Lazy Saturday Post

Obviously, a better blogger would figure out things to write about the UK Football team in December. Usually, when the posts get sparse, I blame work or something external. Right now, the truth is, there is little to say. As the MCB is eight days away, I'll go ahead and set up some angles for the game.

1. It may be Derrick Locke's last as a Cat. From looking at interviews and following conventional wisdom, it appears Locke is likely to turn pro after the season. This is an unusual move for someone who may very well be drafted. But is it the right move? The reasons why Locke might throw caution to the wind and go out are varied. He is a responsible father who wants to provide for his child. His body has taken a beating in the SEC, and he is one more awkward tackle away from being unmarketable. UK is graduating nearly all of its offensive line, so a breakout ALL-SEC senior year is less that assured. Finally, he admits that watching Micah and Trevard slide down draft boards after deciding to come back has weighed on him.

Of course, there are as many reasons to come back. Setting aside the "be true to your school" mantra, Locke is not seen as a sure fire NFL player. He may be drafted in a late round, he may end up as a free agent pickup. It would seem that a good senior season could improve his stock. Another year as a feature back might convince the NFL he could be an every down player. Given that he isn't seen as a certain pick, coming back couldn't possibly hurt. Locke's situation is nothing like Lindley's or even Johnson's. He is projected as a final round pick at best. Why give up your senior year in college for something that isn't a sure thing.

Here is an important question I don't know the answer to. Is Locke of course to get a degree in May 2011? See, this isn't basketball. There aren't the same opportunities to play overseas and in minor leagues. Those playing pro football outside the NFL would probably better off financially getting a white collar job somewhere. So it would make sense to play football for free for one more year in exchange for a diploma unless he was 100% sure he'd be on a roster next year. Unless, of course, he hasn't already made sufficient progress and it isn't an option. I don't know. I wish Derrick the best, and truly hope he makes the best decision for him. If he leaves, the Cats are dealt a crushing blow.

2. Randall Cobb plays to a national audience. Next Sunday is an NFL day, but the Music City Bowl is the only college game of the day. The primetime slot on the East Coast ensures that many casual fans will be tuned in. This is Randall Cobb's chance to showcase his talent to the nation. For some reason, I think he is going to rise to the occasion. While he might not outshine C.J. Spiller, a dual between these two uber talent players will be fun to watch.

3. Trevard. The 2006 Music City Bowl was a coming out party of sorts for Treard Lindley. His spectacular end zone interception was the first of many big plays he made for Kentucky over the first three years of his career. After a pick six against Miami (OH) in the season's opening game of 2009, the big plays quit coming. Lindley came back from injury too soon, and he was less than himself for the rest of the year, basically just another player on the field. He may have cost himself hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. I would love to see a healed up Lindley have a big game, show scouts he is the same guy he was in 2008, and make one last memory for himself and his fans.

4. Me tempting the bowl karma monster by taking the kids. This probably deserves its own post.

5. Quarterbacks. The topic of who will be the starter in 2009 is for a different time, but I'd like to see both Newton and Hartline play in this game. I am not sure that Hartline is practicing at this point. He tried to go on Monday and had swelling in the knee. UK practiced last night and will again today at 11. I cannot get word on whether he participated. Sign of the times: I tried to figure this out just now and looked on Twitter before checking any other site.

6. Which Clemson team shows up? The ACC North champ that nearly beat Georgia Tech to go to a BCS Bowl, or the guys who spit the bit against a reeling South Carolina team two games ago.