Rating:

3.0 (2 votes)

Here are a few notes from Monday morning's press conference with Rich Brooks and a few players.

- Mike Hartline will have surgery on his knee tomorrow.

- Chris Matthews has a slight concussion and will not participate in contact drills this week. Randall Cobb has a sore shoulder but will return to practice in the next few days.

- Everyone knows about the streak of bowl games that was most likely extended to four consecutive years with the win at Vanderbilt last Saturday. But with the significant increase in bowl games over the last 20 years, historically that does not give as much perspective as this stat: The last time the Cats had four consecutive non-losing seasons - the win at Vandy insured that UK will finish at worst with a .500 record - was 53 years ago.

- Christian Johnson said the celebration after getting six win this years was nothing like it was compared to his freshman year when the Cats qualified for their first bowl game. Brooks agreed and said that that's probably a good thing and an indication that expectations for the program have changed.

- Brooks reiterated a message we've heard so many times the last few years that the extra month of practice to prepare for a bowl game is incredibly helpful. He said it's especially important for redshirt players because it's like having a second spring practice.

- Brooks said that this group of wide receivers blocks better than any group he's had at Kentucky.

- If the passing game does not improve UK does not have much of a chance to beat Georgia, Brooks said. According to Brooks the first step, of course, is to call more pass plays.

- Brooks said Morgan Newton has demonstrated improved decision making and the time has come to open up the offense with him at quarterback.