Jody Demling breaksdown Louisville’s visitor list for today’s game.  Most of the football recruits are being recruited by UK as well.  Today’s game will have a huge impact on in-state recruiting.

Hello Kentucky Football Faithful! There is a little over 24 hours until the 2010 Operation Win Wildcats hit the field and bring back the Governor’s Cup to Lexington, and I can’t wait. I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute to a site committed solely to UK football, a program that has given me so much over the past 5 years. If you don’t know me already, my name is Ross Bogue and I played Tight End last year for the Wildcats. Don’t remember me? I was mainly a Special Teams stalwart for the past four years. Still nothing?? OK, I was Will Fidler’s roommate. Originally from Georgia, I just recently moved up to Chicago to start the first chapter of Rich Brook’s critically acclaimed self-help book, Growing Up: Life After Football, Ch. 1 Get a Job.

I miss Lexington more and more everyday as I’m force-fed Big 10 TV networks, Baseball before Basketball and Football, and local cultural events circulating around this Blagojevich character instead of more important events like what really went down at Porcini’s. I can’t wait to get back to Lexington several times this year to see the Wildcats in action and watch this program reach new levels of greatness. I’ll be offering insight here and there throughout the season as we pave our way through the SEC. I’ll also be dedicating most weekends in Chicago to recruiting as many Bleed Blue Kentucky Football fans as possible and posting pictures and videos to show how dedicated the Wildcat Faithful truly are! Happy Labor Day weekend, BBK.

With football season kicking off last night, many fans can’t wait for Saturday’s Governor’s Cup.  Below are 10 things to watch for heading into the game. 

#1 Joker Phillips

The new face of the Cats has been pretty calm leading up the season opener, but how will he be on Saturday?  Fans will get their first look at the head coach in action.  For the past few seasons the head coach has been calling plays from the booth so what will his demeanor be like on game day?

#2 New coaching staff

Look for Mike Summers, David Turner, Tee Martin and Greg Nord to be roaming the sidelines while Randy Sanders is calling plays from the booth.  Martin and Sanders will communicate to ensure plays and audibles are handled correctly.  David Turner is very vocal and fans should expect to see him on the sidelines along with Mike Summers. 

#3 Mike Hartline

Is this the year Hartline silences his critics?  While he wasn’t the popular pick among the fan base, he has the support of his teammates.  Hartline needs to simply play within himself, run the offense and not look over his shoulder if he makes a mistake.  He already has two wins against Louisville under his belt. 

#4 Chris Matthews

Last season Matthews had difficulty learning the offense.  He has the size and ability to become one of the top receivers in the SEC.  With a year under his belt now, look for the senior to have a breakout season in 2010.  Matthews is also a huge part of UK’s running game with his ability to block on the outside. 

#5 Offensive Line

The Cats will start four new faces on the offensive line against Louisville.  Due to the inexperience of playing together, will the unit be able to pick up Charlie Strong’s blitz packages?  The staff expressed their concern this spring and fall about protecting the quarterback.  Due to the size advantage, look for the Cats to stick to the running game on Saturday.  Jordan Aumiller will start at tight end due to his blocking ability.  Will he provide an impact in the passing game?

#6 Defense

How will the Cats do against a spread offense?  Last year the Cats were shredded by Florida, Auburn and Mississippi State.  UK’s defense appears to be faster this year.  The key against Louisville will be avoiding the “big play”.  I’m most interested in watching the linebackers and secondary to see if they can create turnovers.  Fans should be excited about the debut of Donte Rumph.  It took Rumph two years to gain eligibility and the big fella appears to be a load up front on defense. 

#7 Special Teams

Joker Phillips renamed special teams to “special forces” when he took over the head coaching responsibilities.  The Cats are poised to win the field position battle with their kicking game.  Fans should look for more intensity, which could lead to game changing plays.  Joe Mansour has become a legend since he arrived on campus this summer.  Will he live up to the hype?

#8 Wildcat Package

Joker Phillips has stated he wanted to stay out of the “wildcat” as much as possible.  It will be interesting to see if the Cats run this package and how often.  If the offense becomes stagnate, look for Randall Cobb to be under center more than expected. 

#9 Newcomers

There are several freshmen who will see action on Saturday.  While most will primarily have roles on special teams, some are expected to receive key snaps.  Look for Joe Mansour, Raymond Sanders, Nermin Delic, Tyler Robinson, Donte Rumph and Jerrell Priester to see action.  Based on the camp reports, fans should be excited to see Mychal Bailey on the field.  He runs like a receiver and hits like a linebacker.  He will be fun to watch.  There are several redshirt freshmen who will make an impact, including Jordan Aumiller.  Look for Brian Adams on special teams and wide receiver.  He is one of the fastest players on the field.

#10 Key backups

There are several guys who will see action as backups.  Fans should be anxious to see Donald Russell as he is No 2 on the running back depth chart.  Right now, he is the future of the backfield.  However, Raymond Sanders and Brandon Gainer could receive carries as well.  Including the freshmen mentioned above, Qua Huzzie and Ridge Wilson will see action as well.  Could this group push for more playing time?  If Hartline is injured or struggles, who will staff bring in as the backup?  Will it be Morgan Newton or Ryan Mossakowski? 

IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN THE BLUEGRASS!  GO CATS!

Cat Scratches has a video of the head coach after practice today.  Joker said he is “excited” and “ready to go”.  The coach said the offense was a little slow getting started today.  He did refer to special teams as “special forces” again.  Look for the Cats to show more intensity on special teams in 2010.