Posted on Sun, Apr. 13, 2008

UK FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

Passing is still a problem

YOUNG OFFENSE SCORES NO TDS IN WINDY SPRING SCRIMMAGE

By Chip Cosby

HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Chip Cosby

University of Kentucky offensive coordinator Joker Phillips went into Saturday's second spring scrimmage hoping to sharpen a Wildcat passing game that has labored for most of the spring.

But Phillips didn't get much cooperation from the weather or the UK defense.

The Wildcat 'D' held the offense without a touchdown yesterday, and neither Curtis Pulley nor Mike Hartline could generate much through the air while battling howling winds at Commonwealth Stadium.

Pulley went 8-for-15 passing for 66 yards and an interception, while Hartline was 5-for-14 for 38 yards. Both Pulley and Hartline saw potential scoring drives stopped by missed field goals.

The offense did generate 314 yards on 81 plays and picked up 20 first downs, and the running game was once again solid despite missing two of its top tailbacks.

Sophomore Derrick Locke missed the scrimmage to participate in a track meet, and Tony Dixon sat out with a sprained knee. Junior Moncell Allen led all rushers with 85 yards on 15 carries while Alfonso Smith chipped in 44 yards on 11 carries. Pulley also added 35 rushing yards on nine attempts.

Lones Seiber's 49-yard field goal represented the only offensive points of the scrimmage, yet head coach Rich Brooks didn't view yesterday's workout as a total downer.

"I thought both Pulley and Hartline performed better than they did last week," Brooks said. "We didn't have as many big plays as we did last week, but both guys managed the game well, and we ran the ball well and did some good things."

The wind wasn't the only thing slowing down the UK passing game. UK's depleted and inexperienced wide receiving corps continues to struggle to make plays.

Redshirt freshman Anthony Mosley dropped what would have been a touchdown pass from Pulley, and he along with sophomore Kyrus Lanxter and junior converted cornerback E.J. Adams are struggling to establish separation, catch the ball consistently and make yards after the catch.

"I was joking with Kyrus telling him that it looks like every time he catches the ball, it paralyzes his legs," Brooks quipped.

Phillips said most of the receivers' problems are mental.

"You might have five straight plays where you run downfield, but you've got to get back into that huddle and be ready to go," Phillips said. "We're giving into that (fatigue) a little bit right now. If you run the wrong route, it throws the whole process off, and we've had way too many missed assignments. We're working to get our guys mentally tougher."

Watching the receivers this spring brings back memories of 2006, when No. 1 receiver Keenan Burton was out with injury and the offense had lost Glenn Holt, Tommy Cook and Scott Mitchell to graduation. UK was left with an inexperienced Dicky Lyons Jr. and a bunch of backup players who were moved from other positions.

Phillips said the difference now is that the Wildcats have talent, albeit inexperienced talent. A chat this week with senior wideout DeMoreo Ford, who's sitting out with a torn patella tendon, reassured Phillips.

"I was talking to DeMoreo the other day and saying how it reminded us of (2006) and he said, 'Coach, at least we know we've got some athletes,'" Phillips said. "That made me feel better hearing it from him."

Several incoming freshmen are expected to contend for spots in the fall. One of those players, Aaron Boyd, was at Saturday's scrimmage and has been a regular at practices this spring.

But Brooks said that UK can't afford to just sit and wait on the newcomers.

"You never know with freshmen whether they'll be mature enough to do what you need them to do," Brooks said. "We need Mosley, Lanxter and E.J. Adams to be more consistent."

The fact that UK has a veteran offensive line, a deep stable of running backs and a potential running threat at quarterback in Pulley begs the question: With the passing game in question, why not just line it up and be a running team?

Brooks said balance is the key. Last year's strength was the passing game, but the offense had to run the ball effectively enough to keep defenses honest. This year's strength may turn out to be the running game, but Brooks said it's unrealistic to expect UK to line it up and run it almost every down.

"That's easy to say but hard to do," Brooks said. "If you don't throw the ball well enough to keep people back, they're going to stick 10 in the box on you, and that makes it very difficult to run.

"We have to be able to throw it well. Not great, but well. If we throw the ball well, we'll be a very good running team."

Defensively, UK was without starting defensive ends Jeremy Jarmon, who was ill, and Ventrell Jenkins, who sat out with a sore hip flexor. They were still able to keep the offense off the scoreboard and forced a pair of turnovers. Linebacker Braxton Kelley picked off Pulley, and they also recovered a Smith fumble near the 10-yard line as the offense was trying for a touchdown on the final series of the day.

While the veteran UK secondary had its way with the green group of wideouts, defensive coordinator Steve Brown said it's essential that his unit keep its intensity level sky-high despite the struggles of the passing game.

"Next year, when we go up against somebody we aren't as good as, we need to learn not to let them dictate the tempo," he said. "We've got to make sure that everybody rises up to our game."

No Spring Game conflict with Thunder in 2008

The Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show took place Saturday, meaning there will be no conflict with UK's Blue/White Spring Game next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

Last year's Spring Game drew only around 5,000 spectators, and one of the reasons given was that Thunder Over Louisville kept Cat fans in the Derby City from getting on I-64 and making the drive to Lexington.

Rich Brooks show on Monday

The Rich Brooks Radio Show will be broadcast on Monday from 6-7 p.m. The show will be carried by the Big Blue Sports Network, including WLAP in Lexington and WHAS in Louisville.