Mike Hartline knows it's time to respond and his play must improve for the Cats to make their fourth consecutive bowl appearance. With that said, Hartline just faced two of the top defenses in the country, so chances are Mark Sanchez wouldn't have looked that great either. The coaching staff immediately addressed any controversy about Hartline's future as the team's starting quarterback following the Alabama game. Rich Brooks stated: "Mike Hartline didn't play as well as I'd like, but he's our best option and we will go forward with that." Joker Phillips stated: "He gives us our best chance".
Chip Cosby writes that turnovers doomed UK against Alabama. I don't care if UK is playing Florida, Alabama, South Carolina or Eastern Kentucky this team isn't good enough to overcome four turnovers. Mike Hartline threw three interceptions and Derrick Locke fumbled once, which was returned for a touchdown. UK will go on the road for two very tough SEC road games and can't afford any mistakes if they expect to win. Both South Carolina and Auburn cracked the AP top 25.
As Larry Vaught writes, UK's schedule gets no easier, but that's life in the SEC. Rich Brooks talks about playing well in spurts against Alabama, penalties and injuries. UK can't afford personal foul penalties and definitely can't afford anymore injuries.
UK's receivers are not catching on writes Mark Story. Prior to the Alabama game, the team named Gene McCaskill the starter over Chris Matthews. While McCaskill didn't have a reception, he was key in the UK running game. Still the biggest concern for the coaches has to be the tight-end. T.C. Drake dropped a nice pass by Randall Cobb which has to be completed.
Nick Saban had high praises for Kentucky after game. In short, Saban felt UK was physical and was able to run the ball against their defense as good as any team has in a long time.
In order for UK to take the next step in the SEC, they must beat South Carolina. The Gamecocks are trying to climb the SEC ladder too and have impressed so far this year. They knocked off Ole Miss at home and almost upset Georgia. UK will have their hands full in Columbia. Did I forget to mention the Cats have never beaten Steve Spurrier?
Trevard Lindley is doubtful for the South Carolina game due to his ankle injury. Paul Warford could miss his second game due to injury, which could lead to Martavious Neloms receiving his first career start. Hopefully the trainers can get both Lindley and Warford back for the big road game.
On the recruiting front, UK appears to be putting the hard pitch on 4-star running back Rajaan Bennett (Powder Springs, GA). Bennett is trying to schedule a visit to UK for a game and wants to play in the SEC. His top four schools are UK, Vandy, Louisville and East Carolina. Also, Eric Simmons (Atlanta, Ga) visited with teammate Darius Robinson (committed to Clemson) this weekend. Simmons stated he had a great visit and has flown under the radar thus far. UK appears to be his biggest offer thus far while other schools like Mississippi State and Virgina Tech are starting to show interest.
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