Kentucky talking up its improved defense

[WildcatRick]

After working its way back into Southeastern Conference relevance with its offensive explosiveness, Kentucky intends to defend that status with its defense at the forefront.

“We should be the best defensive team that I’ve had,” said sixth-year coach Rich Brooks, who became the second Wildcats coach ever to win bowl games in consecutive seasons — joining Bear Bryant — with December’s Music City Bowl win over Clemson.

"Our defensive front is outstanding, our secondary, our linebackers. We have depth, competition and experience.”

That’s a turnaround from the balance of his Kentucky tenure. The Wildcats allowed a league-worst 29.6 points per game last fall and ranked in the bottom quarter of the SEC in rushing defense and total defense.

In a conference that proves the adage of offense selling tickets and defense winning championships, it’s a welcome development for Brooks.

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/SPORTS0601/80725081/1002/SPORTS

[johnkyblue]

8 starters return? I recall the graduation of a LB, DE, and ?

[RV]

8 starters return? I recall the graduation of a LB, DE, and ?

Safety Roger Williams

[Brian McCat]

Our numbers last year were greatly inflated by 3 and 4 OT games against Tennessee and LSU, so really, they weren't as bad as the statistics say.

[RV]

Last year we ranked #80 in scoring defense for the season @ 29.6 ppg.

If you factor out the extra scoring in the overtimes our scoring average becomes 27.2 ppg and that would have moved us up 19 spots to #61.

Taking a closer look, our offense gave up points on 3 fumble returns, an interception return and a safety. Special teams gave up 2 kickoff returns for TD's as well. Factoring out those points the D gave up a very respectable 23.8 ppg average which would have placed us at #41.

Barring any overtime games, I expect our defensive scoring average to be at least in the low to mid 20's for this upcoming season and somewhere in the top 35 nationally.

[poodoo]

“We should be the best defensive team that I’ve had,” said sixth-year coach Rich Brooks, who became the second Wildcats coach ever to win bowl games in consecutive seasons — joining Bear Bryant — with December’s Music City Bowl win over Clemson.

"Our defensive front is outstanding, our secondary, our linebackers. We have depth, competition and experience.”



http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/SPORTS0601/80725081/1002/SPORTS

I think the same, and KNOCK ON WOOD. :) Too, thanks for the link, Rick.

[UKFBFAN]

I am also glad to be discussing defense. I respect what RV has to say. He has the stats to back up his knowledgeable opinions. I expect defense to win a lot of games for us this year. i.e. If the other team doesn't score as many points, we don't have to score as many to beat them. We don't have to score every time...just more than they do.