This week is the deep breath before the plunge into football season. It is time. It is here.
The greatest thing about football season for Kentucky fans is that it means basketball season is only about six weeks away. To football fans in the SEC, that may seem like blasphemy, but to most of us here in the Commonwealth, it is bliss.
But Kentucky football will get its share of attention, and this football team looks like one of Brooks' best, at least judging by what we are hearing in practice. There has been very little controversy, and even less rulebreaking that is hitting the public airwaves, like this Michigan story. I feel for the Wolverine fans, because this is the kind of one-sided, more-opinion-than-fact reporting UK has seen all summer regarding Calipari. I agree with Dave that this must cease, but it will not -- sadly.
Today was a half-day of golf today (which is why I am so late getting a post up), and I had my best game this year -- 43 (with a snowman on one hole) on the front, 37 on the back (with an untimely double-bogey) for an 80. The only disappointment is that it could have just as easily been a 75. Oh, well, maybe next time.
Now, for the news.
Top Stories
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RTC Babe Meets P-Pat and Wall…
Thank heavens all three of them look a lot better than Billy Gillipie did in his late-night photo op the other day. -
Darius Miller Q&A: Kentucky swingman thinks 'Cats can be really good - Mike DeCourcy - College Basketball - Sporting News
SN: You've had a chance to be around coach Calipari for about five months—when he's been here. Is he different than your perception might have been?
DM: Before he came, I didn't know a lot about him. I knew he was a successful coach, but that was pretty much all I knew about him. But I was surprised with how he was. He's a real fun person, has a lot of fun with everything. He really wants us to grow as a family.
Love it. -
Stock Report: Matthews, Evans, Cobb climbing
I think Chris Fisher is right on the money in this analysis. - SEC 2009 // The Lexington Ledger - Team Speed Kills
UK Basketball News
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UK notebook: Calipari restoring players' swagger | KentuckySports.com
After two seasons of boot camps, bleeding feet, broken noses, concussions and a bullheaded emphasis on toughness, Kentucky basketball enjoys a renaissance. - The Immortals: UK's 25 'Legends' #8
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"It's all about John Wall. If he's the guy then Kentucky is for real. They've got everything else."
Nice work by Paul Jordan at Wildcat Blue in a Sea of Orange. - Kansas, Connecticut looking like UK’s prime competitors for 2010 targets
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Rivals.com College Basketball - Monday tip: An early Final Four prognostication
I love this:
Kentucky: After watching the Wildcats practice last week, I'm convinced they're the most talented team in America. I'm not sure it's even close. Everyone talks about John Wall and rightfully so but, folks, DeMarcus Cousins is a beast. If John Calipari's squad puts it all together, there won't be a better team.
UK Football News
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Prediction time for the college football season
Crawford goes with the safe bet -- 7-5. -
Bowl awaits 6-6 Cats | KentuckySports.com
But not everyone agrees. -
Trevard Lindley profile | KentuckySports.com
Trevard Lindley is about to put the finishing touches on what could be the best-ever career by a University of Kentucky defensive back. -
Kentucky maintains connection to LaGragne High football - Sports - Ledger-Enquirer.com
LAGRANGE, Ga. — The resurgence of Kentucky football has been in part due to a growing number of LaGrange High products. Former Grangers have been a fixture on the Wildcats’ roster in recent years and played a key role in three straight bowl wins for the once struggling program. -
Kentucky team preview - USC Football 2009 Season Preview
Why USC Won't Win: Rich Brooks. The legendary coach has turned Kentucky from the league's laughing stock to one other teams fear to play against. That won't change in 2009, as Brooks looks to lead the Wildcats to a fourth consecutive bowl victory. Kentucky's players know that they haven't played up to their abilities against the Gamecocks lately and seem determined to get the proverbial monkey off of their back in Columbia this season. All streaks must come to an end, and the Wildcats and their veteran coach feel certain that they'll notch their first victory over Carolina this decade come October.
Brooks is "legendary?" I love me some Rich Brooks, but I have never heard him referred to as "legendary." But I guess I'm okay with it, especially if he manages a fourth winning season in a row.
Other UK Sports News
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Around Kentuckiana: Cats beat Cards 1-0 in women's soccer
Nice to beat the Cardinals in anything
NCAA Sports News
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UNLV Looking for Big Things from Derrick Jasper
Always nice to check in on a former Wildcat. -
Meyer tops SEC coaches' rankings
I suppose we can thank all the new guys that Rich Brooks isn't last.
Other News of Interest
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Stage Money: They're not Scalpers: They're Ticket Brokers
Personally, I never had any problem with people scalping tickets -- it's just free trade and commerce. Nobody is being forced to buy anything, if you want tickets to a sold-out event, you should be able to sell it for whatever someone is willing to pay. -
Legal experts: Convicting former PRP football coach will be tough | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Prosecutors face huge obstacles in trying to convict former Pleasure Ridge Park High School football coach Jason Stinson when he goes on trial Monday in Jefferson Circuit Court, say former prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys and law professors.
Huge. This case, in my humble opinion, should never have been brought.
The Daily Schadenfreude
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It's third and long for Coach K | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
He has an 11-13 record at U of L and has yet to take the team to a bowl, the first time since 1996-97 that the Cardinals have let consecutive seasons pass without a postseason appearance.
It will take some coaching job to get the Cards bowl-worthy this year.