GAME NOTES: The 14th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats are one of college football's most surprising teams, and they are clearly favored in Saturday's non- conference matchup with the Florida Atlantic Owls. FAU has won back-to-back decisions to move to 3-1 this season. The most recent victory came last weekend, as the Owls got past Sun Belt Conference rival North Texas by a 30-20 final to move to 2-0 in the league standings. Kentucky has earned its highest national ranking in 30 years, and the program is 4-0 for the first time since 2002. The last time the Wildcats started 4-0, including at least one conference win, was 1950. Including last season, they have now won nine of their last 10 games, as Rich Brooks has clearly turned the program around. Kentucky is coming off a 42-29 win over Arkansas, and that victory followed a thrilling triumph over rival Louisville. This game marks the first-ever meeting between Florida Atlantic and Kentucky on the gridiron.

Florida Atlantic failed to establish an effective ground attack against North Texas, as the Owls finished with 84 net yards on 28 attempts. Also, only 21 of the 45 passes attempted by Rusty Smith resulted in completions. Fortunately, those 21 connections resulted in 322 passing yards, including one touchdown. Sure, the offense was 5-of-18 on third down conversion attempts and was inconsistent at times, but the fact that the unit did not commit a single turnover has to be viewed as a major positive. So far this season, FAU is averaging 26.2 ppg and 400.0 total ypg. The Owls have scored 12 offensive touchdowns, eight of which have been thrown by Smith. He has completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,105 yards with only one interception. Jason Harmon has a team-high 16 catches for 279 yards. Clearly, the ground attack has room for improvement, and Charles Pierre deserves more carries.

North Texas was able to rack up 29 first downs and 466 total yards against Florida Atlantic. The Owls yielded 301 yards through the air, and the defense was on the field for 88 plays. Fortunately, FAU was able to record three key interceptions, the obvious difference in the contest. The best player on the field for the Owls was Cergile Sincere, as he made 15 total tackles, two of which came behind the line of scrimmage. FAU is allowing 28.2 ppg and 410.2 total ypg through four outings, so the defense can certainly stand some improvement. The Owls have yielded 12 touchdowns to opposing offenses, nine of which have come through the air. Still, the club has already registered 10 interceptions, and Tavious Polo has a staggering total of six interceptions personally.

Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson set an impressive record in the win over Arkansas last time out. The Heisman hopeful has now completed 296 consecutive passes without an interception, breaking Trent Dilfer's record of 271. Woodson threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to victory over the Razorbacks. He also ran for a score in the come-from-behind triumph. Kentucky overcame three lost fumbles and won despite losing the time of possession battle by over 10 minutes. The Wildcats are scoring 47.0 ppg and gaining 486.8 total ypg through four outings. Woodson's numbers are staggering, as he has completed 64.2 percent of his throws for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns. Keenan Burton leads the receivers with 24 catches for 322 yards and four touchdowns, and Steve Johnson has three touchdown receptions. Rafael Little and Tony Dixon are both tremendous tailbacks, and they have combined for 653 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

The Wildcats knew that they would be in for a struggle against the dominant Arkansas rushing attack, and that certainly was the case. The Razorbacks pounded Kentucky for 338 yards on 51 rushing attempts, and Arkansas finished the contest with 495 total yards. Still, the Wildcats continued to battle and came up with three takeaways, the most critical stat of all. Trevard Lindley returned a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown. Opponents are scoring 23.3 ppg against Kentucky, which is yielding 404.2 total ypg. Sure, those numbers are a bit high, but it is important to keep in mind that the club has faced Louisville and Arkansas, two of the nation's top offensive teams. Clearly, the run defense has plenty of room for improvement, but the 'Cats are facing a weak rushing team this weekend.

Expect a dominant effort by Woodson and company, as the 'Cats are far superior to the Owls. This one should be decided by intermission.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Kentucky 49, Florida Atlantic 14