The Wildcats finally won a bowl game in 2006, after missing the post-season for six straight years. Before winning the Music City Bowl the Wildcats went 7- 5 during regular season play. The Wildcats finished a surprising season with an 8-5 record, which also included a much celebrated win at home over the Georgia Bulldogs. With 17 returning starters and a top-25 spot going in to next season, can the Wildcats do it again? Can they do better? Or was last season a flash in the pan?
Defense: The Wildcats must improve its defense in 2007, which was ranked as one of the worst in the nation last season. The defense gave up 100 yards more per game than any other SEC team, ranking them last in the conference. Kentucky’s new defensive coordinator, Steve Brown, hopes to turn around the defense. Possibly the biggest defensive return is Wesley Woodyard, who had 122 tackles last season, which ranked him second in the SEC. Myron Pryor and Jeremy Jarmon return as the team's sack leaders. The Wildcat’s leader in interceptions, Marcus McClinton, will also be returning.
Offense: With an impressive 63% completion average, 3,515 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions in the 2006 season, a lot of hype has been centered on returning quarterback Andre Woodson. Woodson is expected to have an even better season this year with key receivers Keenan Burton and Dicky Lyons Jr. returning. The Cats need to improve the running game, which lacked production last season. Rushing leader Rafael Little will return in 2007, Little had 140 carries, 673 yards, and 3 touchdowns last season.
Returning Starters
Offense (7):
TE - Jacob Tamme (6-5, 240, Sr.)
LT - Garry Williams (6-3, 290, Jr.)
LG - Christian Johnson (6-4, 325, Jr.)
WR - Keenan Burton (6-2, 195, Sr.)
WR - Dicky Lyons, Jr. (5-11, 190, Jr.)
QB - Andre' Woodson (6-5, 230, Sr.)
TB - Rafael Little (5-10, 195, Sr.)
Defense (8):
DT - Myron Pryor (6-1, 300, Jr.)
DE - Jeremy Jarmon (6-3, 268, So.)
SLB - Johnny Williams (6-3, 240, Jr.)
MLB - Braxton Kelley (6-0, 226, Jr.)
WLB - Wesley Woodyard (6-1, 212, Sr.)
SS - Roger Williams (6-0, 204, Sr.)
FS - Marcus McClinton (6-1, 210, Jr.)
CB - Trevard Lindley (6-0, 175, So.)
Specialists (2):
PK - Lones Seiber (5-9, 185, So.)
P - Tim Masthay (6-2, 185, Jr.)
2007 Schedule
Sept. 1 - EASTERN KENTUCKY
Sept. 8 - KENT STATE
Sept. 15 - LOUISVILLE
Sept. 22 - at Arkansas
Sept. 29 - FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Oct. 4 - at South Carolina
Oct. 13 - LSU
Oct. 20 - FLORIDA
Oct. 27 - MISSISSIPPI STATE
Nov. 10 - at Vanderbilt
Nov. 17 - at Georgia
Nov. 24 - TENNESSEE
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