The Associated Press

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks liberally praised the Wildcats' defense Monday and said he's mystified the offense continues to sputter at the start of games.

Brooks called the defense's performance in a 35-14 win over Ohio last Saturday "the most consistent and well-executed defense that we've had all season. Our two inside linebackers (sophomores Dustin Williams and Chad Anderson) played as well as they've played all year."

Kentucky (3-4, 0-3 Southeastern Conference) has held six straight opponents to less than 30 points, the first time that has happened since the first six games of 1993.

"Our defense is gaining more confidence," Brooks said. "We have to remember they're a young group, inexperienced."

UK plays host to Mississippi State (2-5, 1-2) Saturday.

ON TV: The Arkansas-Kentucky game Nov. 1 will be televised on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.

MIAMI: Freshman punt returner Ryne Robinson picked up his second straight MAC Special Teams Player of the Week award, while sophomore defensive back Darrell Hunter (Middletown) earned his first Defensive Player of the Week honor.

Robinson returned a punt 41 yards and Hunter returned one of his two interceptions 64 yards for a touchdown against Ball State.

IN THE COURT: The University of Miami filed suit against the Big East Conference and four member schools, claiming it suffered "substantial monetary damages" by remaining in the league.

The school also filed a separate lawsuit against the University of Connecticut for defamation. Miami and Virginia Tech - the league's premier football schools - are leaving the Big East to join the ACC after the current academic year ends.

Boston College is also leaving the Big East for the ACC, but perhaps not until 2006.

• Maurice Clarett's preliminary hearing on allegations he lied on a theft report was postponed so a judge could decide whether to bar information from a separate NCAA probe of the suspended Ohio State tailback.