John Clay's Sidelines

Rick Minter talks about how his defense played in Columbia.

(H-L photo/David Perry)

Five positives — yes there are a few positives — to take from Kentucky’s 35-7 loss at top-ranked LSU on Saturday.

1.Kentucky’s run defense held its own in Tiger Stadium. After being burned by Florida’s speed to the tune of a dispiriting 405 yards, Rick Minter’s forces hitched up their pride and played LSU’s run much better. The Tigers used more of a downhill attack which Kentucky contained on a more consistent basis. Passes hurt the Cats more than runs. “And we couldn’t get off the field on third down,” said Minter.

Continue reading ‘Some positives, yes positives, from Baton Rouge’

UK co-defensive coordinator Rick Minter talks about the defense’s performance at LSU.

When reporting my story for today’s print product about Kentucky’s defense facing a different challenge in a more straight-ahead LSU offense, I talked to defensive coordinator Rick Minter.

The man has done his homework. He notes that of something like 160 runs this season, LSU has made 120 of those between the tackles. He also mentions that LSU’s style makes it hard for defenses to get turnovers. LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee has thrown for six touchdowns, compared to just one interception.

Related links:

• LSU’s day-game record and other notes
• Joker Phillips trying to keep Cats out of the ditch
• Video: Rick Minter on his defense allowing 405 rushing yards

UK defensive coordinator Rick Minter talks to the media after his unit allowed 405 rushing yards to Florida, the most allowed by a UK defense since 1994.

Defensive coordinator Rick Minter talks to media after the game.

Videos of head coach Joker Phillips, defensive coordinator Rick Minter and quarterback Morgan Newton after UK’s 14-3 win over Western Kentucky.

By Monday, Rick Minter had gone over the film of Saturday’s scrimmage. He talks about that with the media after today’s practice.

Here is defensive boss Rick Minter talking to the media after this morning’s scrimmage. Said his unit had four or five takeaways, if you include fourth-down stops. Said he thought the kids tried hard today. And he thought that the subs did a good job when they were pressed into play. He said “we’re inside the two-week window” for the first game with Western Kentucky, so next week the Cats will start working on the Hilltoppers.

Said the defense did give up a couple of big plays that he attributed to mental errors.

“The next phase is to get ready for a smash-mouth type team like Western  Kentucky,” said the coach.

UK defensive boss Rick Minter talked to the media about how the defense played following Saturday’s first scrimmage of the fall.