"We are getting our offensive line together, which is what we need the most. That kind of worries me a little bit, but they are working hard and I appreciate what they are doing with a lack of depth. I am ready to strap on the gear and get after it Saturday."
That lack of depth in the offensive line worries Brooks, too. Offseason surgeries and academic suspensions have limited UK's line depth and forced Brooks for the second straight year to play the spring game in an offense versus defense format.
Brooks will decide on the game's exact scoring format later, but he says the defense will be rewarded for not allowing a first down, negative plays and turnovers.
"The first half will be a normal type game," Brooks said. "The second half we may speed up the game with a running clock. It just depends on how the offensive line holds up."
Injuries
Brooks said Woodyard (hamstring pull) and running back Rafael Little (quadriceps) both are improving and will play Saturday.
"We really haven't had all that many (injuries) this spring, it's the ones held out of spring practice because of off-season surgeries that have been the problem," Brooks said. "As long as we get through Saturday without another significant injury, we'll be in relatively good shape going into the fall."
Quarterback coach Randy Sanders would like to see Fidler and/or Hartline show signs Saturday that spring practice has paid off for them. Both have received equal repetitions with Woodson as Brooks has tried to gauge which one could help the team the most if needed.
"Some days I am really encouraged, some days I am discouraged," Sanders said. "Sometimes it is one play I am encouraged and then discouraged on the next play. They have both made progress and are better. I am not totally displeased, but as a coach you would always like to be farther along than they are.
"They each have their own individual things they struggle with just like all players do. There are certain things they each do well and different things they don't do as well. But that's why we keep practicing and trying to improve."
Notes
â?¢ Admission and parking are free. ... Gates 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 will open at 11:30 a.m. and the game will be broadcast on the Big Blue Sports Network.
â?¢ The deadline for renewal of Kentucky football season tickets is Saturday. Tickets may be renewed over the Internet at ukathletics.com, in person at the UK Athletics Ticket Office in the Joe Craft Center, or by mail. Fans also may bring their season-ticket renewals to the Blue-White Game. UK personnel will accept renewals from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the ticket booth outside Gate 4 of Commonwealth Stadium.
