Week 5: Western Kentucky at Kentucky

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks hopes his team was scared straight in terms of its work ethic and focus after nearly losing two weeks ago to MTSU, whose Hail Mary pass was stopped one yard shy of a potential game-winning touchdown. UK used its bye week to catch its breath and refocus, as Western Kentucky enters Commonwealth Stadium to try for its own upset bid.

This is the first meeting of WKU and UK, which are separated by a mere 120 miles. UK is 3-0, and a win over WKU would keep the Wildcats undefeated entering a stretch of eight consecutive SEC games. WKU is not eligible for postseason play during its transition year into the FBS, and it doesn’t enter the Sun Belt Conference until next season. So the UK game may be the highlight of the Hilltoppers’ season.

UK needs to win this one more convincingly than its 20-14 escape from MTSU, which WKU defeated last season. Brooks has tried to shake things up. He opened up multiple positions for competition during the bye week — particularly kicker and wide receiver — but most questions are still unanswered. Loose ends need to be tied up before SEC play.
 
Quarterback Mike Hartline is coming off his best performance, but there are still questions about his effectiveness. Freshman quarterback Randall Cobb, an electric runner and passer, is out with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, WKU starting quarterback K.J. Black is set to return from injury after a two-game absence.

Notes:

UK offensive tackle Garry Williams, an All-SEC selection, will return from a knee injury. Middle linebacker Micah Johnson and defensive tackle Rickey Lumpkin are doubtful with ankle injuries.

UK has the nation’s fourth-longest active non-conference winning streak at 12. Only Boston College (19), LSU (16) and Georgia (13) have a longer active non-league winning streak.

UK is WKU’s third in-state opponent this season. The Hilltoppers beat Murray State 50-9 and Eastern Kentucky 37-13.

The Hilltoppers are coming off a home-opening win at renovated L.T. Smith Stadium in front of a school-record crowd of 22,297. WKU renovated the stadium to accompany its jump to FBS this season and next year’s move to the Sun Belt Conference.

Key Player (Hilltoppers) — Tyrell Hayden, RB

A Lexington, Ky. native, Hayden will be primed for a breakout game in front of his hometown fans. After Hayden rushed for 1,134 yards last year, he has only 131 yards and one TD this season.

Key Player (Wildcats) — Mike Hartline, QB

He passed for a career-high 254 yards and two TDs against MTSU, but fans still think Cobb brings more flare to the offense. While Cobb is injured, Hartline needs to show the extent of his quarterbacking talent.

Kentucky by 21