Monday Afternoon UK Football Links & Notes

UK is calling the game against Mississippi State a "blackout" game in which they are asking the fans to wear black. Will the football team wear black? I think for one night it would be really cool for the team to mix it up. Apparently the team is trying to sell Rich Brooks on the idea of wearing back, but it appears to be a long shot.

Micah Johnson's MRI confirmed the Linebacker has a level 1-2 grade tear. It's not major, but it's not minor either. Johnson is listed as questionable to doubtful for Saturday's game. My guess is that Johnson will study film and try to play with a brace.

Rich Brooks said for the Cats to move up in the SEC they need to beat similar teams. Brooks considers Mississippi State a similar team. I agree with Coach Brooks, UK has to beat teams like South Carolina and Mississippi State to move up in the SEC. This game is very winnable for UK, however the lack of leadership could be an issue on defense if Johnson and Lindley don't play.

Rich Brooks also said the passing game must improve. He stated, "Our down-field passing attack isn’t very good. Neither is our mid-field and short passing attack". The receivers need to step up and be in the right spot. If Morgan Newton and Will Fidler don't show some serious improvement, I look for Randall Cobb to throw the ball more on "wildcat" packages.

Sam Maxwell knows Mississippi State is a "huge game" for the football team. Maxwell remembers the beat-down the Bulldogs put on the Cats two years ago and promises the team will "pick it up" Saturday. If UK can win Saturday, it will set them up nicely for six wins and take some pressure off the team for bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt has shown they are not a pushover, so playing Vandy on the road makes me nervous. Then the Cats face Georgia and Tennessee. This Saturday's game is crucial.