Wednesday Morning UK Football Links and Notes

Morgan Newton knows he must stay positive. Newton is still learning the offense, but has shown signs of what made him an All-American in high school. Regardless of the season outcome, UK fans should be excited about the future of the football program.

ESPN takes a stab at the SEC bowl lineup for 2009. Right now, they are picking the Cats to play a Big East team in the Papa Johns.com Bowl. If UK finishes the season with six wins that is the likely scenario, but if UK can finish with seven or eight wins they could move up in the bowl projections.

Seven UK football players were sent home from practice today with the flu. Those players are Micah Johnson, Christian Johnson, Ridge Wilson, Alfonso Smith, Dave Ulinski, Jacob Dufrene and Patrick Ligon.

Chip Cosby writes that Rich Brooks wants his football team to focus only on the next game. It's amazing how much difference a week can make. A week ago there were discussions about the Outback Bowl or the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Now some fans are skeptical if the Cats will even make it to a bowl game. If UK can get healthy, I think the Cats have a shot to finish strong. It all starts with Eastern Kentucky.

Larry Vaught writes that the Cats must focus on Eastern Kentucky. The entire Big Blue Nation understands the importance of every football game from here on out. UK can't afford to underestimate Eastern Kentucky. The team simply needs to take care of business this weekend.

Trevard Lindley practiced today and could see some action against Eastern Kentucky. It would be a huge boost for the defense if Lindley is able to play. I would like to see Lindley as close to 100% as possible for the Vanderbilt game. The next two games are must wins for UK so they will need everyone healthy.

Rich Brooks reported that offensive lineman Jake Lanefski had surgery on his knee today and will have a few days to let it settle down before starting the long rehab.