Thursday, October 05, 2000
UK switches defensive scheme
Wildcats move to 5-2 alignment to stop run
The Associated Press
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky coach Hal Mumme has a simple explanation for his team's midseason switch from a 4-3 defensive set to a 5-2 alignment.
“It generally only happens out of sheer desperation,” Mumme explained with a chuckle. “There's 114 Division I-A schools, and about half of us are desperate.”
The Wildcats (2-3, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) may be a little more desper ate than most.
Following back-to-back road losses at Florida and Mississippi, they sit at the bottom of the SEC in a host of defensive categories and need a quick boost to salvage any hope of playing in a third consecutive bowl game.
Kentucky heads into this weekend's showdown with South Carolina (4-1, 2-1) ranking last in the conference in rushing defense (184.2 yards a game), pass efficiency defense, scoring defense (35.4 points) and total defense (380.2 yards).
Following Kentucky's 59-31 loss to Florida, Mumme suggested to defensive coordinator Mike Major that the team insert an extra defensive lineman into its normal four-man front to better stop the run.
UK tried out the set at Mississippi on Saturday with Matt Layow and Chris Demaree at end, Dewayne Robertson and Jeremy Caudill at tackle and John Robinson at nose guard. The Rebels still gained 179 rushing yards, but the Wildcats held standout running back Deuce McAllister to 75.
“I thought we stopped the run a little better than we did the previous few games,” Mumme said. “You have to stop people from running up the middle on you before you can do anything else.”
The extra man up front allows linebackers Marlon McCree and Ryan Murphy — who each compiled a season highs in tackles with 17 and 13, respectively — more room to roam freely and make plays.
“That extra lineman frees us up, because he takes on another blocker, who won't automatically get out on us so fast,” Murphy said. “Then everything comes right toward us.
“Statistically, it might not have looked that much better (Saturday), but I thought we played with more confidence. And if we really want to stop the run, I think this gives us the best chance.”
The new set also is a lot simpler with fewer formations and responsibilities.
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