Kentucky Wildcats Quickies: Beat Tennessee Edition

Happy Saturday, Big Blue Nation! The Kentucky Wildcats just earned a hard fought victory over the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge. As a follow up, they get the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. The good news is they passed their first true road test.

The Vols are much improved this season as Rick Barnes continues to build the program. They are 9-4 overall but 0-2 in the SEC coming off of losses at Arkansas and at home against Mississippi State. This is a dangerous game for the Cats. The Vols are hungry for their first conference win and Cal is 3-4 in Thompson-Boling Arena.

The ESPN matchup predictor gives Tennessee a 68.2% chance in winning. According to Vegas, the Vols are a 2.5 point favorite.

Tweets of the Day

It’s been a banner morning in the Streble household.

Good thing this team has shown a recent tough streak.

UK sophomore D-lineman looking to go elsewhere. Transfers are normal in the offseason but I feel like Mark Stoops is having to deal with more than his fair share. And that’s a position they cannot afford to lose more people.

UofL fans that think their team will be better without Lamar Jackson need to have their head checked.

Quickies

John Calipari discusses facing friend Rick Barnes | SEC Country- Cal details his friendship with the Vols head coach, “The only thing that’s easier is if you do get dinged, I can walk up and seriously say, ‘I’m happy for you.’ And I am happy for him, and he knows it. There are other games that I just say, ‘Good job.’ And I’m not happy for you. At all. You jagoff.”

I love when Cal says “jagoff”.

5 things to know about Tennessee | Lexington Herald Leader- The biggest points were how the Vols were good in the non-con, are now struggling, and they will be in desperation mode tonight when they tipoff with UK.

Calipari ‘disappointed’ in criticism of UofL coach David Padgett | Courier-Journal- After blowing Padgett and his Louisville Cardinals out of the gym back on December 29th, Cal is still sticking with his praise of the interim coach, “I think David is doing a great job and it’s not fair to have all this stuff,” Calipari said. “Let him coach his team. David may be the guy for the job. Well, let the season play out. Why would you throw any — who would be out there throwing landmines in front of this guy? I don’t know, but it’s certainly not us and me and our staff.”

If I were Cal, I would want Padgett to get a lifetime contract.

Mark Stoops calls out Chris Coyte | SEC Country- In a candid appearance on KSR yesterday, Mark Stoops tried his best to dodge questions about Chris Coyte. But in the end, he let the fans know exactly what he felt about Benny Snell’s ejection, “The call on Benny was inexcusable,” Stoops said Friday morning on Kentucky Sports Radio. “I still haven’t got an explanation because he lied. He obviously lied. So I stand by Benny 100 percent and I think it’s absolutely the worst call I’ve ever seen.”

When asked about the status of UK defensive end Denzil Ware, Stoops did refuse to comment about that.

No. 10 UK gymnastics wins on “Excite Night” | UK Athletics- The top 10 squad improved to 3-0 by crushing George Washington and South Missouri State. Women’s sports at UK have vastly improved during the Mitch Barnhart tenure.

Lamar Jackson to enter NFL Draft | WDRB- The Heisman trophy winner may have flirted with returning to UofL but in the end decided to take his talents to the professional level. I was in person when he came in and erased Kentucky’s 21-7 lead at Commonwealth Stadium. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen play in person and I am glad that Kentucky no longer has to deal with him.

At least we will always have this:

Adidas asks judge to dismiss lawsuit filed by Rick Pitino | Courier-Journal- The shoe company that helped to bring down UofL basketball continues to fight the coach that helped bring down UofL basketball. Pitino is suing Adidas for emotional distress and for ruining his reputation. LOLZ

Jon Gruden to be introduced as Raiders coach on Tuesday | ESPN- The former ESPN Monday Night Football analyst is set to return to a place that he once coached and this team he is getting a 10 year $100 million deal. I mean... that’s a little excessive for a guy that hasn’t coached since the mid-2000’s.

NFL Playoff picks | CBS Sports- While we are all enjoying basketball tonight, the rest of the country will be focused on the NFL. Prepare for a Vikings vs. Patriots Super Bowl. If you agree with these picks.

Minnesota’s Reggie Lynch found responsible for sexual misconduct | Sporting News- In a bizarre situation, the Golden Gophers have suspended Lynch from athletic competition (but he’s still a member of the team) and he’s been banned from campus until 2020. He can participate in team activities but will not play in games. Lynch has been accused of sexual crimes in 2016 but was let off due to lack of evidence.

Looks like Richard has learned well from daddy Pitino. A really messed up situation.

Game of Thrones finale won’t air until 2019 | EW- We all knew this was coming but it sucks nonetheless. Maybe George RR Martin will finish the book versions? RIGHT?!

And don’t forget that I will be on after the game vs. Tennessee tonight along with Jason Ence.

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