Monday UK Football Notes and Links

Larry Vaught has a nice article about the lack of respect for Rich Brooks and the UK football program. The media picked UK to finish at the bottom of the SEC again this year so it's no surprise they didn't receive any votes in the polls. In my opinion, UK is a top 25 program and have showed it. Due to the tough schedule it doesn't appear that way. If the Cats can finish strong they have a shot at being ranked before the season ends.

What was it like to be at the UK-Auburn game? Larry Vaught has an article with quotes from a UK fan who was at the game. I was unable to attend, but watched the game on TV and felt just like the fan, the team never gave up. Watching the game, I felt UK's entire team stepped up and knew they had little margin for error with a new quarterback. It was a great game to watch.

Brett Dawson writes that beating Auburn breathes new life into Cats. Rich Brooks points out that the team played the closest "60 minutes" of football since he has been the coach at UK. Also, the team didn't commit any penalties, which is a first since 1991. If the Cats had lost at Auburn, they would have had a hard road ahead to reach their fourth consecutive bowl game. Now, it appears the Cats could finish with seven or eight wins.

Rich Brooks sees progress, not perfection. UK still has a lot of areas they need to improve on as a team. UK still needs another receiver to step up and become a play-maker. Chris Matthews is the guy, but still appears confused at times on the field. Chris has the ability and there were a couple of plays during the Auburn game which left many UK fans questioning his effort. Also, UK needs to improve on special teams. The team can't afford to have field goals blocked, it becomes too much of a momentum swing. UK went from possibly leading 3-0, to being down 7-0. Special teams are very crucial aspect of the game and UK still has a lot of work to do.

John Clay writes that UK's offensive line saved the season for the Cats. I agree completely. The offensive line, led by three seniors have dominated the line of scrimmage and allowed UK to establish a solid running game. The big guys never receive much credit and deserve some much needed praise this week.

The Cats come home to face Louisiana-Monroe this weekend which doesn't need to be a trap game. UK needs to handle their business and handle it early. Since UK's bye-week was so early, the Cats need take advantage of not playing another SEC team. UK needs to have a commanding lead heading into halftime and give the key players a break in the second half.

Don't forget to follow Aaron's UK Football on Twitter. Click on the link to the right and sign up for updates. Check back this week as we will have more recruiting info and an analysis on the current UK roster.