Reasons to have hope for Saturday..

[MrKentucky]

I want to think we have a chance, and I want Stoops to be successful here. I'm exceptionally far from being sure that either one of those things can happen.

Let's use this thread to give the pessimistic amongst us (including me) reasons to hope for Saturday's game.

I'll start with:

Every coach in my memory at UK has randomly played one SEC power better than any other team. Mumme played well against LSU, Brooks teams always played well against UGA. Joker's teams played well against UGA and UT. So far, Stoops' teams have played well against UF... his first year we held them to 24 (a feat for that team), second year was OT, and last year we had the ball with a chance to win.

Go.

 

[ulismyman]

Because all games start 0-0 and thats why i have hope in every game except Bama...im not naive

 

[jauk11]

We were one play on defense or offense from winning the game all night. I think the last good chance was when they made the questionable holding call on the first down when we were moving the ball on the ground late in the fourth quarter.

 

[brianpoe]

Spurrier takes over play calling and the gators pass the ball every play.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Generally having success against a team means you win some games against them.

 

[akaukswoosh]

The tiny hope for UK upsetting UF is really gambling on offense. Stoops will do the opposite and try to slow the offense down to keep the D off the field longer.

 

[kypecos]

UK has talent and I'd like to say that every game is winnable and every game is losable. But UK has two, gaping problems right now -- DL and coaching (especially in-game coaching/adjustments). So the games in which we match up better with those deficiencies are more winnable (i.e., a team with a poor running game is a good match up for us). And you need the funny ball to bounce your way on occasion.
Having stated the obvious, yes, the UF game is winnable but I'm not putting any money on it. Expect the defense to make the UF offense look awesome; question is whether the UK offense can score as much against the UF defense. Probably not but funnier things have happened. Bad thing is that UK put enough good things on tape to make UF take us seriously. If this were a prediction thread, I'd go with UF 44 UK 20.

 

[taiza67]

Team will be focused all week in practice and correct mental errors on both ends of the ball. Florida is expected to win so we'll play more loosely. Also, Florida didn't exactly look like world beaters last week.

I'm not expecting a win but I think we give them a game at least.

 

[BlueRunner11]

1. UF comes out overlooking us and wants to just show up and win.

2. Cats were as embarrassed as we all were on Saturday and come out ready for a fight and to make a statement this week and can make enough big plays to offset Stoops.

Odds on either happening. Slim.

 

[andreIGUODOLLAsigns4UK]

UK has talent and I'd like to say that every game is winnable and every game is losable. But UK has two, gaping problems right now -- DL and coaching (especially in-game coaching/adjustments). So the games in which we match up better with those deficiencies are more winnable (i.e., a team with a poor running game is a good match up for us). And you need the funny ball to bounce your way on occasion.
Having stated the obvious, yes, the UF game is winnable but I'm not putting any money on it. Expect the defense to make the UF offense look awesome; question is whether the UK offense can score as much against the UF defense. Probably not but funnier things have happened. Bad thing is that UK put enough good things on tape to make UF take us seriously. If this were a prediction thread, I'd go with UF 44 UK 20.

The coaching issue we have going on right now is beyond insurmountable. I feel like I was only one on this board during the offseason talking about how much of a failure stoops is at game management and adjustments. I listed many example where it shows we have yet to make a single in game/halftime adjustment in Stoops tenure here. It just hasn't happened. He doesn't adjust. When a team changes up. We stay the same. And it's just really pathetic at this point. The Vandy/UL/USM games have left a very bad taste in my mouth. And to be honest have been some of the worst coaching jobs I've ever seen. Stoops is obviously overwhelmed and well over his head, he's proven to be a very bad coach. That is something he has proven so far. He's proven to be consistently bad and just downright terrible at in game coaching/preparation/development/adjustments.

 

[ScrewDuke1]

I would be more optimistic if DJ Eliot were fired and replaced by Ronald McDonald by Saturday.

 

[JBHolmesfan]

We're going to see what this team is made of early. Their backs are against the wall in game 2 against a team we haven't beaten in 26 years. They need to determined to right the ship. I know it was just one game, but it'll be easy for this team to quit mentally if we go down 2 scores early especially after what happened last week.

 

[MrKentucky]

Generally having success against a team means you win some games against them.

Nowhere in my post does it say we've had success, only have played better. And it's true. All three of Stoops' teams have played better against UF than other conference counterparts save USC.

 

[Dakota25]

Well upsets happen in sports. However UK has such a terrible defense and coaching staff a upset won't happen biding a miracle. In all honesty it wouldn't surprise me if the players have already considered that they will lose before hitting the field.

 

[BigBlueTuckian]

The Gators play a cream puff next week. Why exactly would they be overlooking us?

I think the hope lies on blitzing, blitzing, blitzing. It's obvious our DL cannot provide the pass rush. Watching some of the UF game I don't think their QB can get the ball out quick enough during pressure situations. I also don't think their WRs are good at quick slants and short routes.

But that's just me looking at a few highlights so what do I know anyways.

 

[shutzhund]

The coaching issue we have going on right now is beyond insurmountable. I feel like I was only one on this board during the offseason talking about how much of a failure stoops is at game management and adjustments. I listed many example where it shows we have yet to make a single in game/halftime adjustment in Stoops tenure here. It just hasn't happened. He doesn't adjust. When a team changes up. We stay the same. And it's just really pathetic at this point. The Vandy/UL/USM games have left a very bad taste in my mouth. And to be honest have been some of the worst coaching jobs I've ever seen. Stoops is obviously overwhelmed and well over his head, he's proven to be a very bad coach. That is something he has proven so far. He's proven to be consistently bad and just downright terrible at in game coaching/preparation/development/adjustments.

Give that broken record a little time off. It's a little old and predictable.

 

[Blue Decade]

I want to think we have a chance, and I want Stoops to be successful here. I'm exceptionally far from being sure that either one of those things can happen.

Let's use this thread to give the pessimistic amongst us (including me) reasons to hope for Saturday's game.

I'll start with:

Every coach in my memory at UK has randomly played one SEC power better than any other team. Mumme played well against LSU, Brooks teams always played well against UGA. Joker's teams played well against UGA and UT. So far, Stoops' teams have played well against UF... his first year we held them to 24 (a feat for that team), second year was OT, and last year we had the ball with a chance to win.

Go.

I also want Stoops to be successful. I want people to have hope. I am not a pessimist, and I always try to explain my conclusions carefully. But I watch many here going through 1 round of unrealistic emotional expectations after another, then overreacting on the negative side to every bad development. The truth is that good things and bad things happen every year to every football team. But football games are usually won upfront. Southern Miss has a more experienced, better football team than we have. That's why they are ranked higher. Southern Miss controlled the line of scrimmage. Whether we like it or not, many other teams will do the same against us because our team is still at least 1 more year from reaching that level of development. We haven't beaten Florida since the 80s, and we match up poorly with them again this year. I'm not saying the game is 100% unwinnable, but Florida would have to play poorly and commit a lot of turnovers. If you are looking for a possible upset on this schedule, look to a home game.

 

[Kai Slater]

I would like to see UK defeat the gators this weekend.

 

[shutzhund]

I would like to see UK defeat the gators this weekend.

I would like to see a true revealing of Clinton's e-mails. Same chance.:angry:

 

[BlueRunner11]

The Gators play a cream puff next week. Why exactly would they be overlooking us?.

Hmmm idk cause they've beaten us 29 straight times with only a handful of those games actually being competitive. So maybe...we're the "cream puff" as well.

 

[dreadpirate_rivals241225]

The tiny hope for UK upsetting UF is really gambling on offense. Stoops will do the opposite and try to slow the offense down to keep the D off the field longer.

Approves.

 

[katfanuno]

They are not beating Florida Saturday. List one reason, because the offense is so good or maybe its because the defense is or better yet maybe its the stellar coaching and halftime adjustments this staff makes. Florida's running backs become Heisman candidates, and their ends set school records for sacks and tfl's.

 

[Glenn Fohr]

Cats correct mistakes and win 27-14.

 

[ScrewDuke1]

Cats correct mistakes and win 27-14.

And then you shut your xbox off.

 

[Spica Orbit]

If I actually thought there was a chance for a win, I wouldn't have already planned on flossing the cats teeth on Saturday.

 

[Lukasz0brzut]

The players actually like Stoops and play like his job is on the line, unlike, last Saturday when the effort and intensity when needed was meh

 

[ukalum1988]

The coaching issue we have going on right now is beyond insurmountable. I feel like I was only one on this board during the offseason talking about how much of a failure stoops is at game management and adjustments. I listed many example where it shows we have yet to make a single in game/halftime adjustment in Stoops tenure here. It just hasn't happened. He doesn't adjust. When a team changes up. We stay the same. And it's just really pathetic at this point. The Vandy/UL/USM games have left a very bad taste in my mouth. And to be honest have been some of the worst coaching jobs I've ever seen. Stoops is obviously overwhelmed and well over his head, he's proven to be a very bad coach. That is something he has proven so far. He's proven to be consistently bad and just downright terrible at in game coaching/preparation/development/adjustments.

So - based on all that, I take it you predict UK to lose on Saturday???:grimace:

 

[maverick1rw]

Fresh look, a new uni and helmet combination, ya playa got to look a dime 4dem florida snowbunnies [smoke]

 

[maverick1rw]

Approves.

Thats funny, maybe Stoops should try Georges Opposite Approach.

 

[oboroCATfan]

Biggest reason for is that is 1 game closer to Stoops leaving.

 

[GridCats]

They close they're new Country Club this week and get out on the field learn how to play football. Maybe the way SM does it each week.

 

[dallasg23]

It can't any worse. That's a good reason for hope.

 

[LeonThe Camel]

We currently have the longest losing streak against any team in the NCAA at 29. That ties us at 5th with Nebraska beating Kansas St (snapped in 1997), and Clemson beating Virginia (snapped in 1989).

If we do not get a win this year or next, we move to a tie at 4th. I say we either win this year or go for the record of 39 straight losses to the same team. May as well be historically bad if we are going to be bad.

 

[Fast3ddy88]

Well upsets happen in sports. However UK has such a terrible defense and coaching staff a upset won't happen biding a miracle. In all honesty it wouldn't surprise me if the players have already considered that they will lose before hitting the field.

We do not have a horrible defense. We have a horrible front 7. Our secondary is great.

 

[trueblujr]

I'm not naive to think we will win, but despite losing, the OP was a bit correct in that we have played them to the wire, including the overtime game. So there is that sliver of light.

Also, whine all you want about losing to Southern Miss, but going into that game there were a few skeptics out there. Southern Miss has a better offense than Florida. Their QB threw for over 4000 yards last year. They had a 1000 yard rusher return on top of that, and experienced line returning and most of their receivers. So they were capable of doing what they did. Our problem was letting off the gas and not capitalizing on missed opportunities. The dropped interception was what I point to as the turning point. We get that and we answer their late 1st half score. But like the old saying goes "if if's and buts were candy and nuts...."

Again, I'm not saying we win, but this isn't the Florida of old. We just need to play more consistent and still be in the game in the fourth quarter, then I think our offense might be able to overcome our defense.

 

[olblue]

Spurrier takes over play calling and the gators pass the ball every play.

That's pretty much what they had to resort to last Saturday because they couldn't establish the run against UMass.

 

[Deeeefense]

If you are looking for an optimistic scenario, the one thing we have is a lot of offensive fire power. However the Gators have a very stout defense. If we can make the best use of our possessions for 4 quarters there is a chance to upset them, but it won't be easy in the heat. A TO or two our way could tilt the scales towards us. We'll see. As an aside, I think getting out of town will actually benefit the CATS this week.

 

[ThePhoenix_rivals211191]

Reasons for optimism.

1. Florida didn't look good the first week. Only up 3 in the 4th quarter at home to UMass. Their O Line got pushed around a bit by a ****** team.

2. We can score when we actually get the ball. Hung 35 up in the first half on a solid team. Just couldn't get them off the field in the 2nd half and really didn't give the offense any chances, certainly not with rhythm.

 

[LeonThe Camel]

I'm not naive to think we will win, but despite losing, the OP was a bit correct in that we have played them to the wire, including the overtime game. So there is that sliver of light.

I tried to get a date with Amanda Heard. But she only waved at me.Moral victory!!!

 

[TNCatfanforever]

The entire Florida team has chronic food poisoning and all are in the hospital. They drum up a few walk-ons....we still lose by 2 touch downs.