Welcome to the Kentucky Kernel live blog from Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Miss., where UK (5-3, 1-3) will take on Mississippi State (3-5, 1-3).  The stadium is starting to fill up with just under an hour till kickoff as the teams take the field for pre-game warmups.  The weather is a sunny 68 degrees with a slight breeze blowing to out the north end zone to the left of the press box.

This afternoon’s game marks Randall Cobb’s first start at quarterback for UK this season.  Coach Rich Brooks named Cobb the starter at his Monday news conference after the true freshman played admirably in last week’s blowout in Florida.  Cobb will look to lead UK to a fast start and establish some positive momentum after last week’s loss.  Under former starting quarterback Mike Hartline the UK offense has managed 13 total yards on its four opening drives in SEC play this season. 

The Cats need Cobb to provide the offensive spark they’ve been looking for early in the game this season.  Brooks has said that both Cobb and Hartline will see action today.  Expect to see Hartline in the second and third quarter.  I’ll be interested to see the effort of his teammates when he’s on the field after he blamed his demotion on them earlier this week before apologizing after rethinking his comments.

Micah Johnson was just announced in the starting lineup over the loudspeaker, and Myron Pryor is suited up on the field participating in warmups.  The only surprise from the starting lineups is Alfonso Smith at tailback.  Brooks had announced earlier in the week Moncell Allen would get the start.

The UK faithful in the northwest corner of the stands appears ready for a perfect day for football in Mississippi.  I’d like to thank the cashier at the service station in Adamsville, Tenn. for helping Bobby and I avoid a scenic tour of southwest Tennessee on our way to the game today, and I hope you stay with me for the rest of the afternoon.