[Quality88]

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Suddenly, Big Blue is a big opponent.
For the past two weeks, the University of Kentucky football team has notched wins against favored teams. But when Florida Atlantic arrives at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, the Wildcats (4-0) will carry a No. 14 ranking and a blue and white target on their backs.
"I think with every success we have, the target grows bigger on us, absolutely," coach Rich Brooks said yesterday at his weekly news conference. "If we don't understand that, we shouldn't be in college."
Florida Atlantic is a recent convert to the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly I-A), but the Owls -- coached by former UK player and University of Louisville coach Howard Schnellenberger -- aren't pushovers.
Florida Atlantic (3-1) beat Minnesota 42-39 on Sept. 15. The Owls also beat Middle Tennessee State 27-14 in their season opener, a week before MTSU scored 42 points in a loss at U of L.
But Florida Atlantic isn't a big-name foe for UK, which after wins at home against U of L and at Arkansas -- and with a game at No. 16 South Carolina looming on Oct. 4 -- would appear to be in prime position to look past the Owls.
UK's national ranking figures to add to the Owls' zest for an upset.
"That's what we wanted, so we've got to see how we handle it," Cats receiver Keenan Burton said of his team's elevated profile. "And we better handle it the best we can."
UK players yesterday pointed to their first two games -- a 50-10 win against Eastern Kentucky and a 56-20 win against Kent State -- as evidence that they've learned not to look past unheralded opponents.
"You see it from Week 1 to now; I don't think we've had any letdowns underestimating anyone," defensive end Jeremy Jarmon said. "We've just got to be consistent."
The Cats have been consistent recently in winning the games they're supposed to. UK -- a 23 1/2-point favorite against Florida Atlantic -- hasn't lost a game in which it was favored since Ohio beat the Cats 28-16 in Lexington in 2004.
The past two weeks oddsmakers picked against UK, but the Cats pulled off upsets. Having won nine of their past 10 games dating to last season, UK comes into the game riding high.
"We're happy to go to Lexington, but we're not all that happy to run into the Wildcats at their strongest time," Schnellenberger said yesterday. "I find my old alma mater's at the height of its proficiency just as we drive into town."
That his team is peaking gives Brooks little respite from fears it will look ahead on its schedule.
"I still worry. That's why I don't sleep well," Brooks said. "I think they get it, but I'm never sure they get it. You have any children? When you do, you'll no what I'm talking about."
Woodyard, Leger earn weekly SEC honors
Linebacker Wesley Woodyard was named the Southeastern Conference's Defensive Player of the Week, and the Cats' Jason Leger was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.
Woodyard had a season-high 17 tackles against Arkansas. He's tied for third in the Bowl Subdivision with 50 tackles. Against the Razorbacks, he became the first UK player since Marty Moore (1990-93) to reach 300 career tackles.
Leger, who moved from the defensive line last season, won the SEC offensive line award for the second time this season.
Smith doubtful
Tailback Alfonso Smith is doubtful for Saturday's game with an ankle sprain, Brooks said. X-rays didn't reveal a fracture.
The Cats' other injured tailbacks, Rafael Little (thigh bruise) and Tony Dixon (shoulder injury), are expected to practice and play this week.

Now Cats must wear a bull's-eye

[Quality88]

I've been syin it, and it looks like the cats are not over-lookin the owls. Hopefully it will show on gameday.