Sept. 13, 2012
After an offensive explosion that resulted in a 47-14 win over Kent State in its home opener, Kentucky hopes to continue its positive momentum when it hosts in-state foe Western Kentucky University on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET at Commonwealth Stadium.
 
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| Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky | ||
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| Sat., Sept. 15 – 7:00 p.m. ET Lexington, Ky. Gameday Information Commonwealth Stadium Game Notes: UK  | WKU |
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| Coverage | ||
| TV: ESPNU Radio: UK IMG  Live Video via WatchESPN Live Blog Live Audio Postgame Press Conference Text Updates |
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| UK | 2012 Team Stats | WKU |
| 30.5 | Scoring/game | 24.5 |
| 24.5 | First downs/game | 21.0 |
| 456.0 | Total offense/game | 410.0 |
| 139.0 | Rushing yards/game | 145.0 |
| 317.0 | Passing yards/game | 265.0 |
| 26.7 | Kickoff returns (avg) | 20.2 |
| 8.0 | Punt returns (avg) | 14.8 |
| 48.8 | Punting (avg) | 39.0 |
| 23:54 | Time of possession/game | 32:40 |
| 48.0 | Third down conversion | 50.0 |
| 0.0 | Fourth down conversion | 0.0 |
| -0.5 | Turnover margin | -2.0 |
| 23.0 | Points allowed/game | 22.5 |
| 437.5 | Total yards allowed/game | 241.0 |
| 200.5 | Rush yards allowed/game | 123.0 |
| 237.0 | Pass yards allowed/game | 118.0 |
Saturday’s game will be part of the annual UK Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend as Kentucky will honor six former greats during halftime. The 2012 inductee class includes football great Derek Abney (2000-03), 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).
Kentucky is coming off a strong all-around performance last weekend against Kent State, racking up 539 yards of total offense, including 354 passing yards – which was the most for a UK offense since a 430-yard outburst against Tennessee in 2007. Sophomore quarterback Maxwell Smith threw for all 354 yards, including finding senior wide receiver Aaron Boyd 11 times for 100 yards – both career-highs for Boyd. Junior tailback Raymond Sanders had a career night with 13 rushes for 115 yards and touchdown, including a 67-yard burst to the endzone.
Defensively, Kentucky recorded its first safety since the 2009 season while also stopping Kent State from scoring all three times they entered the redzone. The UK defense, which forced and recovered a fumble in the game, ended the contest with three sacks, six tackles for loss and six pass breakups.
Cat Scratches: Visiting Hilltoppers have UK’s undivided attention
In a normal year, the final non-conference game before a two-month stretch of facing exclusively Southeastern Conference opponents would be termed a trap game for Kentucky. With opponents like Florida and South Carolina looming in the coming weeks, keeping the focus on the here and now would usually be difficult.
The Wildcats aren’t having trouble with that this week.
Western Kentucky University is coming to town and the Hilltoppers are adamant in their belief that they are capable of competing and more. UK recognizes that and will have to respond… read the full preview
Scouting Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky enters Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday with a 1-1 overall record. WKU won its home opener 49-10 against Austin Peay before falling last weekend at No. 1 Alabama 35-0.
The Hilltoppers have been led by their defense this season, ranking 12th in the nation in total defense allowing 241 total yards per game. WKU also ranks in the top 10 nationally in pass defense and sacks. Individually, junior linebacker Andrew Jackson leads the way with 13 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble forced. Fellow junior linebacker Xavius Boyd is tied for the team lead in tackles with 13. WKU has 15 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks as a team.
Offensively, WKU ranks in the top 25 nationally in passing efficiency and top 50 in the nation in passing offense. Senior quarterback Kawaun Jakes leads the offense, completing 38-of-54 passes for 474 yards and four touchdowns. Jakes’ favorite target this season has been senior tight end Jack Doyle, who has 12 catches for 121 yards. Freshman running back Leon Allen has handled most of the carries with 24 rushes for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Junior running back Antonio Andrews has provided a spark on special teams for WKU, returning a punt for a touchdown in the season opener. Overall, Andrews has five punt returns for an average of 18.2 yards per return. Andrews is also averaging 23.0 yards per kickoff return.
