Thursday, July 29, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Kentucky Wildcats


By Dan Harralson

The 2010 Kentucky football season will be a monumental one. A true Kentucky football guy, Joker Phillips, takes over the reigns for Rich Brooks. Phillips has been on all levels of the Kentucky football program. Deserving of the promotion to head coach, Phillips played for the Big Blue from 1981-1984. The former UK wide receiver helped record back-to-back Hall of Fame Bowl's. Kentucky lost to West Virginia 20-16 (1983) and defeated Wisconsin 20-19 (1984.) Phillips not only helped UK to back-to-back bowl appearances, but he also was on the last UK team to defeat Tennessee. Tennessee has recorded the NCAA's longest active winning streak against an opponent (Kentucky, 24 games.) Phillips and the 1984 'Cats defeated the Vols 17-12, in Knoxville. Quickly after his playing career, Joker joined UK as a graduate assistant (1988-89.) Bill Curry took over in 1990, after being let go from Alabama. Phillips was promoted to assistant recruiting coordinator until serving as wide receivers coach from 1991-96. Coach Phillips did not come back to Lexington until 2003 (serving as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach again.) In 2005, Rich Brooks promoted Joker to offensive coordinator. He is taking full reigns over a football program that has been to four consecutive bowl games. Kentucky has not seen this type of football success since Bear Bryant walked the Lexington sidelines. Bryant led Kentucky to four bowl games in five seasons (1947-51.) Having Randy Sanders (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach) and Tee Martin (wide receivers coach) on staff, these two individuals will bring an understanding of SEC recruiting. Phillips' offense has increased in numbers the past three seasons. Look for Kentucky to make a fifth consecutive bowl bid this season. Playmakers Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb will lead the Big Blue to 8 or 9 wins.