Kentucky takes a break from the SEC action this week to play non-conference opponent Eastern Kentucky. This game will be understated and will fly under the radar. But that may be good for both teams.

Last weekend, an Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman was killed in a car accident. Even though the game will be played in Lexington, Kentucky is planning on honoring freshman Joey Kramer and giving everyone there time to reflect and pay tribute.

It won’t be easy for the Colonels to play a football game against their in-state rival after losing a teammate so suddenly, and while they will most likely try to rally together for a win in Kramer’s honor, the Wildcats look too strong to be pushed over. Nor will the Wildcats willingly let that happen. However, in this situation it also may not be appropriate for the Wildcats to obscenely run up the score.

What Kentucky should use this game to do, then, is reflect on the state of its team — both what has been working and what has not.

It feels like there are more items in the “working” column than the “not working” column, especially when compared to seasons past. Kentucky has solid running backs, a reliable quarterback, and first-rate defense. The Wildcats have also proven that they’ve overcome the old Kentucky attitude, the tendency to fall apart or make more mistakes at the first sign of trouble, the aura of defeatism. Last Saturday was a prime opportunity for Kentucky to slide back into its own mindset as penalty after penalty was piled on them, not all of them valid. But the Wildcats stayed progressive and played smartly out of those holes. These were crucial components to Kentucky’s victory over Missouri.

But even as Kentucky will strive to sustain the positives next Saturday, it needs to also take time to self-evaluate its growth areas. Is the offensive line doing everything it absolutely can to protect Patrick Towles? There have plenty of moments in the last two games where it has not, leaving Towles open to hurries and hits. Is the Wildcats secondary playing up to its potential? There were missed opportunities for interceptions against Missouri. And because Kentucky now has the confidence and is able to overcome mistakes, are the Wildcats playing too conservative? The last thing Mark Stoops wants is to become the Butch Jones of Week 5.

You never want to look too far ahead of the game you have coming up, but the temptation is too strong here. Directly after the Colonels, the Wildcats get their chance at the Auburn Tigers, a team that — dare I say it — looks very much within their reach. If Kentucky takes time to play with a self-critical eye against Eastern Kentucky, the offensive line will be that much stronger, the secondary will create that extra turnover, and the play-calling will produce those critical extra points.

The rest of Kentucky’s schedule could just be its oyster.

EASTERN KENTUCKY COLONELS CLOSER LOOK

Top Week 4 player, offense: Bennie Coney, Jr., QB — Coney had a banner day when it came to driving the Colonels to their slaughter of Austin Peay. He went 28 of 35, 261 yards, and one touchdown. He’s also been known to run it when needed.

Top Week 4 player, defense: Noah Spence, Jr., DL — The Colonels’ second-leading tackler also has some other impressive numbers. Spence has accounted for three sacks for 19 yards, five tackles for a loss for 21 yards, three quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

Top Week 4 player, special teams: Lucas Williams, So., K — Williams has been perfect, with his longest field goal at 42 yards. He may find himself in the game frequently against the Wildcats.