Kentucky @ Western Kentucky preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 15, 2012 ) Western Kentucky 32, Kentucky 31

Kentucky and Western Kentucky meet in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday night in a game featuring the school coaching debuts of Mark Stoops and Bobby Petrino. Stoops takes over at Kentucky after serving as Florida State's defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, while Petrino makes his return to coaching after a one-year absence following his controversial firing from Arkansas in 2012. Both programs are in need of a makeover after finishing poorly in their respective conferences last year.

The Wildcats have revenge on their minds after the Hilltoppers pulled off a stunning 32-31 upset in overtime last season. Instead of opting for the extra point after a 2-yard touchdown run by Antonio Andrews that would have tied the game, Western Kentucky went for the win and fooled the Kentucky defense with a trick play that resulted in a successful two-point conversion. The loss began an eight-game slide for Kentucky.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, ESPN News. LINE: Kentucky -4.5

ABOUT KENTUCKY (2012: 2-10, 0-8 SEC): The Wildcats finished with their worst record under former coach Joker Phillips, but the defensive-minded Stoops intends to change that with 12 starters returning in 2013. Senior linebacker Avery Williamson, who was the SEC's second-leading tackler with 135 in 2012, will help bolster a defense that surrendered 31 points per game. Also returning for the Wildcats is junior defensive end Alvin Dupree, who finished in the SEC's top 10 in tackles (91), tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (six).

ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY (2012: 7-6, 4-4 Sun Belt): Willie Taggart led the Hilltoppers to a winning season and a trip to their first bowl game in 2012 - a 24-21 loss to Central Michigan in the Little Caesar's Bowl, but was snatched up by South Florida in December to fill its vacant head coaching position. Petrino brings with him a wealth of coaching experience and a 75-26 record to Western Kentucky. At Petrino's disposal will be Andrews, who led the nation in all-purpose yards (3,161) in 2012 and was a Paul Hornung Award finalist.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Andrews, a senior, joins Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders as the only players in NCAA history to eclipse 3,000 all-purpose yards in a single season.

2. Kentucky senior TB Raymond Sanders became the 33rd player in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 2012.

3. Western Kentucky junior DB Jonathan Dowling led the Sun Belt Conference with six interceptions last season.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 28, Western Kentucky 17