WildCard..although you are a knowledgable poster from a football standpoint. I have a hard time believing you truly pull for UK. I read the UL premium boards and you have a much different tone and often times are derogatory towards typical "delusional" UK fans.
Your comment in this post seems to speak to more of the same. The standard theme from most UL fans right now is that things haven't and will never change at Kentucky in the SEC. My belief is that most UL fans(and coaches for that matter) wouldn't admit it but they are worried about what Stoops and a consistently competitive Kentucky could mean to UL. Regardless of how you slice it, getting dominated for in state and Ohio talent by your in state rival makes things much more difficult.
True Kentucky football fans that have followed the nuances of our program for decades see the historical shift taking place with Stoops. I think you are a worthwhile poster on this board. But I think you are very much in the UL camp hoping the "changes" taking place are still just misplaced optimism and more of the same.
First of all, thanks for the compliment in your post. I'll keep posting! :cool2:
I've been on this board a long time but I understand I am still a guest here and try to not be an ***. FWIW, I have probably posted more on this board than on CardinalSports because there are more members hence more discussions. But I have never disguised the fact I am a Card fan first. And yes, I sometimes take "harder" positions on the Cardinal board than I do here and occasionally poke fun at some of the nonsense I see over here. I support and follow UK football because I "always have" but, as a Card fan first, they are also a rival. And unlike other opponents the very nature of a rivalry involves some disparagement of your rival. But you won't find me spewing out hatred like some fans on each side. And nothing blinds objectivity more than hate. Both sides have some "delusional" fans but you just shake your head and move on.
If you have "followed" my posts on the Cardinal board you should also have noted I call 'em like I see 'em as far as the Cards are concerned. I post mainly on the premium board because I can make such criticisms and not draw the ire of the rank and file message board posters. Premium boards are usually a kinder, gentler community. [laughing]
I'm not sure how you regard my comment agreeing with vhcat's post as derogatory. (Of course, when you have "Card" in your screen name you get no benefit of doubt!) Over the years, I have seen lots of "disappointment" (on this board and in real life) when the Cats could not / did not get over the hump. And many times that "hump" was an unrealistic expectation. I have followed UK football since the Bradshaw era and I know how difficult is the road to success. I have often said it is not as simple or quick as "turning the corner"; it is more like a long, sweeping bend in the highway.
For that matter, I have probably followed UK football longer than most persons on this board. Over the past 50+ years I have seen several false starts in UK's football program. Stoops and Co. are certainly doing some good things in recruiting but if a "historical shift" is going to take place there should be some on field performance evidence of same (i.e., wins) this year. And I'm talking about getting some wins in the SEC+UofL part of the schedule; not the other games. Most true "turnarounds" are showing real winning progress by year 3. I'm not talking a Top 25 year but I am talking about getting a few significant wins.
UofL has worked very hard over the past 30 years to get their program where it is. I don't think a good UK program "materially harms" UofL any more than a good UofL program "materially harms" UK. (Recruiting-wise UK is still going to win most battles for out-in-state kids just as the did in 1960 although UofL does keep more Louisville players here than before.)
But I will acknowledge a "good" UofL program does refute the widely held notion that UK is the best football program in the state simply because "they should be the best". "Best" must now be settled on the field each year rather than by acclamation of the masses. I suppose in some respects that is a "detriment" to UK but, OTOH, UofL's recent success may have galvanized UK's will to get better. I love football; I have no problem with 2 good football teams in the state But, of course, I want to keep the Governor's Cup in town. [laughing]
I had lunch this weekend with several hard core Card fans and was asked about UK. I told them very candidly the program was, IMO, clearly improving and the Cards will likely have their hands full in November. I think 7-5 is possible for UK this year but 6-6 is a bit more likely. My thought right now is the UofL game could fall in either column. But we will have a better idea about both programs by the end of September. As I said, this is not a make or break year for CMS, but if things are going like what fans want and expect, IMO, the Cats need get at least 6 wins this year. Then we can start talking about that "historical shift" taking place. [winking]
Peace
