Today, the sun rose on a new season at Kentucky. The Wildcats are a different team now, for good or ill. We get to see what they can do against the Tennessee Volunteers today.

Tweet of the Morning:

Surprised to see that that Kansas didn't fill Allen Fieldhouse for Game Day. That would never happen at UK and Rupp is twice as big.

— Larry Glover (@larrygloverlive) February 16, 2013

No, it never would. What's interesting to me is that enthusiasm for this season has been much lower than the three previous years, and yet we see no significant dip in attendance.

Your Quickies:

Kentucky football

• UK Football: Analyst says Kentucky must take advantage of Mark Stoops' name in recruiting // centralkynews.com
  Wait... remind me. Isn't this what Kentucky HAS been doing?

Kentucky basketball

• Tom Leach's Take: Gameday at Tennessee

  At the beginning of this week, I figured the Cats would fall at Florida and this would be a huge game for the Cats' NCAA Tournament chances. I actually think the injury to Noel has lessened the significance. Why? Because it's the first game without him and if UK ends up on the bubble, it might get a bit of a pass for a loss in this spot because of having to learn to play without Noel.

  That's an interesting point that could well be right.

• Kentucky Sports Radio // Nerlens’ brother says he’d be surprised if Nerlens came back
  I'd be very surprised if Nerlens returns, and the only way it happens is if his draft stock slides considerably.

• Next Cats: Calipari taking look at a fellow 'Pittsburgh guy' // Kentucky.com
  Sometimes, great players fly under the radar.

• Tom's Take: D.A. connects with Noel // Tom Leach
• Julius Randle Could Be Added to McDonald’s Game; Wootten Says Ennis Didn’t Receive Enough Votes // ZagsBlog.com

• Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge
  Let's help Coach Cal win this thing.

• Kentucky-Tennessee last 10 meetings // John Clay's Sidelines

Other UK sports

• Cumbess' Bomb, Nunley's Pitching Gives UK Win vs. No. 16 UW // UKAthletics.com
  Amazing string of non-revenue sports success continues.

• No. 7 Kentucky Advances to Elite Eight with 4-0 Win // UKAthletics.com
  Another deep run by the UK tennis team looks likely.

• Reed Paces Baseball to Season-Opening Win // UKAthletics.com
  Bat Cats!

Links posts

• Tom Leach // Saturday Links

College basketball

• College basketball Saturday viewing guide: The madness continues as we inch closer to March // SBNation.com
  I think Maryland is going to take Duke down. I just have a feeling.

• LOUISVILLE, Ky.: Louisville Coach Rick Pitino is Hall of Fame finalist // Kentucky.com
  Rick Pitino is definitely HOF-worthy. It's just a matter of time.

• Ohio State fan pulled over when police mistake Buckeye sticker for drug symbol // Off the Bench

  Police explained that they thought the sticker was a marijuana symbol, and therefore the couple might be transporting drugs. (Jaw drops).

  Is anyone buying this claim? I'm afraid I'll have to pass.

• Derrick Nix believes Michigan State is still being overlooked // CollegeBasketballTalk
  I think he's right.

Other sports news

• NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2013: Participants, TV schedule, start time and more // SBNation.com
  Go, Eric Bledsoe!