LEXINGTON, Ky. — It has been six weeks since the Kentucky Wildcats (2-6, 0-5 Southeastern Conference) walked off a football field as winners. No.18 Mississippi State is in town today, for UK's Homecoming.

MISS. ST. at UK

• Kickoff: 12:30p.m. today, Commonwealth Stadium (67,530), Lexington, Ky.   • Records: UK 2-6 (0-5 SEC), MSU 5-2 (2-2).   • TV: On delay, UKTV Network.   • Radio: WSAI-AM (1530).   • Series: UK leads 16-11 (last meeting: 1999, MSU 23-22).   • Line: State by 6 1/2.   • What to watch: The Wildcats will be well-rested after their bye week, and Homecoming could provide the emotion necessary for them to upset MSU and pick up their first SEC win. UK also will want to avenge a 23-22 loss last season. The Bulldogs will be hungry — a win will make them eligible for a bowl.

        “We have to get a victory this week — no excuses,” UK cornerback Derrick Tatum said. “... We've got no goals left. Our motivation now has got to be to win a game — any game.”

        If ever there was a time for Kentucky to go up against the Bulldogs (5-2, 2-2), this may be it.

        Through the first five games of the season, the Bulldogs' defense — the nation's best last season — appeared to be one of the top units in the country again. But in its last two games against LSU and Middle Tennessee State, it has allowed more than 950 yards and 80 points.

        And neither of those offensive attacks compares to Kentucky's, which leads the SEC in total offense (438.9 yards a game) and passing offense (338.8 yards). Kentucky coach Hal Mumme said he has been impressed with the Bulldogs' offense.

        Quarterback Wayne Madkin has thrown for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for another five scores; running backs Dicenzo Miller and Dontae Walker have combined for nearly 1,100 yards and 12 TDs.

        But it's the Bulldogs' defense that will concern the Wildcats most. Freshman quarterback Jared Lorenzen said it's difficult to prepare for defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn's unorthodox alignments and all-out blitzing scheme.

        “It's the most messed-up defense we'll play — ever,” Lorenzen said.

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