Saturday, October 2, 2004
Kentucky dreams of IU-like offense
Cats must learn to score again
By Murray Evans
The Associated Press
LEXINGTON - In what Kentucky is billing as a "throwback" game, complete with old-fashioned jerseys and helmets, the Wildcats hope they can turn back the clock two weeks when they host Ohio today.
After an embarrassing shutout loss in the season opener against Louisville, Kentucky rebounded with a 51-32 win over Indiana at home, rolling up 560 yards of offense. But the Wildcats reverted to their offense-challenged selves in a 20-3 loss at Florida last Saturday.
Ohio (2-2) could be the right tonic for what ails Kentucky (1-2). The Bobcats entered halftime against Kentucky last season tied 7-7 but eventually wore down as Kentucky pulled away to win 35-14. The Wildcats won thanks in good part to Shane Boyd, who became the first Kentucky player to record at least one touchdown passing, rushing and receiving in one game.
"Last year, we had prepared for Boyd, and really, he's the guy who beat us," Ohio coach Brian Knorr said. "His abilities won't be a big surprise. He's certainly a dangerous threat."
Boyd, Kentucky's starting quarterback, will play despite a soft-tissue injury in his left, non-throwing shoulder that kept him out of practice two days this week. Boyd's injury has Kentucky coaches more eager to see what backup quarterback Andre Woodson can do. Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said Woodson, a redshirt freshman, will see his first career action in the first half against Ohio.
As he did after the Louisville game, Brooks has promised lineup changes, although he's made only one switch public - that Eric Scott will start at tight end in place of Jeremiah Drobney.
Kentucky's depth took two more hits this week when starting linebacker Dustin Williams and backup tackle Ernie Pelayo were declared to be out for the season with a broken arm and a shoulder injury, respectively.
But the Wildcats are favored, if only because they're in the powerful Southeastern Conference, while Ohio plays in the Mid-American Conference.
The game is the first of a three-game homestand for Kentucky, which will host SEC rivals Alabama and South Carolina during the next two weeks.
UK vs. Ohio
