Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Nick Roush, Kentucky Wildcats beat writer

This upcoming Saturday, the Florida Gators begin their 2014 SEC schedule against the Kentucky Wildcats. UK has gotten to a hot start so far, going 2-0 and looking much more athletic on both offense and defense.

There’s a lot more excitement surrounding this team in 2014 than in past years. We talked with Kentucky Wildcats beat writer Nick Roush of Kentucky Sports Radio about the Wildcats and the upcoming matchup in The Swamp.

Drew Laing: Despite just being two weeks into the season, there appears to be something different about Kentucky football this season…perhaps more excitement. Am I right about that? If so, what’s been the difference this season?

Nick Roush: You hit the nail on the head. The fan base is just as excited as the team. Earlier this week, Mark Stoops used the word “energy” to define his team’s identity. The difference is the influx of talent from the past two recruiting classes, but the problem with all of that young talent is they are mistake-prone. By making energy their manta, it can mitigate some stupid mistakes.

Laing: Talk about Patrick Towles’ progression from 2012 (when he last played) to this year. What areas has he most improved in?

Roush: Towles looks like a completely different player. Not only has he filled in his body and improved his athleticism, he spent a lot of time during his redshirt season and spring working with outside quarterback coaches (George Whitfield & Donny Walker) to quicken his release. As we’d say in Kentucky, his throwing motion had a hitch in its giddy-up. This year he’s done nothing but surprise, staying turnover free while displaying some running abilities against Ohio. His big arm has allowed Neal Brown to run his preferred style of offense – Air Raid, if you will – which has the potential to keep up with the best SEC defenses.

Laing: One of the most noticeable things about UK in 2014 is the amount of big plays they’ve had. It seems they have several big play guys, but who would you consider the most dangerous?

Roush: Braylon Hear’s game one stat line was incredible: two carries, two touchdowns and 116 yards. Unfortunately, he tweaked his ankle a bit at the end of the second carry and will be questionable Saturday. The two most exciting players are freshmen outside wide receivers: Blake Bone and Dorian Baker. Those two names should haunt Florida fans in the future. A perfect balance, Baker is the strong and silent type, 6-foot-4, but built like an outside linebacker. Bone is a big personality with a wide range of skill. Standing 6-foot-5 with arms that can tie his shoes while standing up, Bone is a jump ball threat that has proven he can YAC it too, take a screen pass 29 yards for a touchdown during his debut.

Laing: Arguably the team’s most important player has been AJ Stamps. Describe the impact he’s had on the defense and the team as a whole.

Roush:  Stamps gives the Cats a much needed playmaker in open space. The 2013 Junior College All-American began his Kentucky career with a stellar one-handed interception, only to follow it up with multiple big hits in the run game. The secondary has always been Mark Stoops’ speciality and he finally has an exceptional athlete that can cover the deep third while still providing run support.

Laing: The Cats have lost 27 straight to the Gators, but if JoJo Kemp’s words indicate anything, they certainly are confident they can beat Florida in The Swamp. In your opinion, what does UK have to do for Kemp’s words to come true Saturday night?

Roush: Finish.  Kentucky struggled to finish sacks on defense and drives on offense last vs. Ohio, coming up without points on two red zone trips.  You simply cannot let opportunities fall into your lap and let them go.  I’m confident Kentucky can move the ball, but how well will Brown’s offense work when the field shrinks in the red zone?

Laing: What’s your prediction for Saturday? Does UK snap the 27-game losing streak?

Roush: 31-17, Gators.  It wouldn’t be impossible for the Cats to pull off the upset, but after watching a few minutes of last week’s game vs. Eastern Michigan, the Florida Gators looked like the Florida Gators again. Matt Jones looks like a a Chris Johnson mini-me, Vernon Hargreaves is probably the best cornerback in the country, and Dante Fowler can’t move without his presence being felt.

Kentucky coaches and players are using this game as a “measuring stick.”  If they can keep it close through three quarters, I don’t believe the #BBN will be disappointed.

As always, a huge thank you to Nick Roush for participating!

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.