Cats, Cards series hinges on running game
QBs steal the hype, but running backs decide this series
Quarterback play has become the central theme of the Kentucky-Louisville football series, whether it's Tim Couch vs. Chris Redman, Andre Woodson vs. Brian Brohm or Mike Hartline vs. Hunter Cantwell.
In the end, though, the quarterbacks usually turn out to be a sidebar. Since 1996, the Governor's Cup has been decided by the team with the most rushing yards.
The ground game might be an even bigger point of emphasis this year, as both teams come in with question marks in the passing game. Kentucky is breaking in a new quarterback (Hartline) and has an inexperienced group of receivers. Louisville has a senior quarterback (Cantwell) but virtually no healthy, experienced receivers.
Conversely, both teams appear to have the personnel to run the ball. The offensive lines are fairly seasoned. UK has a four-deep stable of tailbacks, while the Cards will rely on a solid tandem of Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell.
And neither team had much success stopping the run last year. The Cardinals gave up 165.3 yard per game while the Wildcats surrendered 191.1.
Former U of L coach Bobby Petrino is known for developing quarterbacks and high-powered passing offenses, but he used a bludgeoning ground game to beat Kentucky four straight times from 2003-06: The Cards outrushed UK 1,073-243 in those four contests.
UK Coach Rich Brooks finally broke through against the Cards last season thanks in large part to Rafael Little's 151 rushing yards.
"We've got to run the football, especially early in the game, to take pressure off our quarterback and young receivers," UK offensive coordinator Joker Phillips said. "We want to establish the run, then maybe stick in the running back's belly and get behind some people with the play-action passes. The team that's won this game has been the team that ran the football and controlled the clock. We'll count on our defense to give us some short fields so that we can pound the ball at those guys."
The UK offensive line and running backs say they're up for the challenge.
"We know it's the first big game for our quarterback and a lot of our receivers, so we feel as an experienced group, we need to open those running lanes and set the tempo for the game," left guard Zipp Duncan said.
"We're ready to carry the load," said senior tailback Tony Dixon. "We're supposed to be one of the strengths of the team, so we'll have to come out and put it on our shoulders."
Senior offensive tackle Garry Williams said running the ball successfully can give the Cats an emotional lift too.
"Coming off that rock and knocking somebody down, that gets you hyped up and quiets their crowd down," Williams said. "You can get fired up pass blocking, too, but I think it's definitely more when you open up big holes and the backs break off a big run."
U of L returns a talented and experienced quarterback in Cantwell and has a big offensive line that averages 309 pounds and features a pair of All Big-East performers in center Eric Wood and left tackle George Bussey.
Running back is the one position where both teams appear well-stocked. Dixon will start at tailback, with Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith and Moncell Allen all expected to see action. The Cards also have some options with Bolen, a physical 238-pounder, and Powell, a sophomore who flashed big-play potential last year. Redshirt freshman Victor Anderson and true freshman Darius Ashley also offer promise.
"I like our running game," U of L Coach Steve Kragthorpe said. "We're starting to jell together as an offensive line. I think we've got three really good tailbacks. We're running the ball physically, with some toughness, and we're going to have to do that to be a good football team. I don't think there's any doubt about that."
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