Kentucky's abounding optimism springs from a new attacking defense and a veteran offensive line that could help ease a new set of so-called skill players onto the college stage.
But earlier this week, UK Coach Joker Phillips offered a sober-minded perspective on the opening game.
"This is a good game for us trying to see how much we've improved," he said. "I really think that we've improved a lot. But the game will be a barometer to see how much we've improved."
WKU Coach Willie Taggart echoed the sentiment. Yes, he thinks the Hilltoppers are much improved. But he made no bold proclamations when asked whether Kentucky would notice a different Western team than the one UK pummeled 63-28 last season.
"I hope so," he said this week. "Our guys got bigger and stronger and faster, and now it's time to go on the football field and do something. The thing I want Kentucky to say after the game is that this team was totally different than what they played the year before."
One thing for sure: Kentucky will seem totally different on offense. The Cats will run about the same offense, Phillips said, but a new quarterback gives any team a new look.
"I think the guy that we have pulling the trigger can stretch the field," Phillips said of new quarterback Morgan Newton. "I'm really excited to watch him play. I mean, I'm not trying to say things too fast, but some days you don't recognize him from the bowl game. He's that type of guy that has that type of command of the huddle, command of the ball."
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