It looks like time to call it a year for UK Football Fan. I've really enjoyed writing and I thank the people who took the time to read, comment, become followers, etc.
If you enjoy the writing, look for posts on Scutch Speaks starting this week. I'll continue on that with a sports, pop culture and vagaries of life bent. If nothing else, check back during the NCAA tournament, when, time permitting, I will reprise my running diary for a day or two. I'll also be using Scutch Speaks to test out other bells and whistles on Blogger, with the idea of making UK Football Fan a little more fun on 2009.
I will be back on UK Football Fan on occasion, if some big news comes out, and perhaps during spring practice. Otherwise, check back in August.
I'll let Stevie take us out.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Trevard
Between the play of the receivers in the Liberty Bowl and Trevard Lindley's surprise decision to remain at UK, a slightly revised 2009 season preview may be in order. A team with an experienced starting quarterback, four returning offensive lineman, athletes like Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke and a defense with three potential All-Americans can do better than 6 wins, right?
Its like I am 7, and it is the day after Christmas. It is going to be a long 8 and a half months.
Its like I am 7, and it is the day after Christmas. It is going to be a long 8 and a half months.
Monday, January 12, 2009
As much as. . . .
. . . .I admire Tim Tebow's athletic ability and competitiveness, his presence in college football is likely to grow tiresome in 2009. And make no mistake, I like the guy as a player. It is kind of the same way I felt about Joakim Noah. You cannot hate on anyone with a lot of talent who still plays as if his life depends on it every time out. I can't, at least.
All that being said, Fox basically spoiled the national championship game and Tebow's gutty performance last week with all the praise and laudatory hyperbole. After a while, it was embarrassing. If you are reading this, you probably watched the game, and no doubt observed the same thing. So I'll spare you the gory details.
Yeah, he is a stud college football player. Maybe in some ways the best I've ever seen. He is almost certainly a devout christian who uses his status to do many good things. In 100 years, people will probably talk about Tebow the way they do Paul Bunyan or Babe Ruth. He will be an idea, almost like he was someone who never existed. Lets face it though, Tim Tebow is also acutely aware of what he represents and how to manipulate the media and public's perception. He is Eddie Haskell in eye black. Witness his speeches, including this most recent, "Lets do it again" ditty. For all his virtues, it gets a bit trite at times. That the media play right into it does not help. I almost get the feeling he acts like a Robotic, Uber-Fellowship of Christian Athletes BMOC because that is what we've been told to expect from him. I bet on some level he'd admit to being trapped in his own image.
Three years ago USC's Matt Leinart said, "I am going to stay at USC, go to clubs with my boy Nick Lachey, date ridiculous looking celebrities and co-eds, spend another year surrounded by the most talented college players on the planet and try to win another Heisman and National Title". Leinert was praised, but it was always with a wink and a nod, "yeah, that kid is living a life the rest of us can only dream of. I'd stay put too". What Tebow is doing is way different, albeit not for reasons you might think. Leinert was giving up a chance to be a top 3 pick and an instant multi, multi-millionaire. That isn't in the offing for Tebow. I'd never bet against the guy, but as an NFL QB, he is no better than a third round draft pick. Staying in school costs him nothing. Since he could be trading on his status as a college legend for some time, I'd argue that coming back might have made more financial sense. At least in the long run.
Still, I am sure in the coming days we'll hear of how unselfish he is and on more than one occasion, you'll hear about how he came back out of loyalty and to give more glory to god. All of which may be somewhat true. But I'm quite certain it isn't the whole truth. I have no idea what all Tebow does when he isn't performing circumcisions in third world countries. But to think for one minute he isn't living all manner of a charmed 21 year old male existence there in Gainesville is pretty naive. Leinart got to spend a year with the stars, but Tebow is the star. He is the most famous person in the state of Florida.
Next year, when Tebow steps on the field, it will be like Shane Battier's last year at Duke, minus the excessive head wrinkles. Remember how sickening it was to hear people go on and on about him? The refs might as well have given him his own whistle.
I still hate Shane Battier, though it may be Kryzewski hate by association and not because he got the second coming treatment from the media. Regardless, I don't want to feel that way about Tim Tebow a year from now. So, part of me is sorry that he is coming back BECAUSE I like watching him play so much. But not nearly as sorry as I'd be if I were a linebacker in the SEC.
In the end, I'll probably wish Tebow luck in 11 of his 12 regular season games. I may just turn the sound off when I watch him play.
All that being said, Fox basically spoiled the national championship game and Tebow's gutty performance last week with all the praise and laudatory hyperbole. After a while, it was embarrassing. If you are reading this, you probably watched the game, and no doubt observed the same thing. So I'll spare you the gory details.
Yeah, he is a stud college football player. Maybe in some ways the best I've ever seen. He is almost certainly a devout christian who uses his status to do many good things. In 100 years, people will probably talk about Tebow the way they do Paul Bunyan or Babe Ruth. He will be an idea, almost like he was someone who never existed. Lets face it though, Tim Tebow is also acutely aware of what he represents and how to manipulate the media and public's perception. He is Eddie Haskell in eye black. Witness his speeches, including this most recent, "Lets do it again" ditty. For all his virtues, it gets a bit trite at times. That the media play right into it does not help. I almost get the feeling he acts like a Robotic, Uber-Fellowship of Christian Athletes BMOC because that is what we've been told to expect from him. I bet on some level he'd admit to being trapped in his own image.
Three years ago USC's Matt Leinart said, "I am going to stay at USC, go to clubs with my boy Nick Lachey, date ridiculous looking celebrities and co-eds, spend another year surrounded by the most talented college players on the planet and try to win another Heisman and National Title". Leinert was praised, but it was always with a wink and a nod, "yeah, that kid is living a life the rest of us can only dream of. I'd stay put too". What Tebow is doing is way different, albeit not for reasons you might think. Leinert was giving up a chance to be a top 3 pick and an instant multi, multi-millionaire. That isn't in the offing for Tebow. I'd never bet against the guy, but as an NFL QB, he is no better than a third round draft pick. Staying in school costs him nothing. Since he could be trading on his status as a college legend for some time, I'd argue that coming back might have made more financial sense. At least in the long run.
Still, I am sure in the coming days we'll hear of how unselfish he is and on more than one occasion, you'll hear about how he came back out of loyalty and to give more glory to god. All of which may be somewhat true. But I'm quite certain it isn't the whole truth. I have no idea what all Tebow does when he isn't performing circumcisions in third world countries. But to think for one minute he isn't living all manner of a charmed 21 year old male existence there in Gainesville is pretty naive. Leinart got to spend a year with the stars, but Tebow is the star. He is the most famous person in the state of Florida.
Next year, when Tebow steps on the field, it will be like Shane Battier's last year at Duke, minus the excessive head wrinkles. Remember how sickening it was to hear people go on and on about him? The refs might as well have given him his own whistle.
I still hate Shane Battier, though it may be Kryzewski hate by association and not because he got the second coming treatment from the media. Regardless, I don't want to feel that way about Tim Tebow a year from now. So, part of me is sorry that he is coming back BECAUSE I like watching him play so much. But not nearly as sorry as I'd be if I were a linebacker in the SEC.
In the end, I'll probably wish Tebow luck in 11 of his 12 regular season games. I may just turn the sound off when I watch him play.
For someone. . .
. . .whose departure was reported by the mainstream news almost a week ago, Trevard Lindley is taking a lot of time to make an announcement.
Could something be afoot?
The 15th is the deadline to declare, so we'll know soon.
Jeremy Jarmon hasn't said anything, but anyone projected as a fifth to seventh round choice would not be wise to leave (unless eligibility was an issue). At that stage of the draft, you aren't guaranteed a roster spot. Why not try to improve your lie?
Could something be afoot?
The 15th is the deadline to declare, so we'll know soon.
Jeremy Jarmon hasn't said anything, but anyone projected as a fifth to seventh round choice would not be wise to leave (unless eligibility was an issue). At that stage of the draft, you aren't guaranteed a roster spot. Why not try to improve your lie?
Friday, January 9, 2009
More Memphis Pics
Jenni with Tony Dixon. Showing savvy worthy of a fifth year senior, Tony eschewed the sweatsuit for a nice shirt, nice jeans, and some understated gold. Probably not coincidentally, Tony was squiring not one but two blondes around Beale. 
Jenni with Trevard. They are discussing the fine points of the Cover 2. Of the guys we talked to, he was the shyest. He could walk down the street and no one would suspect he was an All-American football player. And yeah, the camera work was suspect. Sue me.
Micah is Back. . .
. . .officially. He attributed his return to a strange couple he met in Memphis insisting he could not leave because their son's #4 jersey would become obsolete before he grew into it. Okay, I made that part up. (Though we did have that conversation with him.)
Micah has a chance to supplant J-Lo as my favorite Wildcat. Ever.Thursday, January 8, 2009
Junior Defensive Studs-In or Out?
Here is all of the news I can find about the trio of Defensive players seeking counsel from the NFL Advisory Board about their pro prospects.
WKTY-27 reported last night that Trevard Lindley was projected to go in the second round and will leave UK. I certainly don't blame him. Thanks for everything, Trevard. After years of screaming "how did he get that open?" at the stadium and into the TV, Lindley was like a shot in the arm for me. Shutdown corners like that come along at UK once in a generation, if that.
Micah Johnson graded out as a third to fifth round pick and Jeremy Jarmon from 5-7. Both are reportedly staying put, though there is no official word from the school. Assuming this is true, it is a huge relief.
Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader reports on his blog that Johnson has posted his intention to stay put on his Facebook page. How very 2009. (Incidentally, I learned while in Memphis that Chip and my wife went to elementary school together. I got to talk some UK Football with him down there. Hell of a nice guy.)
Again, no official word on any of this yet.
WKTY-27 reported last night that Trevard Lindley was projected to go in the second round and will leave UK. I certainly don't blame him. Thanks for everything, Trevard. After years of screaming "how did he get that open?" at the stadium and into the TV, Lindley was like a shot in the arm for me. Shutdown corners like that come along at UK once in a generation, if that.
Micah Johnson graded out as a third to fifth round pick and Jeremy Jarmon from 5-7. Both are reportedly staying put, though there is no official word from the school. Assuming this is true, it is a huge relief.
Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader reports on his blog that Johnson has posted his intention to stay put on his Facebook page. How very 2009. (Incidentally, I learned while in Memphis that Chip and my wife went to elementary school together. I got to talk some UK Football with him down there. Hell of a nice guy.)
Again, no official word on any of this yet.
Funny
I've been putting off my last post of the year along with a wrap up of our experience down in Memphis. Why, I am not real sure.
In the meantime, I got this article from my friend Jill today and had to share. Liberty Bowl officials having determined I am not a member of the media, I must not be entitled to the added First Amendment protection afforded that institution. So, the attorney in me feels compelled to impart to those with no sense of humor and/or familiarity with The Onion that the article is a joke.
Its damn funny, though.
More later.
In the meantime, I got this article from my friend Jill today and had to share. Liberty Bowl officials having determined I am not a member of the media, I must not be entitled to the added First Amendment protection afforded that institution. So, the attorney in me feels compelled to impart to those with no sense of humor and/or familiarity with The Onion that the article is a joke.
Its damn funny, though.
More later.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Liberty Bowl Postgame
First things first. Lets get down to the football business. The game had a bizarre, almost poetic feel. With six minutes left and the game tied, I realized that we were teetering on all sorts of ledges. Is this a winning season or a losing one? A good team or a bad team? A group of chokers who stared down victory and blinked against South Carolina and Georgia, or a resilient bunch who shrugged off injury and gaping holes in experience to find a way to win 6 games and get to a bowl? A program on the rise or one that has peaked?
The Cats answered. They answered. Where to start?
Mike Hartline who, while reportedly battling a case of what San Diegans refer to as Montezuma's Revenge, played the best game he can play at perfect time.
Kyrus Lanxter and Gene McKaskill played well, factored in the win and gave us some hope for next year's outlook at wideout. (Recall that the WRs confidence going into next year was one of my keys to the game. It played out the way I'd hoped.)
David "Bookends"Jones, after playing his best overall game week one against Louisville, made the biggest play of his career in his final game as a collegiate with a 99 yard kickoff return to start the second half. (Which I missed, by the way, thanks to the Liberty Bowl's lack of television monitors and world's worst PA system)
The D. After arm tackling their way through a Mumme era-esque first half, they stepped up big in the second.
Tony Dixon, for finishing his career the right way and gaining some tough yards when the Cats needed them.
All in all, a great way to end the season. More about the overall Memphis experience (awesome) later.
The Cats answered. They answered. Where to start?
Mike Hartline who, while reportedly battling a case of what San Diegans refer to as Montezuma's Revenge, played the best game he can play at perfect time.
Kyrus Lanxter and Gene McKaskill played well, factored in the win and gave us some hope for next year's outlook at wideout. (Recall that the WRs confidence going into next year was one of my keys to the game. It played out the way I'd hoped.)
David "Bookends"Jones, after playing his best overall game week one against Louisville, made the biggest play of his career in his final game as a collegiate with a 99 yard kickoff return to start the second half. (Which I missed, by the way, thanks to the Liberty Bowl's lack of television monitors and world's worst PA system)
The D. After arm tackling their way through a Mumme era-esque first half, they stepped up big in the second.
Tony Dixon, for finishing his career the right way and gaining some tough yards when the Cats needed them.
All in all, a great way to end the season. More about the overall Memphis experience (awesome) later.
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