The House of Blue

Yes indeed. When I see lines like this--

"the No. 2-rated dual-threat quarterback for the Class of 2013 according to Rivals.com, committed to Vanderbilt over Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and others"

and I think about the 30 point whipping that Vandy put on UK last year, I wonder why so many prognosticators on this board mark Vandy down as a win and move along. Vandy ain't Vandy anymore, folks. James Franklin is for real. Not saying Vandy is going to be an SEC power, but the days of them always being the floor which UK could not fall below are gone. And if UK doesn't get with it soon... well, let's hope UK gets with it soon.

No worries. "UK finally has a full staff of recruiters."

Seriously its hilarious. Even our fans act like they've all of a sudden passed us somehow. I don't see it. Same smoke and mirrors with Strong and Louisville going on.

Yep we own Tenn because we beat them last year. Good point Minter.

I get the call for caution, but if you don't see two programs which at this point, and I emphasize at this point, are apparently going in different directions you have not been reading the extra-Kentucky media in their analysis of recruiting, coaching ability, and momentum. This can all turn around in a season but right now it appears that Vandy is making a move up the ladder.

In my opinion, Vandy caught a lot of teams off guard last season. They had senior leaders on defense, including a 3rd round draft pick at CB and a late draft pick at DE, and a pretty experienced o-line. Traditionally, they didn't play nearly as aggressive (read: dirty) up front, and the new attitude caused some problems for opposing defensive fronts.

Franklin did a good job of getting his players to buy in to his system in year one, and has done a good job recruiting per Vandy's standards, but I'm not ready to call him (or Vandy) the next big thing after one losing season where they lost to a one-dimensional Cincinnati team in their bowl game.

This year will determine a lot about Vanderbilt for me. Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Florida are all going to be gunning for Vanderbilt this coming season and there is virtually no chance that any of these five teams overlook Vandy after the performances last season. Spurrier will do what he does and try to embarrass them to open the season.

Franklin did a lot of talking last season and that talk (especially the confrontation with Grantham) has the potential to blow up in his face. It also has the potential to make him look like a hero to his players if they get a few wins and get rolling.

I don't see any reason this Kentucky team can't beat Vanderbilt in 2012, no matter the score of last year's game. Hell, UK lost to LSU 49-0 in 2006, can anyone remind me what happened the next year? We beat UL 4 years in a row, what happened last year? We beat Vandy by 18 in 2010, did it guarantee us a win in 2011?

The 2011 season is over. It was bad, and it wasn't fun for the fans to watch. Can we at least watch a few games from the 2012 team before we start talking about how bad we are and how Vanderbilt has left us behind?

It is obvious that their are a few Joker fans and a few who think he stinks as a coach.

The reality of UK football will become evident the first game of the season and some will say, I told you so no matter which side of the fence you sit.

Beat Louisville is all I have to say concerning UK football.

Another reason why many say that game should not be played. It does very little for UK, but if they lose it, it can wreck your entire season... and beyond.

If last year was a 6+ win season with another bowl game (and the end of the UT streak) the tone would be completely different right now.

Agree. If people set aside foolish pride and elementary school playground bravado -- "YOU'RE CHICKEN!!!" -- they'd realize that series does nothing for UK. They've got nothing left to prove after winning four straight prior to last season.

The non-SEC games should be as cupcake as possible.

That's what happens in this league when you don't show up. Look at the difference the next two weeks after they got embarrassed. They played hard and competed against UGA and UT. Can't take weeks off in the SEC... especially not on the road.

Completely agree.

National champion Auburn needed a FG with :00 left to beat Joker's Cats two years ago. UGA barely escaped with a win last year. Yet everyone says Joker is Dead Coach Walking. Nope, not giving Franklin a pass. Just win or shut up. That's what UK fans have told their coaches for years.

Franklin has lost 7 of his last 10 games. True story.