SUPER BOWL 2012

BleedBlue7
WT Executive Moderator

Who: Louisville Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Where: Commonwealth Stadium
When: September 17, 2011

The 2-0 Kentucky Wildcats play host to the 1-1 Louisville Cardinals in the annual "Governors Cup" state bragging rights game.

A little recent history of the rivalry:

UK leads 14-9 All Time
2010 in Louisville: UK 23 UL 16
2009 in Lexington: UK 31 UL 27

Players of Interest

UK:

• Josh Clemons- The stud freshman running back exploded onto the scene in only his second game of his college career. Last week, Clemons ran for an astounding 126 yards on just 14 carries. On top of this outstanding game, he also set the University of Kentucky record for longest rush, longest rush by a freshman, and longest rush by any player since 1970 on his 87 yard touchdown rush on Saturday. Clemons was named the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week.
• Danny trevathan/Winston Guy- I'm combining these two defensive players. Both of which recorded 13 total tackles against CMU on Saturday. Both players lead the Wildcats in tackles, Trevathan with 26 and Guy with 23 on the season. Trevathan extended his streak of double digit tackles to 12 games last weekend. These two are without a doubt the heart and soul of Kentucky's defense.
• Morgan Newton: The junior QB has had his fair share of struggles this season. In the season opener against WKU, many fans was calling for his head, and even during the 1st half of the CMU game. But in the 2nd half, Newton was a completely different player. Newton is the 2nd leading rusher on the team, telling us all he has the skills to run the ball, unlike the typical UK QB in our pro-style offense. In addition in the 2nd half, because of UK's rushing success, he hit La'Rod King on a beautiful 46 yard touchdown pass. Newton is seemingly finding his stride, and the UL game will tell us a lot about the junior QB.
• La'Rod King: Kentucky's #1 receiver is without a doubt La'Rod King so far this season. The junior WR has a total of 7 catches, 142 yards, and 2 TD's through two games of the season. He has had some "oopsies" this season. But, he is UK's most consistent receiver. The closest receiver is Gene McCaskill with 3 receptions and 43 yards.
• Ryan Tydlacka: Tydlacka has been putting up outstanding numbers punting the football so far this season. Averaging 48 yards per punt, and having a season best of a 59 yard bomb. He has consistently pinned the opposing offense back deep , which sets our defense up in nice position.

UL:

• Will Stein- The Cardinals shot caller under center had a career night last week against FIU going 30-43 for 349 yards and two TD's.
• Victor Anderson/Jeremy Wright- Both Vic and Wright lead the Cards in rushing with very similar numbers. Vic has 102 yards on the year while Wright has 100 yards on the year in two games thus far. Look for both to continue splitting carries against the Cats.
• Josh Chichester- The senior TE leads the Cardinals in receiving thus far. With 8 receptions and 150 yards. But No TD's as of yet.
• Devante Parker- The freshman wide receiver has made quite a name for himself thus far in the season in his young career. catching 7 passes for 107 yards and a team leading two touchdown catches.

Areas of Interest

1. Joker Phillips has stated that opening the playbook to utilize more of Josh Clemons and Morgan Newtons running abilities is going to continue. With the Cats continued struggles in the passing game, look for Louisville to load the box and bring quite a bit of pressure, early and often, to counter act the rushing attack. Will the Cats continue to run the ball successfully with Clemons/Newton despite Louisville loading the box?
2. The Louisville offensive line has been attrocious, at best, so far this season. I expect Kentucky to attack this weakness early and often bringint pressure to Will Stein. Louisville has given up seven sacks thus far in the season, SIX of which came last week against FIU. Look for that to continue with Rick Minter calling plenty of stunts to attack the weak UL offensive line. Will the Cats successfully bring pressure to Will Stein and force him to make mistakes?
3. The Louisville secondary has been awful thus far as well. Last week, FIU receiver T.Y. Hilton, torched the Louisville secondary for 201 yards receiving on seven catches and two touchdowns. While at the same time, Kentucky has struggled greatly in the passing department, having only one true receiver in La'Rod King. Look for the Cats to attack UL with the rushing attack and look to King deep early and often on play actions. Will Kentucky have a successful passing game against the terrible UL secondary?
4. Danny Trevethan, Winston Guy, and the Wildcats defense has been stellar so far in the season. trevathan has a streak of 12 games with double digit tackles. While Winston Guy is just making plays everywhere on the field. The Cardinals have out up some pretty decent numbers in the air with Will Stein at QB. But as previously stated, the UL offensive line has been struggling greatly. On top of bringing pressure against Will Stein with UL's terrible pass protection, can the UK secondary keep putting up solid numbers defending the Cardinals solid receivers?

This is truly one of the best times of football season for the state of Kentucky. The Cats vs. the Cards always is a nail biter. Despite both teams struggles, look for this to be one close football game.

Who will win the annual "Governors Cup" and have state bragging rights?

BB7's Prediction:

Kentucky 24
Louisville 17