November 30th: On this date...

... in 2004, Kelenna Azubuike went 7-12 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc to lead your University of Kentucky Wildcats past Tennessee Tech, 92-63. Buike had a coming out party and finished with 21 points after starting the season in a horrible shooting slump. Tubby Smith said the biggest reason for the turnaround was Kelenna finally started attacking the rim, opening up everything else. Everyone in the starting lineup (Azubuike, Hayes, Morris, Rondo, Sparks) had at least one steal, as Tech ended the game with 23 turnovers. Chuck Hayes dominated the inside with 17 points and 11 rebounds, going 5-5 from the field. A 19-3 run early in the second half (started by a Buike three point play) made a six point lead balloon to 22 points and Big Blue never looked back.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 29th: On this date...

... in 1999, your #13 University of Kentucky Wildcats were shocked by Dayton, 68-66, in Cincinnati. Tayshaun Prince missed an uncontested three-pointer at the buzzer for the win; but it wasn’t to be, as the Flyers got their first win vs. Kentucky since 1955. Prince ended the contest just 1-8 from the field. Jules Camara led Kentucky with 12 points and Saul Smith added 11. Big Blue went 2-13 overall from behind the arc, committed 20 turnovers, and blew a 10 point lead. The good news from the night was that UK went 24-29 from the free throw line This was Tubby’s Cats second straight loss and the team would actually lose four games in a five game span to ignite a spark in the rabid UK fan base. Many fans never let go of this as this was Tubby Smith’s first “10 loss” team.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Expect The UNExpected

Even Smokey's tired of beating the Cats.

Well if that wasn't a letdown, I don't know what is. The Cats came out on top of the world, only to snatch defeat one more time. I know it's second guessing, but I would've loved to see PaPaw say, "Screw it. We're going for it on fourth and goal."

Would you have been pissed off at a call like that?

I mean......what's the worst that could've happened.

Anyone else feel like Charlie Brown?

Go Cats.

Cus They Some Snitches

November 28th: On this date...

... in 1989, Rick Pitino made his debut as Kentucky head coach at Rupp Arena, squeaking past the University of Ohio, 76-73. The Cats were led by Somerset-native Reggie Hanson’s 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five steals. The notorious Derrick Miller finished the game with 18 points, on 2-9 shooting from three-point range. The brash, young head coach promised two things to the rabid Kentucky fan base: it would be a super fast pace and there would be a ton of three pointers. Even though, the team was on probation, Pitino wanted to spread the word around the basketball world that you could come to Kentucky and get minutes. Everyone would play. Big Blue Nation quickly adopted the New Yorker as their own and listened to him like his word was scripture. And as long as he was winning, it was.......until he turned his back on us. Years later, Pitino would get involved with a crazy-eyed lady in a Louisville restaurant.

Big Booyah on Tom Leach

November 27th: On this date...

... in 1976, your University of Kentucky Wildcats opened their brand new, state-of-the-art, $53 million basketball arena against Wisconsin, winning 72-64. Rupp Arena to this day is the largest arena built specifically for basketball, with an official capacity of 23,500. The Cats were led that November day by Jack Givens and Rick Robey, both compiling double-doubles. Adolph Rupp was there to watch Joe B. Hall earn the first of many victories in Rupp for UK. The Big Blue Nation has broken the attendance record 23 times since Rupp opened its doors 33 years ago. Kentucky’s record in those games is 19-4. The attendance record is 24,465, set February 10, 2007, in a 64-61 loss to Florida. Being known as one of the greatest homecourt advantages in all of college basketball, the Blue and White has compiled a record of 427-60 since making the move. Ten of the 60 losses were seen in the last two years under Billy Gillispie’s leadership.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.05 & 1.06 - As The Cousins Turns

From Lexington to Cancun.

Just as our worst nightmares were coming true with one DeMarcus Cousins, his freshman cohorts came up big to help lead the Cats to the ever elusive Cancun Challenge World Universe Championship. And really, I've got nothing else to say about Cousins at this point. Anyone that reads this site knows my feelings on #15 and his headband. Enough of that.

John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Ramon Harris, and Darius Miller came up huge for Good Guys tonight as they clawed their way back to win the Cancun World Championship, 73-65 in OT. Stanford, once again, seemed to hit everything in sight, but both team missed some crucial free throws down the stretch to win the game.

I'll take the win. I can't really say we deserved it, but I have no problem ripping it away from the Fightin' Dwight Perry's. It should be a huge momentum boost for the fellas (-1), and lets the children get a taste of a big win away from Rupp. Being in key situations like this can't do anything but help come 2010.

And once again. Patrick Patterson. Three words. HE DESERVES THIS.

November 26th: On this date...

... in 1983, a regular season rivalry was renewed for the first time since January 21, 1922. Louisville had taken Kentucky out in the 1983 NCAA Tournament to kickstart the rivalry again. The way the players talked trash and how the players, coaches, and fans literally hated one another was really refreshing.

There was not even a compromise on where the announcement (of the renewed rivalry) would take place: (Sports Illustrated excerpt from December 5, 1983 issue)

“Two years ago, when a preseason publication wished to pose Kentucky and Louisville players together on the steps of the Capitol in Frankfort, Crum was more than willing but Hall refused to cooperate. This summer, after the schools finally agreed to play, Louisville Athletic Director Bill Olsen proposed that the announcement be made at the governor's office. His Kentucky counterpart, A.D. Cliff Hagan, refused. When Olsen recommended Shelbyville as a neutral site, Hagan wanted to know if that town was closer to Lexington or Louisville. The result was that Olsen consulted the AAA auto club and determined the exact halfway point—which turned out to be a cow pasture off U.S. 60.”

Great stuff and a great read if you have a bit of time. Oh yeah, the Cats took 36 free throws and Louisville only took 5. Kentucky destroyed Louisville that day 65-44 behind Sam Bowie. He never made a bucket, but ended with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 assists, and 3 steals. You gotta love a renewed rivalry, no?

SI article

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 25th: On this date...

... in 2006, Kentucky’s last ranked defense nationally almost pulled off the upset at #19 Tennessee, but lost 17-12, to give the Hunters their 22nd straight victory over the Cats. The win would have put Kentucky’s record at 8-4, 5-3 SEC, but the win clinched second in the SEC East for the Vols. Regardless, the seven wins on the season made UK bowl eligible. Andre Woodson led the way at quarterback going 26-39 for 282 yards and one touchdown. Rafael Little gained 119 yards on 23 carries and had a receiving touchdown. The Cats led 12-10 at halftime, but Lones Seiber missed a third quarter field goal to put the good guys on top. It was quarterback coach Randy Sanders first game back in Knoxville since resigning as the Vols offensive coordinator the previous season.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Looks Comfortable Wouldn't You Say?

This is what happens when its cold outside, you blast Rider, and upset Georgia all in one day. We needed to feed the fire, and we found the perfect match when we noticed this joker staring at us.

Thanks to Stacey for the unprecedented shot!

November 24th: On this date...

... in 1995, Mark Pope’s 26 points led your #1 University of Kentucky Wildcats to victory over #14 Maryland in the Tip-Off Classic, 96-84. The difference in the game was three-point shooting. Big Blue made nine on the day, from seven different players, and held Maryland to 1-12 shooting behind the arc. Eleven different players scored on the day for the Cats, led by Pope’s 26 and Tony Delk’s 21. No other player scored in double figures. Pope also led the team with six rebounds and four blocks. Point guard Anthony Epps controlled the game and added six assists and three steals. It was the first game of the storied 1995-96 campaign, and was the first of three big games to start the season. After defeating the #14 Terps, Kentucky turned around and played #5 UMASS and Indiana, going 2-1 during the stretch.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 23rd: On this date...

... in 1991, “The Voice of the Wildcats” Cawood Ledford called his last University of Kentucky football game. Unfortunately, it was a game against Tennessee. And we all know how those usually turn out. The Hunters won the game that day 16-7. Cawood would finish out the 1991-92 basketball season to wrap up his 39 years on the mic. To think both of his last games (football and basketball) were losses is a bad deal. On the football side, one of Cawood’s most famous sayings happened when Kentucky had a big play. The inflection in his voice would get louder and louder for Big Blue, then you’d hear him say, “Any flags, Ralph?” (BTW, was there a harder job following Cawood Ledford as Kentucky’s play-by-play man? I say no. Ralph was in a no-win situation.) Most notable for his basketball announcing, Cawood’s football announcing was second to none. Who of us wouldn’t love to pick his brain today about the recent success of the football team and what might be on the horizon for the basketball team?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

What A Night

Nothing really to add. Just a great night.

November 22nd: On this date...

... in 2000, Tubby Smith’s Wildcats were unhappy campers going into the third game of the season vs. Jacksonville State. The game was played in Cincinnati and the Cats were still looking for their first win of the 2000 campaign. The year started with back-to-back losses in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic against St. John’s and UCLA respectively. Needless to say, Big Blue Nation was unhappy with this unheard of start to the basketball season. The Cats raced out to a 42-17 halftime lead and won the game by the score of 91-48. Cincinnati-native Erik Daniels led the Big Blue with 19 points on only three made field goals. Daniels was 12-14 from the free throw line and made one three-pointer. Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans added 14 points a piece to lank Daniels. The story of the night was the Wildcat defense, who forced 30 turnovers.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.04 - Rider

ThankyouThankyouThankyouThankyou

Cal's Cats looked unbeatable today as they did everything they wanted in a 92-63 blasting of Rider. Big time confidence builder for the Boys as the first few game were a bit close for the rabid UK fan base. This was no doubt one of the easiest game to watch as Big blue had no less than five or six SportsCenter top 10 plays this afternoon.

John Wall (21 points - 11 assists) did his thing again and again, taking Rider off the dribble whenever he wanted getting And 1's about every third or fourth time down the court. Eric Bledsoe (11 points, 3-6 3PM) came up with his ever timely three's and Daniel Orton (14 points - 6 rebounds) let us know once again that if DeMarcus Cousins (18 points - 6 rebounds) over-anxious during a game, he'll be more than capable to take over down low.

Watching this game was effortless. Being able to see the Cats do whatever they wanted, wherever they wanted, was a pleasant surprise from the previous train wrecks (i.e. BCG Era).

Enjoy the weather and let's bring these pigskin Cats a win home tonight.

I've said it once and I'll definitely say it again. Pat Patterson (19 points - 18 rebounds - I mean c'mon, seriously) is ridiculously fun to watch right now. Three words: HE DESERVES THIS.

Go Cats.

November 21st: On this date...

... in 2003, four Wildcats scored in double-figures, as Kentucky basketball opened its 101st season defeating Winthrop, 65-44. Known as “The Suffocats”, this freaky defensive team forced 29 turnovers. Getting that many turnovers, you’d thing we could’ve scored more than 65 points. We would have if it wasn’t for the 24 turnovers we had as a squad. Gerald Fitch, Cliff Hawkins, and Kelenna Azubuike had 14 simply between them. It was the first game of the season though, so there was plenty of time to panic for the Big Blue faithful. Kentucky finished the game 9-18 from behind the arc, including an impressive 6-7 from our lost post guys (Daniels, Azubuike, Hayes). Daniels led the Cats that day with 15 points and 8 rebounds. ‘Buike added 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

UGA VII Passes

After being on the job only two years, UGA VII has passed due to heart failure at the age of four. Therefore, no live UGA will be at tomorrow's game between the Cats and Dawgs.

As if we needed any other factors going against us Saturday, the passing of the big guy above can't help us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the UGA family.

November 20th: On this date...

... in 1997, Orlando “Tubby” Smith coached his first official game as the head coach of your University of Kentucky Wildcats, beating Morehead, 88-49. Brought in from the University of Georgia, Tubby Smith had an impressive record of turning around basketball programs very quickly, not to mention an impressive record in March. Matching this coach with a powerhouse the likes of Kentucky was sure to be a success. No one was complaining (yeah right) after Tubby led the 1998 squad to our seventh and most recent National Championship. Looking back on his time at UK, you have to think he was given a raw deal. Tubby was an outstanding coach, a man of great integrity, a pillar of the community, and a man with the greatest stare in all of college basketball. Smith ended with a record of 263-83 in 10 season as the Wildcat head coach. “Ten Loss” Tubby seems pretty good compared to the most recent debacle, eh?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.03 - Sam Houston

Three of the above people got off tonight.

Calipari's Cats took control early tonight and kept a steady lead all night in a fun-filled game full of everything. All of our starters had great offensive games, as no one from the bench scored in tonight's 102-92 victory v. Billy Clyde's friend Sam Houston.

Jimmy Chitwood starred for the away team yet again as he became unconscious and hit eight 3's in the first half by himself. His real name, Jimmy Allmond, finished the game with 37, hitting eleven total 3's. It's always nice to see a player have a career night against us. It's even better when we win.

From the 14-2 run to start the game, the game always seemed to be in hand. A great relief from Cal 1.02 with a freaky shooter getting off in each game. This was a fun game to watch as it always seemed our starters had everything under control for the most part.

DeMarcus Cousins let Big Blue Nation know what happens when he doesn't get in early foul trouble. The verdict....27 points 18 rebounds. The guy literally made everything in sight tonight (10-15), sans free throws (7-13). Cousins' last three halves have been unstoppable.

Darius Miller and Eric Bledsoe had great night's from behind the arc, hitting 3-6 and 5-7 respectively. John Wall added 2-4 from 3-point range. Kentucky hit 60% overall from the field, 50% from downtown. Wall and Bledsoe had six assists a piece in what would be a fun fantasy basketball duo to have. Blue outrebounded the Chitwoods 43-30 on the game.

Calipari can't be happy about the 22 turnovers, but you know he had to have a lil' smile inside for each of the 12 blocks. Orton blocked four on his own, and Eric Bledsoe had one of sickest pins I've seen in a while when the Chitwoods were five-on-three.

Patrick Patterson: 8-9 FG - 20 pts - 9 rebs - 2 asst - 1 blk

It's fun to watch Pat play so far this year. He is so at ease not having to carry the load inside. Three words: HE DESERVES THIS.

I'm still having a hard time believing this is our team.

Goodnight you Blue-tinted World you.

Go Cats.

November 19th: On this date...

Ahhh. The good ol' days for a point guard in blue wearing #11....

... in 1999, an old friend came to town as the #16th ranked Fightin’ Utes of Utah came to Rupp to try and get some revenge. Well, that didn’t happen as #14 Kentucky turned away Utah 56-48 in a low scoring affair. Jules Camara hit the lone three pointer on the day as UK went 1-10 from three point range. Kentucky’s defense was the story of the afternoon, holding Utah to only 18 made field goals and forcing 18 turnovers. Every Utah starter had at least two turnovers. Jamaal Magloire led the team with 15 points and Tayshaun Prince added 11 points and seven rebounds. It was the fifth time in the 90's Big Blue had defeated Utah, the previous four coming in the NCAA Tournament. The most notable being when Tubby’s Comeback Cats took the 1998 Championship by a 78-69 score.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 18th: On this date...

... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats moved to 7-4 on the season with a heart-pounding 42-40 victory over Louisiana-Monroe in Commonwealth. Keenan Burton caught multiple touchdown passes (37, 17, and 25 yards) for a program record fourth consecutive game to break teammate Dicky Lyons Jr., record set earlier in the year. The Warhawks (2-8, 1-4 Sun Belt) were down 18 points midway through the second quarter after an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown by Rafael Little. LA-Monroe wouldn’t give up though, and actually held the lead going into the fourth quarter, 34-33. A Lones Seiber field goal and a touchdown put the Cats up 42-34 with a minute to play. The Warhawks scored on a QB sneak to cut the lead to two, but the Big Blue defense stopped a two-point conversion, an onside kick, and a hail mary in the final moments to secure the win.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 17th: On this date...

... in 2001, an all-to-familiar feeling was cast through Big Blue Nation as the University of Kentucky Wildcats snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against hated rival Tennessee, 38-35. Commonwealth Stadium was feeling confident when the Cats marched out to a commanding (or so we thought) 21-0 lead late in the second quarter. Jared Lorenzen had 406 passing yards and Derek Abney had 10 catches for 118 to pace the Big Blue, but the defense broke down coming home. Casey Clausen connected with Donte Stallworth for three scores, two in the fourth quarter, to slam the dagger into the heart of the Wildcat faithful. Stallworth ended the game with 8 receptions for 169 yards and the three aforementioned touchdowns. The losing streak currently stands at 24. Randall Cobb will end this losing streak.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.02 - Miami (OH)

How you like me now?

Welcome to Lexington Coach Cal! The range of emotion that we thought was gone when Alan Cutler chased Billy Clyde around returned to Rupp Arena Monday night as your University of Kentucky Wildcats escaped with a 72-70 win over a team that was beaten by Towson State. As good as you feel about the win.......simply reread that last sentence.

Five quick notes:

1. DeMarcus Cousins was a problem in the first half. He was not a problem in the second half. It's gonna get old real quick if Cousins decides to start every game like he has the first two. Granted the guy is playing his first two games against teenagers actually trying against him. Watch yourself Big Fella. Daniel Orton seemed really comfortable while you rode the pine.
2. Where was Darnell Dodson? As a card carrying member of Big Blue Nation, it's my right to ask this question. I forgot he was even a part of the team until the eight minute mark of the first half. He was the one thing we were missing during the brutal Nick Winbush stretch. Thank you for showing up tonight.
3. Somebody please get Patrick Patterson the ball. If for no other reason than he can dominate inside early in the game. It's good to see Pat draining three's every once in a once, but his money is going to made down low. I know we had trouble getting him the ball last year..........but this team?
4. Eric Bledsoe really defers to John Wall doesn't he? We all know why Coach Cal was preaching this in between games. He wanted Bledsoe to be as active in 1.02 as he was in 1.01, and he wasn't. Both guys were very erratic driving the lane throughout the night, but Bledsoe had a ridiculous wrap-around drive-assist to Pat tonight in the second half that was making The Big Blue long for more.
5. Grab the energy from the best moments tonight and run with it. Calipari 1.01 had its moments, but it was no Calipari 1.02. Pat needs to teach these young fellas to harness the energy they got in the second half tonight and transfer that to each practice.

A win is a win, but as a UK fan, I have to be nit-picky. It's in my blood. The top recruiting class in the nation is one thing; comparing them to the Fab Five is another. At the end of the day, it's no Gardner-Webb or VMI, but hopefully this gets the ball rollin'. You also don't need me to tell you John Wall is the shit either.

Welcome to the Big Blue Nation rookies!

Go Cats.

November 16th: On this date...

... in 2002, Artose Pinner led the Big Blue with a career-high 224 yards rushing as your University of Kentucky Wildcats blasted the Vanderbilt Commodores 41-21 to move to 7-4 (3-4 SEC) on the season. Pinner tied a school record by scoring four touchdowns and set a school record by going over the century mark for the eighth time during the 2002 campaign. Derek Abney also set an NCAA record with his sixth kick return for a touchdown in a single season. It was his seventh career return for a touchdown, an SEC record. The Kentucky defense frustrated Vandy quarterback Jay Cutler for most of the day, only giving up 176 passing yards to the future first-rounder. Leading 28-21 going into the fourth quarter, Kentucky pulled away on Pinner’s fourth touchdown of the day and an Otis Grigsby fumble recovery in the end zone.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Sunday Afternoon Kicks

November 15th: On this date...

... in 1985, a new generation (of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans) was born when superstar and Kentucky-native Rex Chapman told the world he would play his college basketball at the University of Kentucky. An elite high-flyer from Apollo High in Owensboro, KY, King Rex was named a McDonald’s All-American, a Parade All-American, and Mr. Basketball in the state Kentucky for 1986. In just two years at Kentucky, Chapman gained membership into the elusive 1,000 point club and was named to All SEC teams in both seasons in the Blue and White. During his sophomore season, he was named a third team All-American, Academic All-SEC, and the SEC Tournament MVP. In 1988, Rex led the Cats to a 27-6 record and a Sweet Sixteen berth. Then there’s this:




Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.01 - Morehead

Cats Pause photo

Many minds were made up about how this game would go tonight. Everyone had an opinion. No different from any other year. And that's great. We all need an opinion on this team.

I really thought we would have trouble with Bledsoe tonight. I was wrong. The turnovers against Campbellsville concerned me... and they still do. But the 24 points-7 rebounds-4 assists helped to ease the pain. Bledsoe definitely looked out of control, but its something that will be corrected next game, if for no other reason than having another point guard.

Pat Patterson looked absolutely amazing in this offense. There was no part of his game that was held back tonight, as he was able to shoot jumpers and move freely throughout the floor. The rover look allowed him to dominate the boards and literally do whatever the hell he wanted. Pat's big three early in the game calmed Big Blue Nation like no other.

Loved the way Dodson shot at will in the first half. Didn't really notice him in the second half. The main reason for that being Bledsoe's constant driving into the lane and throwing up garbage. The call's were made tonight (carrying/palming), which were expected. It was definitely a turnover/foul shot performance from mini-Buike.

I was disappointed to not see Jon Hood tonight. The thought of him getting in to test his skills against an NCAA Tourney team really had me wondering, but to no avail.

Daniel Orton and Perry Stevenson got their money's worth compared to Cousins tonight. No offense to Cousins...just wasn't feeling it tonight. Whenever something went wrong for the Big Fella, an anger seemed to point toward someone else. Kids will be kids.

If something went wrong for Daniel Orton, he went on about his business. Perry's a vet. No complaints from him. He simply wants to be on the court. Something that will be important down the road.

Pat is a beast. Bledsoe is freaky and erratic. Dodson needs to keep shooting. Darius is scaring me at this point. I love Daniel Orton. One game in....Morris Cousins needs to adjust his attitude. Ramon had some good minutes.

I am giddy for Calipari 1.02 and the John Wall debut.

Next Saturday's opponent Rider beat Mississippi State and Varnado tonight. Get your special underwear on, the season has begun!

November 14th: On this date...

... in 2005, sophomore running back Rafael Little was named National Player of the Week by SI.com after his monster performance in a 48-43 shootout victory against Vanderbilt. Little did everything but kick field goals and call plays as he managed to gain 372 all-purpose yards. This number was the highest in the nation in 2005. The second most in University history. And third most in Southeastern Conference history. The South Carolina native had 198 yards rushing on 28 carries and three touchdowns, all career highs. He added five catches for 86 yards and returned two punts for 88 yards for the final tally. After the Vanderbilt game, Rafael Little led the nation in all-purpose yards per game, averaging nearly 194 yards per contest.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 13th: On this date...

... in 1999, an injured Quentin McCord weaved his way through the Vanderbilt defense on his way to an 80-yard third quarter touchdown helping the Cats to a 19-17 victory in Nashville. The win was the all-important sixth on the season, giving the Wildcats the minimum number of victories to be bowl eligible. Dusty Bonner threw for only 141 yards and super tight end James Whalen only caught 3 passes for 11 yards as the Vandy defense had Kentucky’s number most of the day. The touchdown to McCord came in at #18 on Tom’s Greatest Calls, which was televised a few weeks back. The story says Hal Mumme was told by the team doctors he could have McCord for one of the two remaining games on the season, but not both. Mumme decided to use Quentin in the Vandy game to try and gain bowl eligibility for the second straight year. It worked and that’s all that mattered to Big Blue Nation.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

The NFL's Last Hero

Remember Kyrie Irving?

He chose Duke over Kentucky recently. Looks like a great kid. Loves High School Musical.

Deadspin

Duke basketball recruit Kyrie Irving stars in high school play

November 12th: On this date...

... in 1881, the University of Kentucky football program played its first ever football game, although they didn’t play as the University of Kentucky. And if you’ve been paying attention in class, you’ll also know they didn’t play as the Wildcats either. Your University was known as A&M College, Kentucky State College, and/or State College of Kentucky during the last part of the 19th century. Their opponent? Wait for it...............Kentucky University. The final score? Wait for it...................7 1/4 - 1. I’m going to go out on a limb and say the game has changed quite a bit in this 128 years. The football front page over at UK Athletics says the game and scoring probably resembled rugby more than football, but nevertheless was called football. Football would go on hiatus until 1891, when it would be a staple at the University until World War II. The team later known as your University of Kentucky Wildcats finished the three game season in 1881, 1-2.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

This is the only video from that day.

2K Race

With all of the off-season hype surrounding Coach Cal and the incoming freshmen class, along with North Carolina's 5th National Champioship, the national and local media seemed to have lost sight of a huge milestone in front of both programs. That is the 2,000th all-time win as a basketball team. I can remember when UK passed UNC on this list and we didn't only pass them, but left them in the rearview. Well now we need to look past the rearview into our side mirror because as they read, "objects may be closer than they appear."

Thanks to a certain Texan, UK has slipped up in the last two years and UNC has creeped ever so close to our wins total. UK currently sits on 1,988 total wins while UNC started the season with 1,984. The problem is, UNC has already won a game and plays again tonight at 9:00 versus NC Central. I feel it is safe to say the Carolina will be only 2 wins behind UK after tonight.

That's OK though, right? I mean, we play Friday and will get the ball rolliing our direction again. That led me to study each teams schedule a little closer than I might normally at this time of year to see who I feel will reach that milestone first.

Starting with UK, we should start the season to an easy 6-0 start when UNC will roll into Rupp Arena. That game is followed by UCONN at MSG in NYC. Let's be honest, both are possible losses, but we should win one if not both of those games. Those games are followed by IU and then 4 more easy wins. Let's just say we win all them. UK will reach the 2,000th all-time win on 12/23 versus Long Beach State. On the other hand, let's say just for argument sake we lose to both UNC and UCONN. Well then that would put our possible 2,000th win versus Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals. Wouldn't that a sweet way to ring in the 2,000th all-time victory?

Moving on to UNC. As stated above, they should reach their 1,985th victory tonight. Assuming they win the next 14 games straight (which would include a victory over UK at Rupp) they would hit 2,000 all-time wins on 1/13 versus Clemson. Long story short, UNC's road to 2,000 is much bumpier than UK. They have non-conference games versus Ohio State, Michigan State, Kentucky, and Texas. Although they are really good, I do not forsee the winning all four of those games and really would be surprised if they didn't just split the 4 games somehow (my guess is losses to UK and Texas and wins over Ohio State and Michigan State).

As it stands, if UK and UNC both enter the game in Rupp Arena undefeated on the season, UK will be going for win # 1,995 and UNC will be going for win # 1,992. Since Billy Gillespie is not the coach at UK, I do not see an early season slip-up as we have seen for the last two years in UK's future and will boldly predict that there is nothing to worry about. The University of Kentucky will be the first NCAA team to reach 2,000 all-time wins and will not relinquish the title of NCAA All-Time wins leader anytime in the near, or distant future for that matter.

Go Cats!!!

Self-Gloss Alert!

Jason King of Yahoo Sports says this year's Cats and Coach Cal are THE only story in college basketball. We on a bit of a run on World Domination, so I figured I'd keep it going.

These Colors Don't Run

Happy Veterans Day!

November 11th: On this date...

... in 2006, Kentucky became bowl eligible (in what would become the first of three straight bowl-eligible seasons) by beating Vandy 38-26 in Lexington. Andre Woodson threw for 450 yards and four touchdowns to lead the way at quarterback. Rafael Little had a career game catching 8 passes for 114 yards and rushing for another 132 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Burton led the wideouts with 11 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns, in what would become a statistical freak show for the Blue and White. The win moved the Cats to 6-4 (4-3 in SEC) and guaranteed Big Blue Nation they would have at least a .500 record in the regular season and in conference, virtually guaranteeing them a bowl game. We would go on to play Clemson in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 10th: On this date...

...in 2001, Jared Lorenzen threw for a career-high 453 yards and six touchdowns as he led the hapless Cats to a 56-30 drubbing of Vandy. It was only the second win of the season and the first SEC win for first year head coach Guy Morriss. The win snapped a 15-game conference losing streak for the Wildcats. The 56 points were a season high for the Big Blue. Tight end Derek Smith had 4 catches for 130 yards and Derek Abney added seven receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. For his part, sophomore quarterback J-Load was named National Player of the Week. His six touchdowns passes came with no interceptions.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Are You Ready?

November 9th: On this date...

... in 2002, is a day that will go down in infamy for your beloved Kentucky Wildcats. One of the most sickening feelings I’ve ever had as a UK fan. Two words: Gatorade bath. Excuse me while I go vomit.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 8th: On this date...

... in 2008, Georgia’s Matthew Stafford got the revenge he was looking for when he hit A.J. Green for the go-ahead touchdown (in Joe Montana/Dwight Clark fashion), giving the visiting Bulldogs a 42-38 victory in Commonwealth. Randall Cobb ran for 82 yards and three touchdowns, but was intercepted at the Georgia 13-yard line with only 43 seconds remaining to secure the Georgia win. Kentucky amassed 226 yards rushing against the SEC’s second ranked run defense. Cobb finished the game 12-20 for only 105 yards passing, as the new Wildcat package was the main source of productivity. Matthew Stafford finished game with 376 yards passing and three TDs; Knowshon Moreno ended with 123 yards rushing and three TDs; and Mohamed Massaquoi had 8 receptions for 191 yards to pace the Dawgs.


Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Best Horse In My Lifetime

Glenn Beck Is Hurt!

November 7th: On this date...

... in 2007, Billy Clyde Gillispie’s second game turned out to be a disaster as the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs upended the #20 Wildcats, 84-68 in Rupp Arena. The game was supposed to be an easy win on the way to a four team tournament in Madison Square Garden with Connecticut, Oklahoma, and .......ahem....... Memphis. Gardner-Webb’s win forced them to fly cross country the night before the Madison Square Garden game because they hadn’t planned on making the trip to New York. At this point, it was clear to many Kentucky fans that Billy Clyde’s honeymoon was over. I’m just not sure Billy Clyde ever got that memo. Years later, the aforementioned Kentucky head coach would be arrested for Driving Under the Influence after completing a round of golf at 2:30am in Lawrenceburg, KY. I wish I was making that up.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 6th: On this date...

... in 1999, #8 Mississippi State needed a rally late to ward off Kentucky 23-22 in Starkville to move their record to a school record 8-0. The Cats almost pulled off the upset against the nation’s best defense by only gaining 176 total yards, 226 yards below their SEC leading average. James Whalen led Kentucky with 11 receptions, giving him 78 receptions on the year, a new NCAA record for tight ends. Harrodsburg-native Dennis Johnson blocked a punt to set up Dusty Bonner’s offense at the 1-yard line. Bonner would sneak it in to put Kentucky up 12-7. The Wildcats went into the locker room with a 19-14 lead, but couldn’t muster any offense in the second half and managed only three points.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Bledsoe, Locke, Short People Out For This Weekend's Games

Excuse me, Rich? I'll take it from here.

Two of the more diminutive players on each of our sports teams have been declared out for this weekend's games. KSR says Eric Bledsoe (ankle sprain) likely will not take part in Friday's exhibition with something called Clarion. Everybody and their Mom's have declared Derrick Locke (bum knee) out for this Saturday's glorious weather game v. Eastern. Therefore, the path to World Domination might be sidetracked for a bit.

Hopefully each of these absences won't be the difference between winning and losing, especially with the football team. Our running backs (Locke aside) have been a major disappointment during the 2009 campaign. And we all know EKU didn't fall over against Indiana early in the season, coming within a goal-line fumble from winning. We were told how deep this team was in the preseason, its time to find out if someone's willing to step up.

The gauntlet for Rich Brooks has been laid. Unfortunately, he is the one who did it. PaPaw called last week's Mississippi State game the biggest game in 30 years. Since we lost, doesn't that make the EKU game the latest, "biggest game in 30 years." It does in my book. If you want packed houses at Commonwealth (once basketball starts) and want people to care about football, you can't lose games you should win and start the SEC 1-4.

For the basketball Cats, we've got plenty of time to start second-guessing our new coach. And you know its going to happen. We're Kentucky fans. People are already complaining about the lack of 2010 recruits! Doesn't anyone else think Coach Cal has this under control? Look what he pulled for us after April 1, 2009!

Knowing Eric Bledsoe will be the only guard opening night v. Morehead, resting him was the only move for Coach Cal. If for no other reason than to guarantee a point guard for the first two fake games and the first two real games. The two exhibitions also allow each of our freaky point guards a chance to play without the other in a game situation. Because if you don't think two quick hand check fouls will be called against our guards on the road in the SEC, you're kidding yourself.

Enjoy this weather.

Go Cats.

November 5th: On this date...

... in 2003, Erik Daniels and Gerald Fitch got the ball rolling for your University of Kentucky Wildcats, beating Nike Elite in an exhibition 107-89. Daniels and Fitch combined for 50 points to help #11 Kentucky win going away. And as the Big Blue faithful learned, exhibitions weren’t always a guaranteed win. Just one year earlier, Nike Elite had come into Rupp Arena and beaten Tubby Smith’s Cats 84-75. The defense was usually great, but the offense always took some time to get going, much to the chagrin of the rabid UK fan base. Fitch had 26 points on 10-16 shooting, and Daniels shot 12-21 and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The unusual 107 point performance was a breath of fresh air to the fans, letting them know it was there, just not consistently there.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Reeboks For Life!

November 4th: On this date...

... in 2006, Kentucky got arguably the first marquee victory in the Rich Brooks era with a 24-20 win over Georgia at Commonwealth Stadium. Tony Dixon’s three-yard run up the middle with one minute remaining gave the Cats the final margin. Trevard Lindley was named SEC Freshman of the Week after sealing the win with an interception (of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford) with under a minute left in the fourth quarter. He also had a career-high seven tackles and a pass break-up. Fans stormed the field and tore down the goal posts. The win ended a nine game losing streak to the Bulldogs, and was only Kentucky’s 11th since the series started in 1939. The win was UK’s fifth on the season, leaving them only one win from bowl eligibility.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

From Way Downtown

November 3rd: On this date...

... in 2002, Derek Abney returned two punts for touchdowns as your Kentucky Wildcats rolled to a 45-24 thumping of Mississippi State in Starkville. The Bulldogs led 17-16 at halftime, then Abney took a punt 69-yards to paydirt to give UK a 23-17 lead. Artose Pinner gave the Cats a 30-17 lead on a 1-yard plunge minutes before Abney’s 52-yard touchdown return to put the game out of reach. Pinner finished with 104 yards, his sixth straight game over 100 yards. Abney finished the game with 225 total yards and cemented himself as the premier return specialist in college football. The Bulldogs ended with 230 yards rushing, led by Jerious Norwood’s 138 yards. Four interceptions by the Kentucky defense helped move our record to 6-3.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

At Least The Cats Didn't Do This Saturday

Gillispie Pleads Gulity to DUI, Stupidity

Today in Lawrenceburg, KY. Per ESPN. Hopefully, this is the last we hear from this guy. That is, until he gets a new gig and the NCAA pairs us up in the Tournament.

Go Cats.