Cocks are next...

Gomez here... Steve Spurrier, Ric Flair, and the mighty Gamecocks of South Carolina are next up on the UK football schedule. The Cocks are back in the top 25 and playing well. Meanwhile, Kentucky has had two humbling defeats, in as many weeks, to perhaps the best two teams in the country: Florida and Alabama. While the Cats and Cocks are going in polar opposite directions, it doesn't mean Kentucky can't compete with South Carolina. However, if we're going to do that, we must play better defense in the secondary and Hartline has to be more accurate with the pass. With that said, Carolina isn't anywhere near as good as Florida or Alabama, so we can hope for at least a closer score. South Carolina has Alabama after Kentucky, so perhaps we can catch them in a trap game as they look ahead to the Tide. But don't count on it. Lindley is doubtful to play, and that only makes a UK upset that more unlikely.

The past two weeks have shown Kentucky fans that we just don't have the tools necessary to compete this year in the always tough SEC. Hartline, while good against weaker opponents, has not shown that he has the ability to perform under pressure. Last Saturday, he made bad decisions while throwing three interceptions and calling audible adjustments that offered less than desirable results. Meanwhile, when he did have an open man to throw to, he often threw it above his head, behind his stride, or at his shoe strings. He really struggled with hitting the receiver in the numbers, which is absolutely necessary when you have a receiver wide open with room to run.

I don't dislike Hartline. I think he has some skill and has shown resolve to be able to rebound from previous setbacks. However, he just isn't a SEC quarterback. He might be more serviceable if our o-line improves, and if he can find a way to be more accurate with the pass; yet, I really wonder if we'll be able to win even one SEC game this year with him under center.

Hey, I hope I'm wrong, and will be the first to admit it if proven so. Yet, I want to be realistic about this football team, and a 4-8/0-8 finish might be the safest bet on the men in blue.

Prove me wrong, Cats. I want you too.