Liberty Bowl Open Thread: Kentucky Wildcats Vs. East Carolina Pirates
by Glenn Logan on Jan 2, 2009 5:00 PM EST
Email
PrintKentucky Wildcats at East Carolina Pirates, Jan 2, 2009 5:00 PM EST
So here we are at last -- the third bowl in a row for the Wildcats, this time the Liberty Bowl after two Music City Bowls, both victories. This is a first since the Bear Bryant years, and we are all justifiably proud of the Wildcats for getting there despite what has been a trying season. Many, maybe even most pre-season projections had UK missing a bowl this year, so by that standard, we have to consider this team a great success.
But this year is one of those filled with, "What could have beens." What could have happened if Dickie Lyons were still on the team? What could have happened if the freshman wide receivers had developed better? The answers to these questions will never be known.
This is a huge game for Mike Hartline, and I believe his future at UK largely rides on his performance today. With two stud quarterbacks slated to matriculate to Kentucky next year and Randall Cobb still interested in the job, This is a game where Hartline needs to stake a claim to the position for the coming year, even if he will have to fight for it again in the spring.
Will that month off be the difference between an struggling UK team and a competent one? Will the Pirates still be as hot as they were when the season ended? Are the Wildcats really hungry for this, or do they see just getting here for the third time as the main achievement?
These questions, and many others, will be answered in the coming couple of hours. So sit back, strap in, get on your Wildcat gear and let's do football for the last time this year, and do it well.
Go, 'Cats!
528 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
White shirts with blue pants?
Did the uniform guy do too much celebrating on New Year’s Eve?
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Always classy in Carolina
Regardless of geographical modifier.
Losers.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
What a disaster. Hartline is not starting well.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
The layoff seems to have made our tackling worse ...
… If that is possible.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Listening on ESPNRadio.com
And there are “technical difficulties” and they had to cut to the studio. Sonofa… * forehead smack *
Ok.
Now we need the ball back. No excuses, defense.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
They showed up for the first series, figured that was enough.
Figured wrong.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Oh, you cant give up on 'em yet
Theres been a few bright spots, perhaps our defense will wake up in the second half.
Would it kill the booth to mention there is a game going on?
As much as I’d love to hear Lou’s insane ramblings, of course.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Can the defense trouble theselves to show up this series?
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Really?
Your going to run a play that requires you to run across the backfield (which happens to be your own end zone)? Not so sure about that. . .
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Good stop there.
BTW – Bobby, I don’t think what you are saying about Steve Brown is actually a compliment. Even if you think it is.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Hmmm...
Not a good call if you ask me. Hope Lindley just got the wind knocked out of him.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I'm not sure Winston Guy needed to be called out on ESPN by his head coach
but if that’s what you feel will work, go with it Rich.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
I think he very much did. He fumbled our football twice in a row
I think Brooks could have been a bit more pointed.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
You missed ...
… the last 3 games or so, or so I suppose. He has been back there quite a bit.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Which D was that?
I don’t recall seeing our D out there. That was somebody else’s D. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
To be honest ...
… this game should be over. But somehow, it isn’t just yet.
But we sure need an attitude adjustment.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I really feel like...
the offense has shown some bright spots, and, if we can eliminate the mental mistakes on offense and if our defense shows up we still have a decent shot
If our D can wake up and play ...
… we may yet have a chance. 13 points is not that big a deficit, but for this team, it is a definite challenge.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
What better time to rise to the challenge ...
… then your chance at a third straight bowl victory? :)
Gotta have the D...
Our offense has been pretty much inept all year. We need the defense to carry us to victory and they’re just phoning this one in. Tru is right, the attitude of this team has been pretty non-chalant since the opening series. Wake up and play like your in a bowl game Cats!
This non-tackling ...
… is just … sorry. We have not tackled this badly all year.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
No kidding...
Up the middle is supposed to be our strength, and they look softer than marshmallow fluff.
Great block on that screen.
But dixon needs to keep his head up.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Hartline...
… has GOT to get those throws down, even on the completions the recievers are jumping in the air for it.
Now, if the defense can just take advantage.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Man. Missed opportunity to really knock ECU on their heels...
we needed a long possession with some points on that last drive.
Lones Sieber
Please kick the ball higher. If you cost us this game with a blocked PAT, so help me god. . . .
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
NEW
i’ve been reading this site for awhile now, thought it was about time i joined in the conversations.
Kentucky has been having a good 3rd quarter so far, hope they keep it up!
Matt Roark doesn't have much ass...
… But Brooks chewed off what he did have.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Appreciate the creativity...
… but no reason to do that when we have all the momentum, and are steadily making it down the field. poor call. poor execution.
John Conner
Looks like a scary human being. I’m glad he’s on our side.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Less talk about momentum,
and more about what’s going on on the field would be nice. Are these announcers the JV?
You know how sometimes you just have guys in sports that get on your nerves every time you see them? At this point, it may not even be rational. But Lones Sieber is my guy for that.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
glad...
it didnt come down to a FG to win it…he doesnt graduate this year does he?
" I believe in pipedreams"
This is turning into a really interesting game
If we can get the W, that would be HUGE for the program.
Great, ESPN screwed us out of that review. Thanks guys. Please kick my dog on the way out.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
time out
might be a good call to regroup..lets go 3 and out or make em cough it up!
" I believe in pipedreams"
B-Ball Update... Final: S. Carolina 85, Baylor 84.
KY boy (Horn) gets a good win on the road against the 18th ranked team in the nation.
Baylor....
was 18?? man i guess with us not ranked i havent been looking at it..wow
" I believe in pipedreams"
Yeah, these officials are pitiful.
On the punt, the ECU guy slaps it back and the stripe doesn’t even drop the marker where he first hit it. C’MON!
Military Axiom: A mediocre plan well executed
is almost always better than a great plan poorly executed.
And Bob Davie
Overturning a call is not just letting them “Play it out!” It’s the exact freaking opposite, moron!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
OUTRAGE!
Big Ten trying to get back at the SEC.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
OMG!
These officials are trying to JOB Kentucky! RIDICULOUS!
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
#$%6@^%$^#$^% REPLAY!
This replay B.S. is just that, B.S.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
Sorry about the profanity.
Blocked extra point.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
What the hell?!
This makes no sense.
PAT, boys! PAT!
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
High School Play
Doesn’t this remind you of a HS game with all the missed execution?
Regardless...
Jenkins’ stiffarm as he was returning that fumble was epic.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
The Big 10 should reprimand the Referee after this game...
he missed two, obvious calls on these kick-offs.
Could UK play a little zone?
Doesn’t Brown have a zone package in his repertoire?
JUST SAYING..
4TH AND 3 FROM THE 12…DO YOU GO FOR IT OR LET LONES GET IT BLOCKED FOR A TD RETURN>??
" I believe in pipedreams"
Terrific. Just terrific.
Hartline gets some kudos, but our defense was the players of the game.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Absolutely...
We could win only if the defense played the way they are capable of. They stepped it up in the 2nd half and deserve the credit. Today is a good day to be Blue!
This one game.....
… makes me feel much better about the whole season. They showed great toughness, and with many of our best players out, and only two scholarship running backs, we were able to come from behind and steal a win from a solid team. Great job.
Yeah, Gal,
you got it right. Coach really deserves this one with all the trouble and injuries we’ve had this year.
Did i mention....
that i called a defense TD???…LOL…JUST CHECKING!! WOOHOOO
" I believe in pipedreams"
LOL...
I dont think they exsit anymore..but i just had a feelin the D was gonna make a play..and thank GOD they did!!!
" I believe in pipedreams"
Great Win
We used to lose in the 4th quarter. Now we win in the 4th quarter. The team reflects the integrity and determination of Rich Brooks. Not much flash, just win at the end. Hartline held the offense together; D came thru when it counted. Nice win. Prospects watching the game should be feeling positively toward us.
Hell yes
This is just a fantastic way to close out the season. Maybe we should have won some more on the way, but we won this, and I’ll take it. Very nice job.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
OKAY, great stuff.
Now time to get back to the ball that bounces right and Sunday’s game. Maybe they’ll be inspired by the football team’s effort tonight.
How long...
does it usually take for Tru to get his post game stuff up??..i need to read about what i just saw :)
" I believe in pipedreams"
Just think....
what this does for our program….maybe we will see amazing things in OUR lifetime!!
" I believe in pipedreams"
I agree..
… but still, they havnt faced a 14 point deficit the whole season. Incredible job by Utah.
Congrats Cats
Good win for the SEC. Gator Nation was cheering you on today. Way to go!
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
Thanks, GP.
We are happy. I will be pulling for the Gators in the big one. Make the SEC proud.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
The Big Cat Brooks
“improvisation to reach the end zone and help Kentucky achieve history.”
Bear Bryant vs Rich Brooks 2008 Legacy
BY: Paul Glenn Jones, Sr. – Jan 03, 2009
The “Big Blue Wildcat”
Improv to reach the End Zone
Helped Kentucky to win the Auto Zone -
Liberty Bell Bowl Game,
Which will bring Rich Brooks into the Kentucky Hall of Fame!
For with minutes to go,
Brooks stole the show,
For he won All Three,
Of his Bowls you see,
And has made Kentucky Free
From the Old Bear Bryant legacy.
So happy New Year to all in 2009
For never more should any Cat Fan Whine
Now that Big Cat Brooks is the Legacy Man
And has brought rejoicing to this WILDCAT Fan!
Inspired by: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200901020099&prov=ap
by BIG BLUE WILDCAT on Jan 3, 2009 11:11 AM EST reply actions
Excellent.
Welcome. I hope to see more of you.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
[UPDATED 01/18/2012]
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
