Is Minter Sexier Than Shannon?

With the recent announcement that Joker Phillips would be bringing in Rick Minter as co-defensive coordinator to serve beside Steve Brown there have been many questions. Will the Cats be switching to the 3-4? Is Minter the best hire to fix a defense that was consistently last in the league in rushing defense? Can he recruit? While there are questions about what Minter can bring to the table for the Cats going into the bowl game and next season,what is unquestionable is Minters training and experience.While not the sexy pick Kentucky fans wanted(enter Randy Shannon stage left) he is possibly the smartest pick a young head coach like Joker Phillips could have made.The first reason would be the obvious familiarity.Joker worked with Minter on the Cincinnatti staff for a stint and obviously has strong ties to Minter.One of the best moves a head coach can do is surround himself with personnel he trusts and is comfortable with.Minter obviously brings that to the table for Joker.Secondly Minters football resume reads like that of a seasoned defensive coordinator with an almost unbelievable football pedigree.When you look at the people Minter has been surrounded by his entire 30 year career it reads like a list of whos who in the game of football.Starting with Lou Holtz at Arkansas,Monte Kiffin and Pete Carroll at NC State,Lou Holtz again at Notre Dame,Rex Ryan as his defensive Coordinator at Cincinnatti,and Charlie Weis for his second stint at Notre Dame.If its true that we are a product of our environments Minter has made a career of choosing the right environment to develop into a fundamentally sound football coach.Thirdly Minter brings an undeniable dedication to fundamentals and execution as well as a humbleness not seen from coaches of his caliber.Minter knows the importance of working with his group personally on a daily basis and this stems from his dedication to his posistion coaching.Under Kiffin he developed that base of fundamental techniques to produce a philosophy on playing good sound defense,while he was with Holtz he used that influence to absorb many of his coaching techniques.Lou Holtz was possibly one of the greatest motivators to ever coach the game of football and never settled for anything less than a players best.Minter once again used his environment to transform himself into an even better coach and coordinator. His humbleness is evident in his actions as well as his words.Minter never took credit for his hugely successful 92-93 Notre Dame defense,instead he heaped all the praise and glory on his players and chalked it up to a good recruitng base to work with at Notre Dame.Minter has never been above learning defensive startegies from those that worked under him.He was constantly using his surroundings to learn from not only his coordinators but his posistion coaches as well.He communicated with his coordinators and posistion coaches and learned from them.He realized everyone has something to bring to the table and utilized their ideas as another part of his football education. His openess to realize theres more than one way to skin a cat in itself is a testament to not only the type of person he is but also what kind of coordinator he is.
While some Kentucky fans on the message boards expressed their dissapointment and wailed in grief over the notion of Shannon being taken away from them,Minter was on the practice field doing what he does best...teaching student athletes. There should be no dissapointment in the winningest coach in Cincinnatti football history and there certainly shouldnt be any regrets.Kentucky fans have hoped,prayed,and often screamed for the University and its Athletics Director to show the kind of commitment to football that other SEC schools are willing to show. Vanderbilt almost got themselves a ball coach who they were willing to pay millions of dollars to in exchange for raising their program out of the SEC cellar,what has Kentucky done? We have a recruiting room that looks like a banquet hall for a high school football awards ceremony,sub par sound and video boards,and a stadium that needs major upgrades.Not to mention that our basketball coach makes probably twice that of what our football coach makes.Kentucky consistently throughout the years has been dedicated to basketball,and in the basketball crazy state that we are,its rightly so. "If we could just get a big name to come here we could really turn this football program around".Does that sound familiar? Most fans love that notion.But who says that Minter is not a big caliber hire? Did Shannon sit in an office with Monte Kiffen?Did he go to lunch every day with Lou Holtz? Or does Rex Ryan consider him one of the best football minds in the game today?No,No and no. Is he a succesful coach who produced some heavily talented defenses and inumerable NFL players.Yes. But Minter has also fielded 18 players from a defense that went on to the NFL in his 92-93 Notre Dame squads. Im not debating the fact that Randy Shannon is not excellent defensive mind and he was most certainly surrounded by alot of great football minds both with the Hurricanes and the Dolphins,but instead I'm asking why Minter who has been surrounded by some of the greatest coaches to ever feild a team is not considered a big name hire? For a football fanatic like me just having the opportunity to meet guys like Kiffen,Holtz,Ryan and Weis woould be an honor,yet Minter has coached beside these men and lead a defense for one of the most storied programs in history twice(Notre Dame) and hes not a big name hire?
Rick Minter will bring alot to the table for this Kentucky football team.Hes shown before that if you give him the talent he can produce a league leading defense and win ball games.Minter preaches execution with a fire not many coaches can immitate.He understands that strong defensive production is is the end result of hard work,dedication and being fundamentally sound.Something Kentucky has obviously lacked in a lot of games this season.His defensive philosophy that a defense has to take away what its opposition does best and force them out of their comfort zone is not groundbreaking but its what this Kentucky squad needs.Just throwing in a wrinkle or two for this defense could be the difference in forcing more turnovers or continuing to be in the lower end of the SEC in defensive statistics.Diversity is the key.
"Matching the finesse and the flexibility of today's offenses, I think you have to be a little more diverse. I don't think you can always be locked in to having four guys with their hand on the ground. But you also have to be smart enough as a coach to do whatever it is your players can do."
-Rick Minter

Looks like we got ourselves a defensive coordinator.

Go Cats

Decisions,Decisions,Decisions

Its that time of year agian.We as Kentucky fans sit dissapointed in our living rooms contemplating yet another opportunity lost to those Volunteers of Tennessee.Its also that time of year that we as fans evaluate not only the regular season but the coaching staff as well.As I thought about what this team has accomplished this year and what they haven't and I cant help but defend our head ball coach. As a head coach there are a thousand different things that are instantly thrown on your plate after you sign that contract.Coaching football isnt only about the x's and O's .You have to determine your philosophy,goals and what youre going to do to properly execute your plan in a way that gives you the best chance to win.When youve decided on the manner in which your team is going to carry itself based on your philosophies you have to stick to those principles and goals regardless of what you and I (the fans)think.Joker couldve had one of the most aggressive schemes and prolific offensive attacks in the nation and we still would have had something to grumble about on these message boards.As a coach Joker should have enough character and guts to stick with what he has decided is the best for him,his team,and his philosophy.If he doesnt then hes obviouosly not what we need at Kentucky.The worst thing Joker could do is start giving in to pressures and attempt to change what he thinks is best for his group of men.Hes not Rich Brooks,Lou Holtz,or Bear Bryant hes Joker Phillips,and a completely unique individual.You soak up as much knowledge as you possibly can from these people if you were blessed enough to have known them, but you never stray from what makes you an individual.To be successful you have to be true to yourself. Obviously a coach should reexamine his tactics from year to year.He should know that some teams may do some things that will make his prior strategy more difficult to execute.Monitor and change minor things all the time, even game by game but your core beliefs must be permanent.For the future I think Joker needs to build this program on a sturdy foundation of fundamentals and principles. Getting this foundation starts with surrounding yourself with the quality people.You have to raise expectations and demands for you and youre staff and if they cant raise the level of thier own self expectations,then they need to go.You have to have a balance within youre group,offense,youth,experience,conservatism,and risk taking.There has to be diversity.Now while Joker has done a good job mostly of surrounding himself with good hires,one that is constantly questioned is Steve Brown. I do agree that he needs to weigh his d coordinators success over the course of his career and make an educated decision.Whether he decides to cut Brown loose or not he cant even waver a bit in this decision.This will be the measuring stick that will decide what type of coach he will be. Whatever decision he makes he needs to be fully prepared to stand by his decision and whatever the outcome of it may be.
To those that think we will never be anything besides SEC bottom feeders heres a qoute for you....A mans reach should exceed his grasp or whats heaven for?"

But for now lets continue to build that foundation and go win a bowl game.

Alonzo Harris Commits To Kentucky

Alonzo Harris has verbally commited to Kentucky's 2011 class.He is the 23rd memebr of the 25 allowable.He had offers from Florida State,Mississippi State,South Alabama,Southern Miss,and Tennessee.Looks like the coaches got a good grab with Alonzo who boasts a 4.4 40 time but appears to be a combination of a frontside runner and a cutback guy.From the looks of his recruiting video it appears as if Harris is a good combination of power,and elusiveness,something the Wildcats have not been used to.

The Ingredients To Win

Like any good chef a football coach knows exactly what ingredients he needs to create the perfect gameplan.Unfortunatley this will be a recipe for a team that has consistently beaten us for 25 years straight.As usual on paper Kentucky looks as if it should dominate.The Cats are averaging 34.7 points per game 441.5 yds offensively and allowing 28.9 points and 347 yds per game defensively.They are in the top five in several SEC statistical categories,while the Vols are only in the top five in a couple (F.G's,Interceptions,Pass Offense,and pass defense efficiency.)The Vols are allowing 25.6 points per game and 381.2 Yds defensively. As we've all seen this season looking at a Kentucky game on paper and automatically assuming a win is a mistake. This Vol team is 100 times better than they were at the start of the season,the defense has went from being 62nd in interceptions to 17th,and 3rd in the SEC.Their secondary is without a doubt talented.They have a good linebacking corps and a strong offensive line.Although they certainly have passing threats,what worries me the most is the rushing game.Poole is a powerful little runner who will be tough to defend,especially for a team that has done so poor against the rush. Poor tackling form in this game will cost the Cats.I hope Joker did alot of one on one tackling drills,sled work,dummy drills,etc last week because we could use the reps apparently. We simply have to get a push up front and get some penetration. Tyler Bray while a good quarterback with a strong arm,can be inconsistent at times as he showed at Vanderbilt. He threw 2 picks to Vandy and let the Dores hang around for a little longer than im sure Dooley wouldve wanted. If he's constantly having to move and step up into the pocket to avoid the rush hes going to have a hard time getting into a rythm.I am concerned about the play action possibilities as im sure Winston Guy will be brought up into the box quite a bit if Poole gets going,which will open up this defense to give up the big play.Steve Brown better bring plan A,B,and C,but it seems that he only has a plan A. Off and soft coverage,too much nickel,and no attack from the blitz would be a dangerous scheme to run against the Vols.Poole is best when running through the tackles and while he doesnt have the break away speed like Derrick Locke hes not afraid to square his shoulders and try to power through you or make you miss.But comparitively Bray has a strong arm great touch and has suprisingly good pocket presence for a Freshman QB.So if you stay mostly in the nickel you have the chance to get burnt by Poole but when you start running fire zone blitzes and expect defensive linemen to drop back youre looking at an obvious mismatch with poole as a recieving threat coming out of the backfield on a hot read. With a safety creeping up into the box theres always a chance with this team to give up a big play to Bray and his WR group.While I dont think an all out blitz the entire game is a good strategy,you have to get pressure from somewhere as it obviously hasnt come from the front 4.Steve Brown cannot let this defense become predictable,this is a Freshmen QB, sugar up your coverage and try to confuse his pre snap reads,walk that safety up when they come out with run heavy personnel,walk him up only to drop back into coverage,put those corners up on the line and press,then zone them on the flat a little,take away the inside routes.With all that said no amount of scheming can help this team if they cant tackle the ball carrier. Other than Danny T this group takes poor pursuit angles and often goes for the strip first instead of the ball carrier.Or simply just bounces off the runner.The big key in this game will be can Kentucky bring down the ball carrier. Offensively I think you have to be able to control the clock with time of possesion.When you have a defense thats questionable and an offense with explosive capabilities you have to keep them off the field. With Locke as healthy as possible and Cobb coming off an awesome game against Vandy you need to be commited to the ground game.You have to be able to consistently move the chains and manage the game.The Cats have to win the battle up front and get that surge.If the Cats come out with the turnover bug and give the Vols a short field,or consistently go three and out their first couple of possessions they absolutley cannot win this game.Obviously you cant become predictable on offense either,so you need to mix in play action and the short passing game a little.This is Hartlines bread and butter. You get the defense concerned with the run and those short completions and screens and you open up Chris Matthews on fades,posts,and go patterns.With UTs secondary being 3rd in the SEC in interceptions you cant give them a chance to utilize their strengths defensively. If Kentucky can limit penalties,manage the clock,avoid turnovers they have a real chance to win this game.

Why So Serious?

Youve got to love Stevie Johnson. Batman and Robin have nothing on this guy.

Vols Beat Vandy And Set Their Sights Toward Bowl Eligibility

As expected the Tennessee Volunters defeated Vandy Saturday and need one more win to become bowl eligible.It seems as if this scenario is presented to our Wildcats every year.The Volunteers seemingly always have motivation to come in to the rivalry with renewed passion.Whether it be Phil Fulmers last game,playing for bowl eligibility or simply just a chance to add another Kentucky notch in their belt,this team has haunted my dreams since i was old enough to know that orange was the worst color in the crayon box.It seems like every year they head into this matchup with a head full of steam and plenty of momentum.This year is no different.The Vols while starting slow, dismantled Ole Miss,something Kentucky could not do,and beat Vandy Saturday. While the score from Saturday does not indicate total Volunteer domination and was actually a somewhat lackluster performance it still gives the Vols confidence heading into Saturday trying to get that crucial sixth win.Tauren Poole rushed for 99 yards and the game sealing touchdown in what was a pathetic performance by both squads.The Vol offense failed to find any sort of consistency,going three and out,throwing picks and allowing Vandy to hang around in this game.Tyler Bray actually started the game very well completing 9 of his first 10passes leading the Vols to a 14-0 start.However the next two drives ended in interceptions and he continued his errent ways the rest of the game.While the offense failed to perform up to its expectations,the defense came to play.They blocked a field goal attempt and intercepted Funk twice,one being a crucial pick at the goal line.Comparitively Kentucky,while starting slowly against Vandy finished the second half strong on their way to a 38-20 win.The Cats definately looked more dominant against Vandy yet it comes as no suprise that there are major holes in this defense,specifically against the run.Kentucky has simply not been able to stop anyonme.If the tackling doesnt improve along with many other problems on the defensive side of the ball Kentucky could be in for a long game Saturday.

Keys to the game:

1)Pressure Tyler Bray.If you can consistently get into Brays face and hurry him he is fallable.While he looked brilliant against Memphis and Ole Miss,he simply couldnt maintain any consistency against Vandy.But if you allow him alot of time in the pocket he will hurt you.He has good size standing 6'6 and has the arm strength and touch that you want to see from your quarterback.But keep him on his back and have someone in his face consistently and he cant use it against you.Bray is an smart QB but he is young.It would be wise of Kentucky to sugar the coverage a little bit to try and throw him a look that will confuse him,but were talking about a Steve Brown led defense so dont think were going to see anything too extraordinary

2)Control the clock.Having Locke back gives the coaching staff a no brainer offensive gameplan,run the football.If you throw in a little bit of Sanders and Cobb in there you have a recipe for a three headed monster. Its time to bring out the game management strategy.

3)Play action.Establish the run early and show the Vols that you are commited to the ground game.If you do this you set the bait for the play action pass.

4)Utilize Hartlines strengths-While personally I like a good game manager,most fans dont.This is one game where Hartline shouldnt listen to the fans.If he can play smart and consistently move the chains on third down he gives Kentucky a good chance to win.Simply take what the defense gives you.Hartline has done an excellent job of doing this all season. I really like that he sits in the pocket and goes through his second and third progressions when that first one is not there and makes good decisions.He has shown he can throw the fade route,and has a good target in Matthews,but this is not his bread and butter.Work those slant routes,screens,and short out routes.Hand the ball off to your playmakers on the ground and work that clock.If the deep ball opens up burn them on the post.If its not there dont force it.Punting the football is not a bad play.

5) Defense- One of the most scrutinized phases of this team has certainly been this defense,and rightly so. The tackling has been awful.Ive seen poor pursuit angles,the first tackler going for the strip instead of the tackle and too many instances of the backside defenders getting burnt on a cutback.The only consistency ive seen from this defense is the fact that they cannot stop an athletic cutback runner.Besides Danny Trevathan every player on this defense has had difficulties in getting their hands on a shifty running back.Most of their bad pursuit angles area result of going with the flow of the play only to be fooled and having to adjust their angles then coming in too late.While they have had instances of having problems stopping powerful frontside runners,I feel more confident in thier abilities to stop a back who runs to the playside consistently and relies on his momentum and power,simply because of sheer numbers.With these power runners you can creep Winston Guy up into the box a little bit to help that front seven put some bodies on him.While theyre not the most fundamentally sound tacklers,no runningback can continue to run with three or four defenders on him.Poole is a physical runner with great vision and works best when he can get a burst of power and explosiveness and square up to the point of attack.He has the ability to run through defenders and keeps his legs churning until the whistle.While he lacks great breakaway speed he will run through you if you dont wrap him up.Kentucky had better have been using the off week to work on their tackling skills.There absolutley cannot be any arm tackles against Poole or he will make you pay.

6)Off Week Adjustments-Great teams use their off weeks to their advantage and come into their next game firing from both barrels.They use that extra week to fully prepare for their next opponent and get healthy.Joker needed to be working on fundamentals with this team and thats exactly what he said he was doing,working on making Kentucky better.It will be crucial for this coaching staff to have these guys ready to play.

7) Forget about the streak. The way I see it Joker Phillips is in his first year as head coach which means hes 0-0 against UT as the teams leader.While the streak is certainly intimidating this team should find motivation in knowing they can start their own streak.

No one was more pleased with the Vols failures this year than me.I gleefully watched from my couch as they were dismantled by Oregon,Florida,Georgia,and Bama.My enjoyment of thier loss to LSU was heightened by the fact that they actually had that game but failed to remeber that only 11 men are allowed on the field at any given time.I have consistently rooted against the Big Orange turds as long as I can remeber.As a Wildcat fan you're hatred for the Vols starts at an early age and stays with you your entire life.Yet all that hatred has never been rewarded with a Wildcat win.Heres a statistic,The Volunteers have been beating the Cats for more years than the current players have been alive.Not one player on this Kentucky team can say that they have beat Tennessee.Its downright depressing.This year is our best chance at ending the streak.Tennesse by its own standards is down this year along with the rest of the SEC east and we have to take advantage of it.We had an opportunity to make a run at it but lost our step and faltered,but we can redeem ourselves with a win Saturday. Regardless of what bowl we go to it will all be for nothing in my eyes if we lose to UT.This team has an opportunity to do something special by beating both Steve Spurrier and breaking the dreaded streak all in the same season.As a fan whether you like it or not this is our real bowl game. Can they do it?

Go Cats

Stevie Gets Loose On Jim Rome

Stevie Johnson appeared on the Jim Rome show today and gave a must hear interview.Jim Rome caleed him the best kept secret in the NFL-no more.They talked a little bit about how Stevie felt about being picked in the seventh round,and Stevie said that only bothers people with weak minds.He has proved his worth on the field.Towards the end of the interview Rome mentioned Stevies rap at Kentucky and basically put him on the spot and asked him to freestyle,and Steveie nailed it.After the interview Rome said he wanted to give him a corespondence piece and that he was the only player from a 1-7 team that would ever get that invite. Its great to see Stevie is still getin' loose with the Bills.Steve Johnson is the lone reason I would ever consider rooting for the Bills.