Q & A with Morgan Newton

Chip Cosby has a nice interview with Morgan Newton. Clearly Newton wants to see the field, but he may have to red shirt. Personally, I think the coaches should mix him into the game for 10-12 plays like Florida did with Tebow his freshman year.

No excuses, just win!

Here is a link to Brett Dawson's article about the Cats needing to "load the wagon" for a bumpy road trip. We know Lindley, Warford and Jeffries are out with injuries. The weather forecast will be hot, humid and likely rain. The Cats just need to escape the game with a win.

Cats tired of losing to Gamecocks!

Chip Cosby writes that the Cats are tired of losing to the Gamecocks. The players admit they haven't played their best ball against South Carolina in recent years and want to end the streak. Alfonso Smith said in the article, "This could swing all the momentum in the other direction, once you start winning it becomes contagious. If you keep losing, things keep going downhill. For the first time since I've been here, it feels good to get away."

More on Mike Hartline and UK's offense

Here is a great article by another great UK Fan site, A Sea of Blue. The article discusses Mike Hartline's issues along with the team's issues to support Hartline. The article makes several great points, but at the end the article is pointing the finger at the UK coaching staff and evaluating talent. Now I am not saying the coaching staff shouldn't shoulder some blame, but Hartline has looked more like a MAC quarterback than an SEC quarterback. Also, the article talks about player progression, which is the difference between a 2-3 star recruit versus a 4-5 star recruit.

As far as game planning, the coaching staff needs to utilize the "Wildcat" more often to keep the defense guessing. UK needs Chris Matthews to start making plays, he has the size and ability so throw him the darn ball! Derrick Locke is by far UK's best running back, but he can also catch the ball well. If UK needs another receiver besides Cobb, why not line up Locke in the Slot position on key plays? I still think UK should mix in Morgan Newton for 10-12 plays per game, as he can make plays with his feet too. Florida didn't red-shirt Tebow when they had Chris Leak. The Gators used Tebow in spot situations, which is what UK should do with Newton. UK has depth in the backfield and needs to run the ball more as well.

Mike Hartline shouldn't shoulder all the blame. After all, Mark Sanchez wouldn't have looked good against Florida and Alabama. Not with the receivers and offensive line Hartline has. The coaches are going to stick with Hartline so the fans need to support the quarterback and this team. Now that the two toughest games are behind him, Hartline should only improve from here on out.

Harrison & Cobb will be game captains

Randall Cobb and Calvin Harrison will be the game captains against South Carolina tomorrow.

Cats expect South Carolina to bring the heat

Chip Cosby has a nice article on the UK-USC match up this weekend with nice quotes from Joker Phillips. Joker points out that South Carolina's linebackers present a difficult match-up due to their speed. Eric Norwood has dominated the Cats in recent years so the Cats will have to find the linebacker on every play. It will be crucial for the Cats to establish the running game against the Gamecocks.

ESPN Picks: Week 6 SEC

ESPN's Chris Low picks the SEC winners this weekend. Chris isn't very kind to the Cats. He picks South Carolina to win 31 to 13, sighting the young UK corners as a problem for the Cats.

Friday UK Football Links

South Carolina's TE Wesyle Saunders will not play against UK this weekend due to injury. Saunders is the team's third leading receiver and has been a tough match up due to his size and ability. The Gamecocks will start a freshman in his place.

Martavious Neloms is not intimidated by first career start. The freshman is confident and will play physical. It appears UK found another diamond in the rough when they signed Neloms who only received two offers out of high-school.

Mark Story writes that everyone should give Mike Hartline a break. This is a great article which discusses all of UK's options at quarterback. The article also points out how long it took Tim Couch, Jaren Lorenzen and Andre Woodson to win eight games. As frustrated as everyone is with Hartline play, the coaches are right, Mike Hartline remains the team's best option.

Kentucky and South Carolina Preview

Kentucky comes into the game Saturday with a record of 2-2 and 0-2 in the SEC. UK simply can't afford to start their SEC schedule 0-3 so this weekend's game is crucial before the Cats travel to Auburn next weekend. Before the season, I predicted the Cats would win eight games this season. I'm still optimistic that the Cats can get there, but Mike Hartline and the special teams units must play better. UK can't afford to keep the defense on the field the entire game.

UK is averaging 25 points per game against Miami-OH, Louisville, Florida and Alabama. The good news for Cat fans is that UK has shown they can run the ball and the offense has shown some life. Against Alabama, UK posted 20 first downs and 301 yards in offense. Obviously Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb are the playmakers, but expect to see wide receiver Chris Matthews come up in a big way against the Gamecocks. The more Matthews plays, the more confidence he gains.

USC is averaging 27.2 points per game against NC State, Georgia, Florida Atlantic, Ole Miss and South Carolina State. The Gamecocks rely heavily on Stephen Garcia to make plays with his feet and finding Wesyle Saunders, the big tight end who continues to be a difficult match-up for opposing defenses. Saunders will not play against UK due to injury so Garcia will look to hook up with his other favorite target, Moe Brown. The Gamecock defense has been the story of the season which is led by All-SEC linebacker Eric Norwood.

UK comes into this game a little banged up, but both teams have key players out. UK's top two cornerbacks, Trevard Lindley and Paul Warford, will be on the sidelines due to injury. Also, UK linebacker Danny Trevathan has missed practice this week with flu-like symptoms, OT Justin Jeffries missed practice due to an injury and running back Alfonso Smith will play in a cast. South Carolina will be without their big tight end Weslye Saunders so they will start freshman Justice Cunningham. Also, the Gamecocks lost defensive tackle Travian Robertson for the season against Ole Miss and cornerback Akeem Auguste has been suspended for three games.

Clearly UK has already played the best in the country in Florida and Alabama. The key for UK will be for Martavious Neloms and Randall Burden to step up at cornerback. Also, UK must continue to mix in Randall Cobb in the "Wildcat" formation to keep the defense guessing and Derrick Locke needs a big game rushing the ball. Finally, Mike Hartline will have to step up in the pocket to make throws, if not Eric Norwood will start receiving Heisman votes. Finally, this is the year the Cats pull off the upset and finally end the Spurrier curse. The Gamecocks are simply to "cocky" and this game sets up nicely for the Cats to come into Columbia and take one from the Ol' Ball Coach.

Dusty Bonner on Mike Hartline

Dusty Bonner feels that Mike Hartline needs more weapons around him. Article by Larry Vaught.

Cats look to shake Spurrier curse

Nice article by the Courier-Press on the Kentucky-South Carolina rivalry. UK is looking to end the South Carolina steak and end the Spurrier curse as well. UK has shot themselves in the foot against South Carolina the past two seasons, so hopefully the Cats can play mistake free football for an entire game and end both streaks.

Is Spurrier nervous about Cats?

Steve Spurrier isn't talking about the winning streak the Gamecocks have over Kentucky. In case your counting, it's nine wins. As every UK fans already knows, UK is 0-16 against Spurrier himself counting his Florida days. Here is nice article that shows Spurrier realizes that UK is better than their record indicates.

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.