Why the East should be scared of UK

[TTU/UK fan]

For the rest of the year, Kentucky has a real chance at winning its last 2 SEC games. Not only that, but if Florida can lose 2 more SEC games(very possible), Kentucky would be the SEC East champs.

Now this is just a small reason that teams should be scared. Looking ahead to next season Kentucky should be an improved team full of veterans...and with a great finish this season, the hype and confidence of the team and BBN could be through the roof next season and beyond.

Kentucky returns ALL offensive production next season and brings in some redshirts to add depth at the Oline.

On defense UK returns just about everyone besides a few. Key losses include McClain, Miggins . Which isnt too concerning at all. They return all bigtime playmakers.

UK even returns their kicker and punter.

UK should have the pieces for a solid season, and depending on how well QB and defensive play is, a magical season.

Looking at the other East teams;
Next season Tennessee loses Dobbs and a couple defensive players. It is very possible Kamara leaves for the NFL, and Hurd transfers. That would be a big hit to UT. And Butch is already turning into a hated man in Knoxville. The Tennessee game is in Lexington next season, and it could be anyones game. Tennessee has a pretty tough schedule and its easy to see them losing 3 or 4 SEC games. At UF, at Bama, LSU, at UK.

Florida will return pretty much the whole offense, although the offense has been fairly underwhelming lately. Defensively they will lose alot of playmakers to either the NFL or SRs. It wont be the same Florida defense. Which is why Florida is where they are. This game is also in Commonwealth and I give Stoops and the Cats a great shot depending on how the Florida defense reloads. Florida will likely be coming in with atleast 1 loss(Michigan) and it is very possible UK could be undefeated. Florida will likely yet again be the toughest SEC East team for UK again next season, but Florida has a pretty tough SEC schedule also. Tenn, at UK, A&M, LSU.

Georgia and South Carolina are the other 2 who could give UK problems. Georgia has alot of question marks and will likely not return both RBs next season. It will be interesting to see if Smart can improve the UGA defense. South Carolina may have a QB which can make any team dangerous. But I dont think anyone has really bought the hype yet. At USCjr will be far from a forsure win though.

Kentucky has a real shot at winning the SEC East and an even better chance of winning it next season with the big 2 East teams (UT, UF) having such hard schedules. It is very realistic to think UK could win the East next season with 2-3 SEC losses. Which by looking at their schedules, it would be easy to make a case for only 2 (possibly less)SEC losses. If Stoops cant pull it off this year, next year looks to be very exciting for a proven veteran UK team (whens the last time we got to say that?). Lets get through this year first. But UK is making a real case as a force in the East.

It is weird to be talking about the Cats like this, but we can actually back up the talk. Lets beat the Dawgs and we wont have to convince people anything, they will believe on their own.

The East should be scared, little ole UK Football is building a solid program.

 

[morgousky]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

I agree with this. This season has been great and the future looks bright. I'm happy with the spot we're in for sure. The thing fans can't look past is that the SEC east is the worst it's been in as far back as I can remember. I'll take a good season any way we can get it but we pretty much hit a perfect storm type of season. Again, I won't apologize for a good season any way we can get it but my hope is that we continue to improve and keep building an SEC competitive program.

 

[Bluetick2100]

Let's just win next week.

 

[seccats04]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

Do you really believe UK has less talent than USC and MSU? I don't think so. In fact, if we had better QB play it wouldn't even be close.

 

[K_TIME]

Do you really believe UK has less talent than USC and MSU? I don't think so. In fact, if we had better QB play it wouldn't even be close.

Guys like this just add up stars and then display this kind of listing....

UK's skilled spots are way better than anything I've seen out of USC. Only #1 at WR for USC looks legit SEC. UK has eons better OLine. To your point...if we had QB play at all in that game...we run them off the field.

UK has better WR and OL talent than UGA.

UK still has a ways to go....but to argue this gap when we've outplayed many of those teams is just silly.

 

[Cazwheel1072]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

Missouri had a lower star rating than all of those teams and won the SEC East two years in a row.

Doubt "scared" is the right word but we will have a very good football team next year.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

For the rest of the year, Kentucky has a real chance at winning its last 2 SEC games. Not only that, but if Florida can lose 2 more SEC games(very possible), Kentucky would be the SEC East champs.

Now this is just a small reason that teams should be scared. Looking ahead to next season Kentucky should be an improved team full of veterans...and with a great finish this season, the hype and confidence of the team and BBN could be through the roof next season and beyond.

Kentucky returns ALL offensive production next season and brings in some redshirts to add depth at the Oline.

On defense UK returns just about everyone besides a few. Key losses include McClain, Miggins . Which isnt too concerning at all. They return all bigtime playmakers.

UK even returns their kicker and punter.

UK should have the pieces for a solid season, and depending on how well QB and defensive play is, a magical season.

Looking at the other East teams;
Next season Tennessee loses Dobbs and a couple defensive players. It is very possible Kamara leaves for the NFL, and Hurd transfers. That would be a big hit to UT. And Butch is already turning into a hated man in Knoxville. The Tennessee game is in Lexington next season, and it could be anyones game. Tennessee has a pretty tough schedule and its easy to see them losing 3 or 4 SEC games. At UF, at Bama, LSU, at UK.

Florida will return pretty much the whole offense, although the offense has been fairly underwhelming lately. Defensively they will lose alot of playmakers to either the NFL or SRs. It wont be the same Florida defense. Which is why Florida is where they are. This game is also in Commonwealth and I give Stoops and the Cats a great shot depending on how the Florida defense reloads. Florida will likely be coming in with atleast 1 loss(Michigan) and it is very possible UK could be undefeated. Florida will likely yet again be the toughest SEC East team for UK again next season, but Florida has a pretty tough SEC schedule also. Tenn, at UK, A&M, LSU.

Georgia and South Carolina are the other 2 who could give UK problems. Georgia has alot of question marks and will likely not return both RBs next season. It will be interesting to see if Smart can improve the UGA defense. South Carolina may have a QB which can make any team dangerous. But I dont think anyone has really bought the hype yet. At USCjr will be far from a forsure win though.

Kentucky has a real shot at winning the SEC East and an even better chance of winning it next season with the big 2 East teams (UT, UF) having such hard schedules. It is very realistic to think UK could win the East next season with 2-3 SEC losses. Which by looking at their schedules, it would be easy to make a case for only 2 (possibly less)SEC losses. If Stoops cant pull it off this year, next year looks to be very exciting for a proven veteran UK team (whens the last time we got to say that?). Lets get through this year first. But UK is making a real case as a force in the East.

It is weird to be talking about the Cats like this, but we can actually back up the talk. Lets beat the Dawgs and we wont have to convince people anything, they will believe on their own.

The East should be scared, little ole UK Football is building a solid program.

Kentucky should have ALWAYS been a player in the SEC. It's a shame that we weren't, but hopefully we can for the future.

 

[Beatle Bum]

My hope is that Carter, Hoskins and Bell can replace the loss of Miggins. From Bonner, Bannerman, KD and Laster, we need two studs. Looney and/or Cross need to give Pringle relief. West and Randolph need to play like 4 star recruits. SJ needs to get stronger and better. Someone needs to be Toth 2.0. And all the sophs and frosh need to get better. We also may need a #2 RB.

 

[trueblujr]

Winning the East, even if by a fluke chance, opens recruiting doors that will allow us to keep taking steps forward. It didn't happen necessarily for Missouri partly because of the campus issues they had and their sudden and unexpected coaching change after their successful seasons.

 

[bthaunert]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

The OP specified the East. It drives me nuts when people put every team from the West when comparing talent on the field. We don't play every team from the West, so why include them? Next year, our West rotating team is Ole Miss. Based on that, here is how we line-up talent wise with our schedule next year:

Better talent than us
Florida
Tennessee
Georgia
Ole Miss

Same or less talent than us
Vandy
Missouri
South Carolina
Mississippi State

I normally like to play the teams we have the same or less talent than at home, but next year, I'm feeling good. We have Florida, UT and Ole Miss at home. I am feeling good that we keep our momentum going and have a legit shot at playing with those guys next year.

 

[CB3UK]

We're doing what we need to do. Winning the games we should win and getting to a bowl. That stabilizes recruiting. Beating Georgia and/or Tennessee may swing a couple of key guys our way as well. We're already seeing quality depth build at key areas like our OL for example. Stoops has a foundation in place and is slowly building it THE RIGHT WAY. I had my reservations about his coaching acumen after the way we handled last season but started this season, mainly his stubborness, but he adjusted and we are seeing the dividends.

The reason I think Stoops can be successful? In spite of all the currents swirling against him, he stayed the course and his team didn't quit on him. We see that happening with Butch. We saw it with Joker and BCG. The players love Stoops and the staff and it shows. This means selfless play (the WRs finally seem to be getting that) and buying in. Grind it out, bring your lunch pail, etc.

No, we havent beaten anyone worth a lick yet and that's OK. We won, we've made progress, we can still play better than we have THIS SEASON...we don't have to wait until next year to step it up another level. There are plenty of reasons for fans to temper their expectations, but the negativity I'm done with. I think we're seeing the beginning of some great things happening. Beating Georgia Saturday would be huge.....freaking huge.

 

[tntuk]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

You're miserable.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

My hope is that Carter, Hoskins and Bell can replace the loss of Miggins. From Bonner, Bannerman, KD and Laster, we need two studs. Looney and/or Cross need to give Pringle relief. West and Randolph need to play like 4 star recruits. SJ needs to get stronger and better. Someone needs to be Toth 2.0. And all the sophs and frosh need to get better. We also may need a #2 RB.

Anyone have reports on if Looney and Cross look good in practice/for the future?

This is key next season as we slowly try to build depth on D-Line

 

[pauled#1]

We're doing what we need to do. Winning the games we should win and getting to a bowl. That stabilizes recruiting. Beating Georgia and/or Tennessee may swing a couple of key guys our way as well. We're already seeing quality depth build at key areas like our OL for example. Stoops has a foundation in place and is slowly building it THE RIGHT WAY. I had my reservations about his coaching acumen after the way we handled last season but started this season, mainly his stubborness, but he adjusted and we are seeing the dividends.

The reason I think Stoops can be successful? In spite of all the currents swirling against him, he stayed the course and his team didn't quit on him. We see that happening with Butch. We saw it with Joker and BCG. The players love Stoops and the staff and it shows. This means selfless play (the WRs finally seem to be getting that) and buying in. Grind it out, bring your lunch pail, etc.

No, we havent beaten anyone worth a lick yet and that's OK. We won, we've made progress, we can still play better than we have THIS SEASON...we don't have to wait until next year to step it up another level. There are plenty of reasons for fans to temper their expectations, but the negativity I'm done with. I think we're seeing the beginning of some great things happening. Beating Georgia Saturday would be huge.....freaking huge.

 

[pauled#1]

I like it!! Best post of the day..

 

[bballcat4]

Kentucky should have ALWAYS been a player in the SEC. It's a shame that we weren't, but hopefully we can for the future.

Like your optimism, but would like to know the metrics you use for your statement. Most FB powers are in a state that produces many high caliber recruits. We produce very few recruits. Our top city that produces recruits is also home to our biggest instate rival.

I agree that U.K. CAN be a consistent player in the sec. But, don't see the pieces of the puzzle that fit a program that SHOULD HAVE ALWAYS been a player in the SEC.

 

[c0d0r123]

Kentucky deserves to have its day in the sun and I think all the work coach Stoops and the players have put in will start to show dividends.

Ga will always have talent but my gut tells me the Kirby hire is all flash but no substance. Jacob Eason looks like a stick in the mud and the whole team doesn't look that good to my untrained eye.

UT is a dumpster fire

Mizzou hasn't shown much the last couple seasons.

USC is interesting to me. I've lived in both Louisville and Columbia in my life so I feel attached to UK and USC. Unlike the general census that WM was a bad hire, I disagree. USC has an excellent staff recruiting and x-o wise and this fact is beginning to show itself with how much he team has improved from game 1 to now. Carolina has really talented play makers at the skill positions, they just young and THIN. King was just given SEC defensive player of the week honors and Jake Bentley got 247sport's true freshman of the week. Just watch

I honestly haven't watched much of Florida but the Gators will be Gators as they are usually pretty good.

I think the Cats will beat UT as I think the guys have finally learned how to win those tough games. I think Stoops has instilled a blue collar attitude in to the guys as a team.

Rico was busting off 7-10 yard runs when SC beat them so I know Boom and Snell won't have any issues at all. UK has some of the, if not the best backs in the SEC.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

Like your optimism, but would like to know the metrics you use for your statement. Most FB powers are in a state that produces many high caliber recruits. We produce very few recruits. Our top city that produces recruits is also home to our biggest instate rival.

I agree that U.K. CAN be a consistent player in the sec. But, don't see the pieces of the puzzle that fit a program that SHOULD HAVE ALWAYS been a player in the SEC.

Just like in basketball, if Kentucky had always been successful, this state would produce top football recruits. It's not a coincidence that Ohio, Florida and Alabama produce top football talent every year. Also, Kentucky wouldn't need to worry about Louisville either.

 

[shutzhund]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

I suppose this is nit picking but talent, except in Alabama's case, is just a fan's opinion not always translated to the field. Case in point a qb and nose tackle at UK.

I agree few are scared but many have become more cautious

 

[3kidsandme]

Talent wise Uk is still at the bottom, behind.

Bama
Auburn
LSU
Florida
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Georgia
toss ups
USC
Miss State
Kentucky

-----------

Vandy
Missouri

No one is scared, it's our job to prove it, beat a quality team with a good record, and make them scared.

Your out of your mind. Uk has just as much talent as any of those teams. You dont beat sec teams with one of the worst turnover margins in the country with the talent you keep insinuating. We are winning games and dominating the los. I read your posts all the time you either are the biggest weenie in the fanbase or your not a UK fan. How can you watch this team and say the talent is not on par with every team but 2. Sorry i call ********

 

[bluedog79]

talent wise Kentucky has Benny Snell. The rest don't. Good times ahead.

 

[Mike-D]

Can we finish this season first? Good grief

 

[cardkilla_rivals379685]

Just like in basketball, if Kentucky had always been successful, this state would produce top football recruits. It's not a coincidence that Ohio, Florida and Alabama produce top football talent every year. Also, Kentucky wouldn't need to worry about Louisville either.

That's so wrong it's ridiculous. Kentucky surely doesn't produce any top basketball recruits compared to how good both UL and UK are historically. Kentucky is an overwhelmingly white state, which is why we don't have a ton of NFL or NBA prospects. Ohio and Florida have large populations so more talent. Alabama has a large black population so more prospects.

 

[BlueRunner11]

So NOW we have talent?, because everything I read on here during those first three games said we didn't have any. Gotta love the Lair.

Joking aside, as far as talent and depth go....We're certainly capable of winning 7 games but we're also just as capable of only having won 4 games this year (especially if a normal SEC East type year).

 

[allabouttheUK]

Like your optimism, but would like to know the metrics you use for your statement. Most FB powers are in a state that produces many high caliber recruits. We produce very few recruits. Our top city that produces recruits is also home to our biggest instate rival.

I agree that U.K. CAN be a consistent player in the sec. But, don't see the pieces of the puzzle that fit a program that SHOULD HAVE ALWAYS been a player in the SEC.

How much different would things be and have been if not for this happening?

http://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article44045568.html

Hard to believe "Bear" Bryant was partly responsible for where we are today and have been for decades...isn't it?

 

[allabouttheUK]

That's so wrong it's ridiculous. Kentucky surely doesn't produce any top basketball recruits compared to how good both UL and UK are historically. Kentucky is an overwhelmingly white state, which is why we don't have a ton of NFL or NBA prospects. Ohio and Florida have large populations so more talent. Alabama has a large black population so more prospects.

Kentucky has also never had a draw that those other states have had...the Alabama comparison is probably the most accurate, because there is nothing there either.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

That's so wrong it's ridiculous. Kentucky surely doesn't produce any top basketball recruits compared to how good both UL and UK are historically. Kentucky is an overwhelmingly white state, which is why we don't have a ton of NFL or NBA prospects. Ohio and Florida have large populations so more talent. Alabama has a large black population so more prospects.

Kentucky used to produce a lot of great basketball players.

 

[bballcat4]

Just like in basketball, if Kentucky had always been successful, this state would produce top football recruits. It's not a coincidence that Ohio, Florida and Alabama produce top football talent every year. Also, Kentucky wouldn't need to worry about Louisville either.

@BigBlueCatNation - I agree with OP that UK can (and is moving up the SEC) ladder. I think it can be done and can be sustained.

But, to your point about the history of success in basketball leading to instate talent... unless I'm missing something, Ky doesn't come close to producing multiple high level (4-5 star) basketball players. Rarely does our roster contain 4 & 5 star players that come from instate.

Back to football, I agree we can build and sustain a competitive program. However, I don't think this is something that SHOULD'VE always happened. It will take a good coach with great recruiting ability and strategy. (This is the reason I like Stoops for UK. He's from Ohio and can target players from that area and similar areas who want to: 1) Play close to home and, 2) Play in the SEC)

Howard Schnellenberger once said that UK is within a 6 hour drive from the majority of the US. This is the strategy for UK recruiting top tier players. Get 85% of the top few in the state then target players outside of the traditional SEC footprint who want to play close to home and play in the SEC. Capitalize on assistant coaches like Gran and others that can go into Fla and other recruiting hotbeds to get a couple key players every year.

I like the direction of recruiting and of the program. But, I don't see how winning the SEC East is something that SHOULD'VE always been happening.

 

[allabouttheUK]

Link provided for solid reasoning as to why we should've always been competing in the SEC. History shows we did, and then were handcuffed by our own school president, and head coach who was none other than "Bear" Bryant.

http://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article44045568.html

 

[bballcat4]

Link provided for solid reasoning as to why we should've always been competing in the SEC. History shows we did, and then were handcuffed by our own school president, and head coach who was none other than "Bear" Bryant.

http://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article44045568.html

Wow! I've been a U.K. fan for 40+ years and never knew about the out of state recruiting ban. I misunderstood your original statement about "should've always been ...". I thought you were referring to us having a natural recruiting base and a history of winning.

Thx for article. We know building a program in the toughest football conference in America will be a slow process. I agree that it can be done and that recruiting in areas where we're currently having success is a critical part of the plan.

 

[allabouttheUK]

Wow! I've been a U.K. fan for 40+ years and never knew about the out of state recruiting ban. I misunderstood your original statement about "should've always been ...". I thought you were referring to us having a natural recruiting base and a history of winning.

Thx for article. We know building a program in the toughest football conference in America will be a slow process. I agree that it can be done and that recruiting in areas where we're currently having success is a critical part of the plan.

I learned about that a couple years ago, and it completely changed my perspective on UK football. It's kinda sad to think what could've been had the ban never been put in place.

You're welcome.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

@BigBlueCatNation - I agree with OP that UK can (and is moving up the SEC) ladder. I think it can be done and can be sustained.

But, to your point about the history of success in basketball leading to instate talent... unless I'm missing something, Ky doesn't come close to producing multiple high level (4-5 star) basketball players. Rarely does our roster contain 4 & 5 star players that come from instate.

Back to football, I agree we can build and sustain a competitive program. However, I don't think this is something that SHOULD'VE always happened. It will take a good coach with great recruiting ability and strategy. (This is the reason I like Stoops for UK. He's from Ohio and can target players from that area and similar areas who want to: 1) Play close to home and, 2) Play in the SEC)

Howard Schnellenberger once said that UK is within a 6 hour drive from the majority of the US. This is the strategy for UK recruiting top tier players. Get 85% of the top few in the state then target players outside of the traditional SEC footprint who want to play close to home and play in the SEC. Capitalize on assistant coaches like Gran and others that can go into Fla and other recruiting hotbeds to get a couple key players every year.

I like the direction of recruiting and of the program. But, I don't see how winning the SEC East is something that SHOULD'VE always been happening.

Kentucky used to produce top basketball talent. Look at Rupp's rosters and you'll see a lot of Kentucky talent.

 

[bballcat4]

Kentucky used to produce top basketball talent. Look at Rupp's rosters and you'll see a lot of Kentucky talent.

@BigBlueCatNation I agree 100% with you about the past. (You're also referring to a different social era.)

Ky simply doesn't produce many top-tier players in either sport. (4 & 5 star) Don't misunderstand me, I think UK can have a top level football program in the SEC. I'm talking about being competitive year in and year out, and not just a flash once every 5-6 years. But, we don't have a lot of the natural pieces of the puzzle that other schools have. In-state recruiting base and recent history of success being the top 2 pieces of the puzzle.

Great leaders find ways to overcome obstacles. I'm not advocating mediocrity or creating excuses. Leaders also confront the 'brutal facts.' I think these are 2 of the brutal facts that Stoops and most other football coaches already know before coming to UK. I'm happy with the progress and have confidence it will continue. (Btw - I stated this soon after the Southern Miss loss ; - )

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

@BigBlueCatNation I agree 100% with you about the past. (You're also referring to a different social era.)

Ky simply doesn't produce many top-tier players in either sport. (4 & 5 star) Don't misunderstand me, I think UK can have a top level football program in the SEC. I'm talking about being competitive year in and year out, and not just a flash once every 5-6 years. But, we don't have a lot of the natural pieces of the puzzle that other schools have. In-state recruiting base and recent history of success being the top 2 pieces of the puzzle.

Great leaders find ways to overcome obstacles. I'm not advocating mediocrity or creating excuses. Leaders also confront the 'brutal facts.' I think these are 2 of the brutal facts that Stoops and most other football coaches already know before coming to UK. I'm happy with the progress and have confidence it will continue. (Btw - I stated this soon after the Southern Miss loss ; - )

You're right. I'm just saying that if Kentucky was as successful as basketball, I'd have to think Kentucky would produce more talent than it currently produces.

 

[bballcat4]

You're right. I'm just saying that if Kentucky was as successful as basketball, I'd have to think Kentucky would produce more talent than it currently produces.

I agree. Many high schools have players that only play b'ball because of the rich tradition. I'm originally from Eastern Ky and we had a few guys that could've played f'ball somewhere, but never (rarely) donned a uniform because the team was no good and everyone loved basketball. Ironically, the basketball team almost always competed for district and regional championships. (Clay County ruled the day in 13th Region with Bobby Keith, the Farmer brothers and Chadwell ; - )

I'm sure larger schools with more talent have the same issue. UK Athletics needs to have a specific person in charge of making Ky high school football a priority. It'll take years to reap the rewards, but they have to start somewhere. When Kash, Young, Jackson and others are key players on this team it may spark some more interest in football outside of just L'ville and a few other areas.

 

[morgousky]

Your out of your mind. Uk has just as much talent as any of those teams. You dont beat sec teams with one of the worst turnover margins in the country with the talent you keep insinuating. We are winning games and dominating the los. I read your posts all the time you either are the biggest weenie in the fanbase or your not a UK fan. How can you watch this team and say the talent is not on par with every team but 2. Sorry i call ********

You can call whatever you want. We don't have the talent level of UGA or UT. and the point spread on the line proves that.

If we win great. But if you're expecting it, you could be highly disappointed. If we lose to UT and UGA convincingly, you will disappear. I'll be here win or lose.

 

[morgousky]

You're miserable.

I'm realistic. You're jumping depending on week to week.

 

[morgousky]

We're doing what we need to do. Winning the games we should win and getting to a bowl. That stabilizes recruiting. Beating Georgia and/or Tennessee may swing a couple of key guys our way as well. We're already seeing quality depth build at key areas like our OL for example. Stoops has a foundation in place and is slowly building it THE RIGHT WAY. I had my reservations about his coaching acumen after the way we handled last season but started this season, mainly his stubborness, but he adjusted and we are seeing the dividends.

The reason I think Stoops can be successful? In spite of all the currents swirling against him, he stayed the course and his team didn't quit on him. We see that happening with Butch. We saw it with Joker and BCG. The players love Stoops and the staff and it shows. This means selfless play (the WRs finally seem to be getting that) and buying in. Grind it out, bring your lunch pail, etc.

No, we havent beaten anyone worth a lick yet and that's OK. We won, we've made progress, we can still play better than we have THIS SEASON...we don't have to wait until next year to step it up another level. There are plenty of reasons for fans to temper their expectations, but the negativity I'm done with. I think we're seeing the beginning of some great things happening. Beating Georgia Saturday would be huge.....freaking huge.

It's still my opinion that it's all smoke and mirrors. U.K. Has not beat a reputable team. Our wins are of late are against down sec programs that won't stay down. Nothing would make me happier than being wrong. But I probably won't be.

We've beat South Carolina, vandy, and Missouri. We've lost to southern miss, and probably will lose to UT and UGA.

We are just taking advantage of of a down east. It won't stay down forever. Stoops is fools Gold.

Will I take it? Sure. Will it last? Probably not.

I'm not going to jump for joy
Over a few mediocre wins when I know the end result with a stoops led team is average results. I wish I could, but I can't.

Wake me up when uk gets past 8 wins (including a bowl). That is the measuring stick for success. That is the mark we were nearly at when the SEC is normal, like in 2007.

 

[morgousky]

Missouri had a lower star rating than all of those teams and won the SEC East two years in a row.

Doubt "scared" is the right word but we will have a very good football team next year.

Again, when we produce to a respectable SEC Level, I will be good. Beating teams with horrible records, new coaches, while begging for 6 wins? I won't.

It's that simple. Produce to the level we are capable of, or STFU.

I don't see what the misunderstanding is.