The House of Blue

Brick wall, meet usa1000. He's been banging his head against you for about 3-4 hours now, so it's better you be introduced formally.

The assertion is that UK is trying to stubbornly run a rigid scheme that does not allow it to compensate for the talent deficit. That's not true. UK's pretty multiple in what they do. They've tried almost anything and everything short of the wishbone and the Stack-I this year. They just haven't had the ammo this year to run a strong offense of any kind. If they turn recruiting misses into hits, Joker Phillips, Randy Sanders, Tee Martin and Mike Summers will once again have one of the better offensive units in the league. They've proven that in the past. The key is recruiting.

Some people seem to think that beating a BAD Tennessee team bodes well for next year. I've got some news for you, it doesn't. Sure the streak is over, but, that doesn't do anything for next year.

EXACTLY! There are a bevy of coaches that know how to implement offensive and defensive schemes. Doesn't make a difference without players. UK had none this season and even in past seasons only had a handful. If there is something to shake your head at it's this staffs apparent inability to bring in consistently good recruiting classes. And I could use a little more fire and moxy from the head coach but he says that's not him. Looking at next season I have a real hard time finding 6 wins next season. All that said, hats off to the staff for beating UT with a whole lotta style points.

I disagree. I can see us winning all of our non-conference games. I can see possible wins in the sec vs. miss. state, mizzou, vandy, tennessee, uscjr and possibly south carolina at our place depending on how lattimore recovers.

With an upgrade at db coach and at corner back our defense is a LOT better. Our offense should also be better. Maxwell smith could end up being one of the better qb's we've had at uk EVER. Big statement, I know. He's got a BEAUTIFUL release. Something that even Couch, Lorenzen, or Woodson never had. The kid likely has the strongest arm of those three too. Sanders is on recrod as saying Maxwell's arm is the strongest he's ever coached.

SMDH

And many people who are downplaying the win over that BAD Tennessee team didn't give us a chance in hell of beating them. Their disappointment in our win is palpable...

That's a good point. Whether it's scheme or coaching in general, that defense had too much talent to allow the numbers it did. Fortunately, Joker addressed that issue. I'm confident that Minter would field a much better defense with similar talent.

Let's vote this down to -30. Come on, people.

Edge IMO we were on our way to climbing the "ladder after 06 and 07, then we had the AWFUL classes of 08 and 09. Outside of 3-4 players those classes are worthless. Something like 10 of 50 arent on the team any more. For whatever reason those classes were just misses. We could have continued to climb if those were better classes. I truly believe if we hit on some of those kids we would be sitting around 8-9 wins this season and look where that would have put us in the east. With a very legit shot. Those classes hurt us worse than most realize. I dont believe its ALL about players or ALL about scheme but you have to have talent in both areas. A scheme can hide a couple guys by putting them in position to make plays. Talent can overcome some lackluster schemes. If we get both together we get an O like 07 and a D like we havent seen in a long time.

UK could improve in football - within reason - if the administration would just decide to make it a priority. But they choose not to. They choose to take the safe, incremental, inexpensive path to what would mean mediocrity in most other conferences. An inexpensive, unproven coach-in-waiting? Please. Like that ever leads to superior results. This strategy just keeps things as they are at best. Is that where we want to be? This administration acts as if they are more afraid of losing ground than gaining it. But, what the hey, the SEC checks keep rolling in keeping the powers-at-be content and secure.

Meanwhile, the long-suffering football fan, and some media types, keep the faith. Always hoping for improvement. One day we'll have a season to remember. Not subsequent seasons, just one here and there. If we only do this...or change that...or get this player...just one lucky bounce of the ball we'll finally win 2 - 3 SEC games?

The expectation level for UK football has been set low due to decades of futility. It will stay there until fans have had enough. Maybe a few more decades of SEC a$$ beatings will change things.

Wait and see how long it takes UofL and UT to climb out of their hole. They are committed, will take bold steps, and It isn't a matter of if, but when. Will we still be down in our hole, looking up at the light others are enjoying?

A lot can happen between now and August, but I do not see the Cats beating UofL next season. I see 3 noncons and finding 1-2 SEC wins. I am not sold yet on Max Smith. And I'm not sure the staff wont give Newton another shot at starting to begin the year. I see a step back at OT and generally on defense. There are no CBs on the roster that instill much confidence and the LBs have a lot of production to replace. There is nothing at WR that makes me think a big step will be taken there. Finally, UK will sorely miss Tydlacka. I am stuck on 4-5the wins tops next season.

And I agree with what you're saying...to an point. The fact remains that THIS staff recruited THESE players, for better or worse. If they were all hits, everyone would be patting Joker on the back for what a successful team he's coaching/recruiting. It only stands to reason that if they're NOT succeeding that he should be held accountable.

I wish he were winning...or I wish I didn't care so much. **EDITED** ..there's not a fan that wants UK to field a winning FB program more than I do. I'm sick and tired of being the laughingstock of college football.

Edge