It seems everyone, from the good folks in Las Vegas, to the local and national media, are picking against the 'Cats in their upcoming epic battle for the Governor's Cup.  I suppose I can understand why the knee-jerk reaction is to pick Louisville to win this years contest.  After-all, the game is being played at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, and UK will be starting an unproven quarterback.  Add the fact that Kentucky lacks experience at the receiver slot, except for the talented Dicky Lyons, and one can reasonably assess the game as a U of L lean.  But if one analyzes the contest and a few key personnel a bit closer, a converse conclusion can easily be arrived upon.

I like Eric Crawford.  The Courier-Journal sports columnist is generally not dogmatic, that is, he backs up his opinions with some form of fact.  As is true with anyone who puts out opinions three or four times a week, I don't always agree with his assertions, but I don't always agree with any writer's opinions 100% of the time.  

This past Sunday Mr. Crawford penned a fairly even-handed column in which he put forth his prediction for the UK v. U of L game, along with his reasoning for reaching his final conclusion.  His logic seems to follow that of most of the national media, as well as some local media members, concerning the game and its possible outcome.  Because of this I am going to use his column, and his points, as the basis for my rebuttal to those who opine that U of L will come out victorious Sunday evening.

His assertions begin with an historical perspective:

"And the biggest one ( reason ) is the way UK historically has played in its season opener under Rick Brooks, which is to say, not at all well."

"Brooks has never beaten U of L in an opener.  But more than that, in four years of playing the Cardinals in the first game, his UK teams have managed just one first-quarter touchdown.  And they weren't facing blockbuster U of L defenses, either." 

 Well, that's a shocker.  In Brooks' first two years on the job UK went a combined 6 - 17.  Those teams were ... I'm being kind here ... terrible.  Of course they didn't play well in the first game, they didn't play well in ANY game.  But, in Brooks third season UK went 3 - 8, and almost managed to upset the Cards, losing only 31 - 24.  If not for an Andre' Woodson fumble on the U of L two yard line, that game could have very easily swung the other way. 

There is no denying that Louisville has had, previous to last season, a far superior team over the last several years.  Using UK's poor performances in some of those games as a yardstick by which to measure this years game is flawed logic.  Actually it's not flawed logic, the assertion lacks logic altogether.  One has nothing whatsoever to do with the other.

He next confronts the all important ground game:

"For eight straight years, the winning team's top rusher out-gained the entire opposing team.  Rafael Little did that last year."

"Because both teams figure to use multiple backs, that streak might be in jeopardy.  But let's say that UK's defensive line -- it best unit -- stuffs the U of L run.  Now the Wildcats are free to try to control things with their own running game, something their talented backfield is capable of doing.  But they can do that only if they can keep U of L honest through the air, and that's a shaky proposition."

 Can UK keep Louisville's defense honest through the air?  Finally, a legitimate point from Mr. Crawford.

Considering U of L returns eight starters from last years porous defense, I think it's fair to evaluate the job they did last year pressuring the passer: Last season Louisville recorded 17 sacks in 12 games, to go along with seven interceptions ( they also allowed 25 touchdown passes, and 251 yards per game through the air ).  Not fear inspiring numbers, even if Mike Hartline has yet to start a single college game.  UK's experienced offensive line figures to be inundated with blitz's and stunts all day long, and their ability to handle the Cards pass rushers ( U of L will be starting three new linebackers ) will go a long way in determining how effective Hartline is in the vertical game.

To offset Hartline's inexperience I'm sure Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips will utilize the pass catching abilities of the running backs.  Tony Dixon, Alfonso Smith, and Derrick Locke should prove to be valuable 'relief valves' for a pressured Hartline.  Getting those guys loose in the secondary is of vital importance to UK's offensive attack, but if U of L proves quick to cover and swarm ( which they didn't do last year ) then Kentucky's offense could become one dimensional.  Which of course would be problematic for the boys in blue.

Kentucky's inexperienced receiving corps is the wild card in this game, as far as the 'Cats are concerned.  Hartline will be relying on receivers Dicky Lyons, Kyrus Lanxter, E.J. Adams, Eric Adeyemi, Eugene McCaskill, and Matt Roark to run the right routes, and make the catch.  Tight end Maurice Grinter will also be relied upon to make a few catches.  Grinter, who is a terrific athlete, has very soft hands and has demonstrated an ability to catch, and then make yards after the catch with his speed, and willingness to plow through defenders.  Back-up tight end T. C. Drake has only one career catch ( for a TD ), but will also be an important target for Hartline to aim for. 

Is hoping for UK's passing game to keep the defense honest through the air too much to ask for?  Not if the receivers are asked to run intermediate routes of 15 - 20 yards.  Hartline's accuracy with the deep ball is shaky at this point, but he can make the nice throw over the middle.  Couple that with the running backs catching balls in the flat, and Kentucky's passing game should be adequate.

So to answer Mr. Crawford's question, yes, I feel that Kentucky's passing game will be strong enough to open up the running lanes for the trio of stud backs ( quartet if one includes Moncell Allen ).  If U of L stacks eight men in the box in an attempt to stuff the run, they'll pay the price all day long.

Crawford then moves to Hunter Cantwell:

"The Cardinals, meanwhile, have one thing in the game that might be most important, experience at quarterback."

Louisville does boast a more experienced signal-caller.  The former walk-on and Paducah Tilghman grad, when called upon, has played well for the Cards over the last three years. My concern though, if I were a U of L fan, is who he has played against.

His career stats look like this: 92 - 157 for 1,419 yards, with 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.  He has four career starts.

Cantwell's finest hour came in Louisville's '05 Gator Bowl loss to Virginia Tech.  He threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns, earning game Co-MVP honors.  But other than that game, Cantwell's numbers have been achieved against less-than-stellar competition:

• 2005 versus a 5 - 6 UConn team: 16 - 25 for 271 yards and one touchdown.
• 2006 versus a 7 - 6 Kansas State team: 18 - 26 for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
• 2006 versus a 7 - 6 Middle Tennessee State team: 17 - 32 for 340 yards, one touchdown and one interception. 

Those three games account for over half of Cantwell's career yardage ( 784 of 1,419 yards ). 

In all of those games he also had either Mike Bush ( UConn ),  Mario Urrutia ( all three ), Harry Douglas ( all three ), Kolby Smith ( K-State and MTSU ), or Joshua Tinch ( UConn ) running for him, or catching his passes.  This year he has no such weapons available.  With the dismissal of receiver JaJuan Spillman, the near tragic shooting of receiver Trent Guy ( he will probably play at some point this year ), and the broken foot of receiver Scott Long, Cantwell is left with zero receivers who have caught a pass in a college game ( and you thought UK had wide-out issues ).

I think Cantwell is a fine quarterback, but his accomplishments need to be put into perspective.

Crawford wraps up his analysis with this:

"UK has the better defense, and probably the better running game.  It should also have a special-teams advantage.  And unlike in past years, the speed factor is beginning to turn in UK's favor."

"But U of L has Cantwell, home field and perhaps more urgency, certainly more pressure to win."

"UK has ... probably the better running game." -- I nominate Eric for the 'Understatement of the Year Pulitzer'.  PROBABLY, he's right. 

Although U of L does boast Brock Bolen at running back ( 456 career yards and a 5.2 yards per carry average ), Kentucky's abundance of talented backs should prove to be a huge advantage, especially if the game is tight in the fourth quarter ( which I think it will be ).

Basically Crawford, as well as many others, are basing their prognostications on Cantwell's abilities, and U of L's "pressure to win."  The whole "pressure to win" contention is a bogus argument; I bet Ohio State felt "pressure to win" the last two national championship games, but they were disemboweled in both.  In my view, one reaches for "pressure to win" when one has no other bullets.  

If one notices, Crawford only mentions UK's defense as an afterthought.  That is a monumental mistake, in my opinion.  With UK's defensive line and linebackers pressuring Cantwell, and UK's superb secondary covering the inexperienced U of L receivers, I feel that Kentucky's defense will be the difference maker in this game.  Keep in mind,  it's difficult to throw from ones backside, and it's hard to throw to blanketed receivers. 

I can see only two areas where Louisville will have the advantage Sunday: at quarterback, and having home field advantage.  But remember, the quarterback advantage may be offset by UK's defensive pressure, and U of L's lack of any experience at the receiver spot.  There's not a lot Rich Brooks can do about the home field advantage.  But, knowing U of L fans proclivity to run for the exits when things seem bleak, if UK can race to a lead, the home field may be rendered moot.

Crawford ends with a prediction: 31 - 21, Louisville.  He offers up a disclaimer, though:

"But I make that pick with all of the confidence I have in my lottery numbers."

I agree.  Rivalry games, especially early season rivalry games, can be very unpredictable, and with the profusion of question marks masquerading as players, this years contest is laborious to handicap. 

My prediction?  Well, that's gonna have to wait until Friday.

Thanks for reading, 'Believe in Blue', and BEAT LOUISVILLE!

I must first apologize.  Tru has been on the road, and I was unexpectedly away from my computer over the last couple of days, resulting in no new posts.  I didn't discover this fact until about 11:00 pm Sunday night.  I know many of you come to A Sea of Blue for information and entertainment, and to you I say I'm sorry.

Last year, just prior to the start of football season, I offered up my Top Ten reasons that UK would win at least seven games.  Tru was kind enough to promote my Diary post to the front page.  I'm not overly superstitious, but not wanting to leave anything to chance, I decided to once again give my irreverent views on why UK will win at least seven games.

So, keeping tongue firmly in cheek, and with apologies to David Letterman, here are my Top Ten reasons Kentucky will win at least seven games in '08:

10.  Ashley Judd will be utilized for motivational purposes by coach Brooks ( with the cooperation of Dario, of course ).

9.  Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, fearful of experiencing his first collegiate losing season, attempts to trade starting Razorback signal-caller Casey Dick for UK freshman Randall Cobb.  He entices Rich Brooks to accept his offer by giving him a free-of-charge boating class.  Brooks is so enraged that he reports Petrino to NCAA President Myles Brand, who suspends the unscrupulous Petrino, leaving Arkansas without their head pig.

8.  After experiencing a life-like dream sequence, Dicky Lyons guarantees victory over Mississippi State ... again.  And we all know when Dicky makes a guarantee, it's golden.

7.  Louisville AD Tom Jurich, losing all confidence in head coach Steve Kragthorpe, decides to allow Rick Pitino to coach the UK game.  UL plays incredibly well until the last 2.1 seconds, when Pitino, true to form, goes to a prevent defense and doesn't pressure the passer.  Mike Hartline, having all day, hits a streaking Dicky Lyons for the game-winning score.  Sweet deja vu all over again!

6.  In Lexington for his pre-game meal, Phil Fulmer explodes like the Hindenburg after eating seven pounds of catfish at Ramsey's.

5.  Urban Meyer suddenly realizes what his parents did to him by naming him URBAN.  He flies into a rage of mammoth proportions, stumbling into a swamp near his residence, only to be devoured by a ravenous gator.

4.  Oklahoma State booster T. Boone Pickens offers Alabama coach Nick Saban 20 million dollars, a private jet, his own oil well, and one night with Salma Hayek to leave 'Bama for Stillwater, after only three games.  Saban, knowing that Auburn is going to beat the Tide for the umpteenth time in a row immediately accepts, leaving soused alums Joe Namath and Kenny Stabler in charge of Alabama's fortunes.

3.  In a fit of dementia brought on by intense arrogance, Steve Spurrier inserts himself as the starting Gamecock quarterback.

2.  Georgia head coach Mark Richt, fed up with his teams off-the-field misdeeds, hires a sports psychologist to head-shrink the 'dawgs.  The experiment backfires, causing his team to suddenly become obsessed with banjos, moonshine and Ned Beatty.

... and the #1 reason Kentucky will win at least seven games in '08 ...

Western Kentucky, Norfolk State, and Middle Tennessee.

We have a big week in front of us!  The University of E-ville is Sunday, and we'll have much more serious-minded commentary and game analysis throughout the week.

Thanks for reading, and BEAT LOUISVILLE!!

With 5-star quarterback Morgan Newton announcing that he will don the blue and white of Kentucky, UK's coaching staff has ensured that the '09 recruiting class will be in the discussion as one of the best classes in UK football history.  In fact, Kentucky football fans are 'seeing stars' at an exceedingly high rate these days, and it's not because George Foreman landed a right hook.  Please, raise your hand if you prognosticated this historic reversal of fortune three or four years ago; now, give me your hand so I can hook you up to the polygraph.

It's amazing what a little winning, a lot of good recruiting, and an unforgettable victory over the University of E-ville can do for a program.  Newton, in his press conference announcing his families college choice ( he repeatedly used the word "we" ), cited their reasons for choosing UK; offensive coordinator Joker Phillips, quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders, head coach Rich Brooks and the "good things going on at Kentucky."  Ironically, early on in his recruitment he wasn't interested in UK; he attended last years UK-UL football game in an effort to check out Louisville, but instead he came away impressed with Kentucky and the direction the program was headed ( hats off to Stevie Johnson and the UL secondary ). 

The importance of the impact that UK's coaching staff has had in locking up commitments from Newton, and Texas 4-star quarterback Ryan Mossakowski, cannot be overstated.  Repeatedly the players, and the players families, cite the coaching staff as the primary reason for selecting UK.  Mossakowski, while being interviewed by the Danville Advocate-Messenger's Larry Vaught soon after his decision, had this to say about his reason for picking the 'Cats:

"All my final four schools were great schools ( UK, Auburn, Alabama, and Texas A&M ).  What separated Kentucky was the coaching staff.  I talked to coach Randy Sanders last night.  I have the highest respect for him and his knowledge of the game.  Who he has put in the NFL is phenomenal.  He's a blue-chip guy.  It's important to have someone like that to learn from.  He was a real big factor in my decision."

I think Mitch Barnhart needs to add a zero to the dollar amount on coach Sanders' paycheck.

But what also must be remembered is the fact that neither of these star quarterbacks would have been interested in UK if the 'Cats had not just completed two consecutive winning seasons.  As I noted in my post, "UK Football: Changing the Culture", the national perception of UK's football program has rightfully been that of a doormat.  That is a perception that is difficult to change, but we see it happening all around us; at Kansas, Missouri, Rutgers, and South Florida.  All schools of little, or no sustained gridiron success over the last many years. 

In order for UK to continue claiming their fair share of the elite recruits, they must continue to win, which is why this upcoming season is of monumental importance.  Even though Brooks and staff have secured commitments from thirteen players who rate at least 3-stars for the '09 recruiting class ( out of seventeen recruits ), that won't get it done long-term in the most powerful conference in all of college football.  That won't get it done versus Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU and the other SEC juggernauts.  That won't get it done when ones history is merely dotted with successful seasons. 

For those of you new to the futility; Kentucky HAS been in this position before.  A dismal three times since 1957, to be exact:

•  '76-'77 -- UK went a combined 19-4 over those two seasons.  Winning the SEC and the Peach Bowl in '76.  But, the 10-1 '77 season was marred by NCAA violations, resulting in probation for Fran Curci's 'Cats.  The next two seasons UK went a combined 9-12-1, precipitating the programs decline back to the depths of mediocrity.
• '83-'84 -- UK went a combined 15-8-1 over those two seasons.  They were awarded trips to the Hall of Fame Bowl each year, losing in '83 to West Virginia, but winning in '84 versus Wisconsin.  Coach Jerry Claiborne, try as he might, couldn't sustain the winning ways, going 26-28-1 over his final five years ( Claiborne posted a 10-11-1 record in the follow-up '85-'86 seasons ).
• '98-'99 -- UK went a combined 13-11 over those two seasons.  They lost to Penn St. in the Outback Bowl in '98, and to Syracuse in the Music City Bowl in '99.  The Hal Mumme era ended with a 2-9 record for the 2000 season, followed by the uncovering of blatant NCAA violations ( Mumme, and the despicable Claude Bassett were escorted off campus ).  Guy Morriss' first year also produced a 2-9 season.

For those of you mathematically disinclined, that's a combined 23-41-2 record in the two years immediately following the two year runs of success.  The coveted three year run, which can lead to long-term relevance, has for various and sundry reasons escaped the grasp of Kentucky football. 

But, is that about to change?  Are the commitments of Ryan Mossakowski and Morgan Newton omens?  Will the two prep stars serve as bell cows for other elite prospects?

Newton's father, Dr. John Newton, thinks so.  When asked why his family selected UK, he responded with this:

"We spent a lot of time with this decision.  We talked to a lot of people and gathered a lot of input ...  We really believe Kentucky is a place where Morgan can succeed individually and compete for championships." 

He's talking about UK, right? 

Rich Brooks and his staff have proved that all they need to succeed in the living room of recruits are six or seven wins, and a bowl game.  They don't need gimmicks such as Friday night games, or playing on blue smurf-turf.  They have what recruits and their parents long for; integrity, genuineness, and a track record of producing NFL players.  Instead of dismissing UK's advances with a smug sneer, players and parents alike are now finding an abundance of reasons to matriculate to the Bluegrass.  

The combination of wins + ace recruiters = the potential to, as Dr. Newton put it, "compete for championships."  Kentucky isn't there yet, but the times, they seem to be a changin'.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

This is the final installment of a series of posts breaking down the '08 football 'Cats.  I hope you have found the overviews informative, and entertaining to read.  Today we break down the quarterbacks.

Kentucky football fans have been spoiled recently with great quarterback play, but with the matriculation of André Woodson to the NFL, it's time to welcome a new starter, and an intriguing group of back-ups.  Expectations for this group of quarterbacks varies, depending on who one talks to, but if one listens to Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips the impression given is one of anticipated excellence at the position.  Of course, time will tell us whether that anticipation is warranted, or if Brooks and Phillips are being exorbitant in their hope.

Actually, having high expectations is a crucial part of coaching.  Demanding a strong work ethic, and demanding results through ones coaching is the only way to build and develop greatness.  Although greatness may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye, a coaches ability to recognize players who aspire to be extraordinary, and can back up their aspirations with talent, desire, and an unparalleled work ethic, is the key to building what Kentucky football fans have been waiting patiently on for decades; a consistent winner.  If the coaches don't expect greatness you can bet your season tickets the players won't either.

UK's quarterback coach Randy Sanders is about to find out why Kentucky is paying him so handsomely.  Sanders has received kudos from every direction for his work with Woodson, but he's about to find out that "the mail never stops."  He's been given the keys to more than a few fixer-uppers on Kentucky's roster this year, and his mechanic skills are being put through the paces.  Can he produce a Cadillac, can he demand a Cadillac?  The prospects are as follows:

The Presumptive Starter 

Mike Hartline 6'6", 204 lb sophomore --  Hartline has appeared in four games for UK, going 4 for 6, for 34 yards and one interception.  The Canton, Ohio native came to UK with an impressive resume'; his senior year in high school Hartline threw for 1,523 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing for 533 yards and 12 more touchdowns.  His junior year he threw for 2,405 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and eight touchdowns.  He was named an All-America by PrepStar, and rated the #31 pro-style quarterback by Rivals.  He was also rated one of the top-40 prospects in the state of Ohio.  SuperPrep rated him one of the top-125 prospects in the six state Midwest area.  In his senior year Hartline participated in the state championship finals in the 300 meter hurdles, high jump, and 4x400 relay.  Hartline's brother, Brian, is a receiver at Ohio State ( we won't hold that against him ).

Hartline brings size, athleticism, and mobility to the quarterback position.  He also brings a terrific attitude about what is expected from him from a leadership standpoint:

"Personally trying to get one-on-one time with the guys and make it seem like more than football.  Creating friendships and making it comfortable for the new guys to come in.  For the older guys, making it seem like I want to be here and I want to be the guy who wants to run the show this year.  The older guys want to see confidence, and that is the one big thing that I'm trying to show.  I think I do have confidence.  I think I have a lot of it and I'm only going to continue to build on it.  Now I'm trying to build on trust, being on time, reliability, working with people and not being afraid to put in some extra time."

At this point Hartline's effectiveness at the collegiate level is a mystery.  He certainly has the physical tools to be a great college quarterback, but learning "on-the-job" is a difficult prospect, especially in the SEC.  His ability to mentally deal with setbacks will go a long way in determining his long-term success, but he certainly talks a good game, and he'll be given every opportunity to succeed.

Coach Brooks is optimistic about Hartline's development, so my optimism is also high for Hartline being successful:

"He's a tough guy.  He's mobile.  For the most part he makes really good decisions.  That hopefully will continue to improve with more reps.  I look forward to him to continue developing his accuracy, particularly on the deep ball."

The Back-ups

Will Fidler 6'4", 216 lb sophomore -- The Henderson County graduate played very well in the spring; he found the mark on a 52 yard touchdown pass to E.J. Adams in a spring scrimmage, and in the Blue-White game he found Dicky Lyons for a 57 yard touchdown.  He has played in one varsity game ( Kent St. ).  Fidler also came to UK a very heralded prospect; he was named an All-America by PrepStar.  He is a two-time winner ( junior and senior years ) of the Roy Kidd Award, which is given to the Class 4A Player of the Year in Kentucky.  He is fourth all-time in Kentucky high school history with 9,395 yards passing yards.  He also threw for 92 touchdowns in his illustrious high school career.  His senior year Fidler threw for 2,288 yards and 25 touchdowns.  American Football Monthly named him Kentucky's Player of the Year in his junior year after he threw for 4,050 yards and 45 touchdowns.  He was rated a top-25 pro-style quarterback by Rivals.  Rivals also rated him the #8 prospect in the state of Kentucky.  SuperPep rated him the #11 prospect in Kentucky.  Fidler's uncle, George Petitgout, played football at Penn St., and his cousin Luke Petitgout played at Notre Dame ( he currently plays in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ).  His three brothers played football at Southern Illinois, with one of those brothers also playing at Alabama ( again, we won't hold that against him ).

Fidler has a strong arm, and as I stated above, he played well in the spring, but he hasn't come close to unseating Hartline as the starter.  It is good, though, to have a competent back-up who is physically able to perform the job.  I suspect he may see some action this year, especially in the early part of the season, which will serve as valuable experience as he goes forward.

Randall Cobb 5'11", 185 lb freshman -- Cobb was Tennessee's Class 2A Mr. Football.  He also won two consecutive state titles as quarterback of Alcoa High School.  As a senior he completed 89 of 139 passes ( 64% ) for 1,765 yards and 22 touchdowns ( he only threw two interceptions ), he also rushed for 793 yards and 13 touchdowns.  His junior year he threw for 1,893 yards and 25 touchdowns.  He was rated a top-11 prospect in Tennessee by the Orlando Sentinel, and a top-20 prospect by Rivals.  He competed in the 100 and 200 meters, as well as the 4x100 and 4x200 relays in high school.  He finished third in the state his senior year in the 100 meters ( 10.75 seconds ).  He's been clocked at 21.89 seconds in the 200 meters ( now that's sustained speed ).  Cobb was a high school teammate of UK receiver Kyrus Lanxter. 

Coming into fall practice Cobb was considered by most to be a sure bet to play receiver this year, but he won Brooks over early as a quarterback prospect.  After Cobb's first full gear practice the head coach had this to say about the superb athlete:

"He didn't look flustered; he stood in there and made the good throws, made a run or two ... He looked very good."

Since that time Cobb has spent 90% of his time practicing at the quarterback position, which can be looked at as being both good, and bad; considering how thin UK is at the receiver spot, having an athlete of his extreme talent would certainly bolster that position, but when ones performance dictates a look at the quarterback position, Brooks, Phillips, and Sanders have no choice.

The buzz is that Cobb is a once in a millennium type of player who will see lots of game action.  Where on the field will he line up?  At this point we don't know, but we do know that he is an extraordinary athlete who Brooks can't afford to let sit.  He has already been announced as the back-up return man ( to Dicky Lyons ), and Brooks has recently stated that Cobb would be a nice change of pace at the quarterback spot if Hartline isn't "moving the team".

Take that Phil!

The Other Freshman 

DeAunte Mason 6'3", 215 lbs -- Mason was Tennessee's Class 3A Mr. Football.  The Pearl-Cohn product passed for 2,375 yards and rushed for 1,052 more, scoring a combined 35 touchdowns.  As a junior he threw for almost 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, while rushing for 906 yards and 15 touchdowns.  He was the Nashville Metro Player of the Year.  He was rated a top-20 prospect in Tennessee by Rivals.  Mason is also a track star; he was part of the 4x200 relay team which won the state championship his junior year.

Another superb athlete.  If injuries become an issue at quarterback, Mason may see some playing time, if not, I would expect that he will redshirt this year.  A future position switch is also a possiblity.

Matt Roark 6'6", 190 lbs -- Roark was a two-time Cobb County ( GA ) Player of the Year.  He didn't begin playing quarterback until early in his junior year, but he immediately excelled at the position.  In his 18 career quarterback starts he ran and passed for a combined 54 touchdowns.  He senior year he completed 72.1% of his passes ( 98 - 136 ), for 1,552 yards and 15 touchdowns.  He rushed for 1,010 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Roark was born in Lexington, and his father Ray Gover played at UK from '85-'88. Puzzling fact: According to the UK Media Guide his last named is pronounced "RO - ark", but the Herald-Leader states that his name is pronounced "RORK". 

Roark continues the recent trend of recruiting dual-threat quarterbacks.  As with Mason, unless injuries become an issue, I would think that he will redshirt this year.  As with Mason, a position switch is possible ( even likely for Roark ), to receiver

Final Analysis

Only a month ago my hope was for the quarterback position to not hurt UK's chance at victory; don't turn the ball over, make accurate short passes, with the occasional deep ball to keep the defense honest.  With experience in short supply, expecting more would be expecting too much, or so I thought. 

When it was suggested to Joker Phillips by an unknowing reporter that Mike Hartline couldn't be expected to run the offense like André Woodson, Joker's response shook me into his world of "demanding greatness":

"I do expect him to run it like André.  We've got to put those expectations on him.  You don't say that a kid can't do something.  We're doing the exact same thing in practice that we were doing when André was here.  We haven't tweaked our offense because we've go a new quarterback.  We're running the same plays.  We expect him to make all the throws, and so far he's done it.  He's been as sharp as I've ever seen him the first few days of practice."

Joker imposing his will; that's how one coaches greatness into a player. 

Of course, effecting the ability of the quarterback to be his best are his receivers, and UK has a serious lack of experience at wide-out.  But, if Brooks and Phillip's attitude toward the quarterback growth arc is any indication, I expect that the receiving corps will be on the receiving end of high expectations also; no excuses, not even youth.  If a coach expects and demands greatness from one group of players, it only stands to reason that they will expect the same from another group cursed with the same affliction; inexperience.

Mike Hartline seems to be shrugging off youth, and embracing the challenge.  When asked about being ready for the Louisville game, he had this to say:

"I need to worry about myself getting mentally ready for this game and acting like I have been in this position before.  I need to make it seem like I'm not a rookie and never played, I need to get my mind right to where it is just natural."

He sounds like a young man who is buying what Brooks and the staff are selling.

Will demanding greatness, result in greatness?  I expect time needs to be given in order to accurately answer that query.  

My advice; continue to believe.

Trivia Question 

Which former UK quarterback holds the record for the most rushing yards in a single season by a quarterback?

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!