After 3-plus quarters of offensive inefficiency, the Kentucky Wildcats actually found themselves in a position to not lose to Alabama at the end of regulation on Saturday. All Kentucky needed to do to capitalize on their opportunity was recover an onside kick; never the easiest of options, but an option nonetheless.
Enter Lones Seiber, Kentuckys ex-place kicker, reduced to extra point duties after being replaced by Ryan Tydlacka. Despite his heroics against LSU last season, Seiber has struggled mightily with his kicking duties, hence the relegation to extra points. Despite that, Seiber retained UKs onside kicking responsibilities, although after the following effort, Rich Brooks is probably rethinking his decision.

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If I had to choose a division with the most potential, it would have to be the Southeast.  Looking around the division there is no shortage of young, extremely athletic talent from Dwight Howard to Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace to Michael Beasley, and lets not forget Chris Quinn… Just joking.  Despite the amount of raw talent and potential, I still think there are one or two teams in the division that are at least one year away from really contending.
Atlanta Hawks
After the Hawks stab at the Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs just last year, one would think they would be primed to go further.  I would have to agree.  Some skeptics would argue that the loss of Josh Childress overseas will hurt their depth, but I feel they reloaded nicely with the addition of Maurice Evans, who will provide a similar enthusiasm off the bench.  Their starting rotation is pretty solid from one to five.  Emerging star Josh Smith will have a great impact on the season and is my prediction for a spot on the all-star roster as well as defensive player of the year.  The Hawks will return to the playoffs.
Charlotte Bobcats
So much talent, so few wins.  I know the Bobcats have had trouble staying healthy in the past, but push has to come to shove at some point with their current “on-court personnel”.  If this group of players is going to have a breakout season, this has to be it.  Emeka Okafor will be healthy.  Gerald Wallace will be at the top of his game (even offensively).  Raymond Felton should have enough experience under his belt to be ready to lead a team, and maybe most importantly, Adam Morrison and moustache should be ready to go.  Just kidding.  All joking aside, the Bobcats, whether they play well or not this year are just in a bad situation with all teams surrounding them on the up and up.  Expect the Bobcats to be watching the playoffs from home again despite their growth.
Miami Heat
As a team of gross ups and downs, the Miami Heat have given fans abandonment issues after they completely disappeared last year from their status as top tier in the NBA.  Although, after an incredible Olympic stint for Dwayne Wade and incoming superstar to be, Michael Beasley, the Heat are moving in the right direction.  They have gotten rid of a few cancers recently in the form of Jason Williams (now retired) and Ricky Davis.  If Shawn Marion plays the way he can (as a perennial defensive stud), the Heat will be just fine.  I think Dwayne Wade has the capacity to lead this team to the playoffs again, Shaq or not.  Although, it would be huge if the Heat can make a decent signing this offseason in the form of a point guard and a competent big man.  It will be interesting to see how that team melds together, but I expect they have a great chance to be in the playoffs.
Orlando Magic
One of the more promising teams in the NBA are the Orlando Magic.  They have made the playoffs the last couple of seasons but making no more noise than a pebble in the ocean.  The Magic have made some key offseason moves in drafting Courtney Lee and signing Mikael Pietrus.  They needed help defensively and got it.  Lee will prove to be a huge asset to the team, as he is as, if not more, NBA ready as any player in this draft.  Both Pietrus and Lee can run the court and have decent strokes from long-range.  As a fan of the NBA, I would still like to see Dwight Howard become more than just a dominating offensive force from three feet outside of the basket.  It would be nice to see a mid-range jump shot and improved free throw shooting.  Regardless, the Magic are in a good spot and should be one of the top four, or so, teams in the East this season.  The Magic can make a push toward at least a conference championship if they can stay healthy, and if Hedo Turkoglu plays anything like last season, they will be in great shape.
Washington Wizards
There is a problem with a few NBA teams that will surface in the next year, and the Washington Wizards are poster children for this malady.  The Wizards are falling behind the progression curve of NBA teams, which will eventually bring the consequences of having to rebuild.  They have a guard-dominated lineup that boasts almost no inside scoring.  The Wizards just resigned Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, further proving they are stuck in their ways.  I just don’t see how the Wizards have improved in the least or how they can expect to get past the first round of the playoffs, if they even get there this season.  I almost forgot, don’t expect to see Arenas until after the all-star break.  Must be nice to have a huge contract while just hanging out.  It seems like he is slowly going back to being a zero.  I’m going to go out on a mildly thin limb and say the Wizards aren’t going to be in the playoffs, too much progression surrounding them.
Projected Standings
1.    Orlando Magic
2.    Miami Heat
3.    Atlanta Hawks
4.    Washington Wizards
5.

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As UK's football team enters into their final pre-conference test versus Western Kentucky, let's review what the 'Cats have shown us on the field in their first three games, versus what we need to see tonight. With a road game at Alabama only a week away, the SECcountdown clock is nearing zero.
What we have seen: Mike Hartline play better than expected.
The sophomore signal caller has shown more poise and on-the-field leadership than many thought him capable of only a month ago. He's been booed bythe home crowd, albeit, only a minority of the Commonwealth faithful, and he alsowon the SEC Offensive Player of the Week Awardtwo weeks ago after his performance against a game Middle Tennessee squad ( he's handled both ends of the fan behavior spectrum with much aplomb ).
We've not seen him throw an interception, which us certainly a pleasant surprise considering his youth and inexperience.
What we need to see tonight: Some semblance of a vertical game, and continued cool play under pressure. Although Hartline has shown considerable accuracy and ability when throwing the short to intermediate passes, he has yet to show the ability to toss the long ball. That ispartly due to the game-plan decisions of the coaching staff, partly due to the youth of his receivers,and partly due to his ever-so-slight inaccuracy on the few stretch-the-field attempts he's made to this point.
Hartline and his receivers must at least show the ability to stretch the field, because the speed of the SEC defenses will not allow onlya short to midrange pass game. In order to be successful offensively against the nations best teams, UK must demonstrate they can throw the ball long, orUK's future opponents will stuff eight or nine defenders in the box and Kentucky's offense will cease to exist.
What we have seen: UK"s offensive line struggle with opening gaps for the running backs, but doing a credible job of protecting the quarterback.
What we need to see tonight: Offensive line domination.
With the return of O-lineman Garry Williams, UK will now be back at full strength in the offensive trenches. The front four needto show they are capable of creating holes for UK's bestweapons, because as of yet, they have not performed up to their anticipated capabilities.
What we have seen: The running game struggle; the four primary backs are averaging 2.9 yards per carry versus FBS competition.
What we need to see tonight: A per carry average of 4.5 to 5.0 yards, at minimum.did not show a propensity to stop the run versus Alabama and Indiana, and they have also given up a number of big plays to the ball carriers. UK has to take advantage of this Topper defensive weakness. If not, then going into SEC play one can have very little confidence that UK will be able to score on some of the best defenses the nation has to offer.
What we have seen: UK's defense perform admirably, but against Middle Tennesseethey did give up a number of big plays.
What we need to see tonight:Defensive domination; in my view, UK's defense is the biggest question mark; I don't question that they are strong, I question how strong.
After-all, they have yet to play what one would consider a strong offensive unit. The front four of UK"s defensive corps have been able to gain penetration and pressure the quarterback with regularity ( without the benefit of much blitzing ), although against MTSU, quarterback Joe Craddock at timesseveral seconds to pick apart UK's secondary. That has to change tonight. WKU quarterback K. J. Black is extremely athletic, and possesses the ability to elude the rush. With Western head coachDavid Elson's spread/option attack the 'Cat's defensive front will be in for a test unlike any they have experiencedthis year. If they are to have any hope in stopping, or even slowing down the likes of Tim Tebow or Vanderbilt's Chris Nickson, they must keep Black under control.
Western doesn't run the ball particularly well, so UK overpowering their ground game is imperative in order for me, or anyone else, to have confidence going into the SEC slate.
Coach Brooks made a switch this week; benching safety Ashton Cobb in place of former quarterback Matt Lentz. A lack of focus and effort in practice was the stated reason for the change by coach Brooks. I say good for you coach. Lentz has wowed 'em since the spring with his athleticism, but he hasn't gotten much playing time so far this year. After he shakes off his nervousness ( I'll give him one play ) I expect to see Lentz perform up to the standard set by Marcus McClinton, Cobb, Trevard Lindley and David Jones ( Robbie McAtee has also performed well ).
UK will have a definite defensive advantage in the team speed category, so a recurrence of the big plays that MTSU executed will be unacceptable tonight;the 'Cats need to crush the Topper's when the red and black have the ball ... period.
What we have seen: Punters Tim Masthay and Ryan Tydlacka perform marvelously.
What we need to see tonight: A continuation of the same.
Folks, field position is so very important. UK has two punters who's talents almost guarantee the opponents willstart drives from deep inside their own territory. That trend must continue; giving UK's defense an opportunity to work their magic.
What we have seen: Inconsistent field goal kicking.
What we need to see tonight: Ryan Tydlacka, if given the chance, make all of his attempts inside 45 yards.
As of yet, UK's poor kickinggame hasn't cost them ( thank you Rob McAtee ),but it was only a matter of time. Tydlacka was an All-State performerat Trinity High School, and beat out Lones Seiber ina two man competition over the last couple of weeks. Kentucky has to solidify that position, let's hope Tydlacka is the answer.
What we have seen: Poor receiver play.
What we need to see tonight: Receiver play that doesn't give Joker Phillips a coronary.
The youth of the receiving corps ( except for Dicky Lyons ) has resulted in dropped balls, incorrect route running, and an inability to finish running the right routes. They also have not picked up on the check-offs at the line.
All of that has to stop. UK has practiced now for two months, the youth excuse, as it pertains to the above sins, is no longer valid. All of the young receivers have the physical talent needed to perform at a high level, and it is now time to prove they belong.
I don't expect perfection, but definite signs of progress need to be visible ... and no drops would be greatly appreciated.
What we have seen: Conservative play-calling.
What we need to see tonight: An opening up of the playbook.
For reasons that are understood, offensive coordinator Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks have been hesitant to allow Mike Hartline to utilize the entire playbook. It is now time to see exactly what we have.
The WKU game affords UK's offensive personnelthe opportunity to succeed and build confidence.
The countdown clock is nearing zero; it's now or never.
What we have seen: A near loss to Middle Tennessee.
What we need to see tonight: UK -- 38 WKU -- 10.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats.

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ESPN plans to celebrate the start of another college basketball season by televising games for more than 24 straight hours.
Kentucky will be part of the marathon. UKs game against North Carolina on Nov. 18 (which tips off at 9 p.m.) is in the schedule.
Heres the ESPN news release:
ESPN will celebrate the start of the 2008-09 college basketball season with the new College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon featuring 23 consecutive hours of live college basketball game and studio programming Tuesday, Nov. 18. The new creative way to mark the opening of the season will begin at midnight ET with a tripleheader of live games: Massachusetts at Memphis followed by Fresno State at St. Mary’s at 2 a.m. and Idaho State at Hawaii at 4 a.m. Coverage will conclude with Kentucky at North Carolina at 9 p.m.

ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU will offer 33 total hours of coverage overall highlighted by 14 game telecasts, including defending National Champion Kansas on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ESPN360.com will offer a simulcast of every ESPN and ESPN2 telecast.

ESPN’s College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon highlights include:

· The first of ESPN’s nine game telecasts will feature current Memphis coach John Calipari, a participant in last year’s NCAA Tournament Championship game, against Massachusetts, where he coached from 1988-96 and led the Minutemen to their only NCAA Final Four appearance.
· ESPN’s coverage will conclude at 9 p.m. with a showdown between the two winningest teams in college basketball history when Kentucky visits North Carolina, which returns all five starters including National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough – to a team that made it to last year’s Final Four.
· College GameDay will originate from Chapel Hill, N.C., site of Kentucky at North Carolina (televised on ESPN at 9 p.m.), for a one-hour show at 8 p.m.
· In addition to games at midnight, 2 a.m., 4 a.m. and 9 p.m., ESPN will televise five live games consecutively beginning at 10 a.m.
· ESPN’s coverage will include a game played in five different United States time zones Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific and Hawaiian – and at least 14 different conferences (Big Ten, Big 12, BIG EAST, SEC, ACC, Atlantic 10, Conference USA, WAC, WCC, Big Sky, Ivy, Colonial, Big South and Summit).
· ESPN’s 2 p.m. telecast will feature Iowa at Kansas in a women’s matchup.
· Coverage will include the College Hoops Tip-Off Special, a live four-hour studio show originating from ESPN’s studios in Charlotte, N.C., beginning at 6 a.m.
· In addition to the College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon coverage on ESPN, ESPN2 will televise a tripleheader of 2008 NIT Season Tip-Off matchups beginning at 7:30 p.m. ESPNU will offer a doubleheader beginning with a NIT Season Tip-Off game at 7 p.m. followed by a CBE Classic game at 9 p.m. featuring defending National Champion Kansas.

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As UK's football team enters into their final pre-conference test versus Western Kentucky, lets review what the 'Cats have shown us on the field in their first three games, versus what we need to see tonight. With a road game at Alabama only a week away the SECcountdown clock is nearing zero.
What we have seen: Mike Hartline play better than expected.
The sophomore signal caller has shown more poise and on-the-field leadership than many thought him capable of only a month ago. He's been booed bythe home crowd, albeit, only a minority of the Commonwealth faithful, and he alsowon the SEC Offensive Player of the Week Awardtwo weeks ago after his performance against a game Middle Tennessee squad ( he's handled both ends of the fan behavior spectrum with much aplomb ).
We've not seen him throw an interception, which us certainly a pleasant surprise considering his youth and inexperience.
What we need to see tonight: Some semblance of a vertical game, and continued cool play under pressure. Although Hartline has shown considerable accuracy and ability when throwing the short to intermediate passes, he has yet to show the ability to toss the long ball. That ispartly due to the game-plan decisions of the coaching staff, partly due to the youth of his receivers,and partly due to his ever-so-slight inaccuracy on the few stretch-the-field attempts he's made to this point.
Hartline and his receivers must at least show the ability to stretch the field, because the speed of the SEC defenses will not allow onlya short to midrange pass game. In order to be successful offensively against the nations best teams, UK must demonstrate they can throw the ball long, orUK's future opponents will stuff eight or nine defenders in the box and Kentucky's offense will cease to exist.
What we have seen: UK"s offensive line struggle with opening gaps for the running backs, but doing a credible job of protecting the quarterback.
What we need to see tonight: Offensive line domination.
With the return of O-lineman Garry Williams, UK will now be back at full strength in the offensive trenches. The front four needto show they are capable of creating holes for UK's bestweapons, because as of yet, they have not performed up to their anticipated capabilities.
What we have seen: The running game struggle; the four primary backs are averaging 2.9 yards per carry versus FBS competition.
What we need to see tonight: A per carry average of 4.5 to 5.0 yards, at minimum.did not show a propensity to stop the run versus Alabama and Indiana, and they have also given up a number of big plays to the ball carriers. UK has to take advantage of this Topper defensive weakness. If not, then going into SEC play one can have very little confidence that UK will be able to score on some of the best defenses the nation has to offer.
What we have seen: UK's defense perform admirably, but against Middle Tennesseethey did give up a number of big plays.
What we need to see tonight:Defensive domination; in my view, UK's defense is the biggest question mark; I don't question that they are strong, I question how strong.
After-all, they have yet to play what one would consider a strong offensive unit. The front four of UK"s defensive corps have been able to gain penetration and pressure the quarterback with regularity ( without the benefit of much blitzing ), although against MTSU, quarterback Joe Craddock at timesseveral seconds to pick apart UK's secondary. That has to change tonight. WKU quarterback K. J. Black is extremely athletic, and possesses the ability to elude the rush. With Western head coachDavid Elson's spread/option attack the 'Cat's defensive front will be in for a test unlike any they have experiencedthis year. If they are to have any hope in stopping, or even slowing down the likes of Tim Tebow, they must keep Black under control.
Western doesn't run the ball particularly well, so UK overpowering their ground game is imperative in order for me, or anyone else, to have confidence going into the SEC slate.
Coach Brooks made a switch this week; benching safety Ashton Cobb in place of former quarterback Matt Lentz. A lack of focus and effort in practice was the stated reason for the change by coach Brooks. I say good for you coach. Lentz has wowed 'em since the spring with his athleticism, but he hasn't gotten much playing time so far this year. After he shakes off his nervousness ( I'll give him one play ) I expect to see Lentz perform up to the standard set by Marcus McClinton, Cobb, Trevard Lindley and David Jones ( Robbie McAtee has also performed well ).
UK will have a definite defensive advantage in the team speed category, so a recurrence of the big plays that MTSU executed will be unacceptable tonight;the 'Cats need to crush the Topper's when the red and black have the ball ... period.
What we have seen: Punters Tim Masthay and Ryan Tydlacka perform marvelously.
What we need to see tonight: A continuation of the same.
Folks, field position is so very important. UK has two punters who's talents almost guarantee the opponents willstart drives from deep inside their own territory. That trend must continue; giving UK's defense an opportunity to work their magic.
What we have seen: Inconsistent field goal kicking.
What we need to see tonight: Ryan Tydlacka, if given the chance, make all of his attempts inside 45 yards.
As of yet, UK's poor kickinggame hasn't cost them ( thank you Rob McAtee ),but it was only a matter of time. Tydlacka was an All-State performerat Trinity High School, and beat out Lones Seiber ina two man competition over the last couple of weeks. Kentucky has to solidify that position, let's hope Tydlacka is the answer.
What we have seen: Poor receiver play.
What we need to see tonight: Receiver play that doesn't give Joker Phillips a coronary.
The youth of the receiving corps ( except for Dicky Lyons ) has resulted in dropped balls, incorrect route running, and an inability to finish running the right routes. They also have not picked up on the check-offs at the line.
All of that has to stop. UK has practiced now for two months, the youth excuse, as it pertains to the above sins, is no longer valid. All of the young receivers have the physical talent needed to perform at a high level, and it is now time to prove they belong.
I don't expect perfection, but definite signs of progress need to be visible ... and no drops would be greatly appreciated.
What we have seen: Conservative play-calling.
What we need to see tonight: An opening up of the playbook.
For reasons that are understood, offensive coordinator Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks have been hesitant to allow Mike Hartline to utilize the entire playbook. It is now time to see exactly what we have.
The WKU game affords UK's offensive personnelthe opportunity to succeed and build confidence.
The countdown clock is nearing zero, it's now or never.
What we have seen: A near loss the Middle Tennessee.
What we need to see tonight: UK -- 38 WKU -- 10.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats.

Similar posts: kentucky basketball

It is hard to describe just how great the last couple of days have been at Valhalla.great atmosphere, great golf and generally one of the more fortunate experiences of my life. Getting to cover an event that is unparalleled in its excitement in the golfing world has been wonderful and having happen in Kentucky.well it couldnt get much better. But nevertheless, I know we cant neglect the blogging world either (as shown by a fan who came up to me on the 14th hole today and said Why havent you been posting much these last couple of days..maybe because I am standing next to you on a golf course). Thus here are a few notes In the world of Kentucky athletics, nothing is going on. I mean nothing. I took about 30 minutes today to call around and see if there was any news from any angle and the info spout is dry for both major sports. On the football side of things, the players are off this weekend and thus there really isnt anything to report, except the fact that somewhere right now, Dicky Lyons is probably doing something that should be videotaped for posterity. On the basketball side, there is another lull, although Daniel Orton did visit Kansas this weekend and there may be news from that regard late on Sunday night. Otherwise, all is quiet on the Western front.
As I have said here, the UK contingent is very strong at Valhalla. In addition to the Kentucky shirts, hats and flags, one fan sang the UK fight song on the first tee to JB Holmes before he teed off earlier in the week (not a bad rendition either). A few UK fans also chanted Go Big Boooo to the Weekley/Holmes team, a chant that seemed to entertain JB Holmes in particular. I walked all 18 holes with those guys today and saw a large UK contingent cheering on their alumnus. It really is a great weekend for the state and the university.
Mark Krebs was walking around the course today, checking out Mr. Holmes. We chatted briefly and he said that all things around the UK basketball program were great. Krebs is a big golf fan, and he joined an incognito Cameron Mills (complete with fake moustache, monacle and top hat) on the course today.
If you havent gotten to know Boo Weekley this week, you need to soon. A guy who used to be an alligator wrestler and was once punched by an orangutan (true story), Weekley is the newest star that has come out of the event. The loud chants of BOOOOO have filled up Valhalla and his southern, good ol boy charm makes him a John Daly-like figure, without the craziness. He is now my new favorite golfer not named Chevy Chase.
One guy in the crowd yells after the Euros miss big putts.it makes me laugh everytime.
There have been a variety of interesting things to note about the event (and I will do so later in the week), none however moreso than the foreign presss fascination with the state of Kentucky. After seeing a Kentucky golf shirt I was wearing, one reporter asked me, does the state of Kentucky have more than one university? No man, we house every student in the state in one college.and they have to take their shoes off before they walk in.
AS for college football, Tennessee is bad and Fat Phil is in trouble. Boo birds out in Knoxville and a miserable performance at home. With UGA, Florida, Auburn and LSU great..Alabama rising fast.UK and Vandy getting much better..Ole Miss and Arkansas with new coaches, etc..UT is in trouble folks, not just this year but as a program.
Upset of the day (and the one we cashed big on tonight).NC State over East Carolina. The old theory about teams being overvalued after an upset once again proved true..especially now that we know West Virginia is being Kragthorped.
Does anyone really like Notre Dame? I keep hearing they have a huge fan base, but I dont know one person who likes them beyond a guy who used to be roommates with an old girlfriend in law school (he was harmless), would only study on the toilet (thus resulting in 2-3 hours on the toilet) and loved the Irish. If he is any representation of the group, then I think we should stop taking the fighting Weises seriously.
BYU is scary good.only game they could lose is Utah and if they go undefeated, they may be the first non-BCS team to really have an argument for being in the national title conversation.
Miguel Angel Jiminezs pony tail is brilliant.
The British press have made me start saying the word I blame them.
Scott Van Pelt is very funny in person..Mike Tirico is very short in person.Phil Mickelson is just as lame in person.
The comment of the week may have come from Soren Hanson when a group of fans chanted Taylor County at JB Holmes and he said to no one in particular, is that close to Cardiff? I dont know where in England Cardiff is (and I think Hanson is from Sweden or Denmark), but for some reason it makes me giggle. Soren in Campbellsville would be good for all parties involved.
Watch the Ryder Cup tomorrow afternoon.it will be worth your time, even if you are a big NFL person. Your Who Wants to be a Blogger? submission is due by midnight on Sunday night to becomeablogger@yahoo.com. Dont miss it. More later..

Similar posts: kentucky basketball

This is the first installment of the SEC Power Poll round table. For those of you unfamiliar with this "round table" format, the questions are hosted on one blog and each participating blog posts the answers to those questions on their own blog. After it's all said and done, another post on the host blog will highlight some of the comments.
Ken is on vacation this week, so I'll be taking this one on myself. The Round Table will be conducted every three weeks during the the college football season.
1. Pretend for a minute that Vanderbilt wasn't 2-0, then answer this question: What has been the most surprising thing in the SEC so far this season?
Alabama taking Clemson to the woodshed at the Georgia Dome. I don't think anyone could have seen that one coming. Satan Saban had the whole college football world buzzing, and I'm sure I saw a glint of fear in Mark Richt's eye.
2. Conference action has either just begun for most teams, or will Sept. 20. (The exception is Kentucky, which I believe plays I-AA teams until mid-November.) From what you've seen so far, how will your team fare in your division? If it's not going to win, which team will?
What the hell is the, "Let's all join together and make fun of Kentucky's schedule," crap anyway? UK's strength of schedule is firmly mid-pack in the SEC, and although it is very weak early it is certainly beneficial to our young quarterback and receiving corps. Imagine how ugly it could have been if UK played Georgia in week 3 instead of MTSU.
But to answer the question, I expect Kentucky to wind up somewhere along a normal distribution curve between 4-8 and 8-4 with 6-6 as the mean. Kentucky is highly unlikely to win the Eastern Division of the SEC, as it is arguably the toughest subdivision in all of college football.
As to the winner, I'll pick Georgia at this point, probability 55% or so, over Florida.
3. Which SEC player that few of us are paying attention to is poised to have a breakout season? Try to choose someone not on your team.
I think Emanuel Cook, junior strong safety for South Carolina, is poised to have a breakout season. He is currently second in the the SEC in unassisted tackles and seventh in the nation.
Despite the distractions last year of an appendectomy and a firearms charge that was later dropped in a preliminary hearing, Cook now seems focused on football, and is really making an impact for the Gamecocks.
Maybe Spurrier should move Cook to quarterback ...
4. Both Arkansas and LSU have had games delayed because of hurricanes. If you could choose a game on your team's current schedule to get postponed because of inclement weather, which game would you choose and why?
Vanderbilt. Kentucky's open date comes after the Vandy game, and I would love to move it before. UK needs that game very badly, and an extra week to heal and prepare after what promises to be a brutal battle with the Georgia Bulldogs would certainly be welcome. Yeah, it would be nice to beat Tennessee this year, but the Vandy game could be the difference between a bowl and no bowl for the 'Cats.
I am all about getting to bowls, even minor bowls, every year. That's what has made Kentucky competitive, and that's what will improve UK's recruiting.
5.

Similar posts: kentucky basketball

This is the first installment of the SEC Power Poll round table. For those of you unfamiliar with this "round table" format, the questions are hosted on one blog and each participating blog posts the answers to those questions on their own blog. After it's all said and done, another post on the host blog will highlight some of the comments.
Ken is on vacation this week, so I'll be taking this one on myself. The Round Table will be conducted every three weeks during the the college football season.
1. Pretend for a minute that Vanderbilt wasn't 2-0, then answer this question: What has been the most surprising thing in the SEC so far this season?
Alabama taking Clemson to the woodshed at the Georgia Dome. I don't think anyone could have seen that one coming. Satan Saban had the whole college football world buzzing, and I'm sure I saw a glint of fear in Mark Richt's eye.
2. Conference action has either just begun for most teams, or will Sept. 20. (The exception is Kentucky, which I believe plays I-AA teams until mid-November.) From what you've seen so far, how will your team fare in your division? If it's not going to win, which team will?
What the hell is the, "Let's all join together and make fun of Kentucky's schedule," crap anyway? UK's strength of schedule is firmly mid-pack in the SEC, and although it is very weak early it is certainly beneficial to our young quarterback and receiving corps. Imagine how ugly it could have been if UK played Georgia in week 3 instead of MTSU.
But to answer the question, I expect Kentucky to wind up somewhere along a normal distribution curve between 4-8 and 8-4 with 6-6 as the mean. Kentucky is highly unlikely to win the Eastern Division of the SEC, as it is arguably the toughest subdivision in all of college football.
As to the winner, I'll pick Georgia at this point, probability 55% or so, over Florida.
3. Which SEC player that few of us are paying attention to is poised to have a breakout season? Try to choose someone not on your team.
I think Emanuel Cook, junior strong safety for South Carolina, is poised to have a breakout season. He is currently second in the the SEC in unassisted tackles and seventh in the nation.
Despite the distractions last year of an appendectomy and a firearms charge that was later dropped in a preliminary hearing, Cook now seems focused on football, and is really making an impact for the Gamecocks.
Maybe Spurrier should move Cook to quarterback ...
4. Both Arkansas and LSU have had games delayed because of hurricanes. If you could choose a game on your team's current schedule to get postponed because of inclement weather, which game would you choose and why?
Vanderbilt. Kentucky's open date comes after the Vandy game, and I would love to move it before. UK needs that game very badly, and an extra week to heal and prepare after what promises to be a brutal battle with the Georgia Bulldogs would certainly be welcome. Yeah, it would be nice to beat Tennessee this year, but the Vandy game could be the difference between a bowl and no bowl for the 'Cats.
I am all about getting to bowls, even minor bowls, every year. That's what has made Kentucky competitive, and that's what will improve UK's recruiting.
5.

Similar posts: kentucky basketball

This is the first installment of the SEC Power Poll round table. For those of you unfamiliar with this "round table" format, the questions are hosted on one blog and each participating blog posts the answers to those questions on their own blog. After it's all said and done, another post on the host blog will highlight some of the comments.
Ken is on vacation this week, so I'll be taking this one on myself. The Round Table will be conducted every three weeks during the the college football season.
1. Pretend for a minute that Vanderbilt wasn't 2-0, then answer this question: What has been the most surprising thing in the SEC so far this season?
Alabama taking Clemson to the woodshed at the Georgia Dome. I don't think anyone could have seen that one coming. Satan Saban had the whole college football world buzzing, and I'm sure I saw a glint of fear in Mark Richt's eye.
2. Conference action has either just begun for most teams, or will Sept. 20. (The exception is Kentucky, which I believe plays I-AA teams until mid-November.) From what you've seen so far, how will your team fare in your division? If it's not going to win, which team will?
What the hell is the, "Let's all join together and make fun of Kentucky's schedule," crap anyway? UK's strength of schedule is firmly mid-pack in the SEC, and although it is very weak early it is certainly beneficial to our young quarterback and receiving corps. Imagine how ugly it could have been if UK played Georgia in week 3 instead of MTSU.
But to answer the question, I expect Kentucky to wind up somewhere along a normal distribution curve between 4-8 and 8-4 with 6-6 as the mean. Kentucky is highly unlikely to win the Eastern Division of the SEC, as it is arguably the toughest subdivision in all of college football.
As to the winner, I'll pick Georgia at this point, probability 55% or so, over Florida.
3. Which SEC player that few of us are paying attention to is poised to have a breakout season? Try to choose someone not on your team.
I think Emanuel Cook, junior strong safety for South Carolina, is poised to have a breakout season. He is currently second in the the SEC in unassisted tackles and seventh in the nation.
Despite the distractions last year of an appendectomy and a firearms charge that was later dropped in a preliminary hearing, Cook now seems focused on football, and is really making an impact for the Gamecocks.
Maybe Spurrier should move Cook to quarterback ...
4. Both Arkansas and LSU have had games delayed because of hurricanes. If you could choose a game on your team's current schedule to get postponed because of inclement weather, which game would you choose and why?
Vanderbilt. Kentucky's open date comes after the Vandy game, and I would love to move it before. UK needs that game very badly, and an extra week to heal and prepare after what promises to be a brutal battle with the Georgia Bulldogs would certainly be welcome. Yeah, it would be nice to beat Tennessee this year, but the Vandy game could be the difference between a bowl and no bowl for the 'Cats.
I am all about getting to bowls, even minor bowls, every year. That's what has made Kentucky competitive, and that's what will improve UK's recruiting.
5.

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Given all this, it looks like we will have a third scholarship available for 2009-10, and right now, a reasonable person would conclude that scholarship is being held for Daniel Orton, which would give us a full compliment for 2009-10. Essentially, we would be trading Patterson, Carter and Williams for Villarino, Hood and Orton. In that scenario, we would address two needs -- one at point guard and one at center. We would theoretically return a much older group of forwards and guards, and that team would likely be a highly-ranked bunch capable of making a deep run into March.
Now, I am not casting aspersions on this year's team -- they may well wind up playing late in the spring as well, but right now, we just don't know enough about the newcomers to make that kind of judgment. But next year, barring defections and injuries, UK will have a senior-laden team with tons of leadership potential and some extremely talented newcomers to add depth.
All this leads me to believe that the future of Kentucky basketball is very bright, indeed. Of course, there are any number of things that could happen to derail this rosy scenario, but if we are fortunate, we could wind up with a realistic contender for another national championship as soon as next year.

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click on the image for larger picture Need a little excitement around the house? Then the Single Shootout Arcade Game is a great way to get some action at home. Practice your free throw basketball skills by yourself and try to beat your previous scores, or play with a friend and see who the ultimate basketball champion really is. Pull yourself off the bench and get into the game with the Single Shootout Arcade Game today! Game Features: Arcade Style Basketball Game Equipped with Triple-Sensor Infrared Eyes for Scoring Accuracy Two player electronic scoring and time clock Accessories Includes: 3 Mini Basketballs, 1 Pump Backboard: 26 1/8 in. x 22 1/2 in. x in. Dimensions: 89 1/2 in. D x 26 in. W x 89 in.

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Norfolk State has traditionally been a cellar-dweller in the MEAC, although they have recently undergone a bit of turnaround in their football program. Last year's 7-2 mark was their best in many years, despite having the second-toughest strength of schedule in their conference, and the toughest among the top two. Their current head coach, Pete Adrian, took over in 2005, and in two short years turned Norfolk State from a doormat into a very competitive football team, and they were ranked for the first time ever in the FCS (#23 at one point last season). Adrian is continuing to bring talent into the program, as his 2007 recruiting class was ranked 6th among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Norfolk State returns a resounding 16 starters from it's excellent 2007 team including 5 all-MEAC performers. They will be breaking in a new quarterback, however, just like Kentucky. Dennis Brown, a transfer from UConn, is their signal caller this year. Their main weapon is likely to be a talented tailback named DeAngelo Branche, who returns from an academic red-shirt last year. Branche averaged 5.7 yards/carry in his freshman campaign, and is plenty fast and athletic. He ran for 93 yards and three touchdowns against Virginia State in their opening game last week.
Also dangerous is Jamar Johnson, a 6'4" wide receiver who caught 6 passes last week for 63 yards, and he is taller than any of Kentucky's cornerbacks. Dario Walker and Jeremy Wicker are smaller at 5'11" and 5'8" respectively, but both are speed merchants who can get behind the safeties if the 'Cats fail to execute. The Spartans return four starters on the O-line, so the much-vaunted UK D-line will not be going up against a bunch of rookies.
The Spartan D-line has some experience as well, but only one full-time starter from last year. Given the current state of Kentucky's O-line with Garry Williams out and the weakness UK has shown between the tackles, that is probably a very good thing. The Spartans are also deep and athletic at linebacker, and return a solid defensive backfield featuring four players who started at least four games last year.

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It was a great day in Commonwealth as the Cats got the season off to a strong start with a solid victory over a fairly spunky Norfolk State team. The Cats looked better on offense, dominant on defense (after the first five minutes) and continued a strong kicking game in order to get the win. The story of the game was of course the insertion of Randall Cobb at QB and his immediate impact on offense. Cobb came in on the third possession of the game and led the Cats to 21 quick points in the first half. His creation of a quarterback controversy will be the story to follow this week and we will continue to update it as the week goes on. Now here are some game notes Rich Brooks was EXTREMELY unhappy at the fans after the game. Reacting to Kentucky fans decision to boo when Michael Hartline was inserted at QB to start the second half, he said, I am sick to my stomach that the fans booed Mike Hartline. We dont need to be booing our own damn players in Commonwealth Stadium. I am more than a little disappointed. That reaction was seconded by Randall Cobb as well who said it saddened him to hear it. Dicky Lyons was equally upset saying, People forget that just last week he won the Governors Cup for us. IF you are going to support us, support us, but fans shouldnt boo their own. And Michael Hartline also expressed his disappointment saying, I really cant comment (on the boos).fans are fans and there is nothing I can do about it. A VERY disappointing thing to hear live and a pretty poor show by our fans.
Kentucky Sports Radio contributor Sexual Ninja dealt with the boo birds by saying after the game, the next person I hear boo, I will punch them in the face. So true Both quarterbacks knew before the game that they both would play. Coach Brooks said that Cobb came in maybe one series before they had planned but that he knew both would play. In addition to knowing that Cobb would play, the plan was still for Hartline to start the second half. I got the feeling after speaking to every one that they would have like to have seen Hartline more, but Brooks pulled the trigger quickly. But to Hartlines credit, when Cobb scored his first rushing TD (he had two), Hartline was the first one there to congratulate him.
No major injuries, although Moncell Allen did hurt his foot on the last run.
The Cats have not had two games in which the defense has not allowed a TD since 1958. Amazing accomplishment.
Dicky Lyons has 12 people and 5 dogs in his house right now because of the movement from Hurricane Gustav in his hometown. He said that things were better now because some have left, including the one with the big dog.
Some PLAYER QUOTES:
Coach Brooks:
They started kind of slow, but the defense dominated in the second half. I didnt expect them to be this good at this point. This is the closest thing to a great defense we have had since I have been here The running game looked real good on paper and on the stats sheet but not too good when we actually needed it to be in the game. We will not decide who will start at Quarterback until next week. They will both play next week no matter what.
Michael Hartline:
It (the benching) didnt bother me because we needed a quarterback who could run against this defense. I know I can tuck it and run a bit but Randall runs better than I do, so it made sense for him to play.
Micah Johnson:
It feels good to play defense for this team and to have this much success. We are trying to not let a team score a touchdown ever. That is our goal.
Derrick Locke:
With Randall at Quarterback, we run more, which I guess I like. But both guys bring a lot to the table and we adjust the plays accordingly. Our goals this year are clear. Last year we lost some games we shouldnt have lost and this year we dont want to do that. Kentucky may not have had the talent in the past, but we do now, so there is no excuse.
Dicky Lyons:
I thought Randall did well.although I did save him one time where he called an angle and we couldnt run it cause of the defense we were in. I guess he owes me. All the highlights on our pre-game tape were defense from the last game.well Myrons run was 90% of the tape because it took so long.
AWARDS:
MVP: The Norfolk State Band..Simply put, the band was out-of-this-world good. The competition at halftime between the Norfolk band and the UK band was seriously like an MMA fight between Chuck Liddell and Chris Cross..Norfolk comes out playing like crazy, dancing, bringing out hot girls in few clothes and getting a standing ovation from the crowd. The UK band comes out to play the selected work of Morton Gould and the fans walk out of the stadium and gave the politest reaction possible.simply ignoring them. Throughout the game the band danced, played and were thoroughly entertaining.and our band was our band. A trade between the two schools should be in the works.
Most Impressive Players: Derrick Locke:.you simply dont realize the guys speed until you are up close to it. Micah Johnson..there simply is not a more impressive physical specimen in person than Micah..his biceps are bigger than my legs.
Most Awkward Moment: There is nothing more difficult than running into people you blast on the site. Lets just say that the Jerry Tipton, Chris Cross, Rob Bromley interactions today were awkward.at best.
Best visual: IF you have ever seen Lonnie Demaree in person, you know he is a cool, old-school character. But I have never seen him be cooler or more entertaining than watching him dance to the beats of the Norfolk State band.a time that I wished we did more video on Kentucky Sports Radio.
Best Moment of the Day: IT was military day and thus the stadium had a good number of Army personnel in one end zone. After the game, all the soldiers lined up on the field and the UK players took the time to shake all of their hands in order. Guys like Braxton Kelly, Derrick Locke and Dicky Lyons individually greeted each solider and showed why this staff does a great job with these guys on and off the field.
A good day in Commonwealth.Alan Cutler is sans moustache, Lones Seiber has an and an tattooed on each of his arms and Kenny Walker is still fly. What more can you ask? I will have a report from the basketball pickup game tomorrow, better known as the Matthew Pilgrims Coming Out Party game. Check back then.
CATS 38 Norfolk State 3..

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In a game that did one thing - prove Kellen Lewis knows how to run away from defenders - it didn’t do much in answering many of the questions surrounding this team heading into the season.
Will the running game improve? How productive will the offense be without James Hardy? Can the receivers on this squad make up for the loss of Hardy? How will the defense play without Tracy Porter, Leslie Majors and the suspension of Greg Middleton for the first game?
These questions were not answered Saturday for several different reasons. Has the running game improved? Its difficult to say. Yes, the Hoosiers did rush for 297 yards, but 185 of those came from Kellen Lewis, and 137 of those yards came from two long touchdown runs. Marcus Thigpen, Demetrius McCray and Bryan Payton combined for just 109 additional yards to the running game on 25 attempts.
What was going to be the productiveness of the offense without James Hardy to throw the ball to? Well, last season, the Hoosiers averaged 31.7 points per game - and they met that number on Saturday, scoring 31 points. In 07, IU averaged 393.8 yards per game, a number they upped against Western Kentucky by nearly 60 yards. But, lets keep in mind, last years averages cover a span of the entire season, including Big Ten opponents - the nastier part of the schedule. What the Hoosiers were able to accomplish Saturday didnt necessarily tell us anything because of the lower level of competition at which IU competed against.

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Friday I emailed Brendan and Melodie and asked them to come over on Labor Day for some Basketball (I told Brendan to bring his "D" game) and some hamburgers.

On Saturday, we took a mini-trip up to Kentucky. We drove to Louisville where I got to meet one of my best friends for the first time. (Yes you read that right. Tom and I have become friends over the past couple of years playing dolphinsim.com sports games online and chat a few times a week via google chat). We met at a cajun fast food restaurant (rice bowls) [I ran next door to the mexican place for tacos] and got to hang out for an hour or so.

Then we drove back to "Cave City" which is near Mammoth Cave. I'm planning to make a video with some pictures and post it on youtube and facebook once I figure out how and once I steal a few pictures off of the internet that I forgot to take to augment my slide show :-)

On saturday I had my first dream about Barak Obama.

He was coming over to join Brendan and Melodie for Labor Day BBQ at our house. I told him that we'd have to play 21 instead of one on one (21 is a one on one on one type of basketball game for those of you don't know). I explained that I thought that Brendan might be able to take him even if Barak has five inches in height on Brendan and plays basketball regularly.

Go figure

On sunday, we did a 2.5 hour tour of the cave (the "Historic Tour). While good, I have since been assured that the "Grand Tour" is the one you want. It's 5.5 hours so if you do a walk there, that is the one you are looking for.

On monday, I lost to Brendan in one on one basketball by a score of 11 to 1. You have to realize that Brendan and I have been playing one on one for eight years and I have never beat him. The closest I've come is either 11-7 or 11-8.

We play losers out so that Brendan doesn't just shoot 11 times and the game is over.

In our second game yesterday, I actually remembered how to shoot and the score was 5-4. Brendan faked me up in the air and went past and instead of landing properly, I turned to see if he would make the shot and came down hard on my right ankle.

I think I can safely say that it hurt worse than any pain I've ever had (but I'm pretty wimpy when it comes to pain so I probably say that a lot).

For a while it was the size of a peach. Eventually decided to get it x-rayed last night and went on what several ER personnel referred to as their busiest night in months ... sitting 2.5 hours while really hurt people got in first.

Did they x-ray, got an air splint and crutches. Have to use that for at least three days.

It's already getting better but I took the day off since I don't know if / when it's going to start hurting. Switching to my downstairs computer in a few minutes where I can elevate and ice it more easily.

Politics.

Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is pregnant. She's keeping the baby.

That's the big attack line from the lefties this morning. Okay ... if that's how you are going to treat people who keep their unintended babies then maybe we have a better window into how compassionate the left really is.

Speaking of treatment, it's interesting to compare the Republican protestors from the convention in Denver to the Democratic protestors at the convention in Minneapolis.

In Denver, the Republican protestors put up sarcastic signs like one that said "Patriots Here. Terrorists appeasers across the street" (the wacko lefties were across the street ... not "normal" Dems but their fringe people). Not what I would have done, but, hey, I get where they are going.

In Minneapolis, the Democratic protestors are throwing clorox bleach mixed with water at Republican delegates. Reason #245,671 that I remain a Republican this morning.

Today is Brendan's first day at his new job! Congrats Brendan.

For me, it's my first day on crutches :-)

Getting ready to "bump" downstairs.

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I think Mike is exactly right, "equal length" requirement aside. Kentucky has enjoyed two seasons of good football in which it has returned from the depths of awful futility. But let's not make the mistake of thinking that these two seasons represent a turnaround. Just as large ocean vessels require lots of time to make a turn, it takes more than two seasons for the a football program who was listing badly and on fire to declare itself righted and back on course.
Mike has discussed what this year's Governor's Cup means to the Cardinal program at length, but it means a lot to Kentucky as well. With the expectations in the Bluegrass not really changing this year despite the loss of Kentucky's offense, the coaching staff has a tremendous amount of credibility invested in this team. Brooks and Phillips have maintained that Kentucky's talent is radically improved from the days when they took over the reigns, and when you establish that as a fact, you establish higher expectations year to year. So unlike previous years when we were just happy to get to .500, two years of success and continued lauding of the program's improvement have created a higher level of expectations at Kentucky.
Another reason the Governor's Cup matters to the Big Blue Faithful is that Louisville is regarded nationally as a good football program, and last year's season was just a disappointment, not a harbinger of a return to the 1970's. But the SEC is where UK lives, and the standard for football here is arguably higher than anywhere else. Notwithstanding the fact that the Big East has enjoyed good success recently against the SEC (just ask Tommy Tuberville about that USF team last year), the feeling around the league is that with the possible exception of West Virginia, the Big East gets very little respect. And if you can't beat a Big East team who isn't West Virgina, how can you expect to win in the SEC?
Why is respect in the SEC important? Well, for one thing, we recruit mostly in the Southeast. Competing for the better recruits requires winning programs, and three winning seasons out of nine does not meet that definition. But it goes even deeper than that -- most SEC schools, even pitched rivals like Auburn and Alabama have respect for the football the other team plays. They know they are going against quality, and they never mark that game down as a win.
Kentucky, on the other hand, has always been chalked up as a victory, only slightly tougher than the cannon fodder the SEC is so roundly criticized for scheduling. Yes, the occasional upset would happen, but only the weakest SEC teams considered Kentucky a tough opponent year over year. You would have though that would have changed after UK defeated Georgia in 2006 and LSU in 2007, but you would be wrong. The hubris of the top SEC powers (somewhat deservedly) knows no bounds, and they simply shrugged and chalked it up to lightning in a bottle. We have no right to complain about that perception -- we have done exactly the same thing to Florida, among others, in basketball.
Unlike Louisville, this Governor's Cup has much milder ramifications for the Kentucky coaching staff unless it is ugly and one-sided Louisville's way, like in 2006. If that happens, Brooks Co. will be called to account after announcing in public that this is the best Wildcat defensive squad in his tenure. But make no mistake -- a loss to Louisville will put pressure on the staff, because winnable games this year are tough to find in the SEC portion of UK's schedule. If Kentucky is to get to a bowl game, a win over Louisville would seem to be almost irreplaceable. Without the victory over Louisville last year, it is doubtful we would have been picked for a bowl at all.
So while we may not see the kind of radical anger, frustration and calls for coaching changes that Louisville will experience with a loss, we will have to listen to "Back to Earth, Kentucky. You guys were just Woodson, Tamme, Johnson, Little, and Burton." Nobody in the Big Blue Nation wants to go back there.
Who needs this game more? Individually speaking, Kragthorpe by a vast margin. A loss at home to Kentucky would cause an uprising, and peasants with pitchforks to hit the streets of the River City. That will not happen in Lexington in the case of a Kentucky loss, but it will make a third straight trip to a bowl very difficult if not impossible. No post-season this year will make recruiting harder, as Kentucky's foes will say "See? Same old Kentucky. Back to the basement." Louisville has no such problem, as they can point to over a decade of success and call it "rebuilding." Plus, Louisville's road to the post season is much easier than UK's, so a loss in this game hurts their bowl chances less.
In the final analysis, this is a huge game for both teams, but for different reasons. For Kentucky, it is about establishing a winning tradition, something that Louisville already enjoys. For the Cardinals, it is about a restive fan base needing very little provocation to devolve into rebellion against the coaching staff and acrimonious self-immolation, with the consequent negative effect on the team's chances.

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Jenkins, Peters, Pryor, Jarmon: Kentuckys front four
The New York Giants provided the blueprint. Facing the seemingly untouchable Patriots, the Giants appeared for all the world to be just an insignificant speed bump on New England’s road to immortality. Apparently, no one told the Giants’ defensive line. Using power up the middle and speed from the edges, the Giants disrupted the Patriots’ juggernaut offense and punished Tom Brady to the point of ineffectiveness. Of course, Eli Manning was the national story, but the Super Bowl was won by the front four of the Giant defense. With an offense that is likely to take a step backwards in 2008, if Kentucky plans to continue its upward trend in the SEC, its defensive line must display a similar level of dominance. Fortunately, for the first time in recent memory, the Cats appear to have the players necessary to make a Giant-esque impact.
Jeremy Jarmon is a beast. Kentucky has had defensive ends in the past that were able to make plays in the backfield. The Cats have also had ends that could stand stout against the run. They have not had a player like Jarmon, equally stellar at both, in years. At the other end of the line, Ventrell Jenkins should benefit from the attention Jarmon will undoubtedly garner by seeing one on one blocking on virtually every snap. Nii Adjei Oninku, who returns after missing last season with a knee injury, and big, athletic true freshman Chandler Burden, provide depth at the end position. On the inside, tackles Myron Pryor and Corey Peters are rocks. Both have size and experience, and together should form one of the top tackle tandems in school history so long as they can remain healthy. Kentucky received a huge lift with the return of Ricky Lumpkin following a major hip injury in 2007. Lumpkin provides a big, explosive tackle to create a nice three man rotation along the interior.
Defensive Tackle:
Myron Pryor 6-1, 310 Sr. Louisville (Eastern)
Kentucky’s most experienced tackle, Pryor has played in 35 games over the last 3 years, starting 23. Labored through much of last season with nagging injuries. Looked to be on the verge of stardom after sophomore season which saw him record 6.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, but regressed in 2007 with just .5 tackles for loss and no sacks. Looks to return to prior form now that he is totally healthy.
Corey Peters 6-3, 290 Jr. Louisville (Central)
Along with Pryor, Kentucky’s anchor in the middle. Has played in 24 games during first two seasons in Lexington, compiling 61 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Was Kentucky’s most productive tackle in 2007, totaling 43 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2007.
Ricky Lumpkin 6-4, 289 So. Clarksville, TN (Kenwood)
Promising freshman season marred by bizarre hip injury which cost Lumpkin 6 games. Still, in limited time, managed 18 tackles and a sack. Lumpkin underwent a very invasive surgical procedure in the off-season to remove calcium deposits from that injured hip. Coaches were unsure if and when Lumpkin would play again, but it now appears that he is close to 100%. His presence gives Kentucky the luxury of a solid three man rotation with the requisite size, athleticism and experience to succeed at the SEC level.
Shane McCord 6-2, 271 So. Hartwell, GA. (Hart County)
Thrown into the fire as a true freshman to provide needed depth along the defensive line. Played in five games, recording two tackles. Should be much better equipped to provide meaningful minutes at the position after an off-season of strength and weight gain.
Providing additional depth at the position are redshirt freshmen Antwane Glenn and Charles Mustafa and sophomore Josh Minton, who can play either tackle or end.
Defensive End:
Jeremy Jarmon 6-3, 277 Jr. Collierville, TN (Houston)
After promising freshman year, Jarmon exploded onto the scene as a sophomore, recording 62 tackles, including 13.5 for a loss and 9 sacks. Named first team all SEC by Rivals.com and second team by the league’s coaches. Rare combination of size and quickness allows Jarmon to consistently pressure the passer while holding up against the run. Enjoy him while you can, as a similar season in 2008 may lead to an early exit and big NFL payday for Jarmon.
Ventrell Jenkins 6-2, 285 Sr. Columbia, S.C (Columbia)
Veteran player who has appeared in 33 career games, but who is now getting first opportunity to start consistently. Has compiled 59 career tackles, including 7 sacks, all from the defensive tackle position. Transition to defensive end gives the Cats tremendous size along the entire defensive front. Could also provide snaps at defensive tackle if the need arises.
Nii Adjei Oninku 6-1, 254 Sr. Dayton, OH (Northmont)
Oninku’s return from injury provides an enormous lift to Cats as a third experienced defensive end. Has played in 23 career games with ten starts. Appears to be fully recovered from injury. Will get significant number of snaps if that is the case.
Chandler Burden 6-5, 290 Fr.- H.S. Oxford, OH (LaSalle)
One of the most talked about freshmen by the Wildcat coaching staff this fall, Burden will see time at defensive end starting this Sunday. Possesses outstanding size and strength for a defensive end, with deceptive speed. Still very raw, but too talented for the coaches to keep off of the field.
Austin Moss and Chris Goode will provide additional depth. Also, linebackers Johnny Williams and Mikhail Mabry could see time at defensive end in obvious passing situations.
Outlook:
Along with running back, the defensive line is the strongest position on the Kentucky roster. Jeremy Jarmon is a future NFL defensive end, and both Pryor and Peters have all conference potential. The entire line has excellent size and significantly more depth than at any other time in the Brooks era. The primary concern is finding a second pass rusher to compliment Jarmon. Aside from that, the Cats must simply transform the preseason accolades to actual on the field success.

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Big Blue Primers is 4thandBlue’s inaugural Kentucky Wildcat Football position-by-position preview. In today’s edition we bring you a look at armored spearhead of UKs offensive foray into enemy territory, the running backs. Stay tuned for plenty of breakdown and analysis from both spring practice and last season as we look ahead to this year.
Sorry for being a day late everyone, sometimes things like sisters and the Jonas Brothers keep people from making their writing deadlines
The Coach
Larry Brinson: Yet another Kentucky Coach who sports a Super Bowl ring, Coach Brinson has the unique distinction of having earned his as a NFL football player in the 1978 championship game with the Dallas Cowboys. He played 5 seasons in the NFL as a running back and kick returner. He came to UK for the start of the 2007 season with 23 years of experience coaching running backs on the staff of Ken Hatfield at Airforce, Arkansas, Clemson, and Rice. Over the course of his coaching career he has helped develop several players who have gone on to play in the NFL including 1992 NFL rushing leader Barry Foster. With any luck he will be adding several more success stories to his resume in coming seasons with Rafael Little already a de facto member of the Titans and many more talented speedsters in the queue at Kentucky right now.

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After the emotional win over Florida, all Kentucky needed to do in order to win the SEC East and avoid Arkansas until the SEC Tournament Finals was win at South Carolina. Unfortunately, the Cats came out flat, and the Gamecocks burned UK with a backdoor cut in the final seconds to pull off the surprise 75-74 win. I have the 1994 team highlight video, and Rick Pitino was asked about that game. He said, I think we were drained at South Carolina. You never want to use that as an excuse, but we were drained. The loss put Florida on top of the division and forced Kentucky into the half of the bracket that included Arkansas. UK came out with a much better focus in the tournament opener against Mississippi State, but Arkansas was waiting around the corner.

The Razorbacks were clearly the best team in the country in 1994. At the time of this game, they had only lost two games, and were a lock to secure a top seed and make the Final Four. I mentioned Scotty Thurman in my last piece. Big Nasty Corliss Williamson was a consensus All-American who dominated Kentuckys interior players. Corey Beck and Clint McDaniel were the guards that sparked the 40 Minutes of Hell defense. Dwight Stewart and Darnell Robinson were huge centers with guards skills. Alex By God Dillard was a JUCO transfer who was notorious for shooting from the Hog at Bud Walton Arena. Putting it mildly, he really enjoyed shooting threes. The Hogs had gone into Rupp and destroyed the Cats in the second half of an 8-point win that didnt seem that close. However, history had shown that if Arkansas won the regular season game, Kentucky had a better chance of winning the SECT game. It happened in 1993, but that SECT was held in Lexington, the last time the SECT was held at a schools home arena. The 1994 Tournament was in Memphis, where Arkansas had a distinct crowd advantage. The UK/Arkansas SECT war wouldnt have a truly split crowd until 1995 in Atlanta. It seemed like a stacked deck against Kentucky, but if theres one thing I realized while watching the tapes for these columns, its that it was unwise to count out the 1994 UK Wildcats. From the Pyramid in Memphis, TN, our announcers are Tom Hammond and Barry Booker, not in all caps this time, but back from happy hour.

In the previous game, Pitino suspended Rodrick Rhodes for reasons that I still cannot figure out. Rhodes played in this game, but Jeff Brassow took his place in the starting lineup once again. This move paid dividends, both against MSU and Arkansas. The Hogs beat Kentucky in the regular season because of the ability of Beck and McDaniel to get it past the press. To counter this, Pitino went with a variety of zone defenses, usually 2-3 or matchup, but this gave Arkansas an even bigger rebounding advantage. Kentucky started the game by taking it inside with Jared Prickett, who scored three straight buckets to create a 6-2 lead. With the Cats leading 8-7, McDaniel hit the first of many threes of this game. Tony Delk answered right back with a three, and it was on like Donkey Kong. Mr. Buckets then cut backdoor and threw down a mammoth jam. Arkansas countered by using their strength, offensive rebounding. Five minutes in, the Razorbacks had seven offensive rebounds and eight second chance points. Brassow hit a three in transition to give UK a 16-14 lead, the ninth lead change of the half. Brassow hit another three, this time from NBA range, and that settles it Im keeping track of the threes. The zone made for easy offensive rebound opportunities for the Hogs, but made it difficult for them to get it inside to Williamson. A three by Thurman tied it at 19, then Arkansas took the lead on a three by McDaniel. This game is awesome.

After the under 12:00 timeout, Arkansas inserted Dillard into the lineup, and on his first touch, he launched a three and buried it. Where did those types of college players go? What happened to the gun on the bench? Travis Ford found himself open from three, and of course that one went in. Ford owned the SEC Tournament. Anthony Epps knocked down a three to give UK a 28-25 lead. Delk knocked down another three to double the lead. Kentucky took it inside on every possession for the first five minutes, then I dont think they did it again for the rest of the half. After another three by Dillard, some penetration and a kickout left Walter McCarty open for three. The shot went in, then about three seconds later, Dillard knocked down his third bomb of the half on a busted play. Walter answered right back from downtown, the eighth three of the half for Kentucky. After a long cold spell for both teams, Brassow pulled up from the corner and hit yet another three. After an Arkansas miss, Ford made an insane shot from about 28 feet to close the scoring for UK. Arkansas added a couple of scores in the last minute to make the halftime score 47-40. I love this game.

Much like Kentucky, Arkansas abandoned its press to start the second half and instead opted for a 2-3 zone. It would help the Hogs get back in the game, but not right away. My boy Andre Riddick blocked his fifth shot of the game, which led to another long bomb by Travis Ford. The Razorbacks quickly drew five fouls on Kentucky before the first TV timeout. Riddick kept the lead at a comfortable margin by posting up on Beck and scoring before Williamson could recover. The and1 gave UK a 53-44 lead, and after a Razorback turnover, Ford pulled up in transition and nailed yet another three. When it looked like Arkansas might be dead in the water, they came back with a quick 7-0 run. Brassow answered right back with his fourth three of the contest, and it was 61-53. A Thurman three made it 61-58, and it looked like Arkansas had all the momentum in the world at the under 12:00 TV timeout. This game rules.

Kentucky showed its resilience in the last 12 minutes of play. A three by Jimmy Martinez made it 66-58, then Ford came right back with yet another transition bomb. The timely 8-0 run swung all the momentum back in the favor of the big blue. A three by Rod Rhodes (the 16th of the game) gave UK its biggest lead of the game as panic began to set in for the Razorbacks. Rhodes had a brilliant final 12 minutes, going 3-3 from the field and 7-7 from the line for 14 points. Kentucky made enough free throws down the stretch to keep the lead in the 8-12 range, all the way down to the final buzzer. The good guys emerged victorious, 90-78. Since this is the last 1994 tape I want to do, let me just fill in the rest of the blanks from that year. UK beat Florida in the SECT Final, earning a 3 seed in the Southeast Regional. They beat Tennessee State in the first round, but lost to Marquette in a game where size made the difference. Also, had Kentucky won that game, Duke was waiting in the wings, as the selection committee (and probably CBS) made no secret about how much they wanted a Duke vs. Kentucky game. It just wasn't meant to be, just like the whole season when you consider the Rodney Deny injury.

I'm Seth Stogsdill, getting my puppies set from the driveway.

Similar posts: kentucky basketball

Similar posts: kentucky basketball