Welcome to the board Rob.

Yes sir, this is a big one for the 'Cats. Win this weekend and this young squad's confidence will be through the roof. It may not be enough to propel them to victory in Gainesville, but will be the impetus for Central Michigan, Carolina, Mississippi State, UGa, Vandy, UL-Monroe, and UT (LSU is probably out of the question right now as well).

The perceived weakness on offense coming into the season, the passing game, has been very good and has the potential to be very explosive. If the line can begin to run block and open holes for Little and Dixon, then Woodson becomes very deadly passing to Burton, Lyons et al. Joker's offense can be one of the best in the SEC by season's end if they continue to grow every week. IMO, they will go off this Saturday. the Rebel D is worse than UK's.

Defensively, it is all about the line. As it goes, so goes the rest of the D, especially the secondary. If the DL can put pressure on the QB like it did against Texas State, then the LB corps can make plays and the secondary's youth and inexperience won't be an issue.

They will have a pretty good test against Ole Miss. Green-Ellis isn't Mike Bush but similar in game. The DL has to stop him at the point of attack. Schaeffer, due to his late start, has yet to put it together and I don't think he will in week 3 of the season. If the D contains his ability to run and forces him to throw the ball, it will be a long night for the Rebel O. UK's D gained enough confidence against the Bobcats to shut down Ole Miss.

UK 42
OM 20