Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt reacts against the Florida Gators during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The one thing that the Kentucky Wildcats football team will NOT have going for them is the element of surprise against Georgia. Some Bulldog fans and even the team felt they were not prepared and overlooked the Gators last week. Don’t expect that to happen this week.
"Georgia coach Mark Richt is having a tough time keeping his players quiet about the lack of preparation that led to a 38-20 loss to Florida last weekend. Senior linebacker Ramik Wilson told media Monday night that he felt like Georgia underestimated the Gators because of the recent success they’ve had in the series. “We weren’t ready to play,” said Wilson, who also noted the Bulldogs “got too comfortable” after beating Florida in each of the past three years. Junior defensive lineman Sterling Bailey echoed his teammate’s comments by saying he felt his team was “overconfident” going into the game. “Instead of focusing and executing our defensive game plan, we were too comfortable. We were overconfident, and we didn’t respect our opponent,” Bailey said. “I think recent years played a huge part in it as well.” Richt wasn’t happy about his players specking out about how they felt about Florida and wanted to make sure it wasn’t perceived as a slight to the Gators. “I think that’s why sometimes I don’t want anyone to talk to the media,” Richt said. “That’s what I think. We have a lot of respect for everybody we play.”"
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
In case you have not done so, go check out Corey Prices “Inside the Numbers” piece on Damien Harris. He has a complete rundown on all of Harris’ numbers for his high school career and where he stands in Kentucky football lore. And then realize that he can be a game changing commitment for Kentucky Wildcats Football.
"What Kentucky didn’t have in its 2014 class, however, was a player ranked No. 1 at his position. That could change this February. The Wildcats are one of five schools still in the running for Damien Harris, the top-ranked running back and No. 10 player in the class of 2015. Harris is also the highest-rated prospect from Kentucky in the Rivals database. The Richmond (Ky.) native estimates that he has visited the school between 10-12 times — he lives about 20 minutes from campus — and says the coaching staff has displayed a sense of “urgency” with his recruitment. For Kentucky, the impact of landing Harris could transcend stiff arms, jukes and touchdowns runs. “I think he sends a message nationally, which is what you want in recruiting,” said Mike Farrell, the national recruiting director of Rivals.com. “He’s a local recruit, but he’s become such a big name that it’s going to send a message to recruits all over the country: ‘Hey, maybe I should take a look at Kentucky.’” As for the schools Kentucky is competing with for Harris, the list is full of the ones you’d probably expect: Alabama, Florida, Ohio State and Texas A&M. Harris was once committed to Michigan, but elected to renounce his pledge in January after offensive coordinator Al Borges was fired. He says he has a strong relationship with Ohio State’s coaching staff; likes Texas A&M’s recent progress and fast-paced offense; and that Alabama’s and Florida’s names speak for themselves, highlighting their histories of winning and producing NFL draft picks. When Kentucky first offered Harris a scholarship before coach Mark Stoops was hired in November 2012, Harris said he didn’t consider the school a realistic option. The Wildcats’ turnaround under Stoops has changed his mindset. After going winless in SEC play and 2-10 last season, Kentucky is one win away from qualifying for its first bowl game since 2010."