Governor's Cup

Alright. Tonight is the night to let the inner bitter out. Time was that the night before the UK-UofL game was sleepless. It promised to be the year's best game. For a UK Football Fan, everything was at stake. It is 2009, and none of this is the case. Curses to the UK scheduling gods for several things. First, this game should always kick off the year, not just when it is played in Da Ville. Tomorrow we'll be buried on ESPNU at noon. Inexcusable. Playing on Labor Day weekend not only would have made this both teams' opener, but it would have drawn a much better television time. Both schools had the flexibility to wait until Sunday or Monday to play. This could have led to all kinds of possibilities on the TV schedule. Why did we have this flexibility, you ask. . . .

Well, it is because both teams had a soul and momentum killing bye in week 2. Who planned this? What a waste. I said repeatedly that UK and EKU could have played their game last week, allowing the Cats to save their off week for when they'd surely need it. Suppose we would have busted out another 42 point game, with Harline throwing for four touchdowns. Suddenly we come in looking like a juggernaut. What if Petino State could have come up with a win in the interim? Suddenly, it looks like a legit contest.

In contrast, the year's game feels limp. Cardinal fans are quiet and halfhearted, Kentucky fans are overconfident.

The angle, of course, is that this is a must win game.. The Cats are about to enter a month-long stretch where they do not "have to" win any one game. This is not one of them. Blow it, and the season is over before it starts.

Personally, I am nervous about the game because I'm not convinced of what we have. Still, I cannot imagine The Redbirds holding UK to less than four offensive touchdowns. There might not be much of a pass rush on Justin Burke, but I'm guessing Micah and Trevard can hold them under 28pts.

Anyway, enough rant. I will be in the KET lot tomorrow having some food and toasting to a great early day. Stop by if you are around. Go Cats.