Gameday

September 13th brings another game that the Cats should win, though MTSU should present a much bigger challenge than Norfolk State did. The Cats will go with a platoon system at Quarterback, which I agree is the right thing to do at this stage. Once Brooks hands the keys over to Cobb, there isn't much good in turning back. So the next two weeks should be a wait and see period.
I am really rooting for Mike Hartline today. The bare truth is that he hasn't been effective this year. His primary positive is that he has not turned the ball over all season. While that is important, that is only going to take a team that has struggled to run the football so far. Platooning with Cobb hamstrings him in that Cobb will probably not play much wideout. Hartline loses out on a playmaker in the passing and running games. If Hartline cannot complete passes and move the chains, the natives are going to get very restless, and tonight might not be a fun one at Commonwealth. Initially, at least, the 95% of fans that did not boo Hartline last week will actually cheer for him and drown out any boo birds. If things go way south, all bets will be off. I hate to see Hartline, Brooks or the fans in that situation.

Aside from psychological concerns, this is a much better team with an effective Hartline at QB. To my eye, Randall Cobb is a special athlete. As long as he is one step away from taking over the offense, he is not going to play much at other positions or as a returner. We need him on the field every down, one way or another. Though Cobb has game changing talent, my gut tells me that Brooks will not ultimately go with him as a full time starting QB. He is, after all, a 5'10" true freshman playing in the SEC.

On the other hand, if Cobb plays the next two games like he did against Norfolk, without the turnovers, a star may truly be born and Brooks will be faced with little choice.

UK's linebackers should have a test today. With MTSU running the spread, our D-Line can only get off if the quick routes are not open. If we can handle that, it will probably be a very long night for Joe Craddock and Co. In the words of Clubber Lang, I predict pain.

Should be interesting. UK by 14. How it all plays out is anyone's guess, though I do not expect much scoring from the Blue Raiders.

I'll be in the Blue Lot today, with the kids, which always makes it interesting.