LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky linebacker Marlon McCree isn't sure how he'll deal with the flood of emotions he expects following Saturday's season-ending showdown at Tennessee, his final game in a Wildcat uniform.

        He does know one thing, though. A rare victory over the Volunteers on their home field would ease some of the sting of a season gone horribly wrong.

        “It would erase some of the hurt, definitely,” McCree said. “But you can't get all caught up in that. If you start thinking like that, you're not going to be ready to play. You've got to come out focused and play every play like it's your last. For all of us seniors, it will be our last.”

        No UK player experiences the joy of winning and the despair of losing more than McCree, a three-year starter and the team's emotional leader.

        Individually, the season couldn't have gone much better for McCree. He leads the team in tackles (78), tackles for loss (15, best in the Southeastern Conference) and sacks (5.5) — all career highs — and has recovered two fumbles, one he returned for a touchdown against Louisville.

        But he'd trade all those numbers for more wins.

        Before the season, McCree predicted at least nine wins and an SEC championship for the Wildcats. Instead, Kentucky is 2-8 with a seven-game losing streak.

        “All the statistics in the world don't mean a thing if you don't win games,” McCree said. “I'm proud that we've hung tough and kept fighting. We just haven't gotten the breaks.

        “But if I could come back next year, I'd guarantee 11 wins in a heartbeat. Give me these same coaches and these same players with another year of experience, and I'd be talking us up again.” Junior linebacker Ryan Murphy, a Moeller High graduate, said McCree has been a great teammate and an even better friend.

        “It's going to be tough to see him go,” Murphy said.

        Said UK coach Hal Mumme: “He has been the spiritual leader of this defense and a great young man.”

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