Erpenbeck previews Saturday's SEC East clash
1. Four Kentucky freshmen were suspended earlier this week for Saturday's game. How will their absence effect the Wildcats' plan?
Two of the four suspended players were set on being redshirted this year: Drew Barker and Tymere Dubose. Stanley "Boom" Williams and Dorian Baker are the headline players for the suspension. Baker's absence can be huge. It takes away depth from UK's wide receiver position, and he's second on the team for catches. Javess Blue's return to the lineup was helpful against Vanderbilt, but missing wide receiver depth can be a blow to the team. Williams is a decent running back, but he's young. He adds speed to the backfield, but the team can be fine going with Jojo Kemp and starter Braylon Heard. Williams' absence might be most felt in kick returns.
2. Based on how the team played against Florida and Vanderbilt, it looks like Kentucky is a much better team this year. What difference have you seen between this season and last?
An improved defense is the most notable aspect, especially with the front seven. [Head coach Mark] Stoops' defensive recruits are playing really well, and the veteran-laden secondary has stepped up its game. A stable quarterback situation has also contributed to the greater win total this season, but it's definitely the improved defense that has had the biggest impact on the team.
3. As he tends to do, Steve Spurrier has taken some shots at Kentucky this week. How does the fan base in Lexington feel about the Head Ball Coach?
I can't speak for the entire fan base in Lexington. I know some fans who hate Steve Spurrier, regardless of what he says at a press conference. His time at Florida is a big contribution to that, but his current stint at South Carolina is starting to irk some of the younger fans as well. There are other fans that know Spurrier as brutally honest and don't really pay any mind to his comments about what UK's speed was like 10 or 15 years ago.
4. How impressed have you been with quarterback Patrick Towles this year coming off a redshirt season?
Semi-impressed. Patrick Towles is a home-grown Kentucky boy, so it's good seeing him be productive with UK's offense. He played a little bit during his freshman year (the year he was actually supposed to redshirt), so his capability has always been sort of known. He's been inconsistent in his last two games and turnover prone (four interceptions and a lost fumble), but he's exceeded most preseason expectations overall.
5. What player do you think could have a breakout performance against South Carolina?
Freshman wide receiver Garrett Johnson has been a great asset on the offense. His playing time will definitely increase with Baker's absence, and he may even start in the game. Look for him to be a deep threat against South Carolina.
Prediction:
Final score: 31-17 South Carolina. The Gamecocks are going to come in angry after their poor performance against Missouri, and their defense is good enough to give UK fits. The game might be close at halftime (17-7), but a lack of a consistent offense might wear down the Cats' defense in the second half.
P.S. The suspension didn't change the line of thought about the game. UK's chances of winning aren't very high even with all four freshmen on the team.