The solution was simple for UK’s offense: put in Randall Cobb.

Cobb, a true freshman, came in in relief of starter Mike Hartline late in the first quarter, sparking UK’s offense to a 38-3 rout of Norfolk State. Cobb’s explosiveness helped ignite the complacent UK offense to a 2-0 start.

In the first half, Cobb was part of all three touchdowns, rushing for two and nailing senior wide receiver Dicky Lyons Jr. on a 14-yard fade route for another. When the Spartan defense wasn’t worrying about Cobb tucking the ball for a draw or on a scramble, they were trying to defend the freshman’s arm.

Cobb finished the half 6-of-9 for 87 yards and one touchdown through the air while rushing for 38 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns. The Cats led 24-3.

In the second half, the quarterback seesaw continued when Hartline, a sophomore, re-entered the game to start the third quarter. The rest of the half, head coach Rich Brooks switched between Cobb and Hartline.

The two played to a virtual tie, but the Cats added another score at the start of the fourth quarter when Derrick Locke took off 68 yards for a score. Moncell Allen capped off the scoring with a 3-yard run late in the fourth as the Cats won 38-3.

Hartline finished 9-of-15 for 60 yards and no touchdowns. Cobb finished 6-for-11 with 87 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Cobb also rushed for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Locke led all running backs with 96 yards on five carries with one touchdown.

The defense held Norfolk State to just one field goal. No offense has scored a touchdown on the Cats so far this season.