Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats Friday evening the Liberty Bowl the Kentucky Wildcats take on East Carolina in the Pirates first January bowl game in 17 years. East Carolina is riding a three game winning streak into Memphis, while the Wildcats have lost three straight. Odds makers are calling the Pirates favorites as NCAA betting lines have East Carolina at -3 with the total sitting at 42.

Now that coach Skip Holtz has decided to remain with the program, it gives the Pirates reason to be excited about the future. That future starts today as East Carolina looks for their for its first 10-win season since 1991.

Today's game marks the third consecutive bowl game for the Pirates. They beat Boise State 41-38 in the Hawaii Bowl a year ago and lost to the South Florida Bulls in the 2006 Papajohns.com Bowl.

"It's going to be a phenomenal trip," said Holtz. "This is what we've talked about beginning
with the first day of practice, the road to Memphis and what we've got to do to get there. I can't tell you how excited we are as a program and as a university to be there."

For Kentucky, there has not been a lot to cheer about done the stretch. After starting 4-0, the Wildcats lost six of their final eight games and will be without the services of starting quarterback Randall Cobb. The freshman signal caller underwent knee surgery on Dec. 2 and will not play.

The Wildcats turn to back-up Mike Hartline who lost his starting job last month after struggling against Florida and Mississippi State. He's thrown eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.

"He is throwing the ball and doing some very good things," coach Rich Brooks said. "The receivers are catching it better, so hopefully that will transmit to the game."

The Pirates have too much momentum coming into this one. Take East Carolina and give the 3 points.