Cats lose to Miss St, put Bowl Game in jeopardy

Well I missed my first home game this season and had to watch the game in Los Angeles at a local sports bar. First, let me say today was my 30th birthday and all I wanted was a UK win. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

The Cats could have won this game, but they gave up too many big plays on defense. Personally, I think Joker Phillips and Randy Sanders are going to take some heat for the play calling in the second half. Why was Randall Cobb not at QB when the Cats were threatening to score late? In my opinion, Cobb is the best player on the field and needs to have the ball in his hands for the Cats to win in that situation.

Morgan Newton showed flashes of what is to come, but in the end he is a freshman having to learn on the fly. I thought Chris Matthews and LaRod King made some big plays in the fourth quarter and Derrick Locke played well. Alfonso Smith fumbled which hurt the Cats and Newton's interception inside the ten all but sealed the Cats fate.

The Cats need to beat teams like South Carolina and Mississippi State to move up in the SEC. Both games were winnable this season, but the Cats seem to find ways to lose instead of win. Now the Cats need to win next week against Eastern Kentucky and have to win against either Vanderbilt, Georgia or Tennessee. The Cats play Vanderbilt in Nashville on Senior day (scary), the Dawgs in Athens and Tennessee at home. The Mississippi State loss could be very costly if the Cats can't manage to win two more games.

Phillips no 'Joke' for Kentucky Football

Joker Phillips has been great for Kentucky football. Joker is one of the best recruiters in the SEC and knows the southeast recruiting front really well. It has to make huge impression to kids that the "future" head coach is recruiting them to play at Kentucky. You have to be an insider to read the full article by ESPN, but here is the teaser.

More Saturday UK Football Links

UK-Miss. State becoming a "rivalry game". These two teams seem similar and have battled hard in recent years. UK lost the most recent meeting in 2007 in Lexington. Hopefully the Cats remember the loss and how much it hurt them during the bowl selection process.

Jeremy Jarmon returned to Lexington this week and address the team after practice. Jarmon will be on the sidelines for the MSU game. It's no secret that UK misses Jarmon on the defensive line, but Jarmon is a good person and good things happen to good people.

Saturday UK Football Links and Notes

ESPN's Chris Low takes a spooky look at the SEC, giving accolades to Taylor Wyndham and Micah Johnson. Wyndham gets the 'Monster Mash' plug and Johnson get the 'guy you don't want on your bad side' award.

The SEC has decided to punish coaches who rip officials publicly. The league will fine or suspend coaches going forward. What is the punishment to officials who blow calls going forward? There is no excuse to make a bad call when the league has replay.

Randall Cobb receives more praises from ESPN about his performance against La-Monroe. Cobb will need to come up big again for the Cats to defeat Mississippi State. Randall Cobb is the most exciting player I have watched at UK a long time.

Larry Vaught writes that Cobb will find a way for the Cats to win against Miss St. A win tonight will go a long way towards getting to their fourth bowl game in as many years.

UK Chris Matthews continues to learn on the fly. Matthews is still learning the offense, but is getting better each week. Matthews has the ability to be a big time playmaker and hopefully tonight will be a "treat" for UK fans.

UK received two football commitments yesterday from Georgia teammates Jabari Johnson (LB) and Ronnie Shields (TE) joining teammate Raymond Sanders. Landing three recruits from one school could be the start of a new pipeline for the Cats. These commitments are a huge for Kentucky football.

Friday Morning UK Football Links & Notes

Jeff Drummond is reporting that Ronnie Shields (TE) and Jabari Johnson (LB), who are teammates of UK commit Raymond Sanders, have picked up offers from UK and considering the Cats. Johnson could give the Cats a verbal soon. Stephenson high school is a power house and produces a lot of D1 players every year. This would be a great pipeline school for the Cats.

The Bowl Scouts are already paying attention to the Cats. The Cats recently had a representative from the Capital One bowl at the La-Monroe game and will have a representative from the Chick-Fil-A bowl at the MSU game. The bowl scouts are quick to point that UK fans travel well which is a big factor in choosing schools.

ESPN's Chris Low picks out the 'scariest' players in the SEC and Micah Johnson checks in at No 5. Personally, I think Johnson's biceps should put him at No 1. Where do you think Johnson would finish in an arm wrestling tournament with the players mentioned in the article?

Myron Pryor is making an impact for the New England Patriots. Pryor is receiving praises from head coach Bill Belichick and seeing action as a rookie. Coach Belichick points out that Pryor was well coached at UK. It's great to see former Cats doing well in the NFL.

Per ESPN, Storm Johnson (4-Star RB) has narrowed his list down to five schools. Johnson seemed to be a Florida State lean, but it appears the Noles are no longer in consideration. His final five are Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, North Carolina and Penn State. Johnson will have to make his decision soon as he plans to enroll in January. Johnson has already taken one visit to Lexington for a game and hopefully the coaching staff can get him back on campus for an official visit in December.

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More Thursday Links & Notes

ESPN's Chris Low makes his week 9 SEC picks and picks the Cats to beat Mississippi State. For what it's worth, Low is 51-10 in picking SEC games this year. Low figures the Cats will use Randall Cobb more in the wildcats to keep the offense going. This game has a similar feel to the South Carolina game, in which it's one the Cats need to win to move up in the SEC.

Jordan Aumiller feels that his former teammate Lamar Dawson can play at UK. Aumiller played with Dawson at Boyle County High School. Aumiller says he will try to lure his friend, Dawson, to UK. Also, Aumiller feels that Dawson would likely play linebacker in college. Also, in the article by Larry Vaught, Aumiller talks about Morgan Newton and Will Fidler's performances in practice.

Kenneth Ladler (Stone Mountain, GA) teammate of UK commit Raymond Sanders is going to take a visit to UK. Ladler is currently committed to Vandy, but maybe Sanders is pushing him to become a Cat. Ladler is listed as a three star recruit by Rivals. For what it's worth, Sanders wasn't ranked when he committed to UK, but has been bumped to a three star recruit.

Thursday Morning UK Football Notes & Links

It's still wait and see on Micah Johnson's game status for Saturday. UK really can't afford to lose any more players to injury. Based on Johnson's twitter comments, his knee feels much better. If Johnson is unable to play, look for Ronnie Sneed make his first career start.

The Cats need to throw if they want to grow. Here is a nice article by Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader. UK will have a difficult time winning SEC games if they can't establish some sort of passing attack. Neither Morgan Newton or Will Fidler have shown any consistency thus far. Randall Cobb made some plays against La-Monroe throwing the ball which will continue, but UK needs Newton or Fidler to step up and make some plays. Since Mike Hartline went down with an injury, UK has only thrown one touchdown pass. I still look for Hartline to return in time for the Vanderbilt game.

Both Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindley worked out yesterday. Johnson will practice today and Lindley is still doubtful for Saturday. It would be a huge boost for the Cats if both guys are able to play Saturday.

Anterio Sloan (4-Star CB) lists UK and Mississippi State as his top two schools at this point. Sloan will visit UK in December and has already visited Mississippi State. Sloan initially committed to Nebraska, but has since decommitted.

Also, UK continues to pursue Vandy commit Jerrell Priester (Allendale, SC) who is a 3-star athlete. Priester is listed at 5''9", 185lbs and runs a 4.4 forty time.

Don't forget you can search player info on this site in the search bar on the right hand side. I have put several highlight videos on here in the past and all search results will appear at the top of the page.

The Cat walk will be at 4:45pm on Saturday. Wear your Halloween costume and get crazy for the game.

Xavier McFadden (3-Star WR/DB) Video

Xavier McFadden (Rock Hill, SC) recently took a visit to South Carolina and NC State. McFadden has already been to Lexington for an unoffical visit and apparently the Cats are still high on his list of schools. McFadden will try to take a visit to Clemson soon, but it is unclear if the two home school states have offered at this point.

Bowl Games? Heisman Candidate? Kentucky? Yes!

ESPN's Chris Low takes a look at the SEC's top 10 candidate's for the Heisman Trophy. Low ranks Randall Cobb at No 9. Low points out that Cobb is the only player with 300 yards receiving, 200 yards rushing and 100 yards in both kick off and punt returns. If UK's record was better, Cobb would be receiving a lot more attention. If the Cats and Cobb can finish strong with eight or nine wins, the hype will start. I said it yesterday, I wouldn't trade Randall Cobb for any other player in the country right now. Would you?

On another note, a representative from the Chick-Fil-A Bowl will be in Lexington for the Kentucky-Mississippi State game this weekend. I would love to see the Cats play in a January bowl game. Chances are they would play Virginia Tech, Miami or Clemson. UK would likely need eight wins to make the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.

Wednesday Morning UK Football Links and Notes

Mitch Barnhardt writes a letter to fans explaining the concept of the "black out" game. I was excited to possibly see the Cats wear black and try something different for one night. After all it's homecoming and Halloween, it would have made for an interesting evening.


Rich Brooks confirms that UK will not wear black on Saturday. Coach Brooks is from the "old school" so he wants to stick with wearing the school colors. However, I think this was an opportunity to create some excitement as well as send a message to fans, players and recruits that UK is willing to mix it up.


Don't expect a runaway when UK plays MSU Saturday. Both teams are similar and like to run the ball. MSU has a physical back in Tony Dixon and they will try to run the ball at the UK defense. Hopefully Micah Johnson will be able to play and match Dixon's intensity on defense. If not, expect Ronnie Sneed to step in for his first career start.


UK's QB committee successful in the win column writes the Evansville Courier & Press. While Morgan Newton and Will Fidler haven't played their best football, the team is 2-0 with the QB committee. UK will continue to mix in Randall Cobb at QB and he has shown the ability to throw the ball. While the committee is great experience for Newton and Fidler the team needs consistency on offense.

Tuesday Night UK Football Links and Notes

DeQuinn Evans or "DQ" as his friends call him will join John Connor as team captain Saturday against Mississippi State. Being named a game captain has to be a huge honor for Evans and it shows how much respect the team has for him.

Micah Johnson sent out a tweet tonight saying that his knee is feeling better. I agree with Micah and I thank god your a fast healer too. UK needs Johnson as close to 100% as possible for the Mississippi State game as he is a game changer.

Chip Cosby writes two teams seasons hinge on UK-MSU rivalry. This is a huge game for both teams, especially the Cats. Winning against MSU would almost guarantee the Cats their fourth consecutive bowl game. Also, this game is a stepping stone in my opinion. UK must beat teams like MSU to move up in the SEC.

The Cats are gearing up for the MSU ground attack. MSU has a very physical back and will try to run over UK. Hopefully Micah Johnson can play, but if not, Ronnie Sneed is prepared to step in and play. Sneed is a red-shirt sophomore and has learned from one of the best in Micah Johnson.

Tuesday's UK Football Links & Notes

UK ranks dead last in the SEC in 3rd down defense. The stats don't lie, so UK needs to tighten up their 3rd down pass coverage. Also, the defensive line must get a better push on 3rd downs. UK didn't play well on 3rd down against La-Monroe and their QB picked apart the secondary.

Do you want UK to wear black uniforms against Mississippi State? Click here for John Clay's poll on the topic. Personally, I think it would be cool for the team to wear all black uniforms for one game.

The State Journal writes that the Cats are better but not quite there yet. There is no question that injuries have plagued this team. In my opinion, it cost UK the South Carolina game and could have a major impact on the rest of the season too. UK could potentially play Saturday's game against Mississippi State without their starting quarterback, cornerback and middle linebacker. All three are game changing players, especially on defense. The article also talks about UK's depth which has always been a factor for UK playing in the SEC. UK has finally started to build some depth, but the players don't have the experience. Take guys like Morgan Newton and Martavious Neloms, both are playing as true freshmen because they have the talent. UK will continue to recruit good players and the football program's best years are still to come. Fans just need to be patient.

The Cincinnati Enquirer writes that Cobb does it all for the Cats. No one can argue with that statement. Randall Cobb is amazing and I agree with Joker Phillips' comment, "He just has it, I don't know what it is, but I'm glad we have him." I'm almost ready to start the Randall Cobb for Heisman campaign for 2009. I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade Cobb for any other player in the country right now. He is that good.

Player videos from Rich Brooks luncheon

Monday Afternoon UK Football Links & Notes

UK is calling the game against Mississippi State a "blackout" game in which they are asking the fans to wear black. Will the football team wear black? I think for one night it would be really cool for the team to mix it up. Apparently the team is trying to sell Rich Brooks on the idea of wearing back, but it appears to be a long shot.

Micah Johnson's MRI confirmed the Linebacker has a level 1-2 grade tear. It's not major, but it's not minor either. Johnson is listed as questionable to doubtful for Saturday's game. My guess is that Johnson will study film and try to play with a brace.

Rich Brooks said for the Cats to move up in the SEC they need to beat similar teams. Brooks considers Mississippi State a similar team. I agree with Coach Brooks, UK has to beat teams like South Carolina and Mississippi State to move up in the SEC. This game is very winnable for UK, however the lack of leadership could be an issue on defense if Johnson and Lindley don't play.

Rich Brooks also said the passing game must improve. He stated, "Our down-field passing attack isn’t very good. Neither is our mid-field and short passing attack". The receivers need to step up and be in the right spot. If Morgan Newton and Will Fidler don't show some serious improvement, I look for Randall Cobb to throw the ball more on "wildcat" packages.

Sam Maxwell knows Mississippi State is a "huge game" for the football team. Maxwell remembers the beat-down the Bulldogs put on the Cats two years ago and promises the team will "pick it up" Saturday. If UK can win Saturday, it will set them up nicely for six wins and take some pressure off the team for bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt has shown they are not a pushover, so playing Vandy on the road makes me nervous. Then the Cats face Georgia and Tennessee. This Saturday's game is crucial.

Monday Morning UK Football Links & Notes

Chip Cosby writes about the Cats injuries heading into the Mississippi State game. The Cats could potentially be without their starting QB, LB and CB for a huge home SEC game. The game Saturday is huge for the Cats, it could put the Cats at 5-3 and one win away from their fourth consecutive bowl appearance.

Micah Johnson could join Trevard Lindley and Mike Hartline on the sidelines against Mississippi State. Right now Johnson is listed as questionable and will have a MRI today to determine the severity of his injury.

Mike Hartline is still rehabbing and trying to make a comeback this season. I spoke with Hartline after the game and his goal is to play against either Eastern Kentucky for Vanderbilt. Based on the reports, Hartline still has a long way to go. Based on the quarterback play against La-Monroe, the team could really use Hartline's ability to manage the offense.

Trevard Lindley is listed as doubtful for the Mississippi State game. Lindley was scheduled to workout on Sunday and be evaluated again on Monday to determine any chance of playing Saturday. La-Monroe threw the ball well against UK's secondary so Lindley's presence would be huge. However, the Cats should hold him back if he is not 100%.

Corey Peters sent out a tweet saying that he was trying to get healthy and this was the most important week of the season. Peters has been huge for the Cats this season and will need to be as close to 100% for the Cats to win Saturday.

Randall Cobb and Randall Burden were both honored by "The College Football Performance Awards". Cobb was selected as the "National Punt Returner of the Week" and Burden was selected as honorable mention for "National Defensive Back of the Week".

Per ESPN, Florida State has offered running back Rajion Neal a scholarship for 2010. UK fans may remember Neal as he was down to Louisville, Mississippi State and Kentucky for his final three. It is worth noting that FSU has offered and Neal's commitment may not be as solid as initially thought.

Sunday Evening UK Football Links & Notes

Micah Johnson is walking without crutches, but will have a MRI tomorrow on his knee. Rich Brooks is hopeful that Johnson's knee won't keep him from playing against Mississippi State. We will know more once Johnson has his MRI. Johnson will miss some reps in practice this week, but will study film to get ready for the Bulldogs.

Trevard Lindley is still listed as doubtful, but the team will continue to monitor his progress this week. After the secondary's performance against La-Monroe, they could use Lindley's presence on the field.

UK continues to impress in the Sagarin ratings coming in at No 21. I think when UK is healthy they are definitely a Top 25 team and can play with any team in the country.

DeQuinn Evans knows he must continue to get better for the Cats to have success. Evans had five tackles including three for a loss. Evans has been expected to step in and fill the void left by Jeremy Jarmon.

A Sea of Blue gives their breakdown of the UK win over La-Monroe. I agree with their report, Randall Cobb was amazing and how about Sam Maxwell? The linebacker was absolutely crushing guys and making a name for himself. After the game I heard some concern from fans about the lack of intensity the Cats played with during the second half. I reminded them that the team has several key injuries and the team lost their edge after jumping out to a big lead. The Cats need to have a good week of practice if they are going to go for three-in-a-row.

Sunday Morning UK Football Links and Notes

Fast-starting Cats put away ULM 36-13, however the Cats allowed La-Monroe to hang around. UK started strong, but bad decisions by the quarterbacks hurt the Cats and the secondary had a rough night as well. The defense wasn't the same without Micah Johnson at linebacker. Johnson's knee injury doesn't appear to be too serious, but based on reports he could miss some practice time this week. We should know more after Rich Brooks' conference call today.

John Clay writes that Cats show wear and tear in business-like win. The Cats ultimately handled their "business" against La-Monroe, but will have to play better against SEC teams if they expect to win. The team jumped all over La-Monroe early, but then seemed to put it in cruise control until the end.

Joker Phillips says, "We didn't play clean" per Larry Vaught's article. After playing mistake free football against Auburn, the Cats didn't seem to have the focus against La-Monroe. I'm sure the Cats lost some edge after they started 21-0 and that is what allowed La-Monroe to hang around in the second half.

Brett Dawson writes the Cats were good early and good enough late. Randall Burden's "pick six" sealed the game for the Cats which allowed UK to run the ball late and run out the clock. John Connor, Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke all looked great. The quarterbacks have a long way to go, but I'm sure the coaches will draw up a new game plan for them against Mississippi State. The Cats need to have a strong week in practice and take care of "business" again next weekend.

With Hartline out, Cats plan to stick with quarterback trio. The coaching staff feels that Newton, Filder and Cobb gives the team the best chance to win. If Fidler and Newton continue to struggle, expect to see more Randall Cobb at QB. Cobb actually threw the ball against La-Monroe which I'm sure was by design. After the game I spoke with Mike Hartline and he told me that he hoped to be back by Eastern Kentucky or Vanderbilt.

Eric Crawford writes that Cobb is "Mr. Do-it-all" for Cats. I agree with Crawford that Cobb is "Mr. Do-it-all" by returning kickoff's, punt returns, receiving and playing quarterback. I was dissappointed that Cobb was still playing the fourth quarter and hoped he would receive some much needed rest. Cobb's punt return had to be the play of the game. It took great concentration to make the catch and then he showed his play making ability to make people miss on his way to the endzone.

UK Post Game Interviews