The Big Blue Daily Mail -- UNC Asheville Edition
by Glenn Logan on Nov 30, 2009 8:29 AM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats News
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PrintTonight, the Bulldogs of UNC Asheville and the Kentucky Wildcats duke it out in Freedom Hall here in Louisville. This is a game I usually attend, but will have to settle for TV tonight. It should be interesting to see how the Wildcats rebound off a very near loss to Stanford at the Cancun Challenge last week, and this game represents the tune-up for the big boys from North Carolina -- Chapel Hill this Saturday in Rupp Arena.
This week, the 'Cats get a chance at a two-fer, to beat the University of North Carolina -- twice!
After losing to Tennessee in overtime on Saturday, the football team awaits their bowl fate. As it turns out, an intriguing possibility has emerged -- the possibility that Kentucky and North Carolina will meet on the gridiron in the Music City Bowl. From where I am sitting, that looks like a can't-miss scenario for the MCB -- two traditional basketball powerhouses who are rising in football. I find myself hoping it happens, even though I would prefer a sunnier destination not named Birmingham. But I'm afraid Saturday's loss made that unlikely.
The news follows the jump.
- Orlando Sentinel - Florida early favorite over 'Bama in SEC Title Game spreads by
Doing a quick search this morning, Im seeing Florida as between a 3.5- and 5.5-point favorite in the latest odds, which might have been lower without weekends festivities.
Yeah, Auburn gave Alabama their first real scare since the Tennessee game. But I still like them to beat the Gators this weekend. - For UK, 7-5 season is half bad | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
"We lost some close ones, and we won some close ones," offensive head coach Joker Phillips said. "I think it's kind of a wash. When you get as close as we did — as we are — it's kind of a disappointment to finish 7-5."
Yes, it is. I am bitterly disappointed we lost to Tennessee, but given the adversity this team had to deal with, we can be proud of three SEC road wins and the breaking of two long streaks. I just wish we could have disposed of the most bedeviling of them. - The Daily Gamecock - Ten Things We Learned: Week 13 of College Football
- Belly of the Beast: From the Weekend That Was
Heh. Funny. - Mother of all UK streaks lives on
The Cats inability to throw the ball allowed Tennessee to load up on the run. After carrying eight times in the first half, Derrick Locke had only three rushes in the second half and one in the overtime. Locke was held to 30 yards, well below his average of 80.2 yards per game.
Three rushes? I don't get that. I really don't. - Cats Carry 6-0 Record to Freedom Hall - KENTUCKY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
- No. 11 UNC avoids upset | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
North Carolina escapes again. Sounds kind of like another team I know. - UK Practice quotes before UNC-Asheville Game
On what impresses him [John Calipari> about Ramon Harris…
"His steadiness, his toughness, his defensive skill. What I see we need is a couple perimeter stoppers and that guy is going to play. Now we’ve got to get him to make easy plays offensively, don’t try to be a play starter, don’t do things that get him in trouble-turnovers, bad shots-and if he eliminates those there’s no reason for me not to put him in the game. I’ll say this; Darius Miller has really gotten better. We all forgot, he didn’t play last year, he never played. And so he gets in the game and he looks like a deer in headlights. Since then you see a steadier player, a player making big plays, big shots, big free throws. He’s not afraid, trying to get better defensively and rebounding. He’s very far from being adequate in those areas, but he’s trying." - UK to host 2 rounds at NCAA volleyball tourney | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
- Updated Top 25 (and one) - CBSSports.com
Gary Parrish still thinks we're pretty. - Light, Whole-Grain Breakfast of Champions 11/30/2009 - Storming The Floor
- Rick Bozich | Same old daze for Kentucky football as Tennessee wins again | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
When it was over, Ashton Cobb took his helmet and tossed it toward the University of Kentucky student section. Corey Peters walked around in dazed circles in the center of Commonwealth Stadium.
Frustrating. - Kentucky football in middle of muddled bowl picture | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Louisiana State is 9-3 and likely headed to the Capital One Bowl (Jan. 1, Orlando, Fla.), and Mississippi (8-4) probably is Cotton Bowl- or Outback Bowl-bound. UK, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Auburn and South Carolina are all 7-5 and could be headed anywhere.
I expect we'll be playing the bowl guessing game all week. - " BBL: "Kentucky experiences Deja Vol" John Clay’s Sidelines
John Clay's Big Blue Links. - John Clay: Is UK's succession plan still guaranteed to succeed? | KentuckySports.com
Says here the succession plan was a solid move that is still solid. For a program suffering a crippling lack of continuity, the decision to promote from within was the right move two years ago, and it stays so today.
Saturday's loss not withstanding, UK's strides under Brooks have been concrete and continuous. No reason to blow up the blueprint now.
I think so, too. The problem here is, UK fans hate incremental progress. Welcome to SEC football. - Cal wants to expand Cats' presence in Louisville | KentuckySports.com
- Kentucky basketball players scolded for stomping on Cardinal logo in Freedom Hall | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
So when the University of Kentucky basketball coach learned, toward the end of a media session Sunday night, that several of his players had stomped on the University of Louisville's halfcourt Cardinal logo during an open practice at Freedom Hall, it was another criticism to add to the list.
"Like I said, we do dumb things," Calipari said.
Oh, good grief, coach. This is a big rivalry, and a little light-hearted silliness does not hurt a thing. The UK and U of L signees often do similar things in the Derby Festival Classic.
Better get used to this rivalry, Coach Cal, because it is only going to get more and more intense. - Cats prepare for Bulldogs | The Kentucky Kernel
- Wildcats Thunder Blog: UK vs UNC-Ashevillle....A Preview
- Observations from the 50-yard Line: Bowl outlook: UNC-Kentucky shaping up
I don't see how bowl organizers can resist this -- the all-time winningest basketball programs facing off in football. Both fan bases travel well. It just seems like fate to me. - 5 Things to watch this week - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
The race for 2,000
Hoopheads and fans of Kentucky and North Carolina can’t wait to see which school reaches 2,000 career victories first. (More on that here.)
But Saturday allows the two to go head-to-head – and maybe even let UNC make up a little ground (the Heels are four behind through Sunday). And rest assured, Big Blue Nation badly wants to win this one.
Rest assured, Mike -- you could not be more correct. The Big Blue Nation wants this one so bad they can taste it.
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I'm headed to Asheville this week
Getting married at the Biltmore Estate on Friday. Will be watching the Cats beat UNC from the hotel room on Saturday.
I may need to be cautious with my choice of apparel for the rest of the time we’re there. ;-)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Congratulations!
Asheville is so close to Kentucky, Tennessee and South Carolina that they have to put up with a bit of rival apparel. I’m sure you won’t have any difficulty. That is, unless we lose… :-(
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Nov 30, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Congratulations
went there on our honeymoon. Hope they have it lighted up for Christmas when you’re there!!
Wow!
Congratulations! (And how Blue-savvy of you not to schedule the wedding for Saturday.)
My sincere best wishes to you and the future Mrs. Chirop1 for an astoundingly long and happy life together.
by StillCatwoman on Nov 30, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for all the well-wishes
We’re excited. Just a small gathering of immediate family.
Saturday we’ll get together and watch the ballgame. Looking forward to Cal’s Cats giving us a memorable day after!
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Go to Grove Park Spa
If you have any time go!
One of the best. In my top 5 list.
Congrats!
Changing how you think will change what you think.
by wilson452 on Nov 30, 2009 6:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We've got an extra day in there that we need to fill.
I’ve looked at that.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Congrats!!
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Dec 1, 2009 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
I'm headed to Freedom Hall to help paint it BLUE !!
It is an early birthday present from my daughter. She is the greatest !!
GO BIG BLUE !!!
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Anyone else having problems posting?
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
Not now, but I was all morning
Must be an issue on my end
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
I
am having difficulty responding to a post but not starting a post like this one. Yeah the North Carolina game is very important. I want this win badly and just cannot fathom why in the world they are this close to our victories. It used to seem so far away.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
5 years of mediocrity on our part, and 5 years of pounding the daylights out of
everyone including us on theirs……..
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
They were ahead of us throughout most of the 90's
We only passed them during the Guthridge/Doherty eras.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
UNC Led UK From 1990 Until Late 1990's
Then UK broadened the gap in the early 2000’s until Roy Williams arrived back at UNC to narrow it again.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 2, 2009 6:14 AM EST up reply actions
Metamorphosis
I have come the total distance in regard to Tim Tebow: From disgust, distaste as a Gator, and disrespect of the media for their lapdog adoration to an open cheerleader for his performance both on and off the field. It wasn’t an abrupt turnabout or even epiphanic awakening, instead a true metamorphosis of a degree or two at a time. Saturday’s performance versus the Seminoles was the final step and I found myself actually favoring the Gators and that preference will continue through the SEC championship and hopefully into the NC game. Obviously I cannot but agree with The Daily Gamecock that Tebow is the obvious choice for the Heisman. In this day of platoon football it is difficult to say that he is the greatest college player of all time but I would venture that he is the MVP of all time.
On another subject, I find it hard to understand how Darius Miller could be like a deer in the headlights after participating and winning the World 19U championship. His early lack of aggressiveness is a disappointment but perhaps his too is a slow metamorphosis.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Miller
I thought the same thing about Miller. I am SO hopeful that he gets over whatever it is that is causing him to look so unprepared for this level of play.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 30, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Competition against your peers
in the W19U tourney is a bit different that D1 ball… If I’m remembering the writeups from this summer correctly, he started pretty slow on that team too!
If your wings don't sweep....
Can't find anything to disagree with here.
I went through a similar metamorphosis with Tebow. And I think “MVP of all time” is about right.
I currently favor Colt McCoy for the Heisman. But there are other very good candidates as well.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Can't remember a year
Where there was such,, I guess lackluster is the word, performances by the top runners for heisman. I would say Ingram if I had to choose. You could basically just make them pick a number between one and ten, which would be similar to Phillips’ play calling strategy:)
I'd say no to Ingram...
His game against Auburn killed his chances… I don’t even think he got 50 yards rushing! Now, if he’d have had a monster game, he’d be a good bet!
If your wings don't sweep....
Wild Weasel's Tebow Metamorphosis
.
I went through the exact same experience. Only it probably didn’t take me quite as long to start liking the kid. He is just a flat-out winner. Sooner or later, as a sports fan, you have to recognise and appreciate that.
Others that I eventually openly appreciated, but started out on my “Dark Side” list include: Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, Martina Navratilova, Brett Favre (for slightly more selfish reasons if you click on my profile), all of the Motor City Bad Boys (minus Isiah, who I still can’t stand), Charles Barkley, and Joker Phillips….
[ha] … just kidding about that last one for now, Tru….. ;-)
What did they all have in common? (1) They were winners. (2) I would love to go back and be able to see them competing in their prime again. (For Favre, that was just yesterday….)
With Tebow, we have two more chances in college, and then on to whatever he does next…
by Sonic on Nov 30, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
Heh.
Your list is remarkably similar to mine. Except for Favre — I always liked him. I never really had a problem with Michael Jordan, but it took me a long while to really appreciate him.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I've been a closet fan of Tebow since
first hearing about his off the field activities and understanding it wasn’t for show, it is all sincere. The only time I wavered was when the Tebow lovefest was at its peak – too much of a good thing. He has put such a good face on college football and athletes in general for kids looking for an example to follow. I hope he continues with success on the next level to keep that example visible. Unfortunately he’ll probably end up on some NFL team I despise. ’-)
I would not mind it
.
if he was reunited with his old teammate Percy Harvin.
by Sonic on Nov 30, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
i would!
i’m a bears fan…we have enough trouble with the vikes as it is!
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Dec 1, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
Well...
.
Visanthe Shiancoe is playing really well right now, and I would like Tebow to get a shot at beating out Tarvaris Jackson eventually (I mean… if he can’t beat out T-Jack at the QB position, then….)—- but I think if he doesn’t play QB, then I could see him making one hell of a TE, or H-back… something still on offense. He will be willing to block, I am sure.
Regardless, whether it be at QB or TE, the kid is simply a competitor and a winner. So I would love to see him back with Percy and helping the team to keep piling it on the Bears and Packers…. I think he can come up big in crucial situations, just like Percy.
by Sonic on Dec 1, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
that's exactly what i'm afraid of!
if i remember correctly, favre signed a 2-year contract. seeing as how he isn’t really getting hit much, he should be in good shape and may feel good enough to play next season.
getting tebow on that team gives them one wrinkle that scares the crap out of me, and that’s him running the wildcat. especially with peterson and harvin on the field. No D would have any idea where that ball’s going (and that’s without even thinking about the passing options).
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Dec 1, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
Jarmon Out For Season
Washington announced that Jeremy Jarmon has torn ACL. What is it they say about no luck at all?
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Cats are having
Steaks delivered after the game. This from the place with the orders. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
by a2d2 on Nov 30, 2009 5:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
First time
I’ve ever agreed with Cal (and probably the last time). It was a dumb thing to do. I would say “Payback is a bitch” but we can’t even beat UNLV on the road, so never mind.
I wonder how UK fans out in the state feel about giving up three Rupp Arena games so the Cats can play in scary ol’ Louisville?
by don'tshootmei'macard on Nov 30, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions
Well...
That would all depend on whether they got tickets to the game in Louisville, huh??? LOL Can’t see it happening to be honest with ya… 10,000 more seats at Rupp x Face Value of Ticket = Mucho Dinero!! The bean-counters would put the whoa on that!
If your wings don't sweep....
I doubt they'd mind three.
More than that could get some griping. But Louisville has a bunch of UK fans. The only reason this game isn’t a sellout is because of the low quality of the opposition. This is by far the worst team we have faced this year. To be fair, they are very, very young.
Since I live here in the ‘Ville, I’d love to see more games here.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Won't bother me as soon as they get that ridiculous looking UL stuff off of the court and arena......lol.... ;-)
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Yeah,
I’m hoping that after tonight the ol’ dump is properly fumigated before the Cards play there Wednesday.
by don'tshootmei'macard on Nov 30, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
And not to beat a dead horse,
but imagine if Bruce Pearl and Company are practicing at Rupp Arena, say because they’re playing a first round NCAA tourney game there. Think about a bunch of Tennessee players stomping on the Wildcat logo while their fans cheer them on. It would piss you off, wouldn’t it?
by don'tshootmei'macard on Nov 30, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
It would make me laugh.
I expect foes to disrespect us. They have done so for a long time. It’s the price you pay for being Kentucky, and to me, it’s worth it.
To answer your question, no, it would not piss me off or even catch my notice. It is unworthy of my attention. That wood on the floor doesn’t care, and neither do I.
Now if they burned a UK player in effigy, well, yeah, that would get my attention. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Was Hoping For More Improvement
OK, so I was hoping for little more polish right now, one game away from starting to play the big boys. I knew the start would be slow but I was hoping a little quicker once I saw Wall, Bledsoe and Dotson start strong. Seems that Bledsoe and certainly Darnell took a small step back since the beginning of the season. I am sure it is difficult to transistion so I am confident that when the fire finally takes, these guys will torch it up! I am hoping that torch is lit tonight and full flame hits come next Saturday!
Great to see Wall smiling, by the way, I would love to see more smiling faces on the bench and on the court. It is more fun tp watch when the team is having fun.
For Liggins sake, I hope he continues to stay engaged and do what is necessary to play and be successful. He could help the team by helping himself. Would love to cheer for him too!!! Go CATS!
I have to second all these comments from LyricSmith
It IS great to see Wall smiling. Always good to see guys enjoying themselves without being jerks about it to the other team. I also hope we see Liggins “do what is necessary.” He has a lot of potential still, I believe.
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