For all you 6-6 people

[LowCountryCat]

Here's what you don't get. Shooting for 6-6 as some sort of achievement means you will sometimes exceed and sometimes fall short. Exceeding 6-6 means 7-5 and still going to a crappy bowl. Falling short means 5-7 or 4-8 and suddenly you're getting a new coach and rebuilding. Rinse and repeat, and before you know it 50 years go by. This is what a culture of mediocrity is like, and this is the mentality that perpetuates it.

Shooting for 9-3 or 10-2 means falling short to 7-5. Exceeding means a title. Now you keep your coach and you get better recruits.

Stop accepting mediocrity, it's a recipe for failure.

 

[Shavers48]

if they searched deep down, it's all a lot of them want anyway. they want basketball to compete and football not to embarrass and they'd settle for that

 

[Kats23]

I get your point but in year 3 of a rebuild I think you're setting yourself up for failure if you want more than 6-6 or 7-5 when you play in the SEC. Sad thing is the stars really aligned for UK this year. The SEC was way down so a good year was possible but when you looked at the schedule in August 6-6 was a reasonable attainable goal and would show progress. I don't think anyone would of said 6-6 or 7-5the next 3 years are what should be the goal.

For me I wanted to go 6-6 this year than start going 7-5 as the minimum with 8-9 wins being the norm every few years wining 10 and just being competitive in the SEC. It's why everyone is do pissed right now. 5-7 is spinning our wheels and next year's schedule w/ the collapses the past 2 years give you little hope the lightbulb suddenly Is going to go off for this staff in year 4.

 

[LowCountryCat]

I get your point but in year 3 of a rebuild I think you're setting yourself up for failure if you want more than 6-6 or 7-5 when you play in the SEC. Sad thing is the stars really aligned for UK this year. The SEC was way down so a good year was possible but when you looked at the schedule in August 6-6 was a reasonable attainable goal and would show progress. I don't think anyone would of said 6-6 or 7-5the next 3 years are what should be the goal.

For me I wanted to go 6-6 this year than start going 7-5 as the minimum with 8-9 wins being the norm every few years wining 10 and just being competitive in the SEC. It's why everyone is do pissed right now. 5-7 is spinning our wheels and next year's schedule w/ the collapses the past 2 years give you little hope the lightbulb suddenly Is going to go off for this staff in year 4.

Then my post wasn't directed at you. I'm talking to those people who think 6-6 is an acceptable result. 6-6 is a step on the path to the acceptable result; it is not an end in itself. To go around saying "we can still make 6-6 and have a great season" means you are part of the problem.

 

[sgt4269]

It's easy to be disappointed. Esp when the team has so much more potential. To play better.

 

[Kats23]

Yeah even if this team can finish 6-6, which I can't see happening, then no this isn't a good season and I think changes need to be made. I'm getting to a Gillispie like state with this staff as the year has unfolded. 6-6 almost encourages the staff they are on the right path. As ticked off as 5-7 or 4-8 would be, it's almost better bc it goes on and probably puts this thing out of its misery at the end of next year.

6-6 this year and we probably at best finish 5-7 next year would only buy the staff another year. At least missing a bowl this year will likely force major staff changes under Stoops then make or break next year in year 4.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Here's what you don't get. Shooting for 6-6 as some sort of achievement means you will sometimes exceed and sometimes fall short. Exceeding 6-6 means 7-5 and still going to a crappy bowl. Falling short means 5-7 or 4-8 and suddenly you're getting a new coach and rebuilding. Rinse and repeat, and before you know it 50 years go by. This is what a culture of mediocrity is like, and this is the mentality that perpetuates it.

Shooting for 9-3 or 10-2 means falling short to 7-5. Exceeding means a title. Now you keep your coach and you get better recruits.

Stop accepting mediocrity, it's a recipe for failure.

Here's what you don't get. Going from the bottom to a solid team will probably entail a 6-6 year. Your expectations are absurd along with your lack of reasoning. One can appreciate a rise to 6-6 without setting the permanent acceptable win level at that total. You always want to pretend to be smarter than everyone else, yet your argument is baseless. Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself? Yes, we all should shoot for the NC every year, we get it. Not being a man of your infinite wisdom, I'll accept a couple 6-6, 7-5 years along the way.

 

[Big10Cat]

I just want too see a team that is prepared and ready to play. Then we will go from there.

 

[catagious]

Exactly! At least look like we are prepared and competent. I want players looking like they care and I don't want our coaches looking like buffoons. Our talent level is the LEAST of our problems. How many times has an announcer said something embarrassing about our ineptitude this year? That would be an interesting thread.

There were a faction of people that defended Gillespie tooth and nail when it was obvious that he was in way over his head. This feels the same.

 

[BlueBallz_rivals30790]

If they go 6-6 and a bowl, I plan to be there, barring any family obligations.

 

[footballfanatic77]

Here's what you don't get. Shooting for 6-6 as some sort of achievement means you will sometimes exceed and sometimes fall short. Exceeding 6-6 means 7-5 and still going to a crappy bowl. Falling short means 5-7 or 4-8 and suddenly you're getting a new coach and rebuilding. Rinse and repeat, and before you know it 50 years go by. This is what a culture of mediocrity is like, and this is the mentality that perpetuates it.

Shooting for 9-3 or 10-2 means falling short to 7-5. Exceeding means a title. Now you keep your coach and you get better recruits.

Stop accepting mediocrity, it's a recipe for failure.

Here's what you don't get: bowl eligibility is one of the steps every team needs to take on the road to becoming relevant. Nobody believes it's some great end-all-be-all achievement. But anybody with any sense at all understands that you must crawl before you can walk and to be honest bowl eligibility would be a huge step for a Kentucky team that hasn't been to a bowl game since 2010. That's why Tennessee fans were so happy to make a bowl last season, as a football school they understand a little better how football works. That's why it was such a big deal when James Franklin led Vanderbilt to a bowl game in his first season; he used that momentum to propel his team into the next season.

 

[Random UK Fan]

Here's what you don't get. Going from the bottom to a solid team will probably entail a 6-6 year. Your expectations are absurd along with your lack of reasoning. One can appreciate a rise to 6-6 without setting the permanent acceptable win level at that total. You always want to pretend to be smarter than everyone else, yet your argument is baseless. Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself? Yes, we all should shoot for the NC every year, we get it. Not being a man of your infinite wisdom, I'll accept a couple 6-6, 7-5 years along the way.

I enjoy opening your and PMF's threads now even more than before because I enjoy your all's back and forth. It's actually entertaining. You all crack me up.

 

[Random UK Fan]

Here's what you don't get. Shooting for 6-6 as some sort of achievement means you will sometimes exceed and sometimes fall short. Exceeding 6-6 means 7-5 and still going to a crappy bowl. Falling short means 5-7 or 4-8 and suddenly you're getting a new coach and rebuilding. Rinse and repeat, and before you know it 50 years go by. This is what a culture of mediocrity is like, and this is the mentality that perpetuates it.

Shooting for 9-3 or 10-2 means falling short to 7-5. Exceeding means a title. Now you keep your coach and you get better recruits.

Stop accepting mediocrity, it's a recipe for failure.

Two things; I completely agree with the above, and I enjoy opening your and BigBlueFanGA's threads now even more than before because I enjoy your all's back and forth. It's actually entertaining. You all crack me up.

 

[LowCountryCat]

Here's what you don't get. Going from the bottom to a solid team will probably entail a 6-6 year. Your expectations are absurd along with your lack of reasoning. One can appreciate a rise to 6-6 without setting the permanent acceptable win level at that total. You always want to pretend to be smarter than everyone else, yet your argument is baseless. Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself? Yes, we all should shoot for the NC every year, we get it. Not being a man of your infinite wisdom, I'll accept a couple 6-6, 7-5 years along the way.

You failed to understand the point of my post. You're distracted by your personal animus toward me.

 

[LowCountryCat]

Here's what you don't get: bowl eligibility is one of the steps every team needs to take on the road to becoming relevant. Nobody believes it's some great end-all-be-all achievement. But anybody with any sense at all understands that you must crawl before you can walk and to be honest bowl eligibility would be a huge step for a Kentucky team that hasn't been to a bowl game since 2010. That's why Tennessee fans were so happy to make a bowl last season, as a football school they understand a little better how football works. That's why it was such a big deal when James Franklin led Vanderbilt to a bowl game in his first season; he used that momentum to propel his team into the next season.

You missed the point. I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to those who get excited over 6-6. You shouldn't be happy with that, except as a necessary stepping stone. 6-6 should be expected, and it should also be left behind as an expectation. We have tons of fans who are just fine with being 6-6 or 7-5 perpetually. It's a mindset that must change for us to move forward.

 

[LowCountryCat]

You always want to pretend to be smarter than everyone else, yet your argument is baseless.

Well I'm definitely smarter than you, because I understood my point and you didn't. Of course, several other people understood my point as well, so they're smarter than you also.

 

[merrimanm]

Then my post wasn't directed at you. I'm talking to those people who think 6-6 is an acceptable result. 6-6 is a step on the path to the acceptable result; it is not an end in itself. To go around saying "we can still make 6-6 and have a great season" means you are part of the problem.

I haven't read where people are saying that that is what we should shoot for every year. I have heard people say that is realistic for rebuilding. You don't go from 2-10 with FCS talent to 10-2 in 3 years in the SEC AT Kentucky. Now, if you have the talent and tradition of a UF or UGA or whatever, then that is a little more reasonable. But not at Kentucky.

 

[LowCountryCat]

I haven't read where people are saying that that is what we should shoot for every year. I have heard people say that is realistic for rebuilding. You don't go from 2-10 with FCS talent to 10-2 in 3 years in the SEC AT Kentucky. Now, if you have the talent and tradition of a UF or UGA or whatever, then that is a little more reasonable. But not at Kentucky.

There's a thread right now that is breathlessly anticipating the holy grail of 6-6. You can go read the comments there.

You just wait, if we go 6-6 you will see people titling threads "Suck it haters" as though we accomplished something. And it's not anything to be proud of, the way this team has performed. I seriously doubt we could beat any bowl team right now, so realistically the best case is 6-7 to finish the season. That's still a losing record. Now you can counter argue and prove my point that you consider 6-6 something to be proud of.

 

[merrimanm]

There's a thread right now that is breathlessly anticipating the holy grail of 6-6. You can go read the comments there.

You just wait, if we go 6-6 you will see people titling threads "Suck it haters" as though we accomplished something. And it's not anything to be proud of, the way this team has performed. I seriously doubt we could beat any bowl team right now, so realistically the best case is 6-7 to finish the season. That's still a losing record. Now you can counter argue and prove my point that you consider 6-6 something to be proud of.

You really don't get the difference do you? If we rebound and go 6-6 and go to a bowl, that is definitely and accomplishment....FOR THIS SEASON!!! Not for forever.

 

[LowCountryCat]

You really don't get the difference do you? If we rebound and go 6-6 and go to a bowl, that is definitely and accomplishment....FOR THIS SEASON!!! Not for forever.

6-7 is weak sauce. Thanks for categorizing yourself, my post was DEFINITELY meant for you.

 

[LowCountryCat]

I haven't read where people are saying that that is what we should shoot for every year.

I still really hope we go 6-6. That would still be a great thing in year 3.
GBB

 

[merrimanm]

6-7 is weak sauce. Thanks for categorizing yourself, my post was DEFINITELY meant for you.

And I said the same thing that kats23 said, and you said it wasn't for him. Confused much? Do you really even know what you believe? And you think Stoops is clueless.

 

[rmattox]

There's a thread right now that is breathlessly anticipating the holy grail of 6-6. You can go read the comments there.

You just wait, if we go 6-6 you will see people titling threads "Suck it haters" as though we accomplished something. And it's not anything to be proud of, the way this team has performed. I seriously doubt we could beat any bowl team right now, so realistically the best case is 6-7 to finish the season. That's still a losing record. Now you can counter argue and prove my point that you consider 6-6 something to be proud of.

6-6 is a minor achievement. It's better than last year. It's better than 5-7 or 4-8. While it's certainly not the ultimate goal, it's better than having a sub .500 record with no bowl. Even a minor bowl is a treat for a Football only guy like me. I'd rather have such a bowl game to look forward to during the holidays than have nothing but talk about meaningless bball games.

 

[LowCountryCat]

And I said the same thing that kats23 said, and you said it wasn't for him. Confused much? Do you really even know what you believe? And you think Stoops is clueless.

You changed your own mind when you said "definitely" an "accomplishment." And you won't be upset if we stay there, unless I miss my guess. Prove me wrong, tell me how upset you'll be if we stay at 6-6 or 7-5.

 

[LowCountryCat]

6-6 is a minor achievement. It's better than last year. It's better than 5-7 or 4-8. While it's certainly not the ultimate goal, it's better than having a sub .500 record with no bowl. Even a minor bowl is a treat for a Football only guy like me. I'd rather have such a bowl game to look forward to during the holidays than have nothing but talk about meaningless bball games.

If that's all we settle for, it will be a fleeting taste and then will settle back into failure. You think LSU fan is happy with 7-5?

 

[merrimanm]

YEAR 3 are key words here.

 

[rmattox]

If that's all we settle for, it will be a fleeting taste and then will settle back into failure. You think LSU fan is happy with 7-5?

That's not all I settle for but it sure as heck beats not playing in dec. You speak of settling. Most of us little guy fans don't have the clout that some of you must have. I just hope for the best; hope we win one more this year than last year and go to a bowl every year. That's not settling...Ky has NEVER done that.

 

[merrimanm]

You changed your own mind when you said "definitely" an "accomplishment." And you won't be upset if we stay there, unless I miss my guess. Prove me wrong, tell me how upset you'll be if we stay at 6-6 or 7-5.

Do i want to remain 6-6. Hell no!! But big difference in saying I want to go 6-6 ten years from now and going 6-6 now considering where we were a short time ago. I don't see how that is hard to understand.

 

[LowCountryCat]

Do i want to remain 6-6. Hell no!! But big difference in saying I want to go 6-6 ten years from now and going 6-6 now considering where we were a short time ago. I don't see how that is hard to understand.

If you say so, then ok. But I'm telling you Stoops is not the man to take us past 7-5. That's his ceiling.

 

[merrimanm]

If you say so, then ok. But I'm telling you Stoops is not the man to take us past 7-5. That's his ceiling.

Ok. That is your opinion and I respect that. Right now, I disagree in that I can't tell the future so I have no clue what his ceiling is. I do know that he has some things to correct and work on, but in reality we all do at our careers. I think it is WAY to early to determine that.

 

[rmattox]

If you say so, then ok. But I'm telling you Stoops is not the man to take us past 7-5. That's his ceiling.

I may agree when/if he gets us there and we stay there 3-4 years. It took Frank Beamer 6 or 7 years to get VPI to the point they were consistently better than .500. In fact, when he took over they stunk, got better, then declined again before finally being consistently good. I'm not sure if Stoops is the man or not. If his teams don't improve exponentially I'd say he's not. It just takes a long time to take a crap program like ours and make it better than just competitive.

 

[LowCountryCat]

Ok. That is your opinion and I respect that. Right now, I disagree in that I can't tell the future so I have no clue what his ceiling is. I do know that he has some things to correct and work on, but in reality we all do at our careers. I think it is WAY to early to determine that.

Yes, that is definitely where we disagree. I come to these conclusions quicker than most. Some would argue that I'm premature in my judgment, but I would counter that I see telltale signs that are clear indicators. For example - Brooks lost big in year 3 but he showed signs that he was a competent coach. He didn't make a bunch of bonehead decisions. Stoops isn't showing that level of maturity and presence of mind. We're not just losing, we look bad in all facets of the game.

Of course I hope I'm wrong, but I'm usually not. No offense.

And I flatly REJECT the notion of 5 years. You can make decisions earlier than that if the coach loses the team or shows gross incompetence.

 

[LowCountryCat]

I may agree when/if he gets us there and we stay there 3-4 years. It took Frank Beamer 6 or 7 years to get VPI to the point they were consistently better than .500. In fact, when he took over they stunk, got better, then declined again before finally being consistently good. I'm not sure if Stoops is the man or not. If his teams don't improve exponentially I'd say he's not. It just takes a long time to take a crap program like ours and make it better than just competitive.

Yes, that's the key - our program is so snakebitten that IMHO it will take a super coach to bring us out of it. Somebody like Tressel.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

You failed to understand the point of my post. You're distracted by your personal animus toward me.

Once again, you think people are too stupid to follow what you're saying. I understood it completely. I expected you to be smart enough to see that in my post. No one is accepting 6-6, hence the point of your post is moot. Having a 6-6 season on your way from 2-10 to 9-3 is acceptable. No one is setting the bar there. Get it now? Your narcissism clouds your vision.

 

[LowCountryCat]

Once again, you think people are too stupid to follow what you're saying. I understood it completely. I expected you to be smart enough to see that in my post. No one is accepting 6-6, hence the point of your post is moot. Having a 6-6 season on your way from 2-10 to 9-3 is acceptable. No one is setting the bar there. Get it now? Your narcissism clouds your vision.

Plenty of people will be happy with 6-6. Sorry you are too stubborn to see that, but your argument is not convincing. At this point you're just trying to have the last word.

 

[rmattox]

Yes, that's the key - our program is so snakebitten that IMHO it will take a super coach to bring us out of it. Somebody like Tressel.

I don't like Tressel one bit, but he would be a strong, steady Brooks,Claibourne like coach. The team would be be put on solid ground. They would look like a team. Not sure he has the intangible that it would take to win big time at Ky. Remember, Bill Curry did a very good job at Bama. His problem was he lost to Auburn. Good coach that won at a Football school but didn't have what it took at Ky. IMO, what it will take at Ky is someone that has an entirely different approach to Football. That's why I liked Mumme.....he just couldn't spell defense. Can Stoops learn to be at least a Brooks? I don't know. Several games this year make me wonder. Right now, I'll stick with him for he's the first coach since Curci that's been able to attract players.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Well I'm definitely smarter than you, because I understood my point and you didn't. Of course, several other people understood my point as well, so they're smarter than you also.

While that is possible, I doubt it. You are certainly the king of arrogance though. I'll give you that. Here is an important bulletin for you. Your post wasn't so deep, complex or nuanced to cause anyone to not understand it. Some people posted indirectly and you took that as a lack of understanding. Once again you think you are just too smart for everyone else. That makes me laugh.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

So, Merriman posts that no one is saying that every year and you counter with someone saying it would be good for this year. Wow, thats odd for someone of your intelligence. Perhaps you just don't read well.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

If you say so, then ok. But I'm telling you Stoops is not the man to take us past 7-5. That's his ceiling.

I can agree with you on this one.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Plenty of people will be happy with 6-6. Sorry you are too stubborn to see that, but your argument is not convincing. At this point you're just trying to have the last word.

Almost no one will be happy with 6-6 ongoing. You call me stubborn. If you want a real answer from me, I'd set my goal at 8-4. We are in the SEC, that would require us to win all OOC and go 500 in conference. Have the occasional 9-3, even 10-2, but also some 7-5 and 6-6. Losing seasons are not acceptable and I hold Stoops and Mitch responsible. I am not looking forward to limping into a 6-6 season this year at all. If we somehow beat UL it will just underline what a cluster these past 5 weeks has been.