Monday Morning Quarterback - UK, UofL, UT

Some thoughts on the games this weekend for all three teams -- add your thoughts in the comments:

The Cards -- It seems strange to call a loss "a relief" or even "encouraging," but that's the first words that came to my mind after the game was over. That, and a little "anticipation" to boot. If the same U of L team had shown up that played the first game, I figure they would have lost by 15 or more. Instead, here was a solid defense, a quarterback that seemed to be putting it together, and some exciting receivers and running backs. Take away three or four plays, and you've got a different outcome.

Next week's game @ Utah originally looked like a certain loss, after Utah started the year in the top 25. But, with Louisville playing as it did on the road, and Utah's loss yesterday to Oregon, perhaps there is hope. At the very least, it appears that this year's Cardinal team is more disciplined, better prepared, and tougher. I'm anxious to see what the next few weeks bring.

The Cats -- Rick Bozich gets it right in this morning's C-J: the most important story of this game was that the Cats figured out a way to win, where in the past they would have figured out a way to lose. This was not a great win; in fact, for the longest time it looked like a very painful loss. Three turnovers against your rival usually guarantees you both a loss and a year's worth of regrets. When given the opportunity, though, this year's Cats not only took advantage (and the lead), they kept their poise down the stretch and held on for the win. The Cats of 2005, say, would not have been able to do that. So, mark that down as a plus.

Unfortunately, there are also some minuses, or at least some question marks, that come out of this game. U of L's Burke passed at will, it seemed, and Victor Anderson had a 100+ yard game. Is UK's defense that porous, or did U of L just dink and dunk them to death? If the Cards hadn't had the turnovers it could have been worse. The Cats have got to tighten up that defense if they hope to compete in the SEC East, as they say they do. The good thing, though, is that when the Cats needed the stops, they seemed to find a way to get them. Let's hope they can continue to do that.

The Vols: Last night on the GoVolsXtra site there were a number of posts using the "We're Back!" phrase. While I think they are over the top -- UT will be "back" when it beats Florida in Gainesville -- I think you could make a case for "We're On Our Way Back!"

The difference between this year's Vols and last year's couldn't be more dramatic. They are better prepared, more disciplined, and more passionate. It was obvious that they thought they could play with the Gators. And, in fact, turn two or three plays the other way, and they might be the lead story on SportsCenter. If they had sacked Tebow when they had him caught behind the line on third down, and forced a punt, they would have prevented a score and perhaps scored themselves, and we'd be looking at a new #1 next week.

As it was, by the end of the night you knew some things about this year's Vols:

• Monte Kiffin is as good a defensive coach as everyone said.
• Eric Berry should be a unanimous All-American.
• Jonathan Crompton either has to get better quick, or step aside for Nick Stephens.

There was one moment last night when the camera caught Crompton's eyes as he stepped behind center, and I swear he looked completely out of it -- not just "deer in the headlights" look, but checked out. It may have just been the moment, and I may be completely mistaken; but it sure looked to me like Kiffin was trying to figure out a way to win the game by working around his quarterback.

This edition of the Vols may or may not make a bowl game. There are lots of bounces of the ball still to go. But, it seems obvious that trading Fulmer for Kiffin has resulted in a team that's better on the field. Whether or not they are better off the field, and whether or not Kiffin can develop some class over time, remains to be seen. But for now, the results on the field are better. Just one last question:

How in the world did the team I saw last night lose to UCLA?