LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky enters Saturday nights opener against Southern Mississippi with more urgency than usual.The Wildcats realize how critical every game is to them to reach the six-win threshold and become bowl eligible after consecutive 5-7 finishes. They also would like to build some momentum heading into next weeks Southeastern Conference opener at Florida.But that doesnt mean the Wildcats are looking past Southern Mississippi.Kentucky is facing a Southern Miss squad eager to follow up a 9-5 season and bowl appearance by upsetting a Power Five conference school. While losing to the Golden Eagles wont necessarily break the Wildcats season, their quest to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010 would become a little harder.Kentucky coach Mark Stoops understands the importance but maintains a positive approach.We do not put any more pressure on ourselves, Stoops said. We just need to go out there and do what weve been doing and have that great focus and attention to detail. Im excited about that myself because I know well be prepared.Southern Miss is kicking off its season under new coach Jay Hopson. He is replacing Todd Monken, who left to become offensive coordinator with the NFLs Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hopson previously served as the Golden Eagles defensive backs coach (2001-03) and defensive coordinator (05-07) before going on to guide Alcorn State to a 32-17 record and consecutive SWAC titles the past four years.Adding more intrigue to the opener is the return of Shannon Dawson as Southern Miss offensive coordinator after holding the same job with Kentucky last season.Though Dawson was criticized for the Wildcats late-season struggles and play-calling, Stoops and players had kind words for Dawson. The familiarity between Dawson and his former team could make things interesting.Anytime you open with an SEC opponent, you have your hands full, Hopson said. Kentucky is a well-coached football team with outstanding players. We know weve got to be ready this week.---Here are some things to watch when Kentucky hosts Southern Mississippi:BARKERS MOMENT: Kentucky sophomore quarterback Drew Barker has drawn raves from teammates and coaches about his maturity and command of the offense and huddle. Hell start his first opener for the Wildcats since replacing Patrick Towles late last season but hasnt seemed fazed by the hype and expectations. Ive had some playing time, so I kind of know what to expect, Barker said. Its just building off that confidence. I just cant wait to get back out there because it seems like its been two years.MULLENS BIG ARM: Southern Miss senior quarterback Nick Mullens threw for 4,476 yards and 38 touchdowns last season and is Conference USAs preseason offensive player of the year. He not only puts the Wildcats pass rush on notice, but the secondary as well. You cant take any plays off, free safety Marcus McWilson said. If they catch you slipping, thats when they get that one (play) and we cant let that happen.DEFENSIVE DEPTH: As if Kentucky didnt have enough holes to fill on defense, tackle Regie Meant left the team early in camp for undisclosed personal reasons and safety Darius West was lost for the season with a left knee injury. Not only will the Wildcats look to younger players again to provide depth, they need everyone to stay healthy and contribute.SERIES RENEWAL: Kentucky is 2-0 against Southern Miss in a series last played 30 years ago in Lexington. The Wildcats won that game 32-0 and have outscored the Golden Eagles 103-7 overall.---Follow Gary B. Graves on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GaryBGraves and on the APs college football page: http://collegefootball.ap.org . Cheap Air Max Sale .Y. -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo had little trouble picking up his first shutout of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team thats having trouble scoring goals. Cheap Air Max Online . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. http://www.airmaxoutletsale.us/ . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. Air max Outlet . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. Wholesale Air Max Shoes . McPhee said that Ovechkins father Mikhail is in stable condition after having the surgery this week and is no longer in intensive care. "Weve told him to stay as long as necessary with your dad," he said. Ovechkin and his Russian national team were eliminated from the mens hockey tournament in Sochi on Wednesday with a 3-1 quarter-final loss to Finland. Human wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo has revealed just how close he came to joining North Queenslands next NRL finals opponent, Cronulla.The Kiwi Test star on Tuesday confirmed he had Sharks veteran Paul Gallen in his sights ahead of Friday nights preliminary final at Allianz Stadium.But Taumalolo also admitted he had Gallen in his ear during the 2015 All Stars game early last year - and very nearly signed with Cronulla as a result.An off-contract Taumalolo was at a crossroads at North Queensland when he rubbed shoulders with Gallen as part of the NRL All Stars side on the Gold Coast.Taumalolo weeks earlier had been spotted in The Shire meeting Cronulla officials before Gallen thought he would go in for the kill at the All Stars camp.I spoke to him a bit at the All Stars camp, Taumalolo said of Gallen on Tuesday.He spoke about what Cronulla is about, as any player would try to convince another to join their club.(And) negotiations were pretty good with them (Cronulla).They were talking about having someone there when Gal retires.But obviously, Gal has got a fair engine - I think he has a few more years left in him.History shows by late February 2015, Taumalolo ignored Cronullas overtures and re-signed with Cowboys until the end of 2017.ddddddddddddGallen might have launched a charm offensive at the 2015 All Stars camp. But Taumalolo admitted he would face a very different Gallen on Friday night after the Sharks veteran was cleared of a back complaint.And it seems Taumalolo wouldnt have it any other way after bulldozing Brisbane last week.Hes quite the opposite off the field to what he is on the field, he said.I am more worried about his on-field side on Friday night.(But) I look forward to dealing with him.Taumalolo hopes to back up from his inspirational effort in North Queenslands 26-20 extra-time semi-final win last Friday night over Brisbane.The barnstorming lock amassed an incredible 263m to make a world-class Broncos pack appear second rate.Taumalolo hoped an in-your-face Gallen again brought out the best in him.He loves the aggression - he loves the contact, he said of Gallen.He loves giving it to other players, little elbows and extra stuff in tackles.But that shouldnt effect the boys. As a team, we embrace it.Its like provoking (us). The boys are able to play more aggressive and get into the contact more. China NFL Jerseys Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys NFL Jerseys Cheap Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap Basketball Jerseys Online Stitched Hockey Jerseys Wholesale Baseball Jerseys Football Jerseys Outlet College Jerseys For Sale Cheap MLB Jerseys Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys For Sale Wholesale NFL Jerseys ' ' '