READY FOR BATTLE

After coming away with an upset victory versus then-No. 24 Oregon, 30-24, the Hoosiers continue the road swing by visiting the University of Kentucky at 6 p.m. Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.\nFor the second straight week, IU (2-0) will have to focus on something other than the opponent. Last week it was the crowd at Autzen Stadium; this week it will be the possibility of rain, as storms and the remnants of Hurricane Ivan approach Lexington, Ky.\nKentucky is expecting the possibility of six inches of rain this afternoon and showers on game day.\nAnticipating bad weather for Saturday, the team practiced with a "wet ball" this week to prepare for the conditions.\nThough the team might have to focus on factors outside of the Wildcats (0-1), it will be important for the team to look at the task at hand, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio said.\n"(The rain) is out of our control," LoVecchio said. "All we can do is prepare for Kentucky on Saturday."\nInjuries could be a factor in the game, as the Wildcats have multiple players that are likely to be out.\nKentucky junior linebacker Dustin Williams is doubtful to play after starting last season and collecting 122 tackles. Kentucky will also be without the services of senior wide receiver Gerad Parker after crashing into a hydraulic lift while attempting to catch a pass during Tuesday's practice, requiring 30 stitches in his left leg. He was the Wildcats leading receiver in their season opener against the University of Louisville with three catches for 31 yards.\nTraveling to the Bluegrass state means IU is going to prepare for a variety of looks on both sides of the ball, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"They run a 3-4 defense, and not many teams now run that type of defense," DiNardo said. "Offensively they have the ability to run the option and pass, which is something else we haven't faced much. And in the special teams game, they are very good."\nLeading the charge for the Wildcats is senior quarterback Shane Boyd. As for the Hoosier defense, they will have to be concerned about both his arm and legs, as he can throw the ball and also get out and run in the plains.\nThere is uncertainty about who will start in the backfield after a lackluster performance from the rushing attack -- 26 attempts combining for 66 net yards. The running game's ineptitude is the reason why freshman running back Tony Dixon might get the nod as the starter.\nDespite UK getting shutout by Louisville 28-0 on Sept. 5, IU isn't taking its border rival lightly.\nLast year the Wildcats came into Memorial Stadium and pushed the Hoosiers around, winning 34-17. \nEven with the preparation being the same, things change in terms of facing a rival, including emotions and how the game is played.\nRevenge will be on the mind of the Hoosiers as they look to finish the non-conference schedule with an unblemished record, junior cornerback Buster Larkins said.\n"Our intensity level is going to be very high because they came into our house last year and embarrassed us," Larkins said. "We have to now go and return the favor."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.