2022 UK Football: The March Continues

[Bourgeois Zee]

Keidron Smith, former Ole Miss defensive back starter, transfers to Kentucky for his Super Senior season. He should be of great help, after Vito Tisdale's injury. Might see him as either a corner and as a hybrid safety/ nickel/ medium.

Left tackle is an issue that could be solved by a summer transfer addition. (There will be several guys announcing their intent to transfer soon.) Right tackle looks like it'll be Jeremy Flax. Those were the only issues on the offensive side of the ball. QB Will Levis, RB Chris Rodriguez, the TE position (four deep), and (gasp) the interior linemen, and (gasp) WR look pretty solid.

Defensively, the front seven are as strong as they've been under Stoops. Lots of depth with quality players pretty much across the line and backers. Defensive backfield remains thin. Extremely so. Lots of true freshmen and redshirt freshmen on the second unit that should be filled by more experienced players. Opposing teams will look to throw early and often, I suspect.

Right now, they're a top 25 pre-season team and may push for inclusion in the top 15-- if they can find a gem or three on the open market. Left tackle, safety/ middle, and cornerback are the spots keeping this team from perhaps another 10-win season (and maybe a little more, if they're lucky).

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the 2022 schedule. I see 8 wins for sure. UGA is a loss. The other three will be tough Florida, Ole Miss and Tennessee. All on the road. Going to Missouri won't be easy either.


https://ukathletics.com/sports/football/schedule/2022

[WVRed]

I’m curious to see if there will be a drop off from Liam Coen leaving for the Rams or if they will continue to build with Rich Scangarello.

Will Levis has the potential to play himself into a first round pick in next years draft. Kentucky has added two receivers from the transfer portal in Tayvion Robinson and Jamal Baker to replace Wandale. Cutting down on picks will be key.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kentucky go into the Swamp again and come out with a win. Napier is rebuilding everything in Gainesville and it’s week 2.

[Bourgeois Zee]

What's good is that Kentucky is a veteran squad.

Remarkably few instances wherein they have to depend on young guys. Instead, if the young guys are better, they play. If not, you have a dependable veteran pretty much everywhere.

Aside from left tackle and corner.

IMO, if they can find a transfer pickup at corner and at left tackle, the Cats can win 10 or even 11 games this season.

[WVRed]

What's good is that Kentucky is a veteran squad.

Remarkably few instances wherein they have to depend on young guys. Instead, if the young guys are better, they play. If not, you have a dependable veteran pretty much everywhere.

Aside from left tackle and corner.

IMO, if they can find a transfer pickup at corner and at left tackle, the Cats can win 10 or even 11 games this season.

It’s a good thing Kentucky has been able to keep them together and not have them look for better opportunities for NIL through the transfer portal.

WVU is an example of what I’m glad UK isn’t turning into. Losing top contributors who are all conference due to better marketing opportunities.

[WVRed]

There’s been some talking heads predicting Kentucky to beat Georgia in Lexington and as a possible dark horse SEC East Champion.

Beating Georgia is possible but they are heading to The Swamp in week 2 without Chris Rodriguez who is facing a DUI suspension. Tennessee and both Mississippi schools could be problematic as well.

[Bourgeois Zee]

There’s been some talking heads predicting Kentucky to beat Georgia in Lexington and as a possible dark horse SEC East Champion.

Beating Georgia is possible but they are heading to The Swamp in week 2 without Chris Rodriguez who is facing a DUI suspension. Tennessee and both Mississippi schools could be problematic as well.

Every year in the SEC is tough.

This year lines up far better than any they've had since maybe 1977.

Georgia is far superior.

Everyone else is beatable. And you could argue that they should be favorites against everyone else-- Florida absolutely included.

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This does not mean they're going to win all but a couple of games-- Kentucky will lose a game they shouldn't because that's what they do.

But the talent level in Lexington is just as good as the talent level in Knoxville or in either Mississippi school.

[cumberlandreds]

There’s been some talking heads predicting Kentucky to beat Georgia in Lexington and as a possible dark horse SEC East Champion.

Beating Georgia is possible but they are heading to The Swamp in week 2 without Chris Rodriguez who is facing a DUI suspension. Tennessee and both Mississippi schools could be problematic as well.

I agree. Florida may have a new coach but they probably still have more talent than UK. UK rarely beats Tennessee so I always put an L by that game until they prove me wrong. Without a bunch of key injuries they should have 8 wins. With some luck they may get to 10 once again this year. Stoops is setting the bar higher every year. We will see if they can continue to clear that bar.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I agree. Florida may have a new coach but they probably still have more talent than UK. UK rarely beats Tennessee so I always put an L by that game until they prove me wrong. Without a bunch of key injuries they should have 8 wins. With some luck they may get to 10 once again this year. Stoops is setting the bar higher every year. We will see if they can continue to clear that bar.

The expectation this season should be at least nine wins, IMO.

I disagree about the talent levels on the Florida and Kentucky football teams this season. Dan Mullen left them in some pretty dire straits-- and the receiver room and offensive line are works in progress. (That helps UK quite a bit, considering how early this game is.) Kentucky, pretty clearly, has the better WR depth/ starters, TE, and OL. They're pretty even in RB and QB too.

Defensively, while the Gators return nine starters, the defense was underwhelming all season last year. UF has a really thin line, good LB, and questions in the backfield. They gave up a ton of points last season. Maybe Brenton Cox is the truth. Then again, maybe not. Regardless, I like UK's defensive front far more (their depth is, IMO, third-best in the SEC behind Alabama and Georgia) and their LB just as much. Florida has the better backfield.

That game is eminently winnable.

[WVRed]

The expectation this season should be at least nine wins, IMO.

I disagree about the talent levels on the Florida and Kentucky football teams this season. Dan Mullen left them in some pretty dire straits-- and the receiver room and offensive line are works in progress. (That helps UK quite a bit, considering how early this game is.) Kentucky, pretty clearly, has the better WR depth/ starters, TE, and OL. They're pretty even in RB and QB too.

Defensively, while the Gators return nine starters, the defense was underwhelming all season last year. UF has a really thin line, good LB, and questions in the backfield. They gave up a ton of points last season. Maybe Brenton Cox is the truth. Then again, maybe not. Regardless, I like UK's defensive front far more (their depth is, IMO, third-best in the SEC behind Alabama and Georgia) and their LB just as much. Florida has the better backfield.

That game is eminently winnable.

Floridas (UF, not the state) talent level is so bad that they brought in Billy Napier just to help with recruiting alone. That’s his bread and butter. It will take awhile for him to rebuild the culture there. Tennessee is even favored to beat Florida this year and that rivalry has been pretty one sided since Fulmer left.

That said I’m nervous about Kentucky going into the swamp for two reasons:

1. Levis didn’t look all that sharp in the spring. For all the NFL Draft hype I worry that his success was more defined by Wandale Robinson and not through Levis’s own abilities. Kentucky is losing a lot on offense and someone will have to step up.

2 Chris Rodriguez will almost certainly be suspended. Ramon Jefferson is getting rave reviews but combined with my concerns of Levis it could be a game that ultimately sets the tone for the season.

Have I mentioned I hate playing in Gainesville in Game Two every other year?

[cumberlandreds]

Floridas (UF, not the state) talent level is so bad that they brought in Billy Napier just to help with recruiting alone. That’s his bread and butter. It will take awhile for him to rebuild the culture there. Tennessee is even favored to beat Florida this year and that rivalry has been pretty one sided since Fulmer left.

That said I’m nervous about Kentucky going into the swamp for two reasons:

1. Levis didn’t look all that sharp in the spring. For all the NFL Draft hype I worry that his success was more defined by Wandale Robinson and not through Levis’s own abilities. Kentucky is losing a lot on offense and someone will have to step up.

2 Chris Rodriguez will almost certainly be suspended. Ramon Jefferson is getting rave reviews but combined with my concerns of Levis it could be a game that ultimately sets the tone for the season.

Have I mentioned I hate playing in Gainesville in Game Two every other year?

Isn't Rodriquez suspended the first three or four games? Maybe that's not official yet? Anytime you go to the swamp its difficult. I would never put that as an automatic win. They will have a very tough time winning down with Rodriquez or not.

[WVRed]

Isn't Rodriquez suspended the first three or four games? Maybe that's not official yet? Anytime you go to the swamp its difficult. I would never put that as an automatic win. They will have a very tough time winning down with Rodriquez or not.

I don’t think they officially announced it but that was what Jones reported a couple weeks ago Stoops was thinking.

[cumberlandreds]

I don’t think they officially announced it but that was what Jones reported a couple weeks ago Stoops was thinking.

You are right. Iremember now that is where I read it.

[WVRed]

Will Levis looks like Joe Burrow tonight and not in a good way. The Big Blue Wall has sprung a leak.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The expectation this season should be at least nine wins, IMO.

I disagree about the talent levels on the Florida and Kentucky football teams this season. Dan Mullen left them in some pretty dire straits-- and the receiver room and offensive line are works in progress. (That helps UK quite a bit, considering how early this game is.) Kentucky, pretty clearly, has the better WR depth/ starters, TE, and OL. They're pretty even in RB and QB too.

Defensively, while the Gators return nine starters, the defense was underwhelming all season last year. UF has a really thin line, good LB, and questions in the backfield. They gave up a ton of points last season. Maybe Brenton Cox is the truth. Then again, maybe not. Regardless, I like UK's defensive front far more (their depth is, IMO, third-best in the SEC behind Alabama and Georgia) and their LB just as much. Florida has the better backfield.

That game is eminently winnable.

Ahem.

UK's going to go 4-0 heading into an absolute battle with Ole Miss in Oxford. The Rebels will be ranked higher than Kentucky because that's what happens every year.

That game will go a long, long way to seeing what Kentucky can be.

Before that October 1 matchup, the Cats have got to fix their offensive line. It looked far better in the second half against Florida-- that would auger well for future games. Too, that game is likely to be the second one back for RB Chris Rodriguez. That should help a bit.

Defensively, they need to get more pressure on the QB, but that second half tonight was pretty spectacular. The corners look more than solid, the LB are good tacklers, and the defensive front can sub in seven good players.

[WVRed]

Ahem.

UK's going to go 4-0 heading into an absolute battle with Ole Miss in Oxford. The Rebels will be ranked higher than Kentucky because that's what happens every year.

That game will go a long, long way to seeing what Kentucky can be.

Before that October 1 matchup, the Cats have got to fix their offensive line. It looked far better in the second half against Florida-- that would auger well for future games. Too, that game is likely to be the second one back for RB Chris Rodriguez. That should help a bit.

Defensively, they need to get more pressure on the QB, but that second half tonight was pretty spectacular. The corners look more than solid, the LB are good tacklers, and the defensive front can sub in seven good players.

Ole Miss has a game next week against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. They should win but anything is possible.

I’m expecting a shootout in Oxford though. Similar to what happened a couple years ago when the Lane Train came to Lexington during Covid. Levis will have a chance to add to his draft/Heisman resume.

[Assembly Hall]

Great win for the 'Cats.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Ole Miss has a game next week against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. They should win but anything is possible.

I’m expecting a shootout in Oxford though. Similar to what happened a couple years ago when the Lane Train came to Lexington during Covid. Levis will have a chance to add to his draft/Heisman resume.

I suspect Ole Miss is much, much better than Georgia Tech, but it's early in the season. I could well be fooled.

[cumberlandreds]

UK jumps to 9th this week!

[Bourgeois Zee]

UK jumps to 9th this week!

That might be too high for this club as currently constructed.

They'll probably stick there over the next two weeks.

Then, Ole Miss...

[cumberlandreds]

Just saw that Rodriquez has been cleared to be back for the Ole Miss game. That will help a lot.

[Assembly Hall]

UK jumps to 9th this week!

What is the highest UK has ever been ranked?

[cumberlandreds]

What is the highest UK has ever been ranked?

Highest I remember is 6th back in 1977. They ended the season at that ranking. In 2007 they got up to 7th or 8th before falling back. They may have been ranked higher during Bear Bryant's time but that was before I was around.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Highest I remember is 6th back in 1977. They ended the season at that ranking. In 2007 they got up to 7th or 8th before falling back. They may have been ranked higher during Bear Bryant's time but that was before I was around.

They were national champ in 1950, weren't they?

Unbeaten Sugar Bowl champions who beat previously number one Oklahoma.

[UKFlounder]

They lost a game - to Tennessee - and the national championship was awarded years later by Danny Sagrin based on his computer rankings.

It really doesn't feel like a "national championship" to me, though it was a great team and had the terrific win against the Sooners.


They were national champ in 1950, weren't they?

Unbeaten Sugar Bowl champions who beat previously number one Oklahoma.

[cumberlandreds]

They lost a game - to Tennessee - and the national championship was awarded years later by Danny Sagrin based on his computer rankings.

It really doesn't feel like a "national championship" to me, though it was a great team and had the terrific win against the Sooners.

The Bear had a hard time beating Tennessee. There were a lot of mythical national titles at one time. I guess UK could claim one.

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They were national champ in 1950, weren't they?

Unbeaten Sugar Bowl champions who beat previously number one Oklahoma.

I did say The Bears time was before my time.

[cumberlandreds]

UK with a shut out win. First one of those since 2009. Six straight quarters too of shut out ball. Northern Illinois is next.

[cumberlandreds]

UK moves up a notch to 8th this week in the polls. Onward and upward!

[WVRed]

Next years schedule has already been released:

2023 Kentucky Football Schedule Unveiled https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/2023-kentucky-football-schedule-unveiled-sec-football-mark-stoops/

They could easily be 4-0 or even 5-0 before a trip Between the Hedges in October. Alabama is the crossover opponent so that sucks.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Next years schedule has already been released:

2023 Kentucky Football Schedule Unveiled https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/2023-kentucky-football-schedule-unveiled-sec-football-mark-stoops/

They could easily be 4-0 or even 5-0 before a trip Between the Hedges in October. Alabama is the crossover opponent so that sucks.

It won't be their actual schedule-- Texas and Oklahoma will move sooner rather than later, and the entire SEC schedule will have to be rewritten.

[cumberlandreds]

Next years schedule has already been released:

2023 Kentucky Football Schedule Unveiled https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/2023-kentucky-football-schedule-unveiled-sec-football-mark-stoops/

They could easily be 4-0 or even 5-0 before a trip Between the Hedges in October. Alabama is the crossover opponent so that sucks.

Yea I hate seeing Alabama on the schedule. Mark that down as a loss. Going to UGA too is a probable loss. Middle part of the schedule is tough. Tennessee is usually a loss and going to Miss State is never easy. Also playing Vanderbilt that early is unheard of. I don't think I ever remember playing them before November. But I guess it doesn't matter. They should start out 4-0 and maybe 5-0 depending on how UF progresses. Very early but I would say 8 or 9 wins is about the max for this schedule.

[WVRed]

Yea I hate seeing Alabama on the schedule. Mark that down as a loss. Going to UGA too is a probable loss. Middle part of the schedule is tough. Tennessee is usually a loss and going to Miss State is never easy. Also playing Vanderbilt that early is unheard of. I don't think I ever remember playing them before November. But I guess it doesn't matter. They should start out 4-0 and maybe 5-0 depending on how UF progresses. Very early but I would say 8 or 9 wins is about the max for this schedule.

It’s amazing how cocky some UK fans I’ve read have been lately regarding the Bama game.

This has been the best run of UK football in my lifetime but Alabama (and Georgia) are on another level. I’m not saying it can’t be done but UK is going to be breaking in a new QB who likely isn’t even on the roster yet. Bama likely will be doing the same but given the track record I’d trust them to have a potential Heisman candidate whoever that may be.

Assuming the schedule stays the way it is (big IF), it would be attractive to a transfer portal QB to follow after Levis with a pretty easy early part of the schedule to get settled in before the meat and potatoes of the schedule picks up.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

UK moves up a notch to 8th this week in the polls. Onward and upward!

It probably won't happen but I'd love to be undefeated going into the Georgia game at Kroger Field. Cats would be Top 5 at that point and Dogs probably #1. Can you imagine the atmosphere of that one???

[cumberlandreds]

It’s amazing how cocky some UK fans I’ve read have been lately regarding the Bama game.

This has been the best run of UK football in my lifetime but Alabama (and Georgia) are on another level. I’m not saying it can’t be done but UK is going to be breaking in a new QB who likely isn’t even on the roster yet. Bama likely will be doing the same but given the track record I’d trust them to have a potential Heisman candidate whoever that may be.

Assuming the schedule stays the way it is (big IF), it would be attractive to a transfer portal QB to follow after Levis with a pretty easy early part of the schedule to get settled in before the meat and potatoes of the schedule picks up.

Just remind those fans that UK has beaten Bama,I think, 1 time(not more than 2) in history. I am more than happy with the job Stoops has done., He surpassed my expectations of UK football. I would have been happy at a level of 6 to 8 wins a year with a 10 win season one time in his tenure. Now the hard part for Stoops is maintaining. Going to be difficult when Florida and Tennessee get their ships righted.

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It probably won't happen but I'd love to be undefeated going into the Georgia game at Kroger Field. Cats would be Top 5 at that point and Dogs probably #1. Can you imagine the atmosphere of that one???

Would be great but with games at Ole Miss and against Tennessee it probably ain't happening.

[WVRed]

Tied at 14. The backup QB curse continues.

I think Kentucky wins but they aren’t going to cover the spread. This is a look ahead game to Oxford.

[WVRed]

Kentucky won 31-23. I’d imagine the walls in the Kentucky locker room will have to be repainted.

Chris Rodriguez returns next Saturday against Ole Miss. Unless the line gets fixed it’s not going to matter. Expecting a shootout next week in Oxford.

[cumberlandreds]

UK is 7th in the polls this week. Highest ranking since 1977. They will have to be better than they were Saturday night against Northern Illinois. They kind of slept walked through that game. Having Rodriquez back will help a lot. They basically have had little running game. Big test though in Oxford. Win this one and you have a really special season set up. The game is at noon on Saturday on ESPN.

[RedTeamGo!]

Can someone explain to me why Kentucky is ranked so high and Kansas is unranked?

I think Kentucky should be ranked but looking at what Kansas has done I don’t understand why they are getting crapped on so much.

[cumberlandreds]

Can someone explain to me why Kentucky is ranked so high and Kansas is unranked?

I think Kentucky should be ranked but looking at what Kansas has done I don’t understand why they are getting crapped on so much.

UK has had two 10 win season in the last four years. That helps. Playing in the SEC instead of the Big 12 helps. Also UK is a football school while Kansas is a basketball school. Or so Mark Stoops tells us that. :) Kansas being so bad the last decade or more hasn't helped their cause. It takes a while to build some clout. It did for UK too. Kansas is just out side the polls at 26. Win another one and they will be there.

[goreds2]

UK at 14 OleMiss this Saturday at noon on ESPN.

[UKFlounder]

It’s one of the flaws with the ranking system, especially preseason rankings.

UK was unranked in every preseason before this year and took forever (exaggeration) to get ranked even when they won games. At least thst is how it seemed to us Kentucky fans.

They finally have had enough success in recent years to get a preseason ranking this year and moved up a bunch after beating Florida.

Unfortunately, Kansas will likely have to finish a couple good seasons before getting preseason respect that helps so much in the rankings.

Breaking into the rankings is a hard first step, especially for schools with poor football reputations.



Can someone explain to me why Kentucky is ranked so high and Kansas is unranked?

I think Kentucky should be ranked but looking at what Kansas has done I don’t understand why they are getting crapped on so much.

[WVRed]

Can someone explain to me why Kentucky is ranked so high and Kansas is unranked?

I think Kentucky should be ranked but looking at what Kansas has done I don’t understand why they are getting crapped on so much.

Kentucky went into the Swamp and won a week after Utah, a preseason top 10 team, lost. Florida vaulted into the rankings after that win and Anthony Richardson was being hailed as the second coming of Cam Newton.

It kinda backs up what UKFlounder and cumberlandreds said. UK is starting to get national respect which is very hard to get unless you are a true blue blood. It took one win from Florida to jump from unranked to 12th (which was pretty ridiculous).

[plantmanky]

UK with 2 key pieces of the defense out for this game, going to be tough to get a win Saturday.

[Sea Ray]

Kentucky went into the Swamp and won a week after Utah, a preseason top 10 team, lost. Florida vaulted into the rankings after that win and Anthony Richardson was being hailed as the second coming of Cam Newton.

It kinda backs up what UKFlounder and cumberlandreds said. UK is starting to get national respect which is very hard to get unless you are a true blue blood. It took one win from Florida to jump from unranked to 12th (which was pretty ridiculous).

Easy come, easy go. Florida is now out of the top 25. That said, if Anthony Richardson plays like he did vs the Vols, they'll be back. He was tough

[WVRed]

UK with 2 key pieces of the defense out for this game, going to be tough to get a win Saturday.

Ole Miss has injury issues as well. If Kentucky loses it won’t be because of injuries.


Easy come, easy go. Florida is now out of the top 25. That said, if Anthony Richardson plays like he did vs the Vols, they'll be back. He was tough

It’ll take the Cocktail Party for that to happen and maybe Texas A&M.

[WVRed]

Kentucky falls by 3. Shot itself in the foot and had opportunities to win.

[Sea Ray]

Kentucky falls by 3. Shot itself in the foot and had opportunities to win.

In many ways. Turnovers in crunchtime. Kicking game. Will Levis not ready for prime time

[GAC]

I was going back n forth thru several games. And some darn good ones too. But the Kentucky-Ole Miss was (so far) the best. I wanna give credit to OM's defense, but how many times was KY driving, and either in tying FG range, or the redzone, and come up empty?? Just one that got away IMO. Darn good game though.

[cumberlandreds]

In many ways. Turnovers in crunchtime. Kicking game. Will Levis not ready for prime time

It would help if he had a decent OL in front of him.

[WVRed]

I was going back n forth thru several games. And some darn good ones too. But the Kentucky-Ole Miss was (so far) the best. I wanna give credit to OM's defense, but how many times was KY driving, and either in tying FG range, or the redzone, and come up empty?? Just one that got away IMO. Darn good game though.

Missed field goal, two missed extra points. Seven points right there.

Rich Scangarello shot his mouth off earlier this week and dared teams to blitz Levis. Ole Miss took it to task.

[Sea Ray]

Missed field goal, two missed extra points. Seven points right there.

Rich Scangarello shot his mouth off earlier this week and dared teams to blitz Levis. Ole Miss took it to task.

Last 3 possessions ending in turnovers...on the road. How'd they only lose by 3?

[plantmanky]

It would help if he had a decent OL in front of him.

It would help if he remember what team he plays or an not throw the darn ball at the other team 8-10 times a game.

[cumberlandreds]

It would help if he remember what team he plays or an not throw the darn ball at the other team 8-10 times a game.

Levis is far from the main problem with this team. Without him they will have trouble beating anyone. If they don't improve that OL in a hurry he won't be around much longer as he is taking a beating every game.

Also had better improve special teams. Special teams can win you a game or two every year and also lose you a couple if they aren't good. You can lay a big portion of this loss at Ole Miss to special teams. They had better improve this aspect soon or they will take a few more L's before this season is done.

UK drops to 13th in the latest polls. That's about right for them now. They were over ranked at 7 anyway.

[WVRed]

It would help if he remember what team he plays or an not throw the darn ball at the other team 8-10 times a game.

Blame that on Rich Scangarello.

It’s a pro style offense. They want Levis to be aggressive. When you are aggressive you take chances. It doesn’t help that he’s breaking in two very young wide receivers although both have a tremendous amount of upside.

I’ll be curious to see who Kentucky gets next year to replace Levis because there will be a pretty nice supporting cast to sell to a transfer portal QB.

[plantmanky]

Levis is far from the main problem with this team. Without him they will have trouble beating anyone. If they don't improve that OL in a hurry he won't be around much longer as he is taking a beating every game.

Also had better improve special teams. Special teams can win you a game or two every year and also lose you a couple if they aren't good. You can lay a big portion of this loss at Ole Miss to special teams. They had better improve this aspect soon or they will take a few more L's before this season is done.

UK drops to 13th in the latest polls. That's about right for them now. They were over ranked at 7 anyway.


I agree, but dang nabbitt he must be color blind at times.

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Blame that on Rich Scangarello.

It’s a pro style offense. They want Levis to be aggressive. When you are aggressive you take chances. It doesn’t help that he’s breaking in two very young wide receivers although both have a tremendous amount of upside.

I’ll be curious to see who Kentucky gets next year to replace Levis because there will be a pretty nice supporting cast to sell to a transfer portal QB.

I dont think they go transfer portal, they will go with the QB from Somerset High School.

[WVRed]

I agree, but dang nabbitt he must be color blind at times.

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I dont think they go transfer portal, they will go with the QB from Somerset High School.

I don’t see it being Sheron. Could be wrong but he’s probably a solid backup or someone who transfers out aka Beau Allen.

Matt Jones said to keep an eye on Hank Bauchmeier from Boise State. I imagine other teams will be on him and his record isn’t that impressive but look at the job done with Will Levis.

[WVRed]

Speaking of Sheron, he may get his first start on Saturday.

Will Levis is questionable with a lower leg injury suffered against Ole Miss.

[cumberlandreds]

Rut...Roh, I'm not sure UK can beat anyone in the SEC without Levis.I was afraid this would happen with the beatings he was taking. I hope he can bevcause otherwise they are going to have hard time in this one and just any other game this season he may not play in.

[WVRed]

Rut...Roh, I'm not sure UK can beat anyone in the SEC without Levis.I was afraid this would happen with the beatings he was taking. I hope he can bevcause otherwise they are going to have hard time in this one and just any other game this season he may not play in.

Vanderbilt maybe.

[cumberlandreds]

Vanderbilt maybe.

That would be about it. But it would be a lot closer than expected IMO.

[WVRed]

Kentucky loses 24-14 to South Carolina.

Sheron wasn’t bad but you could tell they missed Levis.

Kentucky botched a trick play to start the game that led to a 7-0 South Carolina lead. Once that happened and Kentucky was behind the 8 ball what was left of the offense fell apart. The defense did great in the first half and kept them in it but they got no help from the offense.

[cumberlandreds]

Pretty much what I expected without Levis. No offense.

[cumberlandreds]

Good win last night against Miss State. Keeps them in line for an 8 win season. I figure they have no shot against Tennessee or Georgia. Missouri won't be easy but its very winnable and they should beat Vandy and Louisville. This will still have UK in the area I would like to see about every year. Stoops is maintaining that level and I will always be happy with that.

[goreds2]

SATURDAY, OCT 29
at
3 Tennessee
7:00pm ET | ESPN

[Sea Ray]

SATURDAY, OCT 29
at
3 Tennessee
7:00pm ET | ESPN

Neyland will be rockin'. Party time on Ol' RockyTop!

[WVRed]

Neyland will be rockin'. Party time on Ol' RockyTop!

If Tennessee loses it will be because they are looking ahead to Between the Hedges.

Earlier in the year I thought Kentucky and Tennessee would be a battle for second place. I was wrong.

[Sea Ray]

If Tennessee loses it will be because they are looking ahead to Between the Hedges.

Earlier in the year I thought Kentucky and Tennessee would be a battle for second place. I was wrong.

They ought not take Kentucky lightly

[Sea Ray]

If Tennessee loses it will be because they are looking ahead to Between the Hedges.

Earlier in the year I thought Kentucky and Tennessee would be a battle for second place. I was wrong.

Kentucky was a good matchup for Tenn. Poor O line. Can't score in bunches. I thought it could be a blowout but it also had trap game written all over it. Very pleased to see the Vols roll. Scary thing is Hendon Hooker just had a so so game. He can play better

[cumberlandreds]

No surprise from me they got slaughtered down in Knoxville. Tennessee is the hottest team in the country and have a really good chance of being in the playoffs. UK is really no better than a 7 win team, if that. They have a tough one to win at Missouri next week. The Louisville game is looking a lot tougher too as they seem to be getting their act together. So that 8 win season I had hoped for is looking very bleak.

[Sea Ray]

No surprise from me they got slaughtered down in Knoxville. Tennessee is the hottest team in the country and have a really good chance of being in the playoffs. UK is really no better than a 7 win team, if that. They have a tough one to win at Missouri next week. The Louisville game is looking a lot tougher too as they seem to be getting their act together. So that 8 win season I had hoped for is looking very bleak.

Missouri should not be a tough one. If you can't beat Missouri then you're back to being a bottom feeder in the SEC. I thought Mark Stoops changed all that

I thought Tenn matched up very well with UK so I too thought the Vols need not worry about that game. That said, I was surprised that Levis couldn't throw for 100 yards. I didn't expect a 40 pt beatdown

[WVRed]

Kentucky was a good matchup for Tenn. Poor O line. Can't score in bunches. I thought it could be a blowout but it also had trap game written all over it. Very pleased to see the Vols roll. Scary thing is Hendon Hooker just had a so so game. He can play better

Kentucky has no offense, which is sad considering they have a QB projected by many to be a first round pick. The O-line has been terrible. Rodriguez is finally getting back into a groove after being out the first four games. They are breaking in new wide receivers who are young but promising in Dane Key and Barion Brown but they are both freshmen.

Some of it I think is Rich Scangarello replacing Liam Coen. He was supposed to be a continuation of Coen but I think he’s taken the offense backward. Adikindo posted this in another thread but Levis also hasn’t shown up in big games. His best game was the Tennessee game last year and he threw a game deciding pick six in that one.

[cumberlandreds]

Incredibly lucky today.

[WVRed]

Kentucky just lost to Vanderbilt.

Really ready for this season to be over with.

[goreds2]

Kentucky just lost to Vanderbilt.

Really ready for this season to be over with.

We are visiting in Lexington this weekend. We were not at the game but some pretty disappointed people here.

[RedTeamGo!]

Back to being a basketball school?

[WVRed]

Back to being a basketball school?

As long as the athletic director stays stuck in the past in regards to NIL yes. I’m actually amazed Cal has the recruiting class he does coming in next season because I figured that would suffer as well. UK is very well behind the times when it comes to NIL.

I posted this in the other thread but I look for changes this offseason. Recruits are already decomitting and Stoops I think is getting ready to have a Bear Bryant moment where he realizes this is as far as he can take UK. If he does stay Scangarello needs to go but with Eddie Gran already on staff I’m afraid Stoops will go back to what he knows.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm glad I missed this game. We were away this weekend and I hadn't watched it. This team has had so many problems all year. The Oline has been just terrible and lead to Levis injuries. Also special teams has been bad too. They have mad one mistake after another that just shouldn't happen. Just not well coached at all there. Even though Levis has played injured a lot he still is way overrated IMO. I just don't see the NFL hype in him. Stoops is going to have to make some changes on his staff this off season Oline coach and special teams. Probably OC too. We'll see. But just kind of disappointing season overall. No hope for a win this coming week and not much hope against UL. Looks like a 6-6 record and an invite to the toilet bowl.

[goreds2]

Let’s see if UK can pull off the upset at home. Game now on CBS. Rotating this and the Ohio State game.

[Sea Ray]

So Stoops is now making $9mill/yr, making him the 6th highest paid coach in the country. What's up with that? As a Tenn fan, what's Heupel worth now?

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article268998082.html

[Boston Red]

So Stoops is now making $9mill/yr, making him the 6th highest paid coach in the country. What's up with that? As a Tenn fan, what's Heupel worth now?

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article268998082.html

Mitch Barnhart must have had a heart attack when they lost to Vandy immediately after giving him that contract. Back to more respectable football against Georgia on Saturday.

[Sea Ray]

Mitch Barnhart must have had a heart attack when they lost to Vandy immediately after giving him that contract. Back to more respectable football against Georgia on Saturday.

It should take a whole lot more than "respectable football" to be a top 6 paid coach. Amazing they'd do this

[cumberlandreds]

So Stoops is now making $9mill/yr, making him the 6th highest paid coach in the country. What's up with that? As a Tenn fan, what's Heupel worth now?

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article268998082.html

We will find out how good Mr. Heupel is without Mr. Hooker at QB.

I really don't care about what they pay a coach. Stoops has been the best coach at UK since Bear Bryant. He has done what I expect a UK football coach to do. He wins 6 to 8 games every season with an occasional 10 win season. In fact he surpassed my expectations with two 10 win seasons in four years. This season was a bit disappointing but I probably was starting to expect too much from UK football. If he maintains what I said earlier he more than pays for his contract.

[Sea Ray]

We will find out how good Mr. Heupel is without Mr. Hooker at QB.

I really don't care about what they pay a coach. Stoops has been the best coach at UK since Bear Bryant. He has done what I expect a UK football coach to do. He wins 6 to 8 games every season with an occasional 10 win season. In fact he surpassed my expectations with two 10 win seasons in four years. This season was a bit disappointing but I probably was starting to expect too much from UK football. If he maintains what I said earlier he more than pays for his contract.

I agree Stoops has served UK well but he doesn't have the pressure on him that a guy like Ryan Day does at OSU. He's now paid far more than Harbaugh at Mich

As for Heupel, he recruited a 5* QB who's coming in next yr from California (Bryce Young's school)

[jimbo]

We will find out how good Mr. Heupel is without Mr. Hooker at QB.

I really don't care about what they pay a coach. Stoops has been the best coach at UK since Bear Bryant. He has done what I expect a UK football coach to do. He wins 6 to 8 games every season with an occasional 10 win season. In fact he surpassed my expectations with two 10 win seasons in four years. This season was a bit disappointing but I probably was starting to expect too much from UK football. If he maintains what I said earlier he more than pays for his contract.

I've never been able to comprehend this attitude that most UK football fans have towards the program. I have friends who live in Lexington and have spent a lot of time there, and they all have this acceptable attitude of being just fine with winning 6+ games a year and getting an average bowl game. Stoops would be an idiot to entertain any thought of going anywhere else. He has the best job in college football, getting paid $9 mil a year to be average team......an incredibly easy thing to do at UK.

I just don't get it, why not expect more?

[Sea Ray]

I've never been able to comprehend this attitude that most UK football fans have towards the program. I have friends who live in Lexington and have spent a lot of time there, and they all have this acceptable attitude of being just fine with winning 6+ games a year and getting an average bowl game. Stoops would be an idiot to entertain any thought of going anywhere else. He has the best job in college football, getting paid $9 mil a year to be average team......an incredibly easy thing to do at UK.

I just don't get it, why not expect more?

I would think the very least they can ask for is to pummel Tennessee just once like South Carolina did. Then give him $9mill

[UKWhoDey]

Why not expect more? Stoops has won 10 games 2 out of the last 4 yrs. Winning 10 games just doesn't happen at Kentucky. We will never be Alabama and Georgia. You've got to be realistic.

[cumberlandreds]

I've never been able to comprehend this attitude that most UK football fans have towards the program. I have friends who live in Lexington and have spent a lot of time there, and they all have this acceptable attitude of being just fine with winning 6+ games a year and getting an average bowl game. Stoops would be an idiot to entertain any thought of going anywhere else. He has the best job in college football, getting paid $9 mil a year to be average team......an incredibly easy thing to do at UK.

I just don't get it, why not expect more?

It's all about realistic expectations. I have been a fan for over 50 years. I have seen my share of 3-8,2-9 and even a couple of winless seasons. Not to mention countless blow out 70-0 losses to the like of Alabama, Florida and a few others. You learn to savor the few winnings seasons. So I will always be happy with 6 to 8 wins every season. If its better then its even more terrific. If another UK fan wants better then its fine by me. I am not going to criticize. But I know reality and I will always be happy with what Stoops has brought so far. UK blew their chance at greatness about 70 years ago when they didn't keep Bear Bryant around. When a program descends down that path of futility its almost impossible to get to the top of greatness and stay there. I don't think there are many college football programs that have come from the depths of despair and became top flight programs and stayed there. I don't expect that at UK and chances are it will never happen. No matter who the coach may be.

[plantmanky]

It's all about realistic expectations. I have been a fan for over 50 years. I have seen my share of 3-8,2-9 and even a couple of winless seasons. Not to mention countless blow out 70-0 losses to the like of Alabama, Florida and a few others. You learn to savor the few winnings seasons. So I will always be happy with 6 to 8 wins every season. If its better then its even more terrific. If another UK fan wants better then its fine by me. I am not going to criticize. But I know reality and I will always be happy with what Stoops has brought so far. UK blew their chance at greatness about 70 years ago when they didn't keep Bear Bryant around. When a program descends down that path of futility its almost impossible to get to the top of greatness and stay there. I don't think there are many college football programs that have come from the depths of despair and became top flight programs and stayed there. I don't expect that at UK and chances are it will never happen. No matter who the coach may be.

This about 100 times over. It is about realistic. Lightning in a bottle may happen a few times but being competitive with most SEC teams and making a bowl game is just fine at times.

[cumberlandreds]

Well a win against against Louisville. UK's OL finally had a good game and special teams didn't screw up. Also helped than Cunningham was hurt and wasn't very effective when he did play. I'll take the win and end the season at 7-5. I have no idea what bowl they may be in line for. Liberty? Duke's Mayo Bowl or some other veggie or fruit bowl?

[UKFlounder]

He did in 2020


I would think the very least they can ask for is to pummel Tennessee just once like South Carolina did. Then give him $9mill

[UKFlounder]

My personal belief is thst a program’s performance sets the expectation, and not thst expectations set the performance. (Nebraska, for instance has had big expectations based on its past, but the performance doesn’t always follow.)

Kentucky basketball was nothing until Rupp created expectations with decades of winning.

And for all the warts Stoops has and the flaws UK still has, he is the first UK coach with a winning record since Blanton Collier left in 1961.

Six decades of mostly losing, often embarrassingly so, beats down a fan base and destroys expectations. In 2018, UK had a winning SEC record - the first since 1977. It was also the first 9+ win season since that year. It’s hard not to expect to lose after do much of it.

That said, I think it’s starting to turn. A few years ago, a 7-5 record and a win over Florida would have been viewed as terrific.
Now, this season, even with a winning record and another bowl game, is viewed as disappointing or mediocre, at least by many UK fans.






I've never been able to comprehend this attitude that most UK football fans have towards the program. I have friends who live in Lexington and have spent a lot of time there, and they all have this acceptable attitude of being just fine with winning 6+ games a year and getting an average bowl game. Stoops would be an idiot to entertain any thought of going anywhere else. He has the best job in college football, getting paid $9 mil a year to be average team......an incredibly easy thing to do at UK.

I just don't get it, why not expect more?

[cumberlandreds]

Stoops just fired the OC. He canned the special teams coach the other day. Lets see who can come up with to improve these two areas for next season.

[WVRed]

Stoops just fired the OC. He canned the special teams coach the other day. Lets see who can come up with to improve these two areas for next season.

Needed to happen. His offense was way too complex for this team to run.

Liam Coen could be available in the offseason if Kentucky wanted to go that route again.

[cumberlandreds]

Needed to happen. His offense was way too complex for this team to run.

Liam Coen could be available in the offseason if Kentucky wanted to go that route again.

I would take Coen back in a heartbeat.

[WVRed]

I would take Coen back in a heartbeat.

Another name being floated that IMO is highly unlikely but tempting is Brian Hartline.

He’s the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at Ohio State and one of the best recruiters in the nation. The connection is his brother Mike who was a QB at UK.

Vince Marrow was also mentioned as a possibility for Cincinnati but I can’t see him getting a head coaching job of that caliber.

[goreds2]

Former UK running back Benny Snell Jr. Of the Steelers operated as Pittsburgh's primary running back after Najee Harris (abdomen) exited at halftime in Week 12. He responded with 62 yards and a TD on 12 carries. He was a huge part in the Steelers win. Sorry somewhat off topic.

[cumberlandreds]

Kentucky gets Iowa in the Music City Bowl December 31 at noon.

https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/kentucky-football-bowl-game-iowa-hawkeyes-transfperfect-music-city-bowl-199556548/?utm_source=247Sports%2520Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=221204_151737_KentuckyWildcats&utm_content=Link&eid=2a5e24232c69a9cb33d517ee38debcf8854e4986cbdb32 adaf48b8d15a276120

[Sea Ray]

Kentucky gets Iowa in the Music City Bowl December 31 at noon.

https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/kentucky-football-bowl-game-iowa-hawkeyes-transfperfect-music-city-bowl-199556548/?utm_source=247Sports%2520Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=221204_151737_KentuckyWildcats&utm_content=Link&eid=2a5e24232c69a9cb33d517ee38debcf8854e4986cbdb32 adaf48b8d15a276120

Go 'Cats. Bring home another Bowl game win

[UKFlounder]

The exact same date and time as the UK-Louisville basketball game.

Considering that, and the same matchup as last year, it’s about the worst possible choice of bowls.

First team to 16 points wins, LOL


Kentucky gets Iowa in the Music City Bowl December 31 at noon.

https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/kentucky-football-bowl-game-iowa-hawkeyes-transfperfect-music-city-bowl-199556548/?utm_source=247Sports%2520Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=221204_151737_KentuckyWildcats&utm_content=Link&eid=2a5e24232c69a9cb33d517ee38debcf8854e4986cbdb32 adaf48b8d15a276120

[cumberlandreds]

The exact same date and time as the UK-Louisville basketball game.

Considering that, and the same matchup as last year, it’s about the worst possible choice of bowls.

First team to 16 points wins, LOL

Both teams will be going with back up QB's. Bet the under even if its 10. This will be a real snoozer of a game.

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-iowa-has-the-lowest-point-total-in-college-football-history/

[WVRed]

Liam Coen coming back as offensive coordinator.

[WVRed]

Kiyaunta Goodwin has entered the transfer portal.

This is a cautionary tale to the state of college football. He came to Kentucky as a five star recruit and Stoops barely or didn’t even play him and decided to develop him. It’s not like he wouldn’t have been any worse than what UK ran out last season.

If you get a five star recruit now you don’t bury them down the depth chart. If you do someone will lure them away.

[Boston Red]

Isn't he Matt Elam part 2, though?

[WVRed]

Isn't he Matt Elam part 2, though?

Elam was too slow and couldn’t keep the weight off. Goodwin sees that Stoops is recruiting heavy in the transfer portal and won’t get a shot.

[plantmanky]

Kiyaunta Goodwin has entered the transfer portal.

This is a cautionary tale to the state of college football. He came to Kentucky as a five star recruit and Stoops barely or didn’t even play him and decided to develop him. It’s not like he wouldn’t have been any worse than what UK ran out last season.

If you get a five star recruit now you don’t bury them down the depth chart. If you do someone will lure them away.

Goodwin did get a few chances to play this year and he wasnt good, at all.

[WVRed]

UK has their QB for next year. One of the top transfer QBs in the portal, Devin Leary from NC State picked the Cats over Auburn.

Kentucky also picked up a 1,000 yard rusher from Vanderbilt in Ray Davis who torched them earlier this season.

[Sea Ray]

UK has their QB for next year. One of the top transfer QBs in the portal, Devin Leary from NC State picked the Cats over Auburn.

How does he compare to Will Levis?

[WVRed]

How does he compare to Will Levis?

Not as mobile and not as strong of an arm. Has an injury history too.

If healthy ESPN is listing him as a possible Heisman candidate.

[Sea Ray]

Not as mobile and not as strong of an arm. Has an injury history too.

If healthy ESPN is listing him as a possible Heisman candidate.

Wasn't Levis supposed to be a Heisman candidate too? We've heard that bird chirp before

[WVRed]

Wasn't Levis supposed to be a Heisman candidate too? We've heard that bird chirp before

This past year he was. He came from Penn State as a run first QB and was kind of an unknown.

Levis has problems and I’m not going to deny that he could very well be a bust at the next level but he had a lot working against him this year too. Rich Scangarello, a new offensive line and freshmen wide receivers to break in, it’s not surprising he took a step back.

[adkindo]

How does he compare to Will Levis?

Just my opinion.....if Leary can stay healthy, he is a much better college QB than Levis. 35 TD's and 5 Interceptions his Junior Season.....that is high level production. If I was a UK fan, I would be very optimistic about Leary if they can protect him and provide him some targets. I am not familiar with their roster, but I assume he felt they could since he chose to go there. I did read that he is believed to have received a big time package to go to Lexington.

[plantmanky]

These teams look awful for a bowl game.

[Sea Ray]

These teams look awful for a bowl game.

Surprised there's already 14 pts on the board

[UKFlounder]

Interesting decision by Kentucky to boycott todays game.

Significant change is needed on the coaching staff. This is Bill Curry all over again.

Cohen will help, but Yenser and Woodward are doing nothing snd Martiws inability to recruit QBs or OL should not be forgotten.

[KronoRed]

One offensive TD, and it was a short field.

[WVRed]

Interesting decision by Kentucky to boycott todays game.

Significant change is needed on the coaching staff. This is Bill Curry all over again.

Cohen will help, but Yenser and Woodward are doing nothing snd Martiws inability to recruit QBs or OL should not be forgotten.

Can’t help but think Levis and Rodriguez would have made a difference today.

I can honestly say I watched neither game (football or basketball). I knew the basketball game would be a blowout and the football game was an overglorified spring game. It means nothing when Destin Wade won’t even be the first string QB.

[WVRed]

Just my opinion.....if Leary can stay healthy, he is a much better college QB than Levis. 35 TD's and 5 Interceptions his Junior Season.....that is high level production. If I was a UK fan, I would be very optimistic about Leary if they can protect him and provide him some targets. I am not familiar with their roster, but I assume he felt they could since he chose to go there. I did read that he is believed to have received a big time package to go to Lexington.

Barion Brown and Dane Key are two promising receivers but they were both freshmen this year. Having to break in two young receivers likely had an impact on Levis this season but it would be appealing to a QB in the transfer portal.

For the record I wanted Graham Mertz over Devin Leary just because Mertz has two ye of eligibility remaining. As long as Leary is healthy I think he will do fine in Lexington. Just thinking more about the following year.

[cumberlandreds]

What can you do when your two best offensive players are quitters? May not have won anyway. Iowa is really good defensively.

[cumberlandreds]

Can’t help but think Levis and Rodriguez would have made a difference today.

I can honestly say I watched neither game (football or basketball). I knew the basketball game would be a blowout and the football game was an overglorified spring game. It means nothing when Destin Wade won’t even be the first string QB.

I only watched the first half. It was such a pathetic display of football I decided to do other things around the house. I DVR'd the basketball game. I may watch it later but I am so disillusioned with college sports I probably won't.

[Bourgeois Zee]

What can you do when your two best offensive players are quitters? May not have won anyway. Iowa is really good defensively.

Man, those are some harsh words.

These guys are preparing for their future, and plenty of guys have been negatively affected by injury to make the decision a feasible one. I don't like it, but I'm not in the position to make millions for a small, small window of time. It sucks as a fan that they made that decision (and, I suspect, speaks to a bit of disfunction on this year's squad as one of the reasons why they weren't as successful as they might have been). But I'm not sure I wouldn't do the same if faced with that decision.

[WVRed]

Man, those are some harsh words.

These guys are preparing for their future, and plenty of guys have been negatively affected by injury to make the decision a feasible one. I don't like it, but I'm not in the position to make millions for a small, small window of time. It sucks as a fan that they made that decision (and, I suspect, speaks to a bit of disfunction on this year's squad as one of the reasons why they weren't as successful as they might have been). But I'm not sure I wouldn't do the same if faced with that decision.

Kentucky already fired their offensive coordinator before the bowl game even started. Vince Marrow was calling the plays for the second bowl game in a row. It was an overglorified spring game and sadly that’s the future of any bowl that doesn’t feature a team in the Playoff (especially once it expands.

I completely understand cumberlandreds frustration with this as it’s also where I’m at as well. There needs to be incentive for players to stay and play in the bowl games but IMO what id like to see is less bowl games overall.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Kentucky already fired their offensive coordinator before the bowl game even started. Vince Marrow was calling the plays for the second bowl game in a row. It was an overglorified spring game and sadly that’s the future of any bowl that doesn’t feature a team in the Playoff (especially once it expands.

I completely understand cumberlandreds frustration with this as it’s also where I’m at as well. There needs to be incentive for players to stay and play in the bowl games but IMO what id like to see is less bowl games overall.

I get that you're frustrated, but you don't call out kids for protecting their bodies for their profession (and millions in dollars) in order to play in "overglorified spring games."

[cumberlandreds]

I get that you're frustrated, but you don't call out kids for protecting their bodies for their profession (and millions in dollars) in order to play in "overglorified spring games."

They are part of a team and stick with team until the end. Otherwise in my book they are quitters and I have no respect for them whatsoever.

[Bourgeois Zee]

They are part of a team and stick with team until the end. Otherwise in my book they are quitters and I have no respect for them whatsoever.

Wow.

Okay-- you do you.

Hope you hold yourself to the same high regard.

Just curious: Are you still working at your first job?

[WVRed]

I get that you're frustrated, but you don't call out kids for protecting their bodies for their profession (and millions in dollars) in order to play in "overglorified spring games."

At one point in time it wasn’t an overglorified spring game. Then Jake Butt happened.

I don’t blame the players as much as the system in general. How many coaches have switched teams already?

[RedTeamGo!]

Levis is likely going to be a first round draft pick. Guaranteed tens of millions of dollars. Would be an absolute idiot to play Iowa in an absolutely meaningless bowl game.

As a fan it’s easy to say crap like “what a quitter!” But you really going to sit there and say you would risk $20 million to play in the Whataburger Bowl?

[cumberlandreds]

Wow.

Okay-- you do you.

Hope you hold yourself to the same high regard.

Just curious: Are you still working at your first job?

Yes I am. How many of these guys have ever been injured in a bowl game that may have ruined a pro career? My guess is no more than a handful.

[WVRed]

Yes I am. How many of these guys have ever been injured in a bowl game that may have ruined a pro career? My guess is no more than a handful.

I just mentioned Jake Butt earlier.

TE from Michigan projected to be a second round pick and tore his ACL in a bowl game. Ended up being taken in the fifth round.

I’d say there’s better examples though.

[Boss-Hog]

I just mentioned Jake Butt earlier.

TE from Michigan projected to be a second round pick and tore his ACL in a bowl game. Ended up being taken in the fifth round.

I’d say there’s better examples though.Jaylon Smith is the one who comes to most peoples' minds. His draft stock definitely fell after a brutal injury in the bowl game, but he still went early in the second round.

[RedTeamGo!]

Smith was expected to be a top 5 pick before his injury. Got drafted 34th after his ACL tear. These are just the big names.

If you’re a lock to be a first round pick you’d be nuts to play in a non CFP bowl game.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It's literally a gamble with millions on the line for some-- and an entire career on the line for others.

They're not quitters. They're businesspeople who are making what they feel of is the right decision for them and theirs.

Sucks to be a fan of that team, but you shouldn't fault the process.

[cumberlandreds]

It's literally a gamble with millions on the line for some-- and an entire career on the line for others.

They're not quitters. They're businesspeople who are making what they feel of is the right decision for them and theirs.

Sucks to be a fan of that team, but you shouldn't fault the process.

The process sucks. Not the fans.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The process sucks. Not the fans.

If the fans are calling teenagers and young adults in that decision "quitters," the fans need to take a step back and re-think their priorities, IMO.

Were I a player or coach on that team, I certainly wouldn't want those fans on my side.

[cumberlandreds]

If the fans are calling teenagers and young adults in that decision "quitters," the fans need to take a step back and re-think their priorities, IMO.

Were I a player or coach on that team, I certainly wouldn't want those fans on my side.

We will just agree to disagree about al of this. I personally think team loyalty is more important at this juncture. Obviously you and many others don't. So I'll leave it at that.

[Bourgeois Zee]

We will just agree to disagree about al of this. I personally think team loyalty is more important at this juncture. Obviously you and many others don't. So I'll leave it at that.

"Team loyalty"? Nah.

I can't get mad at a kid who is risking millions. Chris Rodriguez, should he get hurt, will not be drafted. Getting drafted gets his foot in the door. He's been playing toward this future since he first put on pads. Now, at the brink of possible success, you're asking him to play behind a suspect line after two different UK running backs have suffered career-threatening injuries this season?

Rodriguez would probably argue that he has to be more loyal to family and dream than to team.

Your mileage varies, obviously.