5 Takeaways: Mark Stoops previews Vandy

After a week off, Kentucky football gets back in action this weekend when the Wildcats host Vanderbilt. They seem to have made progress in Mark Stoops' second season but desperately need that to show up in the win column. Stoops met with the media Monday to discuss. Five key points from the proceedings:

1. Ending the streak. For the second straight game, UK football team is trying to stop an ugly losing streak. The Wildcats would've killed two with one stone had they won that triple-overtime thriller at Florida in their last outing.

Instead, this fact remains: UK hasn't won a Southeastern Conference game since Nov. 26, 2011 against Tennessee. It's been 17 consecutive league losses and 1,031 days for the Cats (2-1, 0-1 SEC). Saturday's home game against Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2) presents a great chance to snap that streak – and a three-game skid against the Commodores.

"It's important. It sure is," coach Mark Stoops said Monday. "We'd sure like to get one, that's for sure."

While Vandy has won the last three meetings by a staggering combined margin of 100-14, times have changed since coach James Franklin left for Penn State in the offseason. These Commodores lost by 30 at home against Temple, by 38 against Ole Miss and had to come from behind to beat Massachusetts by a field goal.

But Stoops wants his team to focus on how Vanderbilt is "playing better and better each week," culminating in a closer-than-expected, 48-34 loss to South Carolina on Saturday. Stoops thought the Commodores "played with great energy," leading 14-0 early and trailing by just three in the fourth quarter.

In other words, don't take Vandy lightly.

"(We) certainly need to be a team that's very hungry," Stoops said. "I think our team has played that way this year. We need to stay that way. It's important to go out and get this victory."

2. Three injured Cats almost back. Starting left guard Zach West (neck) "is getting better" and UK planned to "put him through some things" on Monday, Stoops said. West and receiver Jeff Badet, who still hasn't played this season because of an eye injury and residual effects from a broken leg in the spring, are still questionable for Saturday's game but "I think both of them will have a chance to play."

Receiver Alexander Montgomery (knee) still might not be ready to make his 2014 debut but "he's not far off," Stoops said. "He needs a little bit more strength in his leg. The injury itself is healed up and ready to go. We're working on some strength in his quad. So he's very close. He wants to go."

Having last weekend off helped heal several minor injuries for the Cats and allowed starting receiver Javess Blue (ankle) to get back on track. He returned for the Florida game but was "somewhat ineffective," Stoops said, after barely practicing. UK pushed him in practice last week and "he should be healthy and ready to go," along with starting tailback Braylon Heard (ankle).

3. Who'll play QB (and how many) for Vanderbilt? The Commodores have started three quarterbacks in four games: freshman Wade Freebeck, sophomore Patton Robinette and senior Stephen Rivers. Robinette, a former top-25 QB recruit nationally, was off to a great start last week against South Carolina before leaving in the first quarter with an injury, giving way to Freebeck.

There's been no official word from Vandy on what Robinette's injury is, although coach Derek Mason told a Nashville radio station Monday he's "cautiously optimistic" he could play against the Cats. If not, the Commodores will likely lean on Freebeck, a 6-5, 212-pound true freshman who was rated the No. 29 pro-style QB in his class by Rivals.com.

Robinette has completed 71.9 percent of his passes this season with two touchdowns passing, one rushing and no interceptions. Freebeck is 12 of 22 for 171 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

"It will be interesting to see who goes for them. I think you could see some real talent in the freshman," said Stoops, who was aware of the Florida native from his own recruiting efforts there. "A very good football player, a great (high school) program. He's going to be a special player. Their older guys are good players, too. … I'm not sure if their starter will be cleared or not, if he's healthy. It doesn't matter. Their offense doesn't change much."

4. Ryan Timmons, Fred Tiller bouncing back from drops. UK wide receiver Ryan Timmons had a long pass bounce off his hands and directly to a defender in the final minute of regulation at Florida. Cornerback Fred Tiller had a potential pick-six bounce off his chest and directly to a receiver for a long gain earlier in the game.

Stoops isn't worried about either of them hanging their head after the gaffes.

"(Timmons) is a big-play guy that does a lot of good things for us. He needs to do them all the time," said the coach, who as a former defensive back empathizes with Tiller. "I remember one: I bobbled it about three times. I had an easy pick for a touchdown. I batted it to myself three or four times. Maybe I wasn't fast enough to run it in. I got caught. It was against Kansas State a long time ago."

Stoops said Tiller "won't ever forget that" and "just needs to make the play" but "he'll be fine."

5. Can Cats pack Commonwealth?

Kentucky is trying to make sure Stoops has a full home-field advantage Saturday, reducing upper-level ticket prices to $20. Announced attendance for the Cats' first two home games was 50,398 and 51,910 – well below capacity.

"I think it will be important" to have a good crowd, Stoops said. "I appreciate people that come out and support us in a tough time, a rebuild. We're trying to do our part. We greatly appreciate the great support we do get and the loyal fans that we have. Our stadium is torn up right now, unfortunately – we have to all endure that for this year – but I'm looking forward to a great environment at home."

* For instant updates on the Wildcats, follow me on Twitter @KyleTucker_CJ. Email me at ktucker@courier-journal.com.