Kentucky plans to build on success of '06

Given Kentucky’s gridiron history, it takes a lot of confidence — and a lot of nerve — to put yourself on a Jumbotron at Commonwealth Stadium and sing a song titled “We Believe.”

That’s exactly what defensive back Marcus McClinton did last year, with a little background help from several of his teammates.

The only thing most people generally believe about Wildcat football is that another losing season is on the way, usually with a side order of heartbreak from a couple of winnable games that somehow got away.

“I was a little skeptical,’’ coach Rich Brooks admitted, recalling when he was approached about the music video before the 2006 season. “I wanted to make sure they were comfortable with it because if things didn’t go well, they could be ridiculed and criticized for it.

“They stuck with their guns. We won six out of seven home games. They proved to be prophets, if you will.’’

Indeed, Kentucky surprised the SEC with an 8-5 record in 2006.

The eighth win — over Clemson in the Music City Bowl — marked the program’s most since 1984.

Last year was only the third winning season in the 22 years since. Furthermore, Kentucky hasn’t had back-to-back winning seasons since 1983-84 so the challenge for 2007 is obvious.

“We know we have to do more than we did last year,’’ said McClinton. “The coaching staff doesn’t have to tell us.’’

McClinton wrote the “We Believe” rap song that turned out to be a rallying cry when it was played at home games.

A sample of the lyrics:

“I’m tired of losing. I want to win.

I’m tired of coming close, man, I want to finish.’’

After a 49-0 loss at LSU on Oct. 14 dropped Kentucky to 3-4, the Cats finished like gangbusters, winning five of their last six games.

McClinton also sings: “No more excuses. …’’

The Wildcats don’t appear to need any excuses on offense in 2007. They return one of the best sets of playmakers in the SEC in quarterback Andre Woodson, tailback Rafael Little, receiver Keenan Burton and tight end Jacob Tamme.

With the tutoring of former Tennessee assistant coach Randy Sanders, Woodson hopes to continue his transformation from an erratic underachiever to a prime NFL draft candidate.

“If he could have the same success this year,’’ said Brooks, “the same numbers, I would consider that a fantastic year.

“To throw 31 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in this league is phenomenal.’’

Some would say going 8-5 was phenomenal given how porous Kentucky’s defense was — and has been for years.

The Cats ranked 118th out of 119 teams nationally in total defense, allowing 453 yards a game. Steve Brown was promoted to replace Mike Archer as coordinator.

“Three of our last five games — against Georgia, Tennessee and Clemson, in my opinion ——— we played SEC defense,’’ said Brooks. “In many other games, we did not.

“The good news is that 19 of 22 on defense were freshmen and sophomores. I expect us to be much improved.’’

Kentucky has some weapons on special teams. Little and Burton are among the top return men around. Knoxvillian Lones Seiber will handle field goals again.

On the cover of this year’s Kentucky media guide are the words “Believe in Blue.’’

After last year, doing so won’t require such a stretch.

“In the past, it was ‘same old Kentucky,’ ’’ McClinton said. “Now you have an argument. You have proof. Now you have stats. Now you have a bowl.

“The whole environment around the University of Kentucky is a different aura. We can compete in the SEC. We have the players.’’

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.