The House of Blue

Absolutely have to take it off of him now. He may be our starter this weekend depending on Whitlow's ankle.

Phillips says both Whitlow and Towles will play. How? They aren't sure yet. Said, 'It's still Monday. We just found out (about Smith's injury.'

Thanks Matt. I've been watching UK football since the mid 60s and I will swear that if it weren't for bad luck, UK football would have no luck at all. It just never ceases to amaze me. I hope both of those kids can learn quickly. And please, stay healthy!

Any mention of Zach West? I don't think he played in the 2nd half vs SC.

Ditto 1003blue. Smith looked like and played like the part. I guess we will see how good Towles really is now. I hope he gets plenty of reps along with Whitlow. Whitlow is extremely athletic. They could play together in some way if Whitlow is willing to move around. Slash?

I think it would be safe to say, Joker will be back next year..Mitch will be using the we are young, injured card in his reasoning, while I would agree with this except I think Joker is a terrible Head Coach....

Normally I'd agree but not when they are both FR and you don't have a viable 3rd QB option. I don't want to risk Whitlow in that situation.

This explains it best I could find. Sounds like Smith won't be eligible by these rules, but I'll try to get clarification from UK:

Guidelines for Medical Hardship Waiver Requests
For a student-athlete to receive a Medical Hardship Waiver per Bylaw 14.2.4, the following four conditions must be met:

The student-athlete may not have participated in more than two contests or dates of competition or 20 percent of the team's completed contests/dates of competition.
The injury or illness must occur prior to the completion of the first half of the season.
The injury or illness does not have to occur during practice/competition, but it must be incapacitating.
Appropriate medical documentation must exist and be provided.

All percentages are calculated according to contests or dates of competition, depending on how your sport's competitive opportunities are counted. Only contests or dates of competition occurring during the championship (traditional) season are included in the calculations. Conference championships/tournaments are counted as one contest or date of competition, regardless of the actual contest/dates used.

If the percentage calculation for the 20-percent rule results in a decimal -- any decimal -- the whole number preceding it is always rounded up. For example, if the softball team competes in 56 games, 20 percent of 56 is 11.2. Due to the "rounding-up," a softball team member who competed in 12 games does qualify for a medical hardship waiver.

To meet the first-half-of-the-season requirement, all competition must cease prior to the start of the contest or date of competition that begins the second half of the season. For example, a soccer player competing in the 10th game of a 19-game season does not qualify for a medical hardship waiver. Also, a student-athlete who is injured in the first half of the season, then attempts to play in the second half and aggravates the original injury, does not qualify for a medical hardship waiver.

NOTE: A STUDENT-ATHLETE RECEIVING A MEDICAL HARDSHIP WAIVER IS PERMITTED UNLIMITED PARTICIPATION IN THE NON-TRADITIONAL (NON-CHAMPIONSHIP) PORTION OF THE SEASON.

Yes, the number is now 30%. 30% of 12 games is 3.6, meaning that Smith can play in four games and be eligible. Which he did.

Feel bad for Smith. Hate to see injuries to anyone.

How does everyone feel about Towles not redshirting now? Doesn't seem like there is much choice at this point.

To save the shirt I guess they'd have to go with Whitlow and Newton?