense.
“We have put an emphasis on stripping the ball and attacking the ball when it is in the air,” Phillips said. “We do need some turnovers. We need some short fields whether it be defense or the special teams area where we return a punt or kickoff to get short fields. It has become really, really hard to drive the ball.”
On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Rick Minter talked about the problems WKU’s offense can cause due to their experience and WKU senior quarterback Kawaun Jakes. Phillips went into more detail about the WKU rushing attack Wednesday.
“It’s very similar, but they have thrown the ball a little bit more than they have in the past, especially with a lot of underneath routes,” Phillips said. “They are trying to get the ball to the tailback out in the flats a lot, which is really (similar to a) toss sweep. They are just trying to get it to him out in space a little bit more instead of handing it to him and letting him bounce it outside. They are doing a really good job with their offense, especially adding the dimension of being able to throw the ball.”
Kentucky will have its final practice of the week Thursday before a short walk-thru segment Friday to complete preparation for WKU.
For more information on the Kentucky football team, follow “@UKFootball” on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/kentuckyfootball.
Cat Walk at 4:45 p.m. ET: Fans wishing to participate in the “Cat Walk,” greeting the players when they enter Commonwealth Stadium, should be at Gate 1 of the stadium, next to the Nutter Field House, at 4:45 p.m. ET.
UK Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored at Halftime: Fans are encouraged to stay in their seats at halftime of Saturday’s game for a special tribute to the six members of the 2012 UK Athletics Hall of Fame class. All six 2012 hall of fame inductees will be joined on the field with family and introduced to fans. The 2012 class includes football star Derek Abney (2000-03) along with Leroy Edwards (men’s basketball; 1935), J.B. Holmes (men’s golf; 2002-05), Jeff Keener (baseball; 1980-81), Clayton Moss (swimming and diving; 1999-2003) and Nancy Scranton (women’s golf; 1983-84).
The general public is also invited to the UK Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony, which will be held Friday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. ET at the Marriott Griffin Gate hotel. More information on how to purchase tickets to the event is available here.
Follow @UKGamedayInfo on Twitter: For real-time updates regarding game day information, follow UK Athletics-Gameday on Twitter at @UKGamedayInfo.
