We're on the cusp of a banner year I think...
- Thread starter rabidcatfan
- Start date
I said if we lose to USM we could very easily win 3 games. My ACTUAL PREDICTION has and will be 5-7 with a possibility of 4-8. And a 7 win regular season prediction is only for the delusional.
Saying there are 9 winnable games and saying we are going to win 9 are two totally different things.
Absolutely. NMS, Austin Peay, and S.Miss should be wins. Mizzou, S.Car, Vandy we are better than, probably at Miss St to that list. Florida and UL we should have a chance. That's 9.
I'll be extremely happy with 6 wins and a bowl this year.
We're on the cusp of a banner year I think...
... I'm pretty sure we are on the cusp of getting this thing rolling. Lot's of teams have holes and questions going into each season but ours aren't all that glaring.
We have a returning, seasoned, upperclass laden offense with depth and talent that we could only dream of a couple of years ago and a third year 4* QB being finally given excellent tutelage along with a veteran, experienced and proven offensive coordinator. All reports of that QB have been positive.
All the coaches on defense have been D-Coordinators at some point in their career except Brumbaugh. Our defense has more length, depth, talent and athleticism at the LB and DB spots than one can remember and we have enough big bodies on the D-line to at least be serviceable. For those that think this defense can't be good or think that last year's wasn't decent I would point out we were ranked 59th in total defense while giving up 27 ppg just last year. With our offense being more dependable, I would expect to meet or exceed those numbers this year.
We have one of the top returning kickers in the country. We have three coaches who have experience working with special teams at previous stops PLUS as I mentioned earlier we have a lot of depth with athleticism which can only add to the capabilities of our special teams.
The banner could very well be hung for a bowl win this season, but at the least I expect a bowl participation.
Yeah - we're on the cusp. Sit back and enjoy it.
... I'm pretty sure we are on the cusp of getting this thing rolling. Lot's of teams have holes and questions going into each season but ours aren't all that glaring.
We have a returning, seasoned, upperclass laden offense with depth and talent that we could only dream of a couple of years ago and a third year 4* QB being finally given excellent tutelage along with a veteran, experienced and proven offensive coordinator. All reports of that QB have been positive.
All the coaches on defense have been D-Coordinators at some point in their career except Brumbaugh. Our defense has more length, depth, talent and athleticism at the LB and DB spots than one can remember and we have enough big bodies on the D-line to at least be serviceable. For those that think this defense can't be good or think that last year's wasn't decent I would point out we were ranked 59th in total defense while giving up 27 ppg just last year. With our offense being more dependable, I would expect to meet or exceed those numbers this year.
We have one of the top returning kickers in the country. We have three coaches who have experience working with special teams at previous stops PLUS as I mentioned earlier we have a lot of depth with athleticism which can only add to the capabilities of our special teams.
The banner could very well be hung for a bowl win this season, but at the least I expect a bowl participation.
Yeah - we're on the cusp. Sit back and enjoy it.
Not all that glaring?
Lets see:
1) We have a QB who has started a grand total of ZERO SEC games, his career record is 1-1, and his stats stand at 1 TD 2 INTs. Not a sign of things to come but most definitely green and inexperienced.
2) Said QB is on his 3rd system and 3rd OC/QB coach in 3 years.
3) We had a depleted DL who lost Meant. I see other threads talking about Matt Elam destroying experienced OLs when he was easily neutralized by one opposing OL last year
4) We are green, green, green on the LB corps. Talented yes, but green, green, green in experience
5) 3rd offensive system in 3 years for the players to learn and pick up. These things are not immediate
6) the OT situation is by no means pretty. We have a JUCO who has failed to grasp the speed of the game, and veterans who are limited in talent. The last thing a green and inexperienced QB needs is uncertainty at LT. Young's development will take time folks. Freshmen OL start in the SEC, but they almost never dominate to the level where there are no growing pains.
To me the most glaring holes are on defense, where you cannot hide your weaknesses. Until UK proves it can stop the run, opposing offenses will run at us every chance they get. An inexperienced Front 7 isn't a good recipe for success on defense. And again I don't get why some folks think Elam will rack up 6 sacks and 10 TFLs per game. Elam can have the game of his life and 99% of UK fans would never notice because his name will not be the one called by the PA announcer. He will be at his best when he draws double teams and allows OTHERS to make the plays and get their names called.
Lets see:
1) We have a QB who has started a grand total of ZERO SEC games, his career record is 1-1, and his stats stand at 1 TD 2 INTs. Not a sign of things to come but most definitely green and inexperienced.
2) Said QB is on his 3rd system and 3rd OC/QB coach in 3 years.
3) We had a depleted DL who lost Meant. I see other threads talking about Matt Elam destroying experienced OLs when he was easily neutralized by one opposing OL last year
4) We are green, green, green on the LB corps. Talented yes, but green, green, green in experience
5) 3rd offensive system in 3 years for the players to learn and pick up. These things are not immediate
6) the OT situation is by no means pretty. We have a JUCO who has failed to grasp the speed of the game, and veterans who are limited in talent. The last thing a green and inexperienced QB needs is uncertainty at LT. Young's development will take time folks. Freshmen OL start in the SEC, but they almost never dominate to the level where there are no growing pains.
To me the most glaring holes are on defense, where you cannot hide your weaknesses. Until UK proves it can stop the run, opposing offenses will run at us every chance they get. An inexperienced Front 7 isn't a good recipe for success on defense. And again I don't get why some folks think Elam will rack up 6 sacks and 10 TFLs per game. Elam can have the game of his life and 99% of UK fans would never notice because his name will not be the one called by the PA announcer. He will be at his best when he draws double teams and allows OTHERS to make the plays and get their names called.
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I didn't predict 9 wins. I said therr werr 9 winnable games on the schedule. How many do you see?
I don't think that applies to you judging by your most recent post on this thread.
I don't think its UK basketball fans, I think it's UK fans that are afraid to have a positive outlook because they are afraid they will be disappointed again!
Of course scalf would like your post. Birds of a feather you know.
1) We have a QB who has started two games and played in three others so it's not like he hasn't taken a snap. He is surrounded by a wealth of talent.
2) Said QB is on his third system and has taken to it quite well by all accounts so that would prove his adaptability which is a very good characteristic for a QB. He is finally under the tutelage of a dedicated QB Coach.
3) How can you call a line depleted featuring 1 Senior, 4 Juniors, 3 Sophomores and 3 Freshmen? Untested maybe but not depleted. We will see if they prove out or not but as I stated previously, they should at least be serviceable.
4) LB corps - Ware, 11 starts, 12 games experience - Allen, participated in 12 games - Love. participated in 12 games - Jones, participated in 8 games - Laster, participated in 9 games. Firios and Walker have been in this defense for beginning their third year, Others that will play - Ka Daniel and Brown have not played but were ranked as 4* talent. Not a lot of experience but not bereft either and athleticism and talent throughout.
5) 3rd offensive system. Unless you think Gran just blows smoke then his comments about where we are offensively certainly refute your apprehensions.
6) Mosier and Meadows are fourth year Juniors and haven't been beaten out by a 5* and 4* respectively so that has to count for something. The grad assistant O-line coach told me this was the most athletic O-line he's been around and he started 4 years at Nebraska. He raved about the athleticism of Meadows. Gran has stated this is the most athletic O-line he's been around and he's been at Miami, Ole Miss, Auburn Tennessee and FSU. Again, unless you just don't believe him then your concerns are unfounded.
Yeah, we allowed nearly 200 ypg rushing last year and still had numerous chances for that sixth win. With an improved offense our opponents rushing opportunities should dwindle.
Last season our defensive front 3 was made up of an overachieving Juco, a nondescript DE and a DT that was athletic but not your typical run stopper. Behind them we had Freshmen and a Juco getting his legs under him and that's it. At LB we had a converted WR at MLB who wasn't much on filling a hole and two Will LB's that were sporadic at best. A RS Frosh at one OLB spot backed up by an unathletic Senior that could only be in on run downs and at the other OLB spot we had a doper who couldn't or wouldn't fill his assigned tasks in the run game backed up by a true Freshman. I expect we can get at least that much production out of our current 'depleted' group.
I don't know where you got the notion that Elam will rack up 6 sacks and 10 TFLs per game but it certainly wasn't from me. Elam will do well to command a double team but unlike last year he is surrounded by speed, athleticism and actual SEC grade players, albeit without a lot of experience - yet.
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We lost because we lost our top 2 RB's before halftime and became 1 dimensional. Truly believe if we has Jojo the 2nd half that we win that game.
Ever heard of coach-speak? I seriously doubt this is the most athletic OL Gran has ever coached, given FSU, Auburn, and Miami have produced numerous OL draft picks over the last decade, while we've only had Larry Warford.
This is the time of the year where coaches butter up the fans and employ coach-speak to the best. No coach is ever a negative nelly this time of the year. They tell us fans what we wanna hear. Once the ball is kicked off it's a different story.
I know this OL has potential. I think Young will one day be a first rounder. As of right now we have experienced veterans who lack talent and talented newcomers who lack experience. How they gel as a unit is yet to be determined.
This year will be different because our TOP will increase dramatically. UK put a gassed defense on the field in the second half of every game last year. The offense will move the chains this year. Special Teams will put points on the board this year. ST return yardage has been virtually nonexistent in the MS era and will improve field position in game after game this year. They'll win two more games this year that they lost last year due to the increase in offensive production and allowing the defense to rest.
Ha ha .. You are the oaf who constantly thinks UK football will suck and will jump on stooops at every chance you can... In fact are you even a fan of UK? You don't need to answer because I have silenced you and your pathetic takes with the wonderful IGNORE button.
Ha ha .. You are the oaf who constantly thinks UK football will suck and will jump on stooops at every chance you can... In fact are you even a fan of UK? You don't need to answer because I have silenced you and your pathetic takes with the wonderful IGNORE button.
So you don't think players can get better, stronger and faster in off season? We have one the top secondary's in the SEC, One of the top WR corp in the SEC one of the top RB duo's in the SEC and we have a QB while inexperienced one of the top QBs coming out of high school. We have OC who Stoops wanted three years ago and is proven.. So yeah most Reasonable fans expect a good season. I expect 7 wins and an 8th in the bowl game. Not crazy thinking but I do believe this is the year fans and the UK team have so deservedly needed... Go Cats
I wish I could be more optimistic about this years team but, unfortunately, I fear that there is no reason to expect more than 5 wins and it could certainly end up being 4. UK will score points, assuming Mr. Barker can be moderately successful. However, the front 7 does not look like they will be able to stop any kind of running attack. That spells doom in the SEC and it leaves us with few guarantees in the non-conference part of the schedule. We have seen somewhat improved recruiting but, in the last couple of years that has not translated into wins. I am hopeful that season 4 of the Stoops era will prove to be the turning point and UK can again make a bowl game. However, I don't see that happening. My real question is where does that leave the program if it ends up being a 4-8 season?
Players saying we are FAR ahead of last year and that we are ready to go TODAY, we may be on to something!
You clearly haven't read my posts. Best of luck to you in your life...I can tell you'll need it.
Were you the chairman of Coach Curry's "Fellowship Of The Miserable"?
Yeah - I've heard of it but he could've said a lot of things rather than saying this is the most athletic O-line group he's ever been around.
I misspoke in my earlier post and I want to correct it. I said the GA, Mark Pelini, was a four year starter at Nebraska but he only started his Senior year. That being said, during our conversation at an off campus venue he also stated, without prompting, that this was the most athletic O-line he had been around and he was at Nebraska for 5 seasons. I asked him how he would fit into this line and he stated he would not even sniff playing time.
Both could be spouting coach speak or 'lying' as you imply but why would they volunteer such startling info? Like I said a lot of things can be said to "tell fans what they want to hear" but why go where they did unless they truly believed that? I think you and others are so jaded by being a downtrodden UK football fan that you can't accept positives about the program even when they are warranted. Why not just enjoy the process without having to 'correct' what you perceive as undeserved praise?
I never could understand the need to spout off negativity or rebut positives constantly so that you could at some point say "see, I told you I was right". Doesn't make any sense to me. I'd much rather be wrong about being positive than be right about being negative.
BTW - a little background on Mark Pelini:
Pelini and his offensive line teammates were a key part of a Nebraska offense that ranked among the top 20 units nationally in scoring and rushing offense. The group up front powered senior running back Ameer Abdullah’s record-setting season, as he became NU’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards, while ranking second in career rushing yards. The line also helped Nebraska rank among the top offenses in the Big Ten in protecting the quarterback.
As a Senior, Pelini started the first 11 games of the season at center and was a key part of an offensive line that powered several record-setting performances. The Nebraska offense opened the season with a Big Ten modern-era record of 784 yards of total offense, including 498 rushing yards. The line pounded the defenses of both Miami and Illinois as the Huskers rushed for 343 and 458 yards, respectively, and Ameer Abdullah topped 200 yards in both contests.
The line paved the way for Abdullah’s fourth 200-yard rushing game of the season against Rutgers.
Pelini and his offensive line teammates were a key part of a Nebraska offense that ranked among the top 20 units nationally in scoring and rushing offense. The group up front powered senior running back Ameer Abdullah’s record-setting season, as he became NU’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards, while ranking second in career rushing yards. The line also helped Nebraska rank among the top offenses in the Big Ten in protecting the quarterback.
As a Senior, Pelini started the first 11 games of the season at center and was a key part of an offensive line that powered several record-setting performances. The Nebraska offense opened the season with a Big Ten modern-era record of 784 yards of total offense, including 498 rushing yards. The line pounded the defenses of both Miami and Illinois as the Huskers rushed for 343 and 458 yards, respectively, and Ameer Abdullah topped 200 yards in both contests.
The line paved the way for Abdullah’s fourth 200-yard rushing game of the season against Rutgers.
Demonstrating the point of being negative towards/criticizing someone being positive about the program. Go for it!!
The best way to prove someone wrong that you disagree with is to respond to the substance of their post. Immediately chalking it up to them being negative (or positive) makes it seem like you don't have anything on the merits to rebut them with, and makes you look really dumb.
Coaches in this conference will always tell you, "this is a line of scrimmage league". You can have skill people and DB's but that will only take you so far in conference games. I believe that is the primary reason some of the fans are looking at the season perspective much more cautiously.
How do u equate being overly negative as being supportive. that's a oxide moron!!!
Of course they can. I will however not hang my hat on the "bigger, faster, stronger" argument since we have been seeing that written on this board for the past 15+ years.
Happy as a clam we got Gran. If Stoops wanted him 3 years ago, why didn't he get him? Why go through Brown and Dawson? You really thinks Stoops would have offered gran the job in 2013 and he would turn him down saying "I wanna be at Cincy 3 years minimum to see how it goes"? Naaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh.
I am stating right now UK has a talented and deep secondary, a talented and deep WR unit, and a talented and deep RB stable. We have uncertainties in the Front 7, the LT position, and QB. As talented as Barker may be, he has started 2 games and zero in the SEC. His record is 1-1. No one can take those stats and predict future success, especially given the learning curve of his 3rd system in 3 years plus a grueling SEC schedule. Is it possible? Yes. Can anyone predict with certainty? No way. The same arguments were made about Towles and his HS rankings, his physical attributes, and his potential. As far as the Front 7 goes, same thing. We've got talent but we have inexperience. You cannot hide your weaknesses on defense. Our weakness is run D and you bet that is where every offense will attack us.
That being said, there is enough talent on this team to collectively win 6 games. It may not be pretty in the process, but that is a very likely scenario. Which 6 I'm not sure and how we look doing it I'm not sure. We could win less if things implode or critical players get injured. We could win more if we catch most to all breaks, but that is less likely. We shall see.
Not completely sure what an oxide moron is, but I didn't equate the two the way you describe...I mean that some people will go out of their way to be negative despite plenty of reasons to the contrary, and on the flip side, other people will go out of their way to be positive when there are plenty of causes for concern.
You sir don't seem to have a very good handle on the situation. In one of his interviews he was asked why he didn't come to UK with Stoops was hired and he referenced his loyalty and familarity to his longtime friend and boss - Tommy Tuberville. Gran and Stoops were together on staff at FSU for only 3 years, whereas Gran had previously coached under/with Tuberville a total of 14 years. There's also little doubt that the fact that Stoops was just becoming a brand new HC and Gran had never been an OC before had something to do with Gran's decision as well. One would think the wise decision would be to learn how to OC under the steadying hand of Tuberville who had been a HC for 17 years as opposed to joining Stoops at the dumpster fire he inherited.
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So we know for sure that Stoops wanted Gran, the guy who had never been an OC, as opposed to Brown who had previous OC experience under Tommy Tubberville? We know for sure that Gran said no and Brown was a plan B (or C)?? What about last year? Why did Gran need to stay an extra year at Cincy and we had to go through the Dawson experiment? Tubberville is still at Cincy and Gran didn't hesitate to leave.
Sounds like we're making excuses for Stoops hiring 2 OCs who didn't set the world on fire with air raid offenses the way UK fans wanted.
No excuses - just facts. Gran said he didn't want to leave Cincinnati his third year. Simple as that. You need to pay a bit more attention or at least be open to the fact you don't keep up to speed enough for your opinion to be as sound as you believe it to be.
I'd love to see it in my lifetime. But guess what... These posts have been around since the internet was invented and we haven't had a winning conference record since about 40 years ago.
I'll support them team, but I'll probably never predict a "banner year" and just be happy if it happens.
As a UK football and Bengals fan, can you blame me?
Not sure why I am even responding to someone that thinks we are going to beat Florida in Gainesville, beat the SEC East favorites and thinks that stranger things have happened than UK besting the #1 team in thr country on the road.
What are they supposed to say? They're behind and the would rather not suit up for 3 more weeks? Some of you are so gullible. Been hearing it for 40 years and very littlr has changed.