Expect Spurrier to test young UK corners

Steve Spurrier is probably licking his chops considering UK has announced both Trevard Lindley and Paul Warford will not play against the Gamecocks. However, UK has faith in both Martavious Neloms and Randall Burden. Secondary coach Chris Thurmond said this about Neloms, "He's really, really competitive and feisty; he battles," he's a good tackler, and he's physically and mentally tough, which is important any time you're playing corner. As a young corner, you'd better be mentally tough and be able to go on to the next play. He can do that." Ever since Burden stepped in for Lindley in the Liberty Bowl his confidence has grown. Coach Thurmond had this to say about Burden, "We've got confidence in Randall," he's played well since the bowl game, and we expect him to keep playing like he's been playing." Click on the link above to read Chip Cosby's article on the UK corners.

Brooks won't rush Newton & Mossakowski

While Rich Brooks continues to show his support for Mike Hartline as UK's starting QB he wouldn't rule out seeing Morgan Newton this year. However, Brooks will not rush Newton or Mossakowski. It appears that Brooks doesn't want to burn a red shirt year for a few snaps in a blowout game. Brooks hoped the freshman QB's would be further along than they are at this point. The decision to red shirt Ryan Mossakowski was easy one. The freshman had surgery from a shoulder injury he suffered last year and still isn't 100%. Fans need to remember that the adjustment from high school to college is huge. It takes time for these freshmen to adjust.

Joker Phillips talks UK Tight Ends

Joker Phillips talks about the UK tight ends and specifically Maurice Grinter (Senior TE). Apparently, Grinter has tried to become a finesse player instead of a physical grinder. The UK coaches have sent a message to Grinter by benching him. Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call because the team really needs someone to step up at the tight end position.

Wednesday Afternoon UK Football Links

• Here is a video of Steve Spurrier looking ahead to the UK game. It's pretty simple, you either love him or hate him. I tend to go with the latter. The point spread has gone from 13 points to 9 points in one day. South Carolina has starters out just like UK, so maybe this is the year

• Larry Vaught has a nice article on UK receiver Matt Roark. Roark is goods friends with South Carolina linebacker Eric Norwood, they played in high school together. Norwoord states that Roark is a real athlete and was the "truth" in high school.

• Here is nice article by Brett Dawon on UK tailback Derrick Locke. The article shows that Locke has developed a team first attitude. In order for UK to upset South Carolina, Derrick Locke will need his first 100 yard rushing game of his carrer. However, Locke needs to play within himself and not try to do too much to win the game. I would rather see Derrick Locke with 25 carries, 87 rushing yards, two touchdowns and a UK win than 20 carries, 150 rushing yards, two touchdowns and UK loss.

More starters questionable for Saturday's game

UK linebacker Danny Trevathan missed practice today with flu-like symptoms. His status for Saturday's game is up in the air. Also, OT Justin Jeffries is listed as questionable as well. When it rains, it pours.

Warford out against Gamecocks

Paul Warford is definitely out for Saturday's game against South Carolina. Randall Burden will start in his place.

Wednesday's UK Football Links

• Rich Brooks remains optimistic after Alabama loss. Brooks feels that playing smarter while maintaining a high level of intensity is the formula for success against South Carolina. Brooks was pleased that the Cats never gave up and continued to battle even when the game was out of reach.

• Mike Hartline must play better against the Gamecocks. Hartline knows that he can't make the same mistakes against South Carolina that he made against Alabama. Hopefully, Hartline will be able to throw the ball down field. South Carolina like UK has a few starters on defense out for the game as well as the Cats.

• UK is at a crucial point in the season coming into Saturday's game against South Carolina. If the Cats wants to make a statement in the SEC east, they must upset the No 25 Gamecocks at home. UK hasn't beaten South Carolina in nearly two decades and have never beaten Steve Spurrier.

• Rich Brooks says South Carolina is trying to climb the SEC ladder just like UK. The game Saturday is a statement game for both teams, especially UK, who is win-less in the SEC. The Gamecocks have owned the Cats since Lou Holtz was the coach in Columbia. Some UK fans feel that the Cats would be 4-1 if they played the same schedule as the Gamecocks.

• Chip Cosby writes that UK is blowing their margin for error. The Cats can't afford to lose the turnover margin in any game they play. UK simply hasn't shown the ability to score enough points to overcome losing this aspect of the game. UK has to play smarter on offense and could use a boost from the defense or special teams unit to put additional points on the scoreboard.

Video: Mike Hartline talks about critics

Video: Mike Hartline talks about critics

Click on the link above to see Mike Hartline's interview after practice today. Hartline says he graded out at 86% and didn't think he played that bad. I don't know the grading system UK uses, but 3 interceptions isn't going to grade out well among the fan base.

UK Receivers must step up

Larry Vaught writes that UK's receivers must be more consistent. As bad as Mike Hartline has been, the UK receivers haven't been much better (outside of Cobb). Rich Brooks, Joker Phillips and Randall Cobb all bragged about Chris Matthews' play-making ability. Defenses will continue to focus on Randall Cobb, therefore Matthews needs to be the other part of the UK passing game. Clearly it's time to stop bragging and start making plays. It also means Mike Hartline needs to take some chances down the field.

Trevard Lindley out against South Carolina

It has been confirmed that Trevard Lindley will not play against South Carolina. Also, Paul Warford and Justin Jeffries are listed as doubtful for the game as well. This presents a huge challenge for the UK secondary by not having either Lindley or Warford in the game. On the flip side, this presents a huge opportunity for Cartier Rice and Martavious Neloms.

UK Tailgating Fan of the Week- Alabama

Each week on this site, we highlight one UK fan from the previous game. Big Blue Nation, let me introduce you to Billy. Billy is the most hard-core UK fan I have ever met in my life. I have never met anyone who has blue running through their veins the way Billy does. Billy is the guy that girls won't high five because he hurts their hands and guys won't chest bump because he will knock them down. Billy is hardcore when it come to UK.

Billy is an Eastern Kentucky boy who always dreamed of attending UK. Billy received his degree from UK in 1997 and then went back to receive his Masters degree. This past weekend I had the opportunity to tailgate with Billy and witness his passion first hand. Out of nowhere Billy would yell "Whoooooaaaa...C-A-T-S..CATS..CATS..CATS"! Billy started the cheers at the Cat walk and cheered on the UK marching band as they marched by our tailgating spot. I took a few minutes with Billy to ask him a few questions to share with the visitors on this site.

Aaron: "Who is your favorite UK football player of all time?"
Billy: "Tim Couch, he is an Eastern Kentucky boy just like me and represented the turnaround for UK football."

Aaron: "What was your favorite UK football moment?"
Billy: "When Stevie got loose, I rushed the field and celebrated on the 50 yard line with the team and fans."

Aaron: "Which player will earn the Rich Brooks chest bump?"
Billy: "Micah Johnson. He will have to stop the run for the Cats to have a chance."

After the game I visited with Billy and we discussed the UK loss to Alabama. Billy was disappointed just like all UK fans. However, he is optimistic and feels that UK football will see better days. As we tailgated, I spoke to a few of Billy's friends and they all echoed what I had already learned. The man bleeds blue. Fortunately for me, I will see Billy in Columbia this weekend as he is planning a trip to watch the Cats take on the Gamecocks.

GO CATS!

Brooks not pleased with Hartline's play

It's no secret that Mike Hartline hasn't played well during the last two games. However, don't blame Rich Brooks, Joker Phillips or Randy Sanders. After all, Brooks, Phillips and Sanders probably never envisioned Mike Hartline as the No 1 QB. If everything goes as planned, Mike Hartline would likely be backing up Curtis Pulley this season instead of trying to lead the Cats to their fourth consecutive bowl appearance. No one is pleased with Hartline's performance thus far, not the fans or coaches. Rich Brooks is not pleased with Hartline's play and the fans are ready for a change. The fans need to remember that neither Morgan Newton or Ryan Mossakowski enrolled early at UK, which makes it nearly impossible for a true freshman to earn the starting job coming out of camp.

Rich Brooks press conference notes and links

Rich Brooks continues to show support for Mike Hartline, but wouldn't rule out seeing Morgan Newton this year either. Brooks also talks about the learning curve from high school to college for freshmen.

Running back Alfonso Smith will play Saturday, but will be limited due to his thumb injury. The Cats will put a cast on Smith's hand which will effect his ability to catch and carry the ball.

OT Justin Jeffries will not practice on Tuesday and Paul Warford will try to practice, but Brooks is not optimistic about Warford's injury at this point.

It appears certain the Trevard Lindley will not play against South Carolina. If Lindley can't play Saturday, that will present a huge opportunity for Martavious Neloms.

The Kentucky vs. Auburn game on October 17th has been selected by ESPNU at 7:30pm.

Monday UK Football Lunch Update

UK has two very tough games behind them, but now has to go on the road for two very tough road games against ranked SEC foes. Brett Dawson writes that this could be the toughest four game stretch in UK football history. UK will likely be without their two starting cornerbacks for the South Carolina game Trevard Lindley and Paul Warford. Personally, I feel that UK can upset the Gamecocks in Columbia if the Cats can establish the running game like they did against Alabama. The Gamecocks don't have a lot of depth at the running back position, so they will rely on the passing game and Steven Garcia (QB) to make plays with his feet. Also, UK will have to key on South Carlina tight end Weslye Saunders. The big tight end seems to be a difficult match up for any defense due to his size and athleticism.

Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips have stated the team will stick with Mike Hartline as the No 1 QB. Unfortunatley, UK doesn't have the depth to have a controversy over the QB position. A lot of fans want to see Morgan Newton, but everyone needs to realize that Newton is a freshman who didn't enroll early like Matt Barkley did for USC. It takes time for a high school quarterback to adjust to the college game. As hard as this sounds, the fans have to be patient.

Rich Brooks tweeted today that Alfonso Smith has a bad thumb injury and they need the swelling to go down before they can put a cast on his hand. Also, Brooks feels that South Carolina's defense rushes the passer better than any team UK has faced thus far.

Sunday Night Links & Notes

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.

The Tide Rolled: Post Game Notes and Links

Alabama beat Kentucky 38-20 and while UK shot themselves in the foot multiple times, the team should be able to take some positive things away from the game. The UK offense was able to establish the running game and Lones Sieber hit two long field goals which made him UK all time leading scorer.

Mike Hartline clearly didn't play his best game today against Alabama. Hartline threw three interceptions and the fans were booing when the coaches left him in the game. After the game, Joker Phillips stated that Mike Hartline was the teams "best option" at QB. One thing is clear, UK is going to live and die with Mike Hartline unless an injury occurs. I have heard a lot of UK fans state that Hartline "won't lose a game for you" or that he is the "safe" option. If Hartline doesn't manage to lead UK to some victories soon, he will continue to be a lightning rod among the UK fans.

Kentucky had a chance to change the game on defense today, but came up just a couple of inches short. Micah Johnson tackled Mark Ingram in the end zone, but Ingram's forward progress was just enough to prevent the Cats from taking the lead with a safety. No doubt the play could have been a game changer. I was sitting in the end zone and it appeared that Johnson had the safety for UK. However, the officials reviewed the play and the call on the field stood.

Corey Peters felt offended by Alabama's fake field goal in the 4th quarter. I agree with Peters, there was no reason for Alabama to fake a field goal with four minutes left in the game. Yes, it's UK's job to stop the offense, but didn't Nick Saban see what happened to Tim Tebow last week? If your team is competing for a National Championship you should be conservative and take your starters out to avoid injury.

Larry Vaught takes a look at the recruits that visited UK today. As reported earlier, Darius Robinson from Atlanta was on campus today. Robinson is a 4-star CB/WR who has already given his verbal to Clemson. Also, Tim Patterson from Louisville Central visited UK again today. Some reports state that Patterson is a Louisville lean, but clearly UK is in the picture as the 3-star DE has made multiple trips to Lexington. The other surprise recruit on campus was Maudrecus Humphrey who is a 3-star WR from Alabama. Humphrey's dad played at Alabama, so it's unclear if he is truly looking at UK or visiting for the Alabama game.

Trevard Lindley left the game with an ankle injury and didn't return. Lindley had x-rays which returned negative which is good news for the Cats.

Now it's time to prepare for the Old ball coach down in Columbia, SC next Saturday. UK has faced No 1 and No 3 in the last two weeks. The Cats should be prepared for anything the Gamecocks throw at them. One thing is clear, USC's defense is strong and Mike Hartline will need to know where Eric Norwood lines up on every down. It should be a good game as I have stated all along this is the year UK finally takes down Steve Spurrier.

Don't give up on Cats

Nice article by Brett Dawson on the Courier-Journal. It appears that Derrick Locke is embarrassed, Randall Cobb wants to show the fans the team still has the fire to win and Corey Peters feels the Cats match up better against Alabama than Florida. It's game time and the Cats are ready to put last week behind them. It's time for the fan base to rally around this team today and show them some love. The Cats walk is a 10:15am. I will be there to show support, will you?

Football Recruits on campus today

Louisville Central linebacker Tim Patterson is on the UK campus along with WR Darius Robinson and current UK commit Mychal Bailey per Larry Vaught. I'll will try to confirm again, but I think Vaught meant Stefan Robinson (Patterson's teammate) as Darius Robinson has verballed to Clemson.

UK already working on 2011 Class

Based on reports, UK has already started recruting for the 2011 class. Last weekend Ohio star Braxton Miller (QB-2011), Georgia prep stars C.J. Uzomah (QB-20011) and Brandon McGowan (LB-2011) visited Lexington with their high school coach Bob Sphire. For those of you who follow high school football, Bob Sphire was a coach at Lexington Catholic. Sphire has a relationship with current UK coach Chuck Smith who also coached in high school before joining the UK coaching staff. UK has extended an offer to Uzomah (pictured), but they will have stiff competition for the junior prep star. Uzomah has a ton of offers already from several BCS schools including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, LSU, Clemson, Maryland and many others. As far as McGowan goes, he is being recruited by Clemson, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and now UK. Braxton Miller also has a long list of schools lined up for his services with the likes Ohio State, Illinois, North Carolina and West Virginia recruiting him.

Friday Morning UK Football Notes

Taylor Wyndham reacts to the Tim Tebow hit. Wynham has become a house hold name and a fan favorite of other SEC schools. Like I have said before, nobody will remember the score of the Florida game, it will be just another loss, everyone will remember Wyndham's big hit on Tebow.

Brett Dawson answers some questions for the Bama Beat about the game Saturday. I agree with Dawson's comments about the Cats needing to put some points on the board early to stay in the game. I think putting points on the board early will help the Cats mentally. Personally, I feel this game that could determine the future of Mike Hartline.

Chip Cosby writes about the Wildcat formation and how UK has not utilized Randall Cobb enough. I have been posting on this site that Cobb needs at least 15 touches per game for the Cats to have a chance. Cobb has the skills to run a true Wildcat unlike other schools who put a running back in the game for a direct snap, he can actually throw the ball to keep defenses honest. Also, the article talks about Chris Matthews, the juco receiver has to be on the same page with the QB or it could be a disaster. Apparently, Matthews lined up incorrectly several times during the Florida game which can't continue to happen.

Javier Arenas will be a key factor for the Tide this weekend against UK. Arenas is the starting cornerback and also the teams punt return man. Arenas is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands. UK will have to cover well on punts and force Arenas to fair catch as many balls as possible.

On the recruiting front, I will be posting something later today on 2011 recruits and try to get an updated visitor list for this weekend's game. Stay tuned.

Cats can upset the Tide!

Here is a great article by another great UK website, A Sea of Blue. I agree with the article that UK can redeem themselves even if they lose. As a fan, I want to see UK win just like the next fan. If the Cats can't pull off the upset, then at least go down with a fight. I also believe on paper this game looks like a trap game for Alabama. However, I feel that Nick Saban is simply too good of a coach to allow his team to travel to Lexington unprepared. UK will need to force some turnovers on defense and can't afford to be in 3rd and long on offense during the game. With players like Randall Cobb, Derrick Locke and Trevard Lindley the Cats are always have a shot at the big play.

Defensive End Recruiting Target

Toba Omotinugbon is a 6'1" 240lb defensive end that plays for Jeffersonville (Indiana). UK had Toba on campus for the Louisville game and his recruitment seems to be flying under the radar. Toba and his family moved from Nigeria in 1997. His high school coach states that Toba can dominate half the field at defensive end. The Courier-Journal did an interview with Toba which has some great quotes by the athlete and his coach. Currently UK, Indiana, Ball State and several other schools are evaluating the defensive end.

Ross Bogue nominated for William V. Campbell Trophy

UK tight-end Ross Bogue has been nominated for the William V. Campbell Trophy, otherwise known as the "Academic Heisman".

Game Captains for the Alabama game will be Jorge Gonzalez and A.J. Nance.

As reported earlier, CB Paul Warford (quad strain) will not play Saturday against the Tide. Randall Burden will get the start in Warford's place, but expect to see Taiedo Smith, Cartier Rice and Martavious Neloms to see action as well.

Secret Weapon at Wide Receiver?

Gene McCaskill will replace Chris Matthews as starting wide receiver this Saturday against Alabama. It appears that Chris Matthews is having a hard time picking up the UK offense. Clearly Matthews has the ability, but he has to be on the same page with Hartline or it could be a disaster.

Also, Paul Warford will not play Saturday due to an injury. Everyone else will be ready to go including Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell.

Thursday Morning UK Football Notes

Chip Cosby takes a look at Alabama's imposing offense. It's pretty simple, the Tide will line up and run the ball between the tackles. They are not as flashy as Florida, but just as dominant. UK will have to play very physical. Also in the article, Trevard Lindley talks about Julio Jones being the best receiver he will match up against this year. This game is a great opportunity for the Cats to redeem themselves, even if they don't pull off the upset.

Rich Brooks continues to state that Alabama is almost as good as Florida. Brooks addressed some of his concerns on the SEC conference call yesterday. The coach is concerned with kick-offs, saying Sieber is not getting the ball high or deep enough. Brooks also talks about Hartline stepping up and having better accuracy. Alabama is allowing just over 40 yards per game rushing, so UK will have their hands full between the tackles. UK can't abandon the running gave early as we all know that Locke, Smith and Cobb are one play from breaking a long run.

Nick Saban states that Derrick Locke is one of the best kick off return guys in the country and then says both Locke and Randall Cobb are "real playmaker guys". Again, the key for UK Saturday will be establishing the run and getting the ball in Cobb's hands at least 15 times.

Here is another good article about the Cats jump-starting the offense. As Randall Cobb states in the article, "That's something you just don't want to be part of". In referencing the start to the Florida game. No doubt UK has been slow starting games, but hopefully after practicing first team offense against first team defense the team will respond.

John Clay has an interesting article on the new SEC contract and why the fans shouldn't want the SEC controlling the media.

On the injury front, Paul Warford (CB), Micah Johnson (LB) and Sam Maxwell (LB) were held out of practice yesterday. The team will have a light practice today and Warford is the most questionable according to Rich Brooks.

The Cat Walk will be at 10:15 am on Saturday morning. No doubt the team could use the fan support.