Mike Hartline: How The University Of Kentucky's Quarterback's Arrest Hurts

Early this morning, University of Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline was arrested for public intoxication and misconduct, said Lexington police.

This is a huge arrest and could have major repercussions for the UK football team, as they are preparing for the BBVA COMPASS BOWL against the University of Pittsburgh.

Here are some reasons why this arrest could potentially hurt the team.

Great Season

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LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 18: Mike Hartline #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass during the game against the Akron Zips at Commonwealth Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The senior quarterback out of Canton, Ohio has had a great season this year.  He threw for 3,178 yards this season along with 23 touchdowns with only nine interceptions on the season.

He is the leader of the team, and provides a spark on the offensive end that can be matched by no one else.  If he is out for the bowl game, it could really hurt the team and their chances at winning.

Draft Stock

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Mike Hartline #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

Hartline had a good enough season to be drafted into the NFL.  If he does not get to play in the bowl game against Pitt, then his draft status will drop.

With the NFL's conduct policy for players, it will also make teams shy away from him in the later rounds of the draft, which does not fare well for the senior quarterback.

Inexperienced Back Up

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 28: Morgan Newton #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats is tackled by Janzen Jackson #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Imag

Although he got some playing time last season, sophomore quarterback Morgan Newton has been sitting on the bench twiddling his thumbs all season.

He will have to grow up fast again, as his team needs him to step up and win this bowl game for them, having lost their starter.

Puts More Pressure On The Running Game

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Derrick Locke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

This loss will put a lot of pressure on a running game that averages 163 yards per game, making them the 47th most powerful running attack in the nation.

Added Pressure On The Defense to Perform

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Larry Smith #10 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs with the ball during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Kentucky defense averages 28 points against per game.  This is not a very good number and will need to improve if Hartline is ruled out.

Not having the ability to score fast will put pressure on the defense to step up and not allow the opposition to score quite as quickly themselves.

Remember He Is Not Ruled Out Yet

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LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 04: Mike Hartline #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats signals for a touchdown during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Ima

Although he was arrested he still has not been ruled out for the bowl game.  If he is able to play, it would be a big help for the Wildcats, but it is not looking likely as this arrest is a fairly big deal.

Lucky for Hartline, this happened during basketball season, and it will not receive as much attention around campus.