The Big Blue Daily Mail -- How Good Can UK Football Be?

by Glenn Logan on Sep 9, 2009 2:55 AM EDT in Kentucky Wildcats News

Obviously, some people not fans of UK are wondering if UK can actually threaten the big boys this year, or if they are simply the same old model year with a new coat of paint. Frankly, against Miami of Ohio, it's probably a little hard to tell.

I keep noticing the commentary around the Wildcats' most recent performance is pretty consistent:

Can Mike Hartline play that well against a BCS opponent?
How badly will UK's poor kicking game wind up hurting them when the going gets tough?
Is this how the defensive ends are going to play all year?
How good is Chris Matthews, really?
How sound is Derrick Locke's knee?

For now, I will leave it to others to answer that question. For my part, I simply pose them for continued cogitation and discussion. And now for the news:

UK Basketball News

Weems in, Batley out at Kentucky
Interesting...
Calipari in recruiting whirlwind, surprises loom after summer workouts
Nice.
Balance With Purpose: Competition AND Coach Calipari
Interesting comments. I'm not sure most Kentucky fans can do that with their whole heart, though. But it is a nice thought.

UK Football News

Brooks not letting Cats get full of themselves | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
UK had "busted coverages in the secondary, some busted assignments in the offensive line, some busted routes by receivers" against Miami, Brooks said, adding that he wasn't happy with UK's kickoffs, though he was pleased with kickoff coverage.

Good on ya, coach. You are doing it right, and I know this bunch will respond.
SEC Power Poll Week One
Some nice props from Keltic Gator on his SEC Power Poll Ballot.
Cats get a much-needed rest
Chris Matthews: The man from Hollywood
I’m not the only one who is hyping up Chris Matthews. Take a look around and you’ll find plenty of others doing the same. Teammates, coaches, critics and fans alike have all said and believe Matthews to be the real deal.

I believe.
Hartline Was Much Improved, But His Critics Await
His performance against Miami will NOT quiet the Mike Hartline critics. It simply will delay their appearance, which likely will come during the Florida game. Hartline showed a deft ability to adapt and improved touch on fade routes that had been missing from his repertoire until now. Dick Gabriel is right about this, I think.
Vaught's Views: Will Newton play?: AMNews.com
The big mystery.
Lindley different from most star players
Trevard Lindley is a class act. We are very lucky to have him back.
High level of preseason optimism justified by the Cats
Tom Leach with some excellent observations.

Other UK Sports News

None today

NCAA Sports News

Late addition gives Texas class a boost
Texas has a terrific 2009 recruiting class.
Memphis hoping to lose even more for this season - Searching for Billy Edelin
Pierre Henderson-Niles looking to slim down, contribute for the 2009-2010 season
courier-journal.com | Eric Crawford | The Courier-Journal
If Teague, who recently visited Kentucky, went from a Louisville lean to a John Calipari get, it would be pretty close to a knockout punch for Pitino, who needs more than anything to build some positive momentum back for recruiting purposes.

I wish this would happen, but I believe Pitino will get Teague. He didn't hire that guy because of his basketball acumen.
Don't Bet On It!: Around the SEC - Dawg Sports
The Auburn Tigers renew hostilities with the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers host the UCLA Bruins this Saturday. Dawg Sports has your weekend SEC forecasts in "Don't Bet On It!"

Other News of Interest

Sad to see Davender, Miller in wrong court now
More on the ticket scam mess. Good grief.
Psychological test opposed by attorney for Sypher
Offered without comment.
SNY.tv: News: Serena rolls into semis, Clijsters next

The Daily Schadenfreude

Guest Column: Louisville's Pitino needs to win: AMNews.com
All I know for sure is that he better have a winning season this year because there is a whole lot more than a record at stake. If Pitino loses it will be a lot easier for the University of Louisville to cut ties with him. Again, just ask Billy G.

Heh.
Brooks getting last laugh in rivalry
Heh. Pretty good article from my least-favorite Herald-Leader columnist.
This is just hilarious. C'mon, laugh -- it's okay!

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Comments

Is it bad...

If the first thing I thought when I read that Gillispie had checked into the John Lucas Center in Houston was “Well gee… if he had done that when he first got here, he might have been able to sign Jai Lucas.” LOL

All kidding aside, I’m glad to see he’s getting help. I honestly used to believe that all the stories about him were an exageration (still can’t believe there’s no grainy cell phone videos out there) but the more we see this summer, the more I think there must have been some truth to it.

The stories about Davendar and Miller when coupled with the Gillispie story really show just how far someone we only know from their public persona can fall.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Sep 9, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions

The days get nuttier and nuttier.

Now we have two ex-cats in this ticket thing??Tell me that now we have to live with all ex-players being investigated even AFTER they leave UK. Someone notify the NCAA quickly so they can get out in front of this thing before it becomes a problem……

The football team is better, the basketball team is going to be monstrously ( is that a word?) better. We have two quality coaches in the major sports, quality coaches in all of the minor sports. UK sweeps Louisville in all sports this year and Mitch Barnhart is going to be in Todd’s office with another new contract proposal……for himself.

Is there any chance that Jerry Tipton is going to retire?? Does anyone know the winning lottery numbers?? Tomorrow is mine and my wife’s 15 year anniversary. The critics said that one would never last either. I think I am heading to Vegas. I am on a roll. Anyone out there still not believe in God?? C’mon….tell me we are not looked upon favorably by the Almighty here in Kentucky!

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Sep 9, 2009 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

Happy anniversary in advance.

I’ll probably forget to tell you tomorrow. 15 years is outstanding. I have made it for 22 so far against all odds.

I sure do hate to see ex-players and coaches behaving badly, but not as much as current players and coaches. Given that the latter are doing so well, I suppose we’ll have to wish the former the best and hope they get themselves straight.

And yes, God does love us. He just likes to keep us on our toes. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Glenn Logan on Sep 9, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Holy-smokes....

Haven’t heard that in a while, Tru. And putting it on the second ex-player charged link?
Just might need to call batman in on this one. :-(

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Sep 9, 2009 9:50 AM EDT reply actions

several things:

- last article link was funny – you are either a laugh or cry person. typically, i am a laugher and it has gotten me in trouble a time or two – as far as i can remember :)

- glad to see BCG getting some help

- what is the deal with the potentially breaking news from a national reporter? have not heard that one…

only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team

by memphis wildcat on Sep 9, 2009 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

what is the deal with the potentially breaking news from a national reporter? have not heard that one…

I was wondering that too as I read that article.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Sep 9, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Rumors are rampant

Vaught has his take here

http://vaughtsviews.com/?p=951

Matt Jones and Frosty are in a pissing match about this rumor too…..

First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...

by btcoop71 on Sep 9, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

This whole thing makes me nervous.

I dont like hearing about a major news story about Kentucky. I admit I dont follow graduate assistants too closely. Heres my question. Who in the heck would hire anybody from Kelvin Sampson’s staff.?? I think this was a huge mistake on Calipari’s part. I really hope this so called major story has nothing to do with Batley.

by UKTimmy on Sep 9, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Six degrees ? ?

Batley was an assistant at John Lucas’ pre-draft camp in Houston. The same name as the John Lucas Center in Houston where BCG is reported to be vacationing ? ?
:-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Sep 9, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I am probably gonna stir the pot.

I am a bigger NFL football fan than a college fan. I am a season ticket holder to the Atlanta Falcons, although I just sold my tickets because I only plan on being in Georgia till the end of the month. Heres the stirring. Chris Redman is an awful NFL football player. If there is a weakness other than some defensive questions on the Falcons its Chris Redman as a back up.

by UKTimmy on Sep 9, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

I used to be a huge NFL fan.

I don’t know what happened, I just can’t find time for it anymore. Go figure. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Glenn Logan on Sep 9, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

In my opinion

College sports across the board are better than pro sports. I’ve always been a huge NFL fan as well, but recently I’ve found myself watching less and less NFL every year. I still will watch the Bengals (when not blacked out) but I tend not to stick around for the 4:00 games anymore.

First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...

by btcoop71 on Sep 9, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

College sports

especially football, seems to be overtaking the pros. ESPN’s big contract with the SEC along with the other network/college contract put a lot of eyes in front of the TV. Who’s driven to watch sunday (pro) football after exposure to 15 games on saturday? In football, the college game is more entertaining with College Gameday, insane fans, a myriad of offensive and defensive schemes and following your alma mater. With the selection of games you can always find a 2nd or 3rd great game to watch on saturday. On Sunday, like you say coop, you “tend not to stick around for the 4:00 games” if you even managed to get through the early game.

by hoboat33 on Sep 9, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Well..

I think it depends alot on what you were exposed to in your youth. I went to pro games before I ever went to a college game. I think ESPN as a whole has exposed us all to more sports and sports we may have never even watched. I think college football has more exposure than ever before, but so does the NFL. I highly doubt college football is overtaking the NFL. I read an article this week that says NFL paying fantasy football league fees were increased this year an average of over $20. The point of the article was despite the recession NFL fantasy football is huge. I think this is a pretty good indicator that the NFL is still the big dog on the block. We are on a college blog, so I will be a minority in this opinion but this is a subset of sports fans as a whole.

by UKTimmy on Sep 9, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Colin Cowherd talked about popularity of sports today

He said that almost all sports are regional. i.e. Baseball is huge in New England, but by and large… no one cares about college football up there. Similarly, college football is huge down here… but most of us could give two ****s about baseball.

His argument was that the NFL was the exception to this. He said that the average NFL fan will watch a game between two teams that aren’t “theirs” when an average fan of another sport won’t. I tend to agree with him.

He pointed out that the World Series last year averaged a 7.5 rating when its the only baseball game even remotely available to be watched. College football this last weekend averaged near that for the opening of the regular season, and he points out that many fans have a whole lot more to watch than just the Bama/VT game that was on ESPN and many were at the games, tailgating, after parties, etc.

NFL ratings are beyond huge. I can tell you that I just started running commercials on cable TV. My spots that run during SportsCenter in the morning cost about $7 for a 30 second ad. The college football game of the week would be roughly similar in price. To run my one commercial during Monday Night Football costs $47. That should tell you something.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Sep 9, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Monday Night Football

will always be huge. It’s almost an industry by itself. No TV competition for that demographic, great exposure, usually high profile teams (the Cowpokes get on even when they stick) and lots of buzz.

I think the fantasy football is, without a doubt, bigger in pros than college. Much of that has to do with dealing with known commodities. Even though I much prefer to watch college football, I’d rather do NFL fantasy football.

by hoboat33 on Sep 9, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Calipari Goes Financial

John Calipari will appear on Bloomberg TV in the 4 o’clock CDT hour and previewed as “college basketball’s highest paid coach ever”. Hope you can see it.

"[O]f those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 1

by Wild Weasel on Sep 9, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

This from Forbes.com

The NFL is the richest sports league in the world, with the average team worth some $957 million. And the Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable team in the NFL, are now the single most valuable sports franchise on the planet, worth $1.5 billion.

Pro football is also the most profitable sport on the planet (mean operating income in 2006 was $17.8 million on $204 million in revenue). Although its television ratings have slipped in the past decade, the NFL still beats the daylights out of other prime-time programming, including every other sport. Nearly three out of every four Americans watched an NFL game on television last season.

by UKTimmy on Sep 9, 2009 6:53 PM EDT reply actions

OMG I could not believe this.

A Florida newspaper writing about UK’s improved offense? At least we got some recognition from the Fla. press. Go Cats!

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090909/ARTICLES/909091023/1109/SPORTS?Title=Big-plays-return-to-Kentucky-passing-game-1st-Ld-Writethru-FBC

by kykat51 on Sep 9, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

Pro vs. college

When I moved to TN. in 1975 I don’t think I had hardly ever watched a college football game. I was a teen-ager when the Bengals were formed, and went to many games at Riverfront. It was electric to see a Browns or Steelers vs. Bengals game. I was lucky enough to see the first game of the 1976 World series between the Reds and the Yankees, while on a visit. It was great, but didn’t really compare to some Bengals games I attended. That being said, after moving to TN. and seeing the passion that Tennesseans had for their Vols, I came to realize that the college game had a lot to offer. The TN. fans made me realize, that I had to root for my KY. football team. I had been a UK basketball fan for years, but became a football supporter as well. So, where you grow up and how much access you have to teams, has a lot to do with what you like most.

"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"

by iam4ukintn on Sep 9, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

How Good Can Kentucky Football Be?

This is an interesting question and one we discussed while watching the game on Saturday. My take is that Kentucky Football – though still nothing to brag about – is headed in the right direction. We have had three consecutive bowl game wins and hopefully Brooks will keep that up.

Now here is where my opinions differed from others at our football viewing party. I just dont feel like promising the team to Joker following Brooks’ retirement is a good move. Think about it, when Brooks retires it is very possible that we will be coming off of several consecutive bowl appearances (and hopefully wins!). That would make me think that UK Football would be in prime position to go after a coach that could potentially take us to the next level. Maybe some rising star up-and-comer? I dont know, but I just feel like when Brooks is ready to call it quits that we should strike while the iron is hot. (As hot as the iron has been in UK football in quite some time, anyway!)

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 Sep 10, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Disagree

Continuity is becoming more and more important in college football. We’re not the only ones doing the “pass the torch” thing, just look at Mack Brown and Will Muschamp at Texas. I actually think (or at least hope) that Joker is the next big thing which is why we were smart to keep him in the fold. Any other “big name” coach would be a reach, not matter how much progress we make under Brooks.

http://anythingbutgatorade.blogspot.com - yet another SEC sports blog

by Anything but Gatorade on Sep 10, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope you are right.

I, admittedly, dont know a whole lot about Joker. Just doesnt seem like a good idea to lock ourselves into anything without checking out other options when the time comes – IMO.

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 Sep 10, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions