Morgan Newton to start in the Auburn game?

[Original Rookie]

I thought this deserved its own thread. Thoughts?

[MountainThunder]

I heard on the radio this morning that Brooks is considering this. If so, Newton must be playing at least as well as Fidler in practice. Apparently, both threw the ball pretty well on Tuesday, but weren't as accurate on Wednesday with more overthrows.

 

I still think it will be Fidler getting the starting nod with Newton to possibly see action if Fidler struggles. But at this point, who knows.

[NHS BIG DADDY]

I don't see why not. Will only get him some experience for when he really takes over.

[Original Rookie]

If Brooks thinks he is ready then I am all for it.

[HIGHLANDS GUY]

I would go with Fidler.

 

On the road in the SEC with a team that needs a win is a difficult way for a true freshman to get his feet wet.

[strongopenyon]

I don't think Coach Brooks thinks Newton is ready. This is an obvious youth movement.

 

 

Both Morgan Newton and Will Fidler were told early in the week that Newton will start against Auburn.

[jahearme]

I have no problem with it. He's a much better athlete than WF and he is the future of UK football IMO.

[LRCW]

I don't think Coach Brooks thinks Newton is ready. This is an obvious youth movement.

 

 

Both Morgan Newton and Will Fidler were told early in the week that Newton will start against Auburn.

 

 

You know this how?

[jvdfc]

I don't think Coach Brooks thinks Newton is ready. This is an obvious youth movement.

 

 

Both Morgan Newton and Will Fidler were told early in the week that Newton will start against Auburn.

 

Says who?

[corndog23]

Noone knows for sure, but all signs point to Morgan Newton being the starter this Saturday. Im pretty excited to watch the young kid in action, but I dont think he throws more then 15-18 passes this weekend. I guess it depends on the score though. If Auburn is up most of the game, maybe we will get to see what kind of arm the boy has.

[Original Rookie]

I don't think Coach Brooks thinks Newton is ready. This is an obvious youth movement.

 

 

Both Morgan Newton and Will Fidler were told early in the week that Newton will start against Auburn.

 

If he wasn't ready then he would gradually work him in. There is plenty of season left to get the youth involved. Papa Brooks must feel like he is ready if he is going to start him.

[5wide]

If Newton starts, I think it's because Brooks views him as the best option for the team...I think that says as much about Fidler as it does Newton. I don't think they want to burn the redshirt, but at the same time, you have to give your team it's best chance to win. They obviously felt like Hartline was better than Newton at this point, but it certainly doesn't seem like they feel the same about Fidler.

 

JMO

 

I've maintained two positions...one, I didn't want to see Newton's redshirt lifted and two, I trust Brooks. Hartline's injury has changed the situation and may force UK to play the freshman. If Fidler can't get it done, and Newton is the best option, then he needs to be the guy. I also think you have to factor in Newton's athleticism and ability to make plays with his feet when things break down into the equation. I think it's possibly that neither guy is ready from a pure pocket passing standpoint, and in that case, Newton's dual threat ability could be the deciding factor.

 

I think most of us were expecting (certainly hoping) for one of the two freshmen to step up and win the job next spring. In this situation, it makes sense to go ahead and put Newton in and let him get some real game experience...especially if he's the best option.

[HT721]

Time to start playing for the future get Newton some game experience. Matthews hasn't produced enough to become the go to receiver, you still need Cobb there. If Cobb can't go at QB time to play a Freshman and get experience, it will only make him better down the road.

[Original Rookie]

If there were only two games left in the year then I would worry about pulling his redshirt. Getting some game experience now with half a season to go is much more valuable IMO.

[CatsCatsCats]

You know this how?

 

Says who?

 

Guys, Strongopenyon knows what he's talking about here, IMO. Just trust him on this one.

 

As for starting Newton over Fidler I see no problem. Fidler obviously isnt a great QB though no doubt he is probably more polished than Newton at this point. But, Newton has to be put into the fire sometime. I think we will still see alot of snaps going to Cobb. It seemed like Fidler was a little slow making his reads. Newton will also be slow to make a read, but if his first & second option are covered he can run.

 

I think Brooks realizes that he isn't going to beat a quality team through the air, so he's just going to put the best athletes on the field. Newton has to play sometime and though this isn't the ideal circumstances, this game will tell them a lot about Newton's mental make-up IMO. They aren't going to completely put the game in his hands, most likely, so he really probably gives UK as much as Fidler could at this point in time.