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Staying healthy key for Cats

August 20, 2008

In less than two weeks - 11 days to be exact - Kentucky's football team will open a new season.

A new year brings forth hope and excitement wrapped with uncertainty. One game at a time, those expectations - good and bad - will be filled when the Wildcats open the season on Aug. 31 against the University of Louisville.

The following are five burning questions to ponder between now and opening kickoff.

How good will Kentucky be at quarterback?

One month ago, the question was who was going to be the Kentucky's starting signal caller. Since winning the job before camp even opened, Mike Hartline has been trying to prove himself on the practice field.

Hartline has the credentials, but the key will be whether or not he can overcome a learning curve in a short amount of time. Staying healthy also is a big factor.

How good will the running game be?

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has all of the faith in the world in Tony Dixon, Alfonso Smith, Moncell Allen and Derrick Locke, all of whom can run. The biggest question is who will emerge as a bigger threat to catch and run the ball with the same amount of consistency, considering Kentucky's offense is centered around multiple sets.

What about wide receiver?

That's a good question. Who else is going to complement Dicky Lyons Jr.? Coach Rich Brooks and offensive coordinator Joker Phillips hope a clone of Steve Johnson will emerge. Maybe a hidden jewel is found in this year's freshman crop.

How good is the defense?

It's better than it's ever been since Brooks has been at Kentucky. If the front four, middle trio and the four secondary specialists stay healthy, the unit has the potential to be good - make that very good.

What needs to happen for things to fall into place?

Two years ago, Kentucky had the best turnover-margin ratio in the nation. The Wildcats slipped in that category last year, but need to step it up again this time around.

Hartline must develop his confidence early and the running backs need to dominate each time the ball is touched.

The bottom line, of course, is staying healthy.

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