Kentucky Wildcats Football: Final Bye-Week Could Give Cats Boost for 6th Win

After starting the season 5-1, they’re now riding a 5 game losing streak right into this bye week. Midway through, the bye we had a chance to catch up with the coaches and a few players to discuss this week and their final week of regular season play. This isn’t just any week of game prep, though. It’s an in-state rivalry with the Governor’s Cup and bowl eligibility at stake. There is no more, “we’ll get the sixth win next week”, you get the sixth win here or you hand the shoulder pads until spring.

Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

With inconsistencies on both sides of the ball through the second half of the season, the players are getting back to the basics with this time off. “Fundamentals” was a favorite buzz-word among the coaching staff today. Senior Bud Dupree said, “We are doing all fundamentals this week, it seems like we’ve started over like when they [the coaches] first got here. Things like blocks and other fundamental things like pass coverage, we’re doing a lot more one-on-ones with the offense just to build that enthusiasm back up.”

Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky took Sunday and Monday off after their loss down in Knoxville on Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday they went back at it, getting after those “fundamentals” everyone was talking about. Dupree said they need it after 8-straight games (7 SEC). He described his body as “feeling like it got hit by a truck” most days. Fellow senior, Javess Blue agreed saying, “That’s the truth. That’s just the SEC and something that we expect so its pretty tough on us but at the same time we just have to bounce back and take it all in this bye week and get it back together.”

Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Javess Blue (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The bye week is coming at a good time for Kentucky. It could give the Cats the momentum and recovery they need to get over the 5-win hump. After multiple conference losses and the final game of the season quickly approaching the Cats could use some R&R. Mississippi State, Missouri, and Tennessee all defeated the Cats coming off their own bye-weeks. With Louisville battling Notre Dame over the weekend and their starter under center out for the remainder of the season, it could be a perfect storm for Stoops and co.

Sep 27, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) celebrates during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

This week isn’t just relaxation at the UK football facilities, however, Louisville prep is underway. Bud Dupree says that several players have taken charge and set up assignments for watching Louisville’s game like envisioning plays and watching extra film.

Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

On top of the obvious perks for going bowling, there’s an added bonus: extra practice. The coaches said it’s like having another month of spring practice and is good for the freshman. Everyone up at the podium talked about the scout team players that have impressed; some reoccurring names: Bunchy Stallings, Nico Firios, and Jared Tucker.

Mark Stoops, DJ Eliot, Neal Brown, Bud Dupree and Javess Blue’s full comments can be watched below.