Well, now that you have sat back, took a deep breath, and let out that huge exhale that comes after a season long ride like the Cats gave us for basketball, how about some football? Football?? Do we still have a football team? Haven't they all graduated, transferred, or been kicked to the curb by Joker Phillips? Why are we worried about football when the Texas A&M Aggies and the Missouri Tigers have joined the SEC and sunk us deeper into the pit of mediocrity in the lower middle of the SEC? Well, Joker Phillips says all is not lost, and that the fans need to be patient and give the staff time to turn this group of Wildcats into something. What you ask? Let's see.

Alex already went over the transfers and dismissals, as well as Athlon's review of Joker Phillips himself. So, let's look at what we do have to look forward to this season and why hope is not yet all lost.

The Highlights: First off, we get another season of CoShik Williams and his running. Williams played in only 9 games last season with a couple small injuries. He is healthy and should be at the top of his game, and will not be fighting anyone else for his slot. Expect Williams to average close to 100 yds per game this season. The Cats will have to run, and Williams is the man to do it.

Second: Maxwell Smith. It takes everything in me not to claim that this kid is going to have a breakout season. He has the skills, he has a prototypical NFL QB 6'4" 220lb. body. And he has shown flashes of brilliance. Newton has been hurt, and his status for the fall is still up in the air. Plus, he has shown zero ability to lead the Cats. The job should be Smith's to give up, with Mr. Towles waiting in the wings to assume command given the chance. I think Smith also takes the next step, and becomes the QB the Cats needed last season.

Third: Tight End. The Cats are loaded at the Tight End position this season. We have three big TE players who can catch the ball, the question is, can they all run with it? They are big and strong, and should make the position which has been a weakness for the Cats since Jacob Tamme left, a strength this year.

Fourth: Kicking Game. Joe Mansour has had a season to work the kinks out of that incredible foot and leg of his. This should be the year he uses it to pin opponents deep when it is needed. He has the tools to play at the next level, and it is time to show it.

So, all hope is not lost. Or, is it? You decide. Joker says this team will fight , scratch, and claw for every yard. I hope that gets the results he wants.