Well, it's time to look in on the SEC Media Days and see what the buzz is about the Wildcat football team.
First, let's go to Coach Brooks himself. What a triumphant return Brook must have had, considering what has transpired over the past 12 months since his last appearance. Last year at this time, Brooks appeared to have one leg out the door -- the only question was whether there would be a boot in his behind or not.
Well, this year there is no door and no boot. After an 8-5 season last year, a bowl victory and a bunch of returning players, suddenly Kentucky is no longer the butt of every SEC joke ... well, almost, but we'll get to that later.
First, though, a look at what Coach Brooks had to say. Online Athens says Brooks did a little Jack Nicholson imitation:
"I'm back," Brooks told the assembled media with a scary sense of satisfaction that he wasn't axed last season as many expected.
So we are going to do a little mock interview with a few of the people. Note the word "mock" -- we will be asking "questions" and some of the principles will appear to answer using quotes from the referenced articles -- all for a bit of fun. So here goes:
ASoB: Coach Brooks, how have things changed for you in the last year?
ASoB: That do make a difference, Coach, glad to hear it. Think you'll be back next year?
ASoB: Sorry, Coach, didn't mean to pry at a sore spot. What do you think of your chances this year?
ASoB: Wow, that's pretty bold talk for a UK coach who went 9-25 in his first three seasons. Do you really expect to accomplish more this season than last, given your tough schedule?
ASoB: Coach, your defense was last in the SEC in almost every category but turnover margin last year. Can you comment on that?
ASoB: Coach, what about Wesley Woodyard? How is he doing after his surgery?
"I talked to Wesley yesterday after his surgery," Brooks said. "He's fine. The surgery went well. He had a plate put in on the metacarpal of his left hand, the index finger.
He'll probably be withheld from contact the first three or four days of fall camp. He'll practice and play probably at least the first game with a cast on his hand."
ASoB: Thanks, Coach Brooks. We'd like to ask Andre Woodson a few questions now. Andre, what do you hope to accomplish this year?
ASoB: Andre, what do you see as the major difference between last year and this year as far as you personally are concerned?
ASoB: Given your success and that of your team last year, Andre, give us an idea how it feels to be a Kentucky Wildcat football player this year.
ASoB: Thank you, Andre. I see Coach Spurrier wants to say something. Coach?
ASoB: So you think that because Kentucky beat Clemson, Clemson must suck? Is that what you are trying to say, Coach Spurrier?
ASoB: Well, I guess that makes it all better then.
Thank you all for coming ... Coach Brooks ... uhh, Coach, please stop kicking Coach Spurrier ... ah, Coach Brooks would you please get your foot out of Coach Spurrier's ...
End of transcript.
Fox News has a look at Kentucky football. Frankly, I think this is a fairly benighted review, because the reviewer seems totally, blissfully unaware of our O-line and D-line issues. Thanks to davw83 for the heads up.