CatsPause.com - Brooks announces switch to Cobb at QB

October 27, 2008

Matt May

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks announced Monday at his weekly press luncheon that the Wildcats will make the switch to freshman Randall Cobb at the quarterback position for Saturday's game at Mississippi State.

The coaching staff informed the quarterbacks of the decision and will now move forward with Cobb handling most of the first team repetitions this week in practice. Cobb had a much more productive afternoon than Hartline against Florida, although neither quarterback led the Cats to a touchdown.

Brooks said the decision was based on production.

"Mike has done some good things but we are starting games slow and when Randall has been inserted (into the game) we seem to at least be able to move the ball," Brooks said. "I think he gives the defense a little more problem with his feet and his ability to improvise than Mike does.

"We think Randall can give us a spark and diversity in what we are able to do on offense."

Brooks said Hartline was predictably disappointed but he felt like the redshirt sophomore quarterback would handle the demotion well. He also said the plan is for both quarterbacks to continue to play.

Hartline has had a roller coaster season since winning the job at the beginning of fall camp when Curtis Pulley was dismissed from the team. He played a mostly mistake free game in the opener at Louisville and was solid enough to help the Cats win their next three non-conference games. He had an inconsistent effort at Alabama and against South Carolina before throwing two touchdown passes to Cobb in the final five minutes of the miraculous win over Arkansas.

The Florida game was bad from the outset for Hartline. He struggled to move the football on UK's first four possessions, going three-and-out on all four after gaining a total of 23 yards. Cobb replaced Hartline and went three-and-out on his first possession before driving the Cats into field goal range on each of the next two drives.

The tipping point in the quarterback battle appeared to be the second half effort in 'The Swamp', when Hartline threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the first play after the break and then failed to get the Cats across the 50-yard line in his other drives.

For the season, Cobb has completed 18-of-33 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while also rushing for 109 yards and two scores on 20 carries. Hartline is 139-of-256 for 1,298 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions on the year.

KENTUCKY at MISS. STATE
When: 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Davis-Wade Stadium; Starkville, Miss.
TV: Pay Per View
Radio: UK Radio Network
Series: UK leads 20-15
Last Meeting: Oct. 27, 2007 - MSU 31, @UK 14
Records: UK (5-3, 1-3); Miss. State (3-5, 1-3)

Matt May is the football beat reporter for The Cats' Pause. If you have questions or comments about the Cats e-mail him here.

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