http://amnews.com/stories/2009/10/12/vau.357560.sto

http://amnews.com/stories/2009/10/12/vau.357560.sto

 

Larry is one of the most level headed and informed people around when it comes to UK sports. I would like to here his opinion as a fan and insider about the current choices.

I could absolutely see UK playing 3 QB's this Sat. Fidler to start, put in some (a lot) of the Wildcat with Cobb. While also getting Newton in about the 3rd series and see what he can do.

 

I really think Newton will be the future QB as the season wears on but I think Fidler should get the start this week. Fidler is the most experienced, however limited that experience is. I wouldn't start the Freshman Newton against Auburn on the road, he hasn't even taken a snap in a college game before.

 

So I would start Fidler, and play Cobb in the Wildcat this week and see how that goes. We could look for the opportunity to let Newton get some PT in relief.

 

If we want to give Newton a real shot I would wait and start him against UL Monroe at home. And with home games against Miss State and EKU right behind, it just makes more sense to me rather than throwing right into the fire on the road at Auburn.

Cobb or a Freshman. The coaches blew this one and I am a huge Joker/Brooks fan. They should have stayed with Cobb for the 2 point conversion. I've seen Fidler practice and he is not very good, I'm nervous everytime he passes. I'm 75% sure they will stay with Fidler though, until they can barely move the ball on ULM. Then they will make a change.

 

Cobb was exhausted. I am not sure he would have had the energy for another play at that time. He ran the ball several times and needed a blow after the TD. I wanted him in for the 2 pt conversion as well, but he looked winded after that drive which was 90% on his shoulders, and he delivered.

 

Fidler looked better than Hartline in the spring game, but that was the spring.

 

Here is what I think happens against Auburn.

 

- Fidler starts

- Cobb sees a little more time in the spread formation to keep drives moving

- Newton gets some time if Fidler struggles. If Newton looks good, he becomes the starter for next week.

 

I like Brooks philosophy this week. I heard yesterday that he is giving Newton more reps with the #1s and IF it is close, he goes with the young guy due to the amount of upside.

 

My understanding is that physically, Newton is ready. But he is still adjusting to the reads and the speed of the game at this level (which is normal). Remember, as good as Woodson ended up being, he did not look that good as a frosh/soph. It was his junior season when he started to breakout and hit his stride. I think the redshirt has been taken off Newton, but will stay on Moss due primarily to his shoulder still not being at 100% on strength just yet.

You have to go with Fidler because of his knowledge of the offense. He allows you to use more of your play book than the freshman. If I am the coach at UK I play Fidler and find a ton of ways to make sure Cobb and Locke touch the rock.

You have to go with Fidler because of his knowledge of the offense. He allows you to use more of your play book than the freshman. If I am the coach at UK I play Fidler and find a ton of ways to make sure Cobb and Locke touch the rock.

 

:thumb:

Fidler has put in the time give him a chance and, if he's not getting it done try Newton.

 

I agree, especially on the road at Auburn. It would be a tough venue for a true freshman's first start, so start with Fidler and see how he does.

Fidler has put in the time give him a chance and, if he's not getting it done try Newton.

 

:thumb:

Who said he was better? And unless you are packing in the season you don't let the freshman play just to get them experience. UK still has a chance at a bowl and you go with who gives you the best chance to win.

 

Whose to say we can win with Newton?

Whose to say we can win with Newton?

Odds.

I think I'd do what they did against South Carolina after Hartline's injury. Start Fidler and make the Wildcat a bigger part of the game plan, meaning both Fidler and Cobb will see snaps at the QB spot.

 

JMO

I think I'd do what they did against South Carolina after Hartline's injury. Start Fidler and make the Wildcat a bigger part of the game plan, meaning both Fidler and Cobb will see snaps at the QB spot.

 

JMO

 

:thumb:

 

Also, got to give Newton his shot eventually IF & WHEN they feel he is up to speed with everything.

I really think Newton will be the future QB as the season wears on but I think Fidler should get the start this week. Fidler is the most experienced, however limited that experience is. I wouldn't start the Freshman Newton against Auburn on the road, he hasn't even taken a snap in a college game before.

 

So I would start Fidler, and play Cobb in the Wildcat this week and see how that goes. We could look for the opportunity to let Newton get some PT in relief.

 

If we want to give Newton a real shot I would wait and start him against UL Monroe at home. And with home games against Miss State and EKU right behind, it just makes more sense to me rather than throwing right into the fire on the road at Auburn.

 

:thumb:

 

Personally, I'd prefer that Newton not play this year and stick with the redshirt. Fidler would have to be pretty bad before I'd be calling for Newton. But, if it does happen, I'm in agreement with your scenario here.

 

To be honest, if Fidler can't cut it, I'd almost rather see Cobb return to the QB spot to finish the season.

 

But, Rich Brooks and company have done a marvelous job to date, so they've earned my trust. I have confidence that they'll make the correct decision for our football program. Remember, Rich Brooks as the head coach, while obviously concentrating on this season, also has to keep the future of the program in view. And, some of his decisions may be made accordingly.

:thumb:

 

Also, got to give Newton his shot eventually IF & WHEN they feel he is up to speed with everything.

 

That depends on how it goes with Fidler. If he fills in adequately, there's no need to burn a redshirt. Unless Fidler is just downright abysmal, I don't expect to see Newton, nor do I hope to.

Cobb was exhausted. I am not sure he would have had the energy for another play at that time. He ran the ball several times and needed a blow after the TD. I wanted him in for the 2 pt conversion as well, but he looked winded after that drive which was 90% on his shoulders, and he delivered.

 

Fidler looked better than Hartline in the spring game, but that was the spring.

 

Here is what I think happens against Auburn.

 

- Fidler starts

- Cobb sees a little more time in the spread formation to keep drives moving

- Newton gets some time if Fidler struggles. If Newton looks good, he becomes the starter for next week.

 

I like Brooks philosophy this week. I heard yesterday that he is giving Newton more reps with the #1s and IF it is close, he goes with the young guy due to the amount of upside.

 

My understanding is that physically, Newton is ready. But he is still adjusting to the reads and the speed of the game at this level (which is normal). Remember, as good as Woodson ended up being, he did not look that good as a frosh/soph. It was his junior season when he started to breakout and hit his stride. I think the redshirt has been taken off Newton, but will stay on Moss due primarily to his shoulder still not being at 100% on strength just yet.

 

The redshirt doesn't come off until Newton plays a snap.

 

The Cats would have to start giving him more reps in practice so he's as ready as possible should he have to play...whether that's due to poor performance from Fidler or an injury. I don't think UK has another viable option at the QB position right now, so Newton is the de facto backup. In a perfect world, Newton is prepared as the backup, but never has to play because Fidler performs well. Thus, keeping the redshirt.