KSR Today: The Morning After Madness
A sickness is plaguing the Commonwealth. Mark Pope has infected Kentucky with Madness, a Big Blue Madness. This fever is infectious, and it causes serious cravings for basketball.
The artist formerly known as Midnight Madness took over Lexington for an entire day. The BBN United Fan Fest drew in fans from all corners of the state, serving as an exceptional appetizer before the main event.
Successfully creating a quality Big Blue Madness is a challenge. It’s a basketball event without a whole lot of basketball. How can you make that fun? Mark Pope has found a way.
John Wall Returns
Rick Pitino loves the spotlight and he happily stepped into it at the conclusion of Mark Pope’s first Big Blue Madness. That served as a cathartic moment for the Kentucky fanbase as we turned the page to a new era and let bygones be bygones from another. This year, a reunion brought out a much different emotion.
Elation filled Rupp Arena when a familiar tune filled the air. Even though there were plenty of hints that John Wall might return to Big Blue Madness, “Ice Cream Paint Job” confirmed it. As the lift raised him to the elevated stage, Kentucky fans delivered a crowd pop that felt like something from professional wrestling. What a moment.
“It’s always great. It’s a great opportunity to come back. I only played one year but it felt like I played here forever,” Wall said on the SECN+ broadcast. “Even though Coach Pope is here, I still wanna have that tradition and come back and show them my support. They give me a lot of love, so why not show the love back?”
Collin Chandler Wins the Dunk Contest, Again
Collin Chandler is the rare ball-handler who excels while receiving assists. Last year, he jumped over Mark and Lee Anne Pope to capture the crown. This year, he took a lob from John Wall, leapt from near the free throw line, and slammed one home. Not too shabby.
He also picked up a golf club at the event. Unfortunately, he did not sink his full-court putt to win a fan $25k.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Monday Lowe Update
Per Pope, Lowe's shoulder in 'really good shape'
- 2New
5 Stages of UK FB Grief
It's time to mourn the Stoops era
- 3New
Auburn game time
Cats vs. Tigers at night on Nov. 1
- 4Trending
Another Lowe update
MRI came back negative
- 5New
Ochocinco
Chad Johnson criticizes UK's playcalling
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Is this the Best Kentucky Basketball Hype Video Ever?
I am an adult with three young children. Why am I sitting here crying? What a production. Bravo.
More from Big Blue Madness
John Wall wasn’t the only former Cat who returned for the event. Orlandoooooooooo Tubby Smith made a Big Blue Madness appearance, but before his return to Rupp Arena, the former Kentucky basketball coach stopped by the BBN United Fan Fest and hung out with the Sources Say crew. Pretty neat, huh? That’s just a little bit of what you missed from the KSR crew during a busy day in downtown Lexington.
The Best from Mark Pope’s Squad at Madness
Player Intros at the 2025 Big Blue Madness
Otega Oweh Debuted Lamont Butler’s New Song
Top WBB Takeaways from Big Blue Madness
Georgia Amoore Returns to Kentucky
Q&A with Asia Boone
Big Blue Madness Photo Gallery
Kenny Brooks’ Second BBM Intro was FIRE
Kentucky Volleyball in Action
On the heels of another Top 10 victory, this one over Texas A&M in four sets, No. 3 Kentucky is staying on the road in SEC play. Craig Skinner’s Cats will take on LSU at 1 PM ET. You can watch the action from Baton Rouge on ESPN.
Dane Key Caught a Game-Winning Touchdown
His quarterback threw three interceptions, but the Dirty Terps still couldn’t get it done. Dane Key caught a 3-yard touchdown pass with 68 seconds remaining to give Nebraska a 34-31 win over Maryland.
Elsewhere around college football, Bobby Petrino rallied the troops and nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback in Neyland Stadium. James Franklin held another embarrassing L, falling to Northwestern after Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury. Alabama outlasted Mizzou, the Horns hooked Oklahoma, LSU beat the Cocks, and the refs put Hugh Freeze on the hot seat.
College Football Scores
| Final Score |
|---|
| Ohio State 34, Illinois 16 |
| USC 31, Michigan 13 |
| LSU 20, South Carolina 10 |
| Northwestern 22, Penn State 21 |
| Kansas State 41, TCU 28 |
| Houston 39, Oklahoma State 17 |
| Texas 23, Oklahoma 6 |
| Georgia Tech 35, Virginia Tech 20 |
| Notre Dame 36, NC State 7 |
| Pitt 34, Florida State 31 |
| Ole Miss 24, Washington State 21 |
| Clemson 41, Boston College 10 |
| Alabama 27, Missouri 24 |
| Tennessee 34, Arkansas 31 |
| Texas A&M 34, Florida 17 |
| Georgia 20, Auburn 10 |
| BYU 33, Arizona 27 (2OT) |
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