No one thinks of the defensive backfield as secondary at Kentucky for the upcoming football season. The Wildcats last line of defense should be the strongest area of their team.

Strong safety Muhammad Abdullah, who had 58 tackles and three interceptions last season, made second-team All-SEC in 2004 and was a first-team pick in preseason this summer.

And he should have more help than last year.

Bo Smith, who started seven games in 2003, missed last season with an abdominal injury. He joins returning starter Antoine Huffman at cornerback.

Marcus McClinton, who started the last three games in 2004, is back at free safety.

An experienced secondary gives hope to a defense that ranked last in the SEC and 102nd in the country last season. The Wildcats were also last in the SEC in scoring defense and rushing defense.

"We believe our secondary can stop the pass," Abdullah said.

He also believes a switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense will slow down opponents' running games.

"I think it will help us dramatically," he said. "In the 4-3, you can get both of your safeties down there to stop the run. You can get nine guys to stop the run.

"I thought (the 3-4) was a good defense, too. It wasn't the (alignment). It was the talent level of our linebackers. They weren't athletic enough to play in that defense.

"It was frustrating at times. I know the guys up front were doing all they could do."

Abdullah knows the Wildcats will have to do more this season if they are to improve on their 2-9 record. He believes a good start is crucial.

"Getting some early wins would be the best thing," he said. "If we do that, there's no telling what could happen."

A fast start will be difficult.

The Wildcats open the season against Louisville, which is favored to win the Big East. The Cardinals have won five of the last six games in the in-state rivalry.

The Wildcats' best chance for a victory will come against Division I-AA Idaho State in the second game. After a non-conference game against Indiana, which won only three games last year, the Wildcats will open SEC play against Florida.