Cats prepare for ‘most important game of season’

Mississippi State is hardly a Southeastern Conference power. But every year, UK’s matchup with the SEC West foe seems to prove decisive in the outcome of its season.

Last season, Matt Roark blocked an extra point to give the Cats (4-3, 1-3 SEC) a one point win over the Bulldogs on the road, making them bowl-eligible. Two years ago, Mississippi State stunned a sleepwalking UK team 31-14, holding them back from a potentially charmed SEC season.

This year is no different, many players said.

“It’s one of those games we have to win,” senior guard Christian Johnson said.

UK head coach Rich Brooks said the reason why the game is always so important could be because both teams are fighting to leave the league cellar.

“I think when you’re in the lower half of the league, historically, to get to the upper half you not only have to knock off some of those big boys up there but you also have to beat the guys who are like you,” Brooks said. “Mississippi State and Kentucky have been like each other for a long time.”

Mississippi State (3-5, 1-3 SEC) will be gunning for another win in Commonwealth Stadium after nearly upsetting Louisiana State earlier this season and playing No. 1 Florida within 10 points this weekend.

When the Bulldogs knocked off UK in 2007, the Cats were without several key offensive contributors. UK appears to be without senior cornerback Trevard Lindley this time around and could be without senior linebacker Micah Johnson.

Led by senior tailback Anthony Dixon, who gashed UK for 75 yards and a touchdown in 2007, Mississippi State employs an offense similar to Florida’s.

New Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen was previously the offensive coordinator for the Gators, who hung 31 points on UK in the first quarter earlier this season.

Even though Mullen no longer has the talent he had at Florida, the players will make sure to look out for a quick start on Saturday.

“I think it’s definitely the most important game of this season,” senior defensive tackle Corey Peters said. “Not only because of where it falls but also because we want to go to better bowl games.”

Brooks nixes idea of black jerseys

Fans are being encouraged to wear black to the Mississippi State game in hopes of ‘blacking out’ Commonwealth Stadium on Halloween night.

That sparked the annual speculation that the Cats could be busting out black jerseys.

Players were excited by the idea of black jerseys, but still weren’t sure what the plans were.

“That would be pretty neat if we did have black jerseys,” sophomore safety Matt Lentz said. “But the only information I have is that students told me it says ‘blackout’ on the tickets.”

Brooks, however, was less than enthused with the idea of breaking out an alternate black uniform.

“I haven’t seen black in our school colors,” Brooks said. “I think we’re blue and white and that’s that. I’m an old traditionalist, I guess. They tried to sell me on black shoes too. That didn’t work out.”