LEX18.com - Lexington, KY

Posted: Nov 17, 2009 11:55 PM

Most would agree with Mike Hartline officially done for the season, there's no question every snap, with the exception of the wildcat, will go to Morgan Newton.

That is unless he doesn't start passing better.

"I think our line's played good all year long.  We've run the ball better on the best defenses in the league than most people have.  Our problem isn't with the line right now it's with our inexperience at the quarterback position throwing the ball down the field," said Rich Brooks.

"With Coach (Randy) Sanders, before long I'm either going to get better or I'm not going to be around," said UK quarterback Morgan Newton.

"That's just the kind of coach that he is.  I'm just looking to get better everyday."

Newton hasn't exactly set the world on fire with his passing numbers.  The true freshman is averaging just 80 yards a game.  He threw for 119 against Mississippi State and 187 in the win over EKU.  But in the three other games, 39 yards, 17 yards and 40 yards.

Part of that is just part of the learning process.  Newton has only played in five college games.  Couple that with the fact that he has to learn new things every week.

"We added some new stuff in today.  We started off with just some basic stuff the Auburn week.  As weeks have progressed, we've added more protections and things that I have to manage.  It's more every week but I'm continuing to pick things up and continuing to learn," said Newton.

"Obviously I've got a long way to go.  I think that's been a continuous theme over the last couple of weeks."

Don't think that Morgan is discouraged.  Quite the opposite.  In fact, in his first year, he's not satisfied with just six wins.

"I think a lot of people are excited about being bowl eligible but to be honest, I'm not that excited right now.  I'm more excited about playing Georgia this week.  I think we're in a position where it's a must-win type deal for us.  We've got to win this game and continue to win games.  I think that's what most important at this point.  It's exciting to be bowl eligible, I've never been bowl eligible before, but with that said we're trying to win football games."

To beat Georgia, Newton's going to have to go to the air.  The Bulldogs have one of the best defensive lines in the country, and Rich Brooks believes it will be the best they've played all year.  That's saying something considering the Cats have played Florida and Alabama.

It might just be another learning experience for Newton.  Another chance to grow up.