Big Blue Nation Linkapalooza: Dirty Bird Edition

Tomorrow is the big game between the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats, two teams that have looked inept so far this season, and both of whom, quite frankly, should be much better than they've shown.

There are still a few seats available (<2000, according to the most recent tweets), so if you want to go, you still have a chance.

Now, for the news:

• Time For Another Battle Of The Bluegrass, Gridiron Style
  Via Ira Combs. A lot of sarcasm in this one.

• Duke Basketball Report previews UNC.

• Poythress had lots of questions for Calipari during visit -- John Clay's Sidelines
  And he should. Calipari makes no promises, and pulls no punches.

• Deeper analysis of the post-game handshake
  Apparently, there's a lot more going on there than you might think. Hat tip: John Clay.

• Kentucky's Darrian Miller steps into line of fire quickly -- The Courier-Journal

  A Courier-Journal survey of the 67 Bowl Championship Series automatic-qualifying teams — members of the six power conferences and Notre Dame — found just five true freshman offensive linemen who’ve started a game this season. Coincidentally, one of the others is Cardinals guard John Miller.

  It's pretty rare for a freshman to start on the line.

• Kansas' future remains uncertain as conference jostling continues - Seth Davis - SI.com
  Interesting. Hard to imagine that nobody would pick up Kansas. Maybe they could throw in with Baylor, Kansas State, Missiouri, Iowa State and a few others to form a smaller conference.

• Jerry Tipton has a q&a with Greg Nord.

  Q: Is it easier to coach in this game because the players do not need to be motivated?

  A: "Well, if you're not excited about this game, then I'd worry about you as a player. It's an interesting game. I'm going to coach against my nephew (U of L tight end Nate Nord). We have high school teammates coaching against each other. I have family and friends on both sides pulling for and against."

• Jeff Goodman writes that St. Johns' recruiting class just took a big hit.

  By now, you probably know that St. John's hyped freshman class, the one that was ranked just behind Kentucky and Duke, took a significant hit on Thursday.
  
  Three guys - all considered Top 100 players - didn't qualify to play this semester. Amir Garrett's father told CBSSports.com that his son Amir, a two-sport star who intends to play minor league baseball in the summer, will take classes in the fall with the hope of suiting up for the Red Storm in December.

• Chris Low of ESPN tells us something I didn't know about Kentucky.

  • Kentucky has not allowed a touchdown in the red zone in four opportunities. Florida (none in 2) and Arkansas (none in 1) are the only teams not to allow a red zone touchdown this year in the SEC.

• Love from Team Speed Kills

  Enjoy this one, UK fans. It's the last win in the series you're getting for a while.

  Can't you just feel the love?  Does Year2 have the first damn clue about Kentucky recruiting vs. Louisville's?  Does he not know Phillips is recruiting better than Strong.  It's all about the fact that Strong came from Florida, Year2's school.  I can't wait to prove him wrong about the future.

• KSR takes it to the Cardinals again.
  Very funny.

• Chris Diggs does some prognosticating.

  The one big advantage I think Kentucky has is their line. They are stacked on the defensive line with guys who are big, strong and have the ability to stay in their gaps. That’s big because the offensive line for Louisville has some major issues.

• Jerry Tipton writes about walk-on Mikie Benton.

  At first hearing, "Mikie" does not sound like a fitting football name. Kentucky safety Mikie Benton might strike a more rugged pose as "Mike" Benton. Or, better still, "Iron Mike" Benton.

• Eric Lindsey at Coachcal.com reportsTwany Beckham is glad to be home.

  As a graduate of Ballard High School (Louisville) and childhood friend of former UK point guard and current Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo, Beckham grew up, as he describes it, as "one of those (passionate, Big Blue) fans."

  So when Beckham decided to transfer midway through last season, he decided to try his luck with the one place he always wanted to be.

  There is nothing better than having a player who is a passionate fan of the Blue and White.  I wish he were eligible right away.

• Jeff Goodman reports that Anderson is denied admission to Kansas by the Big 12.

  Anderson, one of three Jayhawks who hasn't been cleared to play by the NCAA, told CBSSports.com that he was informed on Friday that he won't be accepted by the Big 12 as a partial qualifier.
  
  "I've had better days," Anderson said. "The NCAA cleared me to be a partial qualifier, but the Big 12 doesn't allow partials to be on scholarship."

• TBK previews the Cats and Cards.

  The battle for the Bluegrass State begins at 7:00 pm EST tomorrow night as the Louisville Cardinals invade Lexington tomorrow night.  Kentucky will try to hand Louisville their fifth straight loss in the series between the two rivalries with a victory in front of their home crowd.  Both teams have played two games so let's look at how the two teams will match up Saturday.

• Chip Miller reports John Wall is a stud, and showing it.

  For the SECOND consecutive evening, former Kentucky superstar John Wall created enough buzz and energy in Las Vegas to run the lights on the strip. Night one was sensational enough as Wall torched the competition for 42 points, yelling "Ya'll better guard me, that's my new secret now!" Wall was referring to his new found jumper.