After battling a tough game early this past Thursday, the Wildcats come home for a noon showdown with the Central Michigan Chippewas. Looking at the MAC opponent, there is not a lot to see at a glance. However, the program has drastically changed since losing head coach Butch Jones and quarterback Dan LeFevour to graduation. But after having a 3-9 year last season, and a 21-6 victory over South Carolina State in this year’s opener, the Chippewas now hope to match up against the SEC opponent in the Wildcats. Looking at the score of both teams, you don’t see a lot of offense. But both schools managed to hold their respective opponents under ten.
[B]Offense: [/B]The Chippewas are coming off an average offensive game with only 258 total yards against an MEAC opponent. Junior quarterback Ryan Radcliff lead CMU with 14 for 27 on passing for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The rushing is lead by sophomore Zurlon Tipton, who rushed 18 times for 73 yards and one touchdown. On the receiving end, the MAC team was led by junior Cody Wilson, who had 4 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. When looking at stats, one thing that meets the eye is big plays. Central Michigan had two big plays that were over 40 yards to score, and one rushing touchdown that was near the goal line. One score was 67 on a pass by Radcliff, and another one was 43 to Wilson. One thing the Wildcats managed to do was play well enough to make sure big plays did not happen.
[B]Defense: [/B]Though only allowing six points to South Carolina State, the Chippewas will be facing a much tougher opponent this weekend with the Wildcats. However, with UK scoring with good field position set up by a turnover, this week the Wildcats should have the O in tune with the rest of the team. Central Michigan did not manage to force any turnovers, and forced two sacks last week, which the Wildcats gave up three to WKU. The Wildcats should use the run game to attack, and hope the receiving corps come together for this week.
Follow Cody McKee on Twitter @Clmckee86
