Sunday Evening Notes

Couple of quickies until tomorrow.... (1) I keep hearing rumors that Kerry Benson may no longer be on the UK basketball team. He was not on the bench last night and I received an email today from a UK student who said that he was no longer with the team. We have heard nothing from UK and Kentucky Sports Report, who has spoken with UK media director Scott Stricklin, says UK has no news in either direction. Would be a surprise if true as Kerry started the season with playing time and seemed to be coming along in a Ravi Moss-type role. We will let you know if we learn anything official. (2) Now that the game is over, I was impressed with the Cats last night. Not only did Joe Crawford have a career high and showcase what he can do in an offensive system that allows him more floor space, we also saw a great performance by Ramel Bradley. My favorite "Smooth" had one of his best games as a Cat, nearly messing around and getting a triple-double. He was calm, focused and a leader.....exactly what he HAS to be for this team to excel. Another great performance from Patterson as well, which may be a phrase I just put on "repeat" on my computer and then go on.....he is everything he was cracked up to be and in the early going, is scoring more than I would have imagined. Also a quick shout to Michael Porter who, while still never shooting, is playing quality minutes. With Meeks and Jasper gone, he must play well and so far he has. (3) As far as bowl games, all talk at this point seems to be for the Music City Bowl. IT is likely that whoever wins the SEC title game joins Georgia in the BCS....then LSU takes the Citrus if it loses, Florida if LSU wins in which case Tennessee goes to the Outback. That leaves the Cotton Bowl potentially taking Auburn or Arkansas and the Peach Bowl likely taking the other. There is an outside chance that the Peach could choose UK over Arkansas, but it is unlikely with the McFadden factor now in full effect. That leaves the Music City and Liberty with Kentucky of Mississippi State. IT is likely the Music City would favor the Cats, putting the Bulldogs in the Liberty as no 6-6 team can be picked over a 7-5 team. Another trip to Nashville wouldnt be bad....and Georgia Tech or Florida State may be there awaiting. More later tonight (I hope) and we are back to normal tomorrow.....