Kentucky Football Notebook

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Punter/kicker Tim Masthay and center Eric Scott have been named game captains for Thursday’s contest at South Carolina, Coach Rich Brooks has announced.

Game captains are usually chosen based on performance in previous games. Masthay, a junior from Murray, Ky., had two punts in Saturday’s 45-17 win over Florida Atlantic, both of which were placed inside the opponent 20-yard line. He also got good distance on his kickoffs. Masthay is averaging a career-best 41.5 yards per punt this season and leads the Southeastern Conference in kickoff touchbacks with 11. Masthay has earned game captain honors for the second consecutive week.

Scott, a senior from Woodstock, Ga., helped the UK offense tally 40 or more points for the fifth consecutive game, a school record. UK had 504 yards total offense against FAU. The Wildcats have had at least 150 rushing yards and at least 200 passing yards in every game this season.

On Thursday, Masthay and Scott will join permanent captains André Woodson and Wesley Woodyard for the coin toss.

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Game Notes

Cat Walk in Columbia:

Kentucky fans making the trip to the South Carolina game on Thursday are encouraged to join in Cat Walk Columbia.

Similar to the Cat Walk at Commonwealth Stadium, fans are invited to cheer the team when the Wildcats arrive at Williams-Brice Stadium at approximately 5:30 p.m. The team will arrive at the Northwest Gate of the stadium, near the Box Office/Will Call area. The UK pep band and cheerleaders also will be on hand for the Cat Walk.

Smith Out: Following Tuesday morning’s practice at the Nutter Training Center, Coach Rich Brooks announced that sophomore tailback Alfonso Smith will miss the South Carolina game.

Smith sustained a sprained ankle in the Arkansas game on Sept. 22 and also missed last Saturday’s game at Florida Atlantic. Smith has rushed 17 times this season for 127 yards, an average of 7.5 yards per carry, with two touchdowns. He has caught two passes, including one for a TD. He also is a standout in kick coverage and has four tackles this season in that role.

Brooks announced that other players with short-term injuries will be available for action. Sophomore cornerback E. J. Adams is ready to play after missing the last four games because of a dislocated wrist bone sustained in the season opener vs. Eastern Kentucky.

Woodson Nominated for AT&T National Player of the Week: Kentucky quarterback Andre’ Woodson is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award, and now it’s up to the fans to determine the winner.

Woodson joins Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn, Wisconsin running back P. J. Hill, and California wide receiver DeSean Jackson on the ballot list, which was selected by ESPN based on the players’ outstanding performances during the week. Fans can determine the winner by text messaging VOTE to 87654 on their wireless phone.

During UK’s 45-17 win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Woodson completed 26-of-33 passes for 301 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes. He also extended his NCAA record streak of consecutive passes without interception to 325 before suffering his first interception of the season.

Fans have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday to submit their votes. The winner will be announced Oct. 4 during ESPN’s Thursday night game between Kentucky and South Carolina. There is no limit to fan voting, and each vote counts as one entry into a sweepstakes to win a trip to the 2008 BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans, La.

Woodson won the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award earlier this season following UK’s 40-34 win over Louisville.