Obviously, some people not fans of UK are wondering if UK can actually threaten the big boys this year, or if they are simply the same old model year with a new coat of paint.  Frankly, against Miami of Ohio, it's probably a little hard to tell.

I keep noticing the commentary around the Wildcats' most recent performance is pretty consistent:

• Can Mike Hartline play that well against a BCS opponent?
• How badly will UK's poor kicking game wind up hurting them when the going gets tough?
• Is this how the defensive ends are going to play all year?
• How good is Chris Matthews, really?
• How sound is Derrick Locke's knee?

For now, I will leave it to others to answer that question.  For my part, I simply pose them for continued cogitation and discussion.  And now for the news:

Top Stories

• In ‘Wildcat,' things are lined up for Cobb | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
  "You put a lot of speed out there on the field," Phillips said. "It's nothing more than the triple option. If we said that when we first put this in, it would get really ugly. We're not running ‘triple option,' we're running the ‘Wildcat.' "
  
  Hilarious. Anyone that doesn't know the Wildcat is really a triple option hasn't watched much college football. The triple option, when run well, is very difficult to defend. The problem is, it's rare to find a player who is capable of properly running it from the QB spot.

• BREAKING NEWS: Billy Gillispie Checks into Alcohol Rehab
  Very classy comments by Matt Jones, and I totally applaud his support for Gillispie's rehabilitation. Struggles with alcohol abuse have ruined many lives, and I am glad for Coach Gillispie's sake that he is seeking treatment, and I join Matt in wishing him nothing but success.

• WVKY Lexington News: Second ex-player charged in Davender scheme
  Holy smokes -- Derrick Miller too? Not good.

UK Basketball News

• Weems in, Batley out at Kentucky
  Interesting...

• Calipari in recruiting whirlwind, surprises loom after summer workouts
  Nice.

• Balance With Purpose: Competition AND Coach Calipari
  Interesting comments. I'm not sure most Kentucky fans can do that with their whole heart, though. But it is a nice thought.

UK Football News

• Brooks not letting Cats get full of themselves | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
  UK had "busted coverages in the secondary, some busted assignments in the offensive line, some busted routes by receivers" against Miami, Brooks said, adding that he wasn't happy with UK's kickoffs, though he was pleased with kickoff coverage.
  
  Good on ya, coach. You are doing it right, and I know this bunch will respond.

• SEC Power Poll Week One
  Some nice props from Keltic Gator on his SEC Power Poll Ballot.

• Cats get a much-needed rest

• Chris Matthews: The man from Hollywood
  I’m not the only one who is hyping up Chris Matthews. Take a look around and you’ll find plenty of others doing the same. Teammates, coaches, critics and fans alike have all said and believe Matthews to be the real deal.
  
  I believe.

• Hartline Was Much Improved, But His Critics Await
  His performance against Miami will NOT quiet the Mike Hartline critics. It simply will delay their appearance, which likely will come during the Florida game. Hartline showed a deft ability to adapt and improved touch on fade routes that had been missing from his repertoire until now. Dick Gabriel is right about this, I think.

• Vaught's Views: Will Newton play?: AMNews.com
  The big mystery.

• Lindley different from most star players
  Trevard Lindley is a class act. We are very lucky to have him back.

   

• High level of preseason optimism justified by the Cats
  Tom Leach with some excellent observations.

Other UK Sports News

• None today
  

NCAA Sports News

• Late addition gives Texas class a boost
  Texas has a terrific 2009 recruiting class.

• Memphis hoping to lose even more for this season - Searching for Billy Edelin
  Pierre Henderson-Niles looking to slim down, contribute for the 2009-2010 season

• courier-journal.com | Eric Crawford | The Courier-Journal
  If Teague, who recently visited Kentucky, went from a Louisville lean to a John Calipari get, it would be pretty close to a knockout punch for Pitino, who needs more than anything to build some positive momentum back for recruiting purposes.
  
  I wish this would happen, but I believe Pitino will get Teague. He didn't hire that guy because of his basketball acumen.

• Don't Bet On It!: Around the SEC - Dawg Sports
  The Auburn Tigers renew hostilities with the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers host the UCLA Bruins this Saturday. Dawg Sports has your weekend SEC forecasts in "Don't Bet On It!"

Other News of Interest

• Sad to see Davender, Miller in wrong court now
  More on the ticket scam mess. Good grief.

• Psychological test opposed by attorney for Sypher
  Offered without comment.

• SNY.tv: News: Serena rolls into semis, Clijsters next

The Daily Schadenfreude

• Guest Column: Louisville's Pitino needs to win: AMNews.com
  All I know for sure is that he better have a winning season this year because there is a whole lot more than a record at stake. If Pitino loses it will be a lot easier for the University of Louisville to cut ties with him. Again, just ask Billy G.
  
  Heh.

• Brooks getting last laugh in rivalry
  Heh. Pretty good article from my least-favorite Herald-Leader columnist.

• This is just hilarious.  C'mon, laugh -- it's okay!