Saturday, September 19, 2009
Gameday
There isn't more to say. Let's play some football. Have fun on your couch or at the stadium.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Touchdown Kentucky
I totally bit this clip because it also appeared on Kentucky Sports Radio earlier today, but with the Governor's Cup upcoming, I think this has to be memorialized on my site. This play is without a doubt my favorite in person moment as a sports fan and, as sad as this might sound to some, one of the fifteen best moments in my life. Commonwealth was electric that day. You could tell walking across the parking lot that something was in the air, and the game delivered all the goods. If you recall, on the play immediately prior to this a personal foul had nullified a big gain and the game looked over. Then this. I still cannot believe Louisville let Stevie get this open with so little time on the clock. We've had worse luck as UK Football Fans, but never better, and certainly never at such a big moment. I remember my wife jumping into my arms as we both looked on in disbelief just like it was yesterday.
And, as Matt Jones points out, this moment is even greater in retrospect, as it may have changed the fortunes of both teams for the forseeable future. I don't think Saturday is going to top this, but I will be thinking about this game a lot.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Crappy news on Tuesday
Chip Cosby reports that Freshman LB Ridge Wilson has been charged with assault and suspended, at least for the U of L game. He allegedly hit a girl in the face on campus Monday night. If true, it is the most colossally stupid thing I can remember a UK athlete not named Ashton Cobb doing in a long time.
Off weekend
Before we turn to this week's rivalry game, a quick note about my weekend in Knoxville, where I saw my Bruins eek one about against Kiffin State. First of all, Knoxville was fun town, a lot nicer than I had pictured, and the people could not have been better. I expected to be afraid for my life in Neyland, particularly if my team won. There was none of that. One guy pretty well summed it up, and I am going to crib his line the next time I see visiting fans in Lexington. "I hope you all lose, but I hope you have a great time here while you are doing it." That is the right spirit, and one of the reasons why I love college football. I wasn't ready for this kind of reception.
Secondly, it is hard to articulate how much Vols fans hate quarterback Jonathon Crompton. I actually had someone tell me he wished Crompton would be raped and murdered the night of the game. The dude wasn't some crazy overall wearing yokel with no teeth. He was a regular looking guy who gave me this information in a measured monotone. And he was dead serious. This sentiment was echoed, albeit less graphically, to us over and over again on Saturday night. UT fans also were acutely aware of the merciless ass whopping Urban Meyer will lay on them next week. I was pleased by this, as it is something I've been thinking about since the dustup. Not happy days in the Knox.
From a UK Football Fan standpoint the point is obvious. Tennessee is ripe for the plucking this year. They struggled at home against a middling UCLA squad, appear disfunctional and will be coming here on the tail end of what could be a trying year. It is a good takeaway, even if you aren't a former Bruin like me.
The bad news of the weekend, from a future foes standpoint, is that South Carolina apparently does have an offense. They showed something at Georgia. On the flip side, Georgia hasn't exactly looked like a world beater so far.
To kick this week off, I think John Clay hit the nail on the head earlier. There is a decided lack of buzz surrounding this game. If you have the doldrums, here is something to shake you out:
UK was the overwhelming favorite in week one and will have two more games (Monroe, EKU) they'd have to try hard to lose. Three games (Fla, Ala, @ UGA) are probably unwinnable. Two more are winnable long shots (@USC, @Aub), but still longshots. Four games (UL, Miss. St, @Vandy,UT) will make or break this season. Of the four, this is the one we absolutely cannot lose. It is the worst team on the schedule other than the three mortal locks, and it comes before a brutal four game stretch where we'll need to steal one or two to have a special season. Lose this one a bowl eligibility becomes a huge uphill battle, and you have a very real chance of starting the season 1-5.
Secondly, it is hard to articulate how much Vols fans hate quarterback Jonathon Crompton. I actually had someone tell me he wished Crompton would be raped and murdered the night of the game. The dude wasn't some crazy overall wearing yokel with no teeth. He was a regular looking guy who gave me this information in a measured monotone. And he was dead serious. This sentiment was echoed, albeit less graphically, to us over and over again on Saturday night. UT fans also were acutely aware of the merciless ass whopping Urban Meyer will lay on them next week. I was pleased by this, as it is something I've been thinking about since the dustup. Not happy days in the Knox.
From a UK Football Fan standpoint the point is obvious. Tennessee is ripe for the plucking this year. They struggled at home against a middling UCLA squad, appear disfunctional and will be coming here on the tail end of what could be a trying year. It is a good takeaway, even if you aren't a former Bruin like me.
The bad news of the weekend, from a future foes standpoint, is that South Carolina apparently does have an offense. They showed something at Georgia. On the flip side, Georgia hasn't exactly looked like a world beater so far.
To kick this week off, I think John Clay hit the nail on the head earlier. There is a decided lack of buzz surrounding this game. If you have the doldrums, here is something to shake you out:
UK was the overwhelming favorite in week one and will have two more games (Monroe, EKU) they'd have to try hard to lose. Three games (Fla, Ala, @ UGA) are probably unwinnable. Two more are winnable long shots (@USC, @Aub), but still longshots. Four games (UL, Miss. St, @Vandy,UT) will make or break this season. Of the four, this is the one we absolutely cannot lose. It is the worst team on the schedule other than the three mortal locks, and it comes before a brutal four game stretch where we'll need to steal one or two to have a special season. Lose this one a bowl eligibility becomes a huge uphill battle, and you have a very real chance of starting the season 1-5.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
SEC Haiku
Some Haiku for this Saturday's SEC games.
Troy at Florida, 12:21 p.m. EST
Demps runs over Troy
Trojans can't beat Bowling Green
And Tebow won't use
UCLA at UT, 4:00 EST
Alex heads to Knox
With some Zetes and A-D-Pis
Kiffin is a punk
Florida International at Alabama, 7pm EST
Ingram is for real
Who the hell has Bama got
Nice scheduling guys
Vanderbilt at LSU, 7:00pm EST
We'll see what happens
Frosh backs won't hit a hundred
Dores die in Valley
South Carolina at Georgia, 7:00pm EST
Norwood leads the D
To shutout between hedges
Spurrier's sole chance
Mississippi State v. Auburn, 7:00pm EST
They have new coaches
But game without much sizzle
ESPN balks
Troy at Florida, 12:21 p.m. EST
Demps runs over Troy
Trojans can't beat Bowling Green
And Tebow won't use
UCLA at UT, 4:00 EST
Alex heads to Knox
With some Zetes and A-D-Pis
Kiffin is a punk
Florida International at Alabama, 7pm EST
Ingram is for real
Who the hell has Bama got
Nice scheduling guys
Vanderbilt at LSU, 7:00pm EST
We'll see what happens
Frosh backs won't hit a hundred
Dores die in Valley
South Carolina at Georgia, 7:00pm EST
Norwood leads the D
To shutout between hedges
Spurrier's sole chance
Mississippi State v. Auburn, 7:00pm EST
They have new coaches
But game without much sizzle
ESPN balks
Monday, September 7, 2009
Random Monday Notes
*There has been some grumbling about UK's non-conference scheduling, which is admittedly weak. I've always been of the opinion that the Cats should not add another BCS team other than Louisville until it is consistently winning 8 games a season and can afford another loss. Here is another thought I had just now. One relevant question in the debate is this: If UK went undefeated with its current schedule, would it go to the national championship game? To me, that is an unequivocal "Yes". Most years, that would mean beating two top 10 teams and winning an SEC Championship game against another. Assuming this is true, why voluntarily play a harder schedule?
* The SEC went 11-1 this weekend, the sole loss being Georgia falling to Oklahoma State. A number of schools fattened up on cupcakes. Vandy beat a poor 1-AA team, Western Carolina 45-0. Of course Tennessee crushed Western. Arkansas took it to Missouri State. Not sure that much should be read into any of those games, though the same could be said about ours.
*Auburn beat Louisiana Tech 37-13, in probably the biggest test for the conference outside of the big games Alabama and Georgia took on. This is the kind of game Auburn would have lost last year. Most bowl projections have the Tigers ahead of the Cats despite our big win. Still, a lot of football left to be played.
*On the "lets not read too much into this first game" front, I note that the UK-Miami (OH) score is not much different than our 41-3 win over Western last year. Like Miami (OH), Western is a bottom rung BCS school. Lets compare some states between the two games. Hartline's game last year didn't feel like a revelation, but the numbers aren't too different. He was 19-30 for 172 yards, for 5.7 yards a throw. One touchdown and one pick. (Compared to 18-27 for 222, 2td-0 int Saturday) The running game against Western in 2008 was actually more effective than it was against Miami (OH), the Cats gaining 216 yards on 38 carries, with 3 TDs. (Compared to 245 on 49 for 3). Recall too that the Cats played Western without Randall Cobb. As The Wolf in "Pulp Fistion" said . . . well . . lets just say it translates loosely to, "lets not go breaking our arms patting each other on the back just yet".
* The SEC went 11-1 this weekend, the sole loss being Georgia falling to Oklahoma State. A number of schools fattened up on cupcakes. Vandy beat a poor 1-AA team, Western Carolina 45-0. Of course Tennessee crushed Western. Arkansas took it to Missouri State. Not sure that much should be read into any of those games, though the same could be said about ours.
*Auburn beat Louisiana Tech 37-13, in probably the biggest test for the conference outside of the big games Alabama and Georgia took on. This is the kind of game Auburn would have lost last year. Most bowl projections have the Tigers ahead of the Cats despite our big win. Still, a lot of football left to be played.
*On the "lets not read too much into this first game" front, I note that the UK-Miami (OH) score is not much different than our 41-3 win over Western last year. Like Miami (OH), Western is a bottom rung BCS school. Lets compare some states between the two games. Hartline's game last year didn't feel like a revelation, but the numbers aren't too different. He was 19-30 for 172 yards, for 5.7 yards a throw. One touchdown and one pick. (Compared to 18-27 for 222, 2td-0 int Saturday) The running game against Western in 2008 was actually more effective than it was against Miami (OH), the Cats gaining 216 yards on 38 carries, with 3 TDs. (Compared to 245 on 49 for 3). Recall too that the Cats played Western without Randall Cobb. As The Wolf in "Pulp Fistion" said . . . well . . lets just say it translates loosely to, "lets not go breaking our arms patting each other on the back just yet".
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Day After
Well, a day late and a dollar short, here is the post mortem on UK's impressive 42-0 victory over the Miami Redhawks. My game watching experience was somewhat marred yesterday. Let's just say it was poor clock management on my part. Anywhoodle:
Obviously 2009 got off to a good start. Mike Hartline did look like an improved player, and it seems like Chris Matthews and Randall Cobb will take the offense places it couldn't go last year. You had to feel good about Derrick Locke's game as well. A lot to be happy about on O.
A dominant performance by the defense was also nice to see. The 'backers and secondary were solid. If there was a weakness, it was one that was to be expected. From looking at the paper today, I don't see that the defensive ends collectively recorded a tackle. Trevard Lindley made another big play in a win. Micah was able to play the first half and get his foot a rest. Overall, it is good stuff.
This has been said, but it bears repeating. This was Miami of Ohio. With the possible exception of Eastern, it is the weakest team we will see this year. I am not prepared to say this team is greatly improved offensively or is better than last year's team period on the strength of this one game. I want to see more. Unfortunately, we have to wait fourteeen long days for that to happen. Still, it is a very good start.
Obviously 2009 got off to a good start. Mike Hartline did look like an improved player, and it seems like Chris Matthews and Randall Cobb will take the offense places it couldn't go last year. You had to feel good about Derrick Locke's game as well. A lot to be happy about on O.
A dominant performance by the defense was also nice to see. The 'backers and secondary were solid. If there was a weakness, it was one that was to be expected. From looking at the paper today, I don't see that the defensive ends collectively recorded a tackle. Trevard Lindley made another big play in a win. Micah was able to play the first half and get his foot a rest. Overall, it is good stuff.
This has been said, but it bears repeating. This was Miami of Ohio. With the possible exception of Eastern, it is the weakest team we will see this year. I am not prepared to say this team is greatly improved offensively or is better than last year's team period on the strength of this one game. I want to see more. Unfortunately, we have to wait fourteeen long days for that to happen. Still, it is a very good start.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Christmas Eve
As I await tomorrow's opener with the giddiness of a small child, I don't have much to say that hasn't been said.
* The three players I am most interested in watching tomorrow are Mike Hartline, Chris Matthews and DeQuinn Evans.
* Along those lines, I think there are two big things to look for tomorrow. First, can the inexperienced Defensive Ends deliver and put some pressure on the quarterback. Second, can Mike Hartline and the WRs put together a sustainable vertical offense. To be clear, if these things work out tomorrow, it doesn't mean they will against the rest of our competition. But if we cannot accomplish these things against Redhawks, we have no chance of doing it in the SEC, and it could be a long season.
* When I asked a friend why he wasn't going tomorrow, he had a pretty good insight, "if it is a good game, that means we played like crap and I don't want to be there." It is a fair point.
* I'd like to see Micah Johnson play, but come out as soon as the outcome is no longer in doubt.
* It looks like things will be first come first served in the Bengals' parking lot tomorrow. We will be there somewhere whooping it up starting at about 9:30. Yes, this is a bad idea. No, days like this never end well. Yes, I am going to do it anyway. Shoot me a text if you are around (859) 4 nine 2- 98 zero 9. We are in Section 130, at the bottom. Not sure where the day takes us after the ballgame, but we are spending the night with the Zs in Covington.
* Check out the new poll question, which I think is an intriguing sub-plot. Though I like to see some fresh legs on a series or two I don't like running back by committee. Last year all the shuffling seemed to take everyone out of rhythm. Of all the positive things coming out of camp, one thing you aren't hearing is high praise of our tailbacks. It is troubling. If someone could emerge and be "the guy" this season, I think it helps.
* I am going to try for the video post at some point over the weekend. Depending on when I turn it on, it could be stupid or funny, or a combination of both.
* I e-mailed a Miami (OH) sports web site to ask if someone was willing to do a guest appearance on the blog and the pricks never responded. So the hell with them and their whole preppy school.
* The three players I am most interested in watching tomorrow are Mike Hartline, Chris Matthews and DeQuinn Evans.
* Along those lines, I think there are two big things to look for tomorrow. First, can the inexperienced Defensive Ends deliver and put some pressure on the quarterback. Second, can Mike Hartline and the WRs put together a sustainable vertical offense. To be clear, if these things work out tomorrow, it doesn't mean they will against the rest of our competition. But if we cannot accomplish these things against Redhawks, we have no chance of doing it in the SEC, and it could be a long season.
* When I asked a friend why he wasn't going tomorrow, he had a pretty good insight, "if it is a good game, that means we played like crap and I don't want to be there." It is a fair point.
* I'd like to see Micah Johnson play, but come out as soon as the outcome is no longer in doubt.
* It looks like things will be first come first served in the Bengals' parking lot tomorrow. We will be there somewhere whooping it up starting at about 9:30. Yes, this is a bad idea. No, days like this never end well. Yes, I am going to do it anyway. Shoot me a text if you are around (859) 4 nine 2- 98 zero 9. We are in Section 130, at the bottom. Not sure where the day takes us after the ballgame, but we are spending the night with the Zs in Covington.
* Check out the new poll question, which I think is an intriguing sub-plot. Though I like to see some fresh legs on a series or two I don't like running back by committee. Last year all the shuffling seemed to take everyone out of rhythm. Of all the positive things coming out of camp, one thing you aren't hearing is high praise of our tailbacks. It is troubling. If someone could emerge and be "the guy" this season, I think it helps.
* I am going to try for the video post at some point over the weekend. Depending on when I turn it on, it could be stupid or funny, or a combination of both.
* I e-mailed a Miami (OH) sports web site to ask if someone was willing to do a guest appearance on the blog and the pricks never responded. So the hell with them and their whole preppy school.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Fast Fact
The only SEC teams who've gone to a Bowl every year since 2006? Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. True story.
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