By Pat Taggart Aug 17, 2007, 17:35 GMT
OFFENSE: The casual college football fan has probably never heard of Andre Woodson, but the Kentucky quarterback just might be the nations finest signal caller. Last season, Woodson completed 63 percent of his passes for more than 3,500 yards with 31 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, remarkable numbers by any standards. A tall player and a good athlete, Woodson is perhaps most responsible for the programs resurgence. Still, he is aided by a trio of outstanding skill players. On the outside, Keenan Burton and Dicky Lyons are big-play guys. Burton made 77 grabs for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns, making him one of the SECs most feared wideouts. As for Lyons, he has registered some long touchdowns in his career. Rafael Little is a tremendously versatile tailback who, when completely healthy, is as good as any back in the SEC outside of Darren McFadden of Arkansas. The offensive line is a question, but even if the group plays adequately, this Kentucky team will score points in bunches.
DEFENSE: With eight starters back on the defensive side of the ball, Kentucky has reason for optimism. True, the Wildcats did allow 59 points to Louisville in the 2006 season opener and 40 points to UL-Monroe to go along with other poor performances, and the club finished 118th nationally in total defense. However, the hope is that a year of experience for many of the starters will only benefit them. Senior linebacker Wesley Woodyard is clearly the best player on the UK defense, as he is coming off a campaign in which he made 122 tackles, including 80 solo stops.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kentucky returns both its punter and placekicker from a year ago, but both are mediocre players at best. As for the return game, Burton and Little lend their speed and elusiveness to the special teams unit.
OUTLOOK: So what is a realistic expectation for coach Brooks and company in 2007? Well, the fact that the Wildcats play both Florida and LSU at home helps matters, but they will probably be underdogs in both of those contests anyway. The defense, while experienced, is only average at best. Expect seven or eight wins for the Wildcats, who arent ready to make a serious push. Keep in mind that the program won its first bowl game since 1984 a year ago, and Brooks signed a four-year contract extension. Bright days are ahead.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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