The House of Blue

After talking to some of the players and to Jarmon, I think this team is going to surprise alot of people. The team has had a chip on their shoulders all off season and the incoming freshmen have it too. All you really need is two or three REAL leaders and I think this team has at least that.

I agree. I've been looking at the photo galleries, and most of our players appear to be extremely solidly built. Thick arms and legs, but most importantly, a strong core. Even our freshmen appear to be in phenomenal shape. There are a bunch of men on this team, finally. That's the way it's gotta be to compete on a weekly basis in the SEC.

I think we will see improvement, but I think next year is our year.

Either way I'm excited...love when we compete on a regular basis and pull the upsets. 2013 will be a fun year

We just have a lot of youth and inexperience. I would love to believe that we will be competitive in the SEC East this year, but I want to emphasize that it is the SEC EAST. Even by making big strides, you don't just take the SEC East by storm.

Have to admit I agree with this for the most part. UK could surprise some people this year but they're still very, very young. But a solid foundation is definitely in place.

That said, the more game reps this team gets, the better they're going to become.

I am not saying this from a negative standpoint because I support this staff, but if these players go all out on the field, the play-calling on both sides of the line need to reflect this too. We cannot be conservative, we cannot get a lead and play to keep from losing. I want this staff to be aggressive in their calls and have confidence to make the call that will WIN the game not just continue it. I love this team.

Not to rain on the parade but "looks" don't win games. Its just like horse racing, seldom does the best looking horse win the race.

Until UK has a "proven" QB that can beat teams either with great play calling, great throwing, or running they will have trouble scoring. And with unknown WR's that can catch the ball the season can go either way IMHO. The defense has to play much better especially in the trenches and everyone knows just how young the secondary will be. UK must find a way to rush the passer with such a young secondary.

The one bright spot appears to be running back but Joker has a history of being very conservative and run a lot of time when many think he needs to pass. Maybe this year he will open up the offense. But again, that is another unknown.

Just way to many unknown at almost every position.

Just beat Louisville and start the season on a high for the freshman and then things can happen fast.

I don't think you read the thread very closely? All I said was this is the first time I can remember that a UK football team looks like a SEC team. I didn't say it would equate into wins, but I sure as hell hope it does. They pass the look test but they still have to perform on the field.

Sometimes when you least expect a team to be good, they surprise you. I think this will be the case this year. Look at where this team is ranked in the SEC. The pressure they have is what they put upon themselves and they are putting a lot pressure on themselves to prove the media and the doubters wrong. I look for this to be a much improved team. Must get the W's though.

I did read it closely and I am not discounting your opinion that this looks like an SEC team. I also didn't put words in you mouth about getting more wins because of it. Just my opinion about the "how much better we look," statements that really have not translated into success on the field.

We have heard it every year since about Brooks' third year, that we are "bigger, faster, stronger", so and so has transformed his body, the freshmen class passes the look test. Our own head coach shot expectations through the roof last year with his comments at governor's cup luncheon/golf outing and throughout camp. I am cautiously optimistic about this group and excited to get the season started.

We're closer than we've ever been to having staying power. Whether Joker can see it through will depend if he can get some wins this year. I'm cautiously optimistic we'll get 6 wins. Anything more than that I will be floored.