Big Blue Booyah

January 27th: On this date...

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1998, the most dominant junior varsity member in the past 30 years hit the shot heard round the Bluegrass, as Nazr Mohammed threw up a running prayer to steal a game in Nashville. With the game tied at 61, Scott Padgett in-bounded the basketball to Jeff Sheppard who threw a 60-foot cross-court diagonal pass to Mohammed, who turned, looked at the clock and let go with 0.01 seconds. It was easily one of the more awkward looking shots in the history of basketball, but it was OUR awkward looking shot, and that’s all that mattered. Almost as good as the shot was the celebration of the staff and players. As soon as the clock expired, everyone in Camp Lexington sprinted off the court (check Tubby out in the video, he looks like he’s in Pamplona running with the bulls). This left the Vanderbilt players and fans stunned and shocked with their mouths open wondering, “What the hell just happened here?” Sheppard led the #7 Cats with 20 points on the night, Padgett added 12 points and 7 rebounds. Nazr, the Man of the Night, finished an efficient 4-5 from the field for 8 points - 2 rebounds - 2 blocks. The win moved the #7 Cats to 19-2 on what would end up being a decent season, if you're into that whole National Championship thing.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 26th: On this date...

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2007, your University of Kentucky Wildcats and The Breakfast of Champions, Wheaties, announced a special-edition package coming out to honor the most storied basketball program in all the land. Kentucky became just the ninth school ever to be put on a box of Wheaties. The display side of the box featured the floor of famed Rupp Arena on the front alongside the “UK” logo. The back of box featured the team cutting down the nets during one of our SEVEN National Championships, and Scratch the mascot. Head coach Tubby Smith displayed a giant version of the Wheaties box at a press conference during a mid-week presser. (In the meantime, his agent was working behind the scenes to see if any other University was looking for a basketball coach......OOOOOOOOO...Hisssssssssssss). Other schools to be featured on Wheaties: Georgia, Texas, Texas Western, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan, Northwestern, and Texas A&M.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

New Nike Hyper Elite Uniforms Look Great

2012-01-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

Calipari 3.21 - Locked In Darius, First Half Blitz Too Much For Dawgs

2012-01-25T13:46:00.002-05:00

January 25th: On this date...

2012-01-25T13:15:00.001-05:00

The man on the left was an NBA great. The man on the right was the Italian Michael Jordan.

... in 1987, a Rupp Arena scoring record was set when a Naval cadet by the name of David Robinson made his way to Rupp Arena and put on a show for the Wildcat faithful. The unranked Cats held on, though, for the 80-69 upset of #19 Navy. The Admiral was an insane 17-22 from the field and finished the game with a triple-double: 45 points - 14 rebounds - 10 blocks. It still stands today as the Rupp Arena scoring record. Eddie Sutton’s squad used three-point shooting to stay in front, including four treys from freshman Rex Chapman (22 points). Kentucky finished the contest 8-20 from deep, while Navy had a goose egg from long range (0-8). The Admiral was subbed for late when the game was decided and received easily the loudest and longest standing ovation ever for an opposing player. Along with a thrashing of Louisville (85-51), this game was one of the few bright spots during the 1986-87 season, as Big Blue finished the season with an 18-11 record. A one-and-done appearance in both the SEC and NCAA Tournament left the rabid UK fan base squirming. Eddie Sutton was on the clock.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 24th: On this date...

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1970, your University of Kentucky Wildcats moved to 14-0 on the season with an exciting 109-96 win at Memorial Coliseum against “Pistol” Pete Maravich and the LSU Tigers. Pistol Pete scored 55 points on 21-44 shooting, but Adolph Rupp’s team was content to play 5-on-1 all night long and give the Pistol every look he wanted. Big Blue had a balanced attack behind superstar Dan Issel (35 points - 10 rebounds), Larry Steele (17 points - 11 rebounds), Mike Pratt (19 points - 4 rebounds), Terry Mills (22 points - 4 rebounds), and Bob McCowan (12 points). It was the fifth time The Pistol had played Kentucky, and the fifth time he had gone home with a loss. His career averages versus UK were an absurd: 20-46 FG, 12-15 FT, 7.33 RPG, 52 PPG.According to Jon Scott’s site, midway through the second half, The Pistol passed Elvin Hayes to become the NCAA’s second leading scorer ever. The game was stopped and the PA announcer told the crowd about the feat. Adolph Rupp quickly responded, “Why the hell do they have to announce that?” It was Rupp’s World, everyone else was just passing through.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 23rd: On this date...

2012-01-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

... in 1980, your #5 University of Kentucky Wildcats went on the road to Starkville, Mississippi, and took out the Bulldogs, 89-67, behind the outstanding play of a freshman. Newbie Dirk Minniefield set a then-program record for assists with 13 and added 14 points (on 7-10 shooting) to lead the UK to its 16th win in 19 chances. Big Blue was on fire, assisting on 33 of the 39 made baskets and shooting 62% from the field. Kyle Macy and his socks finished the game with 20 points and 8 assists to round out a ridiculous night from the Kentucky backcourt. The win was the 24th for the Cats out of the last 26 games in the series going back to 1967. Minniefield finished his outstanding career and still stands as the all-time leader in assists for the program. Over his four years, he averaged an impressive 5.25 assists/game. Dirk also ended his career as the all-time steals leader in program history, but currently sits in a tie for 10th, behind a Who’s Who list of players from my generation. Minniefield had the three-striped tube socks and ushered in a high-flying style that excited even the oldest members of Rupp Arena.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 22nd: On this date...

2012-01-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

... in 1984, your #3 University of Kentucky Wildcats squared off against one of the most feared teams in college basketball history and took down #4 Houston and Phi Slama Jama, 74-67, in front of nearly 24,000 at Rupp Arena. Big Blue was lead by its own lethal frontcourt of Sam Bowie, Melvin Turpin, and Kenny “Sky” Walker. The trio combined for 47 points - 39 rebounds - 5 blocks against elite Houston center Akeem Olajuwon, led by Walker’s 20 points and Bowie’s 18 rebounds. Kentucky defense forced the Cougar big man into seven turnovers of his own, frustrating him all day long. The referees successfully fouled out four of the five Houston starters, including Olajuwon, with six minutes remaining in the game. From there, the #3 Cats did enough to win the game, including some clutch free throws from freshman Winston Bennett, who finished the day with eleven points. The win moved UK to 14-2 on the season. Joe B. & Company would eventually win the SEC Tournament, before being beaten in the Final Four by Georgetown and Patrick Ewing.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.20 - Cats Have Six In Double Figures, Hold Off Late Charging Bama

2012-01-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

January 21st: On this date...

2012-01-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

... in 1922, your University of Kentucky Wildcats, led by head coach George C. Buchheit, beat in-state rival Louisville for the program’s 100th win, 29-22. The game took place at Kentucky’s Buell Armory Gymnasium and was the second victory over the Birds in less than five days. The Good Guys won in Louisville 38-14 four days earlier at St. Xavier Gymnasium. According to Jon Scott’s Big Blue History site, the Kentucky defense was so stingy, Louisville never made a basket inside of 35 feet. Think about that for a second. Even more staggering is the fact they made nine shots from the distance. One quote from the Lexington Herald recap says, “Most of the Cardinal's shots came from more than halfway down the court.” William King led the Cats with six field goals and finished with 13 points. Future Kentucky head coach and retired jersey club member Basil Hayden was also on the squad. The 1922 squad returned four out of five starters from the 1921 team that ultimately won the Championship of the South.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 20th: On this date...

2012-01-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

... in 1996, one game removed from scoring 86 first half points at LSU, senior guard Tony Delk set the nets on fire making a school record nine three-pointers in a 124-80 victory over TCU. Kentucky came out on point once again scoring 63 first half points and led by 30 at halftime. The Brownsville, Tennessee-native was 9-13 from the field, taking only one two-point shot. Eleven Cats saw action and nobody played over 27 minutes (Antoine Walker) as Big Blue shot 57% from the field, 56% from behind the three point line. Delk’s nine three-pointers was the benchmark for outside shooting at Kentucky until 2009, when Jodie Meeks went ballistic, making 10, on Tennessee in Knoxville. Tony also lost the stranglehold on the Rupp Arena record when Sam Houston State came waltzing in this past November. Corey Allmond was unconscious going 11-16 behind the arc, finishing with 37 points. Kentucky held on, though, against a game Sam Houston team 102-92 behind DeMarcus Cousins’ 27 points and 18 rebounds.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 19th: On this date...

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2000, your University of Kentucky Wildcats retired the jerseys of three basketball legends before an evening tilt against the Ole Miss Rebels. Bill Spivey, Pat Riley, and Jamal Mashburn would forever be remembered in hallowed Rupp Arena as Kentucky basketball royalty, becoming the 36th, 37th, and 38th players to have their jerseys retired.

Spivey, who wore #77, was a 7-foot tall big man who set numerous records in his two seasons in Blue. He topped the 1,000 point mark, setting scoring marks in 1950 and 1951. He also set rebounding records for the SEC in 1951, including a school record 34 rebounds. Spivey died in 1995.

Pat Riley earned All-SEC and All-American honors in 1966 as a part of UK’s famed Rupp’s Runts. According to Adoplh Rupp, Pat Riley, who wore #42, was one the most complete athletes he ever coached. He currently 17th on Kentucky all-time scoring list. Riley parlayed his success as a player into coaching, as he was named “Coach of the Decade” for the 1980s after leading the Showtime Lakers to four titles. He later earned his fifth title as the head coach of the Miami Heat.

Jamal Mashburn (#24) was the building block for my generation in terms of renewed success and led Big Blue back to prominence during the 1990s. He was Rick Pitino first big time recruit and did not disappoint during his three years in Lexington. The Monster Mash left the University fourth on the all-time scoring list and currently sits at #6. Mash was a consensus All-American in 1993, leading the Cats to their first Final Four in nine seasons.

FYI: Kentucky beat Ole Miss 74-69 behind Jamaal Magloire’s 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.19 - ANTHONY DAVIS IS A FREAK OF A BASKETBALL PLAYER

2012-01-18T10:56:00.001-05:00

January 18th: On this date...

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1969, your University of Kentucky Wildcats went on the road to Knoxville and became the first college basketball team to reach the 1,000 victory mark. The 69-66 win over the Tennessee Volunteers was completed playing only five players, although the five were Kentucky legends. Dan Issel led the way with 21 points and six rebounds on 8-12 shooting from the field. Current Big Blue Sports Network analyst Mike Pratt added 17 points and five rebounds on 5-7 shooting. Other lines included: Larry Steele (8-14 FG - 18 points - 6 rebounds), Mike Casey (9 points - 5 rebounds), Phil Argento (4 points - 4 rebounds). Head coach Adolph Rupp and the Boys would celebrate the milestone victory a few games later in front of the Big Blue faithful in Memorial Coliseum in a win over Vanderbilt. The celebration included a cake with 1,000 candles on it, nearly setting the entire place on fire. Once the cake was lit, players had to rush over and blow it out before the fire marshall was called. Simpler times.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 17th: On this date...

2012-01-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

... in 1998, Tubby Smith and your #6 University of Kentucky Wildcats outlasted Nolan Richardson and the #22 Arkansas Razorbacks 80-77 in overtime at Rupp Arena. The win moved Big Blue to 16-2 on the season and 6-1 against Top 25 teams under their new head coach. The story of the day was three-point shooting, as the Cats were a paltry 2-19 from behind the arc. Add in the fact Arkansas was 9-30, and we found our beloved team in a tight spot. But Uber sixth man Heshimu Evans was an efficient 8-12 from the field and finished with 20 points and seven rebounds including multiple key baskets in overtime to help us escape. Scott Padgett (11 points - 12 rebounds) and Nazr Mohammed (14 points - 13 rebounds) both had double-doubles and helped the good guys destroy Arkansas on the boards 57-31. Richardson’s 40 Minutes of Hell caused a season high 22 turnovers (including Wayne Turner with six and Allen Edwards with five) to help offset the absurd rebounding margin. The Comeback Cats could not be denied as the win was their fifth straight against Arkansas.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 16th: On this date...

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1996, is one of my personal favorites as your University of Kentucky Wildcats scored 86 first half points on the way to a complete destruction of the LSU Tigers, 129-97 in Baton Rouge. In the most complete half of basketball I’ve ever seen as a member of Big Blue Nation, the Tigers seemed to only get the inbounds pass in about 50% of the time. Antoine Walker and Walter McCarty made it look like they were playing against athletes half their size, as they continually stole the pass under the goal for dunks and layups. It was the first time Rick Pitino had been back to Baton Rouge since the Mardi Gras Miracle two years earlier. No doubt Rick told the Boys to get out early, as another comeback would be fresh in the mind of LSU. The ‘96 team took the meaning of “getting out early” to a whole new level. Walker finished the game a ludicrous 16-20 FG - 32 points - 8 rebounds, most of which came in the first half. Only two Cats played over 20 minutes (Walker - 24, Epps 21) and a total of ten Cats played at least 14 minutes. Even Oliver Simmons and Cameron Mills got in on the action. Some ridiculous totals from the game include: 159 FG attempted - 81 FG made - 71 FT attempted - 89 rebounds - 46 fouls - 54 Turnovers (31 by LSU). Most definitely a Game for the ages by a Team for the ages.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 15th: On this date...

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2005, two scary names from Kentucky’s past reunited as point guard Patrick Sparks met his old Western Kentucky coach Dennis Felton down in Athens, Georgia. Kentucky had fourteen players log minutes, controlled the contest throughout and won the game 74-55. Patrick Sparks led the way for the Cats on the outside (15 points - 5 assists) and Chuck Hayes dominated things down low (13 points - 11 rebounds). The game was also a coming out party for freshman Ramel Bradley, who impressed with his play off the bench. Bradley finished the contest with an efficient 5-7 shooting and 14 points. The victory moved #8 Kentucky to 13-2 on the season, the only losses coming to North Carolina and Kansas. They would only lose two games in SEC play in 2005 and go into the NCAA Tournament boasting a 25-5 record after falling in the SEC Championship game to Florida. The run ended in Austin, Texas, in the Elite Eight to Michigan State.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.18 - MKG, Davis Take Over Down The Stretch In Knoxville

2012-01-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

January 14th: On this date...

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2003, your #16 University of Kentucky Wildcats apparently got a halftime speech of a lifetime from head coach Tubby Smith as they came out and destroyed Vandy in the second half to win going away, 74-52. Vandy came out on fire hitting five consecutive three-pointers in route to a 25-11 lead at the midpoint of half one. By halftime, the Commodore lead had been cut to eight. The second half of basketball was possibly the greatest of basketball played under Tubby while at Kentucky. The Cats outscored their opponent 46-16 in the final frame to cut the halftime deficit into a 22-point victory. Whatever it was Tubby said in the locker room had a profound effect on the rest of the season. Kentucky won every game they played in the SEC, finishing 16-0 for the regular season. They also won the SEC Tournament in 2003, making them the first and only team to sweep regular and post season honors in SEC history. Tubby’s defensive specialists went on to win 26 straight games and went into the NCAA Tournament as the #1 team in the country. A 27th straight win would have resulted in a Final Four berth. I can sum up the ending of the season with two words: Dwyane Wade.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 13th: On this date...

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2009, a 6'4 junior guard from Norcross, Georgia, put on a show in enemy territory, as Jodie Meeks went ballistic scoring 54 points in a win over Tennessee, 90-72. The 54 points stand as the single greatest scoring performance in Kentucky basketball history, breaking Dan Issel’s 39 year old mark of 53 points against Mississippi in the 1969-70 season. Meeks could do no wrong on the night as most of his teammates simply got out of the way and watched. On the other hand, Tennessee did about the same, as Jodie was left open time after time. No other Wildcat finished in double-figures (P Pat was the closest at 9 points - 12 rebounds). The finishing line on Meeks’ night: 39 minutes played - 15-22 FG - 10-15 3PM - 14-14 FT - 54 points - 8 rebounds - 4 assists. Enough words. Need picture movie.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Bill Murray Is King

2012-01-12T19:40:00.001-05:00

January 12th: On this date...

2012-01-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

... in 1994, your 8th-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats dismantled the Ole Miss Rebels in Freedom Hall, 98-64. The trio of Jared Prickett (8-10 FG - 18 points - 4 rebounds), Walter McCarty (8-10 FG - 4-5 3PM - 24 points - 3 rebounds - 3 assists), and Rodrick Rhodes (18 points - 8 rebounds - 12-14 FT) did anything they wanted for most of the day as the outcome was never in doubt. Of Kentucky’s 32 made baskets, 25 were assisted, led by Travis Ford’s nine. By halftime the lead had ballooned to 60-27, behind 7-13 shooting from beyond the 3-point line. The Cats also forced the Rebels into 21 first half turnovers, leading to uncontested fast break points. Big Blue would ultimately finish the 27-7, but not before being regular season SEC Co-Champions with Florida, winning the SEC Tournament, and being given a #3 seed for the NCAA Tournament. The year would come to an end in the second round, though, after Marquette put the clamps down on Rodrick Rhodes (0-9 FG - 0 points) and the Cats. It was probably one of the more disappointing endings to a season during the Pitino Era.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.17 - Sloppy Cats Escape Once Again At Auburn

2012-01-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

<a href='http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=d6cc3a73-3d9d-49e7-8645-70078221a564&src=v5:embed::' target='_new' title='Highlights: Kentucky beats Auburn 68-53' >Video: Highlights: Kentucky beats Auburn 68-53</a>

January 11th: On this date...

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1997, your third ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats were upset in Oxford, Mississippi, by the most famous basketball player in Ole Miss history...Ansu Sesay. The 73-69 loss snapped a 14-game winning streak for UK, moving the Cats to 14-2 on the season. It was the first loss in nearly two months for the defending National Champions; the first coming to #20 Clemson in the opening game of the 1996-97 campaign. The shooters: Allen Edwards, Derek Anderson, and Ron Mercer, were off the mark, going a combined 8-31 from the field. The team went a paltry 3-13 behind the arc. To this day, I’ll always blame it on the lighting in that hole they called a gym. Homecourt advantage is homecourt advantage, that is until you refuse to put lighting over the baskets. One of the weirder phenomenons in college basketball. As you can tell, I took loss #2 very well The MVP of the All-Name team, Ansu Sesay, finished the game with 16 points - 8 rebounds - 2 assists - 2 steals - 2 blocks. Big Blue would eventually finish out the year 35-5, falling one win short of bacl-to-back National Championships.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 10th: On this date...

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2003, your University of Kentucky new head football coach Rich Brooks started his tenure by naming several coaches to his staff. Among those hired by Brooks was former Wildcat player Joker Phillips. The former wide receiver (1981-84) would head the University’s recruiting efforts as well as coach the wide receivers. Phillips was a standout for Franklin-Simpson, leading them to two Class AAA state championships as a quarterback. He left UK as the fifth leading receiver in Wildcat history and was a part of the last team to beat Tennessee in 1984, until this past season. Joker was named offensive coordinator in 2004 and successfully led the Kentucky offense to improved marks in each of his first three seasons. Under the previous offensive coordinator, UK averaged 15.7 points and 275.5 yards per game. In the next three seasons under Phillips, Big Blue’s totals went to: 2005 (21.7 ppg - 297.5 ypg), 2006 (26.7 ppg - 375.3 ypg), 2007 (36.5 ppg - 443.4 ypg). In 2008, Phillips was named head coach in waiting, presumably to keep continuity in the program.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 9th: On this date...

2012-01-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

... in 1991, your #11 University of Kentucky Wildcats took out unranked Mississippi State, 89-70, in front of 23,990 fans at Rupp Arena. This game is significant because Big Blue stole the ball from the Bulldogs a program record 23 times in route to the comfortable victory. It was at this point, Kentucky fans really got a taste of what their team would look like for the near future. A frenetic, up-and-down pace that would make the opposing team do things they either weren’t accustomed to, or make them think much more than they needed. And all of this was being done without the necessary horses, while on probation. The Cats were led by Jamal Mashburn (24 points - 8 rebounds), Reggie Hanson (19 points - 9 rebounds), and Sean Woods (10 points - 7 assists). Rick Pitino finished his second season as UK’s head coach ranked ninth in the AP poll with a 22-6 record. The 14-4 Conference mark was good enough for best record in the SEC, but was not recognized due to probation. I’m guessing this put the other SEC schools on notice, as a team on probation just won/dominated your Conference.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 8th: On this date...

2012-01-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

... in 1955, your University of Kentucky Wildcats lost on their home court for the first time since January 2, 1943. The Georgia Tech Engineers came into Memorial Coliseum and stunned the top-ranked Wildcats, 59-58. The Wildcats’ home winning streak was officially over at 129, an NCAA record that still stands today. The sellout crowd was in shock, mirroring the Rupp Arena crowds from the Billy Clyde Era. Georgia Tech was not a highly rated team and had won just two of its last six games. The student body gathered outside Memorial that night and greeted the players with encouragement and the school fight song in an attempt to pick up the team’s spirit. Big Blue ended the season ranked second by both the AP and UPI (23-3 record), but eventually lost in the NCAA Tournament to our apparent arch nemesis, the Marquette Whole Milks.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.16 - Jones, Teague Find Their Mojo, Kroger Avoids PR Nightmare

2012-01-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

January 7th: On this date...

2012-01-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

... in 1963, in what had to be one of the longest games to date in SEC history, your University of Kentucky Wildcats outlasted Vanderbilt and the referees to win 106-82 at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. A total of 86 free throws were shot in Nashville that day, and the Cats were 46-53 from the stripe (87%). The 46 made free throws still stands today as the program record for made free throws in a game. Eventual Lexington mayor Scotty Baesler paced the Cats, going 16-17 on his own. Cotton Nash was 9-11 and Charles Ishmael finished a perfect 8-8. Kentucky dominated Vandy on the boards as well, led by Don Rolfes’ 19 points and 17 rebounds. Nash finished the game with 27 points and 6 rebounds, and Baesler added 22 points and 6 rebounds. A total of 57 fouls were called in the game and six players fouled out. Big Blue ended the season with 16 wins against 9 losses and did not make the NCAA Tournament.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 6th: On this date...

2012-01-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

... in 1998, Wayne Turner had one of his most efficient days as a Wildcat to lead the Wildcats to a 90-79 victory in Athens, Georgia. It was a familiar place for new Kentucky head coach, as it was Tubby Smith’s first appearance back at Georgia since taking the job in Lexington. Not only was it Tubby Smith’s first game back at Georgia as UK’s head coach, it was also the first time in NCAA history that a coach coached with one son on his team and another son on the opposing team. Freshman Saul Smith logged 10 minutes as a backup point guard and G.G. Smith played 36 minutes as Georgia starting point guard. Kentucky’s Wayne Turner, though, was the story as he finished the game 5-8 from the field and 10-13 from the free throw line to finish with 20 points - 5 rebounds - 5 assists. Allen Edwards added 19 points and 6 rebounds; Heshimu Evans and Nazr Mohammed both finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds. The win moved the #6 Wildcats to 13-2 on the season, in what would turn out to be a very memorable season for the new head coach.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 5th: On this date...

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1993, Rick Pitino and his team had a bit of a scare when on their way to Athens to play Georgia. On the way down the runway to takeoff, the pilot noticed a mechanical issue. The plane’s engine was smoking. This forced the athletic department to call on their boosters to try and get a private plane for the trip. The boosters responded in the short amount of time with four planes in which to choose. Once the team survived the trip down to Athens, the rest was all business. Kentucky led by 14 at halftime, on their way to a 74-59 victory. The win gave the eventual Final Four team its tenth straight win to give the #2 Cats a 10-0 mark on the young season. Jamal Mashburn led all scorers with 26 points on 9-20 shooting and scored at will against the overmatched Georgia defense. Mash also added five assists and three rebounds. Travis Ford finished an efficient 4-5 from the field, 3-4 from 3-point range, and 4-4 from the charity stripe, to finish with 15 points - 4 assists - 2 rebounds. It was estimated that 40-45% of the 9,824 in attendance were wearing Blue.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Januay 4th: On this date...

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1943, your University of Kentucky Wildcats beat Fort Knox, 64-30, to move to 3-2 on the young season. Why is this significant? This was the first win in what turned out to be an NCAA-record 129 straight on their home court. The streak went on for twelve years, and was stretched between Alumni Gymnasium and Memorial Coliseum. The Cats were led by that day by a Jenkins, KY-native, 6'3 forward/center Milt Ticco, who finished the game with 17 points. During the 1942-43 season, the Kentucky basketball team only played nine home games the entire season. A streak that size, nowadays, would take about half the time due to the vast amount of home games in today’s game. Kentucky ended the season with a record of 17 wins against 6 losses. The Cats are currently on a 44 game home win streak.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.15 - Sloppy Cats Survive UALR In Louisville Behind The Brow's 22 & 16

2012-01-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

January 3rd: On this date...

2012-01-03T09:46:00.000-05:00

... in 2006, your #19 University of Kentucky Wildcats were saved by Louisville-native Rajon Rondo (13 points – 6 assists – 4 rebounds) and his last second jumper to outlast mighty Central Florida, 59-57. While the fade-away jumper gave the Rupp Arena crowd plenty to cheer about, it also highlighted a growing trend within Kentucky basketball………..the fact we were beating “Central Florida’s” by two in Rupp Arena. Tubby’s Cats blew an 11-point second half lead to lead to the dramatics. After falling behind early in the first half, the Cats got a spark from sophomore guard Ramel Bradley (16 points) off the bench. He finished the game 3-4 from beyond the arc and turned the momentum back Big Blue’s way before halftime. But a 16-4 second half run gave Central Florida a 52-51 lead with under five minutes to play. One of the more embarrassing stats was the fact UK only turned it over 10 times, compared to UCF’s 19. Kentucky was also out-rebounded by nine on the day. Rondo’s final jumper was the difference, though, as he let Big Blue Nation know he could be trusted with the game on the line.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 2nd: On this date...

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2009, Big Blue Nation witnessed possibly the worst half of football of the year as a listless football team couldn’t do anything right in the Liberty Bowl vs. East Carolina. All of that changed during the opening kickoff of the second half, as David Jones went 99-yards to essentially cut the deficit in half. East Carolina never seemed to get the momentum back on their side after that play as UK went on to win 25-19 in Memphis. It was the new look Cats third straight bowl win, the first time that had happened in the program’s 118 year history. The most memorable play from Memphis that day came as the Pirates were driving at the end of regulation of a 19-19 tie. Big fella, 285-lb. Ventrell Jenkins, returned a fumble 56 yards for a touchdown, which included the most famous stiff-arm in Kentucky football history. The extra point was blocked, Lones Seiber’s second missed PAT of the game. The teams were a combined 2-5 on extra points in what was a weird college football game.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

January 1st: On this date...

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1997 (12:01 am), Lexington, KY, was the hottest place to be in all the land after the defending National Champions destroyed rival Louisville in Freedom Hall, 74-54. The game started out a struggle, though, as the Cats trailed 28-27 at halftime. An efficient Derek Anderson led the second half surge to put the game on ice. The biggest highlight of the game came early on in the first half. After a Louisville miss, Anthony Epps threw a bounce pass (from beyond half court) to Anderson on the break for a cram on Louisville’s Nate Johnson. The Louisville-native finished the game with 19 points (8-13 FG) and 6 rebounds. Four other Wildcats were in double-figures: Ron Mercer - 16, Scott Padgett - 15, Nazr Mohammed - 10, and Jared Prickett - 10. The win was the eleventh straight for #3 Kentucky and moved the team to 11-1 on the season. This would be restaurateur Rick Pitino’s final win against Louisville as University of Kentucky head coach.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.14 - MKG, Brow Destroy Hope For The City Of Louisville

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

December 31st: On this date...

2011-12-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2007, your University of Kentucky Wildcats made history as they were back in Nashville winning their second Music City Bowl in as many years. It was the first time since 1951-52 (under “Bear” Bryant) the Wildcats had won back-to-back bowl games. A Music City Bowl record attendance (68,661) witnessed a 35-28 squeaker over a probation-laden Florida State squad. Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles were caught in an enormous cheating scandal that led to nearly half the team being suspended for the game. A total of 34 Seminole players were not allowed to play for a litany of reasons, but most due to the cheating scandal. This was not Kentucky’s problem, though, and Andre Woodson shredded the depleted defense on his way to 358 yards, four touchdowns, and repeat MVP honors. Steve Johnson led all wideouts with 126 yards receiving. Rafael Little finished the game with a season-high 152 yards rushing. It was the second consecutive year the Cats had beaten a Bowden in the Music City Bowl.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 2010, Jorts had a coming out party in the freshly opened Yum! Center.

Kentucky-Louisville Preview From Stone Cold Willow

2011-12-30T11:13:00.002-05:00

Decemeber 30th: On this date...

2011-12-30T10:23:00.001-05:00

.... in 2002, Chuck Norris’ role model, one Richard “PaPaw” Brooks was named head football coach for your University of Kentucky Wildcats. It was a move that 99% of Big Blue Nation kept bookmarked as a reason to want to fire Mitch Barnhart. Most fans felt we needed to go young and energetic, but we were proven wrong. Anyone that tells you they liked this hire when it happened just lied to your face. As much grief as Mitch has gotten over the years, you have to admire his patience with the hire and the football program in general. He got a proven winner head coach to come into a no-win situation and the head coach actually WON games. It may have taken a while to get there, but no one can tell me anyone else would have done it sooner. Brooks successfully rebuilt a current Pac 10 superpower and had laid the foundation for the same in Lexington. We might not compete in the BCS year in and year out, but we’re competing. Just remember: all of the current Joker Phillips haters were the Joker Phillips backers just a few years ago. The haters apparently don’t trust Rich Brooks.

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December 29th: On this date...

2011-12-29T10:17:00.000-05:00

..... in 2001, Restauranteur Rick Pitino came back into Rupp Arena as the head coach of our biggest rival and received the beatdown he deserved as Kentucky pounded Louisville into submission, 82-62. Tubby Smith got his first ever win v. Rick Pitino in front of the fourth largest crowd in Rupp Arena history. Chants of, “Tub-by, Tub-by, Tub-by” rained down on the Rupp Arena floor as the fans let Mr. Pitino know where their loyalties lie. Kentucky had a slew of solid performances led by Tayshaun Prince’s 18 points - 9 rebounds - 3 assists. Other contributors included: Keith Bogans (17 points - 7 rebounds), Marquis Estill (10 points - 5 rebounds), Gerald Fitch (10 points - 5 rebounds). The game-ending dagger, though, came during a 15-0 Wildcat run that featured a crossover of epic proportions by Cliff Hawkins (8 points - 5 rebounds - 5 assists - 6 TO). Rick Pitino may have been the story coming into the game, but Cliff Hawkins’ crossover was the lasting memory. Enjoy. Again.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.13 - Well Rounded Cats Cruise Past Lamar

2011-12-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

December 28th: On this date....

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats won their first bowl game in 22 years by taking down Clemson in the Music City Bowl, 28-20. The Nashville scene was glorious as LP Field was packed with Blue from top to bottom. As great as the scene was, the weather was even better. Late-December with sunny skies and temps in the high 50's. Much of the talk leading up to the game centered on how the porous Kentucky defense would handle the promising Clemson backfield of James Davis and C.J. Spiller. The UK defense put the Tigers in passing situations all day and held the hyped duo to a combined 77 yards rushing. Joker Phillips had the entire offense on display by bringing in freshman linebacker Micah Johnson for a touchdown plunge to open the scoring. Moments later, Kentucky called a fake punt deep in its territory to ignite a spark. The next play was just that, as Andre Woodson (20-28 299 yards, 3 TDs - 0 Ints) found DeMoreo Ford streaking down the field for a 70-yard touchdown just before halftime. Clemson’s 12th-ranked defense lot much of its swagger after this series and the Cats controlled the game most of the day. The lead ballooned to 28-6, before the Tigers scored a pair of late meaningless touchdowns. This game was also somewhat of a coming-out party for one Trevard Lindley, who had a ridiculous behind-the-back interception in the end zone as Clemson was driving.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 27th: On this date...

2011-12-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 1986, in just his seventh official game as a Kentucky Wildcat, freshman Rex Chapman gained immediate folk hero status as he dropped 26 points on the Louisville Cardinals in a 85-51 destruction of the birds. King Rex was scoring at will in Freedom Hall, going 10-20 from the field (5-8 from 3-point range). The day was highlighted by a Chapman steal and dunk during the second half in which he threw it down with authority to make the Big Blue faithful go bonkers. Even the older fans stood up and applauded. The Michael Jordan of Italian pro basketball, Rob Lock, shut down “Never Nervous” Pervis Ellison, as the world found out that Perv’s nickname was a total sham. Louisville’s Perv ended the game with only four points and four rebounds on 2-8 shooting. Ed Davender (16 points - 8 rebounds - 5 assists) and Richard Madison (9 points - 17 rebounds) were King Rex’s wingmen on this glorious day.

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December 26th: On this date...

2011-12-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 1998, doesn’t necessarily go down in Kentucky history, but it happened nonetheless. I only do this because the man is one of Joe B. Hall’s best friends nowadays and you have to respect the great career he had. It was Denny Crum’s last win v. your University of Kentucky Wildcats, 83-74. Defending National Champion Kentucky came into Freedom Hall that day ranked #3 in the country and boasted a 10-2 record. It was Big Blue’s second straight loss (lost to Duke three days before Christmas), something that hadn’t happened in four years. The Cats actually had sixteen more shots than the Cards, but the Cards were on the free throw line all day long. They capitalized from the charity stripe to start Tubby Smith off 0-2 vs. Louisville for his Kentucky head coaching career. Wayne Turner (11 points - 4 rebounds - 4 assists) and Scott Padgett (13 points - 5 rebounds) kept us close, but the team shot an uneasy 2-15 from behind the arc to seal our fate. Hopefully this gets your blood boiling for the upcoming tilt v. the junior college down the road.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 25th: On this date...

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-05:00

... in 2011, everyone associated with Big Blue Booyah would like to wish You & Yourn a Merry Christmas. Six days.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 24th: On this date...

2011-12-24T10:20:00.000-05:00

..... in 1981, an ultra-fast 6'1 point guard (with one of the sickest crossover’s in Kentucky basketball history) was born in Dumfries, Virginia, by the name of Cliff Hawkins. This year he turns 30 years old, allowing all Big Blue diehards to feel just a little bit older this holiday season. Hawkins holds the record for most steals in a single season by a senior with 74 (2003-04). That number (74) places him fourth on the all-time single season mark for steals. He ranks third on the career list for steals with 199, behind only Wayne Turner (238) and Tony Delk (201). Hawkins also ranks seventh on the Kentucky list for assists in a career with 468, behind only a Who’s Who list of UK all-timers. One of his most memorable games came as a freshman (2000-01) when Kentucky and North Carolina renewed their rivalry in Chapel Hill. He came off the bench to spark the unranked Cats to drub the 6th-ranked Heels, 93-76. He finished the game 5-9 FG - 11 points - 5 assists - 3 rebounds in 18 minutes of action replacing Saul Smith at point guard. Oh, and this happened v. Louisville.

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December 23rd: On this date...

2011-12-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

... in 1993, Jeff Brassow tipped in an errant shot by Roderick Rhodes as time expired to give your University of Kentucky Wildcats the Maui Invitational Championship. The tip gave Kentucky a 93-92 win over Arizona in what was Big Blue’s first ever trip to Maui. Bill Raftery exploded from the telecast shouting, “BRASS-OW... BRASS-OW... COMES UP BIG!!!" Rick Pitino went ballistic rushing the court in celebration grabbing Brassow and doing a doe-si-doe around the court (he managed to keep his pants on though). He then realized Lute Olsen was waiting for him to shake hands and he quickly wiped the smile off his face. Tournament MVP Travis Ford led all Cats with 25 points on 7-14 3-point shooting in the final contest. As a team, Kentucky went 15-34 from behind the arc, but only 6-7 from the free throw line. Arizona was led by one of the most prolific backcourts in Arizona history, Khalid Reeves and Damon Stoudamire. Basketball Gods took note of this game and Arizona cashed in its voucher a few years later in the most heart-breaking fashion. How rude.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.12 - Kyle Wiltjer's Goes WBA on Loyola MD, Saves 3-Point Streak

2011-12-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

December 22nd: On this date...

2011-12-22T10:22:00.000-05:00

..... in 2001, your 7th ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats took out an unranked Indiana squad, 66-52, as 12 Cats saw action in Indianapolis’ RCA Dome. Kentucky was led by all-timer Tayshaun Prince’s 17 points and 11 rebounds and Cliff Hawkins’ 17 points and five assists. Once again Tubby’s defense was the story of the game, holding the Candy-Stripers to 32% shooting on the day. Hoosier head coach Mike Davis let his feelings be known days leading up to the game when he announced he, “hated Kentucky with a passion...in the worst way.” That was great and all, as his team apparently did more hating than scoring. Tayshaun bottled up Indiana star Jared Jeffries by holding him to 4-15 shooting, while dominating him on the offensive end. It was Big Blue’s ninth win in eleven tries in the storied basketball rivalry. Kentucky shot a solid 46% from the field and held a 43-36 rebounding edge to keep things in check.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 21st: On this date...

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 2002, a border war between Kentucky and Indiana contained a meltdown of epic proportions as Indiana head coach Mike Davis stormed the court to protest a non-call from the officials. To this day, it’s the longest an official has taken to give a coach a technical foul in the history of the universe. Davis was literally flailing around on the court for what seemed to be an eternity before he got the first technical. Then, the referee (Bert Smith) tried to get Davis to “Walk away” numerous times before finally ejecting him. The sixth ranked Hoosiers came into Freedom Hall on a high note, but walked out shell-shocked. The 16th ranked Kentucky Wildcats took down the candy-stripers 70-64 in Freedom Hall to push the series run to eight wins in nine seasons. Big Blue grabbed 19 offensive rebounds that day to key the win. Keith Bogans (17 points), Gerald Fitch (16 points), Marquis Estill (14 points), and Chuck Hayes (8 points - 9 rebounds) helped the Cats to the memorable win.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.11 - Lambo's 26 Leads Cats Over Samford

2011-12-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

December 20th: On this date...

2011-12-20T10:24:00.000-05:00

..... in 2003, sixteen different Wildcats saw action as your University of Kentucky blasted Indiana, 80-41, in Indianapolis. Only four Hoosiers scored on the day as Kentucky exploded after what was only a six point halftime lead. The Kentucky defense held Indiana to a paltry 24% shooting in what was a basketball clinic in the second half. Chuck Hayes (22 points - 10 rebounds), Erik Daniels (19 points - 10 rebounds), and Kelenna Azubuike (11 points - 8 rebounds) dominated the post on their way to helping UK have a ridiculous 54-25 rebounding edge. The second-ranked Cats (top-ranked in ESPN/USA Today poll) shot 55% and held IU to just 15 second half points. The 39-point margin was the biggest win ever in the storied history of this rivalry and was Kentucky 11th win in 13 tries in the series. Azubuike made the only three-pointer on the day to keep the streak alive, as Big Blue was only 1-8 from behind the arc. A classic game for Wildcat fans everywhere and a season where Tubby’s guys would earn a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

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December 19th: On this date...

2011-12-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

..... in 1891, prior to a football game with Centre College, students of your University of Kentucky Wildcats adopted its school colors.......Blue and...........Yellow? The shade of Blue of was decided on when a student asked “What color blue?” A football letterman, Richard C. Stoll, then took off his necktie and raised it into the air. The particular shade of blue on Stoll’s necktie was then adopted as the school’s official color. The yellow part of the school color was a light yellow and lasted less than a year. The second color (White) was adopted in 1892 and has stayed ever since. Blue-White rolls off the tongue a bit better than Blue-Yellow you have to admit.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.10 - Cats Trio Impresses, Roll Past UT-Chattanooga

2011-12-18T10:31:00.000-05:00

Doron Lamb: 24p - 6rAnthony Davis: 14p - 18r - 5bMichael Kidd-Gilchrist: 17p - 8r - 6a

December 18th: On this date...

2011-12-18T10:13:00.000-05:00

..... in 2004, a Freedom Hall record basketball crowd of 20,088 witnessed Patrick “Booger” Sparks hit three free throws with 0.6 seconds left in regulation to push #8 Kentucky past #13 Louisville, 60-58. Sparks had two Louisville big men running at him with time running out and (instead of getting blocked) faked a three-pointer to draw the most crucial foul of the afternoon. The day didn’t start out so great, though, as Kentucky shot 5-24 in the first half and trailed 32-16 at halftime. It tied the largest halftime deficit UK had overcome to win a game (with the 1994 Mardi Gras Miracle) in program history. Sparks was on fire from deep going 5-8 and finishing with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Kelenna Azubuike added 12 points and Chuck Hayes gave a solid 6 point - 9 rebound - 4 assist effort to keep everything under control down low. Tubby used his bench to the tune of thirteen players seeing floor time, compared to seven on the Rick Pitino side. The win stopped a two-game losing streak to Rick Pitino and the Puerto Rican Restaurants. Cheers to you, Booger Sparks.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 17th: On this date...

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 1930*, legendary basketball coach Adolph Rupp got the first of his 876 wins as the head basketball coach of the University of Kentucky. The game occurred in Alumni Gymnasium v. Georgetown College and Big Blue dominated the Tigers 67-19. The break neck fast-break style of game led to many uncontested baskets for Kentucky as the outmanned Georgetown squad looked on in amazement. Harrodsburg, KY-native Forest “Aggie” Sale led the Wildcats that day with 19 points, further proving the point that you don’t mess with Mercer County. After dominating the first half 38-9, Georgetown rallied to only lose the second half 29-10 for the final tally. Coach Rupp went on to post a .961 winning percentage for the rest of his time in Alumni Gym and a career mark of 876-190 over 41 seasons (an .822 winning percentage). The Cats started Rupp’s first season with 10 straight wins and finished the season 15-3, losing in the Southern Conference Tournament Championship to Maryland, 29-27.

* - Actually happened on December 18th, but you have to include this, right? You’ll see why tomorrow.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 16th: On this date....

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

.... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats went into Rupp Arena West Presented by Freedom Hall and beat Louisville and their filthy coach. It was Orlando “Tubby” Smith’s last time playing Louisville as the University of Kentucky head coach. The 61-49 victory wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win against those filthballs down I-64. Freshman Jodie Meeks scored a career-high 18 points (4-7 from beyond the arc) and junior Ramel “Smooth” Bradley added 15 points and a team-high six rebounds to key the Wildcats. It was Tubby Smith’s third consecutive win in the series after starting an uneasy 3-4 against the Red Birds to start his UK coaching career. Tubby’s defense led the way, holding the Losers to 27% shooting (3-24 from 3 point-range). Randolph Morris was out of the game by the first TV timeout due to fouls, which allowed the Polish Nightmare Lukasz “Woo” Obrzut to get some quality minutes. His line: 3-5 FG - 6 points - 5 rebounds - 4 fouls. Solid.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 15th: On this date...

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

.... in 2003, senior offensive extraordinaire Derek Abney was named a second team All-American by the Associated Press. He was named to the team as simply an all-purpose player, as you had to get him in the fold somehow. Abney led the Southeastern Conference in all-purpose yardage averaging just under 152 yards per game. Big Blue used Abney in almost every facet of the game, as he ran, caught, and returned his way to the record books. All of this came on the heels of a consensus selection as a first team everything across the board in 2002 (AP, ESPN, Football Writers, Walter Camp, CBS Sportsline, CNNSI, to name a few) after returning a record six kicks for touchdowns. Abney ended his career with five NCAA records, 11 Southeastern Conference records, and 14 University of Kentucky records for returns and all-purpose yards. He was also the first player in NCAA history to have 2,000 receiving yards, 2,000 kickoff return yards, and 1,000 punt return yards in a career. Remind you of anyone?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 14th: On this date....

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 1924, your University of Kentucky Wildcats played their first ever basketball game in storied Alumni Gym, beating Cincinnati, 28-23. The Gym was completed for the 1924-25 season after the Board of Trustees complained the Barker’s Hall Buell Armory was unsafe for the amount of fans trying to see the game. Near riots occurred as fans were turned away game after game because of safety concerns. Known as the “White Elephant”, the 2,800 seat, $100,000 structure is considered the birthplace of Kentucky’s storied basketball tradition. In 1928, torrential downpours flooded downtown Lexington and Alumni Gymnasium, which included all of the basketball offices in its basement. Any and all records for Kentucky basketball were thus lost. (After a bit of research, I concluded that Kentucky basketball went 126-0 and won 22 National Championships.) In 1930, Adolph Rupp came in and started the official reign of dominance. In 19 seasons, Rupp’s record at Alumni Gym was 201-8.......seriously. The University’s overall record in 26 total seasons was 247-24, a .911 winning percentage.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

WLEX's Story On The Nash Family

2011-12-13T18:39:00.000-05:00

Leah Nash and her family's continuously updated blog.

December 13th: On this date....

2011-12-13T11:05:00.002-05:00

..... in 2003, in a game that would be titled “Basketbowl”, your University of Kentucky Wildcats played the Michigan State Spartans at Detroit’s Ford Field. The reason the game was called “Basketbowl” was because the schools were attempting to set a World Record for basketball game attendance. And they did. The official attendance was 78,129, setting a mark unmatched by anyone else in the history of the Universe. Big Blue never trailed throughout the contest and won the game by a score of 79-74. Tubby Smith proclaimed, “We aren’t intimidated by this kind of atmosphere.” The Wildcats were led by Gerald Fitch’s 25 points (4-6 shooting from 3-point range) and Chuck Hayes’ dominance down low (17 points - 12 rebounds - 4 assists - 2 blocks - 2 steals). The uncommon atmosphere proved no big deal for Kentucky, as they shot a fiery 60% from the field. Two February's ago, the NBA broke the attendance record during the 2010 NBA All Star game. Jerry Jones opened his billion dollar stadium to LeBron & Friends ending with an official total of 108,713. Feel free to continue your hatred of Jerry Jones.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 12th: On this date....

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

.... in 1987, your #1 ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats moved to 4-0 as they escaped with a 76-75 squeaker over unranked rival Louisville. Cedric “Swoop” Jenkins tipped in a basket as time was running out to give the Wildcats a victory in front of 23,489 fans at Rupp Arena. After racing out to a 45-32 halftime lead, Kentucky allowed Denny Crum’s Cardinals to cut it to 60-59 with just under nine minutes left to play. Louisville’s Pervis Ellison ( 20 points - 13 rebounds - 5 assists - 4 steals - 3 blocks) was a big part of the comeback as he dominated the low post for 39 minutes and 59 seconds of the rivalry game. That lone second turned out to be huge as Ellison left Jenkins under the basket alone (to cover a wide open Rex Chapman) for the winning tip. High scorers for the Good Guys were: Rex Chapman (21 points); Ed Davender (20 points); Winston Bennett (14 points), and Eric Manuel (8 points).

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 3.09 - Davis Foul Trouble, Indiana 3's Doom Cats

2011-12-11T21:12:00.001-05:00

December 11th: On this date....

2011-12-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

.... in 2004, your 10th ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats beat Indiana 73-58 at Freedom Hall. Patrick “Booger” Sparks led the way for Big Blue that day tallying 16 points and six assists. Senior Chuck Hayes led the low post guys with 14 points and nine rebounds. The win pushed the Cats to 6-1 on the season and was the fifth straight win in the annual series with the Hoosiers. After Kentucky got out to a 33-24 halftime lead, Indiana cut the lead to five, 42-37, with eleven minutes to play. Kelenna Azubuike (7 points - 5 rebounds - 4 assists) then sparked an 11-0 run to put the game on ice. The candy-stripers from Bloomington were dominated in the post as Kentucky outscored them 38-10 in the paint. Along with Hayes, Randolph Morris (11 points) and 7'-3 Shagari Alleyne (10 points - 5 rebounds - 4 blocks) dominated down low. Bracey Wright led IU with 31 points on 6-12 shooting from 3-point range.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 10th: On this date...

2011-12-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 2002, your 12th ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats outmanned Tulane 76-60 in New Orleans to win their fourth straight game. The Cats traveled to the Bayou as a favor to former Tubby Smith assistant coach Shawn Finney. It would hopefully give the Cats an early look at the scenery for the upcoming SEC Tournament and Final Four. (Dwayne Wade had other plans though, single-handedly taking us out in the Elite Eight with a triple-double: 29 points - 11 rebounds - 11 assists) Keith Bogans led Big Blue by going 5-5 from 3-point range and finishing with 21 points - 5 assists - 6 steals. Kentucky got out early and took a 45-26 lead to halftime and cruised from there. Tulane led for only two minutes at the beginning before UK got into its rhythm. Marquis Estill added 10 points and 7 rebounds. Jules Camara had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Sophomore Chuck Hayes added four points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

..... in 2009, this happened.

December 9th: On this date....

2011-12-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 2002, in what has easily become a blessing in disguise, Kentucky head football coach Guy Morriss resigned from his position at the University of Kentucky. It was a move that even the most loyal Kentucky fans knew in their heart he couldn’t be blamed. The NCAA was on the verge of coming down hard for the transgressions of the previous coaching staff, and Morriss didn’t want to be around that one bit. Scholarship numbers would be destroyed for the near future and Morriss had already spoke to Baylor about their head coach opening. The Wildcats would need a super-human. A man that even the great Chuck Norris would be impressed. A man that loved the outdoors. A man that would not be afraid to flip over in a boat on a fishing trip. A man who loved to watch tomatoes grow like an average human likes to watch television. A man who knew what he was getting himself into. A man looking for a challenge. This man’s name was Richard P. Brooks. The “P.” of course standing for PaPaw. It was a decision that gets held against Mitch Barnhart to this day. Look who’s laughing now.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 8th: On this date....

2011-12-08T10:46:00.001-05:00

..... in 2001, all-time Kentucky great Tayshaun Prince had his signature day as a Kentucky Wildcat. As Bill Raftery so duly noted, Prince had his “puppies set off the bus” as he came out on fire in Kentucky’s game vs. North Carolina in Rupp Arena. He started the game 5-5 from 3-point range, ending with a dagger from 105 feet away. The fifth had to simply demoralize an outmanned North Carolina bunch. Big Blue went on to win 79-59 in what was North Carolina’s first trip to Rupp Arena. Prince actually hit his sixth straight 3-pointer eight minutes into the game and ended the day 7-11 behind the arc. The line for the Compton, California native was 31 points - 11 rebounds - 4 assists - 4 steals. Seeing ya boy shaking his head after the second one gives me goosebumps to this day. It was an outstanding way to welcome the boys from Chapel Hill to Lexington. While the Heels were in their Billy Clyde-esque Era, I’m sure no Kentucky fan lost any sleep over it. Enjoy.

Big Blue Booyah of Tom Leach

December 7th: On this date....

2011-12-07T10:14:00.001-05:00

..... in 1996, fresh off winning their sixth National Championship, your University of Kentucky Wildcats thrashed Robert Montgomery Knight and Indiana University in Freedom Hall, 99-65. The Hoosiers were ranked #8 that day, so it sent a message to everyone in college basketball that Kentucky was coming out swinging in defense of its title. Derek Anderson (30 points) and Ron Mercer (26 points) proved too athletic for the Chair-Throwing Candy-Stripers as the lead had grown to 55-31 by halftime. Even the human victory cigar Steve Masiello got in for three minutes and scored three points, all on free throws. I’m not going to lie, watching a young Rick Pitino blast Bobby Knight and Indiana each year was one of my favorite memories of the Pitino Era. The amount of frustration of Knight’s face during the games was abundant, as I’m sure we got to witness almost all of his “game-faces."

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 6th: On this date....

2011-12-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

..... in 2003, your ninth-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats took a road trip to Los Angeles to play UCLA in the John Wooden Classic. The outcome was a 52-50 slugfest win for the Good Guys. Some called it a game of defensive mastery, others called it a poor shooting effort from both teams. Big Blue shot only 27 percent from the field, as a hot Bruin team made 34 percent of their field goals. Erik Daniels finished the game with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Chuck Hayes added nine points and 13 rebounds. Hayes, Cliff Hawkins, and Gerald Fitch finished the day a combined 6-32 from the floor. The embarrassing 27-17 score at halftime was awful, except for the fact we were leading. Ben Howland’s team cut the lead to three multiple times in the second half, and the final tally was the closest UCLA ever got. Kentucky never trailed on the day. Something even John Wooden could appreciate. The game was so brutal, pundits across the country referred to it as something called "Big Ten" basketball.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 5th: On this date....

2011-12-05T10:19:00.001-05:00

..... in 1953, Cawood Ledford called his first game as “The Voice of the Wildcats”. Coach Adolph Rupp led Kentucky to a 86-59 rout of Temple. The game was played in Memorial Coliseum. All-time great Cliff Hagan led the Wildcats that day with memorable performance of 51 points. Frank Ramsey (10 points) was the only other player in double figures. Cawood had to be smiling from ear-to-ear after witnessing Hagan score that many in his debut. The 27-year-old Ledford wouldn’t leave the radio broadcast for the next 39 years, as impressive a run as we’ve ever seen. Radio broadcasts would start off by Cawood signing in, “Hello everybody, this is Cawood Ledford.” He is also one of, if not the first, radio personality to announce which way the game would be played on the radio dial. His last game was in 1992. I’ll leave it at that.

.....in 2009, The Freak Show himself, Jimmy Wall had his coming out party in the kickoff to CBS's Road To The Final Four.

December 4th: On this date....

2011-12-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

..... in 2008, your University of Kentucky announced plans to celebrate the life of long time equipment manager Bill Keighley during a December 7th game vs. Mississippi Valley State. Mr. Wildcat’s jersey would be retired into Rupp’s rafters for the final time during halftime. The University wanted to mark Keightley’s legacy in a multitude of ways. Among them were: a permanent spot on the Arena floor in front of Mr. Wildcat’s seat at the head of the bench; a black “K” on the uniforms; a silk ribbon on the shoulder of the uniform that read “Mr. Wildcat”; a Mr. Wildcat Catspy Award; an annual golf tournament; and a scholarship fund set up for future UK men’s basketball managers. The most visible difference on December 7th would be the black uniforms with each player’s number, but with Keightley’s name on the back. A very classy tribute for an all-time Wildcat legend.

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Calipari 3.08 - Davis Block Seals Epic Victory Over Tar Heels

2011-12-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

December 3rd: On this date....

2011-12-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

..... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats accepted its first bowl bid in seven years after they were invited to the 2006 Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN. The seven year bowl drought, along with the fact Nashville is a morning drive away for most people, all but guaranteed Big Blue Nation would come out in full force for the December 29th showdown with Clemson. Big Blue finished the season on a strong note, after getting blasted by LSU 49-0 in Baton Rouge, winning four of their final five games. Those four wins gave UK a 7-5 overall record, and a 4-4 mark in the toughest division in college football. That record was good enough for a third place SEC East finish, but still not good enough to beat Tennessee or Florida. It was good enough, though, to beat any trash coming over from the ACC.

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Calipari 3.07 - Jones Dominates, Davis Almost Gets His Triple-Double In Win Over Johnnies

2011-12-02T12:03:00.001-05:00

December 2nd: On this date...

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 1972, Kentucky great Joe B. Hall coached his first game as the head basketball coach for the University. The #8 Wildcats faced Michigan State at Jenison Fieldhouse in East Lansing, with the good guys winning 75-66. Jim Andrews led the way for UK, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The honeymoon was over after game one, though, as Hall lost his next three games. I’m going to go out on a limb and say the rabid Kentucky fan base took these three losses with a grain of salt and moved on with their lives. What, you don’t think that’s how it went down? Joe B and kids rebounded nicely and ended the season 20-8, including a 10-game win streak from February-March. The last loss of the season was Regional Finals loss to Indiana. Hall went on to coach 13 seasons at the University and compiled 297 wins, losing only 100. Joe B celebrated his 83rd birthday this past Wednesday.

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Playoff Seeding Tiebreaker Rules For THE LEXFL 9.0

2011-12-01T11:38:00.000-05:00

December 1st: On this date....

2011-12-01T11:07:00.001-05:00

..... in 1950, your University of Kentucky Wildcats played their first basketball game in Memorial Coliseum, beating West Texas State. Bill Spivey led the Cats that day with 18 points, hitting seven field goals and making four free throws. The official attendance was 8,000 to see Adolph Rupp usher in what would become an overwhelmingly difficult place to play for Kentucky opponents. The Wildcats hold an all-time winning percentage of (.890) in Memorial, with a 307-38 record. The most recent win coming in the Spring of 2009 as there was a conflict between Kentucky’s NIT game vs. UNLV and the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen. It was a raucous atmosphere, as the tickets were given out in a first come-first served basis, virtually guaranteeing no one sleeping during the game, like most Rupp Arena crowds. Memorial Coliseum cost $3.9 million to build, roughly equivalent to how much John Calipari makes per win.

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November 30th: On this date....

2011-11-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

...... 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.

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The Mortified Punter

2011-11-29T19:25:00.001-05:00

Joker 2.12 - UK Snaps The Streak With Roark At QB

2011-11-29T12:16:00.001-05:00

November 29th: On this date....

2011-11-29T12:10:00.001-05:00

...... 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.

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November 28th: On this date...

2011-11-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... in 1989, Rick Pitino made his debut as your University of 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.

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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Dunk In HD From Portland Game

2011-11-27T14:35:00.001-05:00

November 27th: On this date....

2011-11-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... 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 23,000. 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 25 times since Rupp opened its doors 35 years ago. Kentucky’s record in those games is 21-4. The attendance record of 24,465, set February 10, 2007, in a 64-61 loss to Florida was broken in 2009 vs. Louisville and Gropy Pitino (24,479). During Coach Cal's first season, all but one game was over the official capacity mark of 23,000. Being known as one of the greatest homecourt advantages in all of college basketball, the Blue and White has compiled a record of 463-60 since making the move. Ten of the 60 losses were seen in the last two years under Billy Gillispie’s leadership.

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Calipari 3.06 - Cats v Portland. Hmmm, Lets See. This Happened

2011-11-26T22:42:00.001-05:00

November 26th: On this date....

2011-11-26T10:17:00.001-05:00

..... 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?

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November 25th: On this date....

2011-11-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

..... 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 Vol win clinched second in the SEC East for the Tennessee. 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. His days are numbered.

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November 24th: On this date....

2011-11-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

..... 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.

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Calipari 3.05 - Cats Get Out Early, Cruise Past Radford, 88-40

2011-11-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

November 23rd: On this date....

2011-11-23T10:22:00.001-05:00

...... 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 turnaround of the football team and what might be on the horizon for the basketball team?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 22nd: On this date....

2011-11-22T10:07:00.001-05:00

..... 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 flank Daniels. The story of the night was the Wildcat defense, who forced 30 turnovers.

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November 21st: On this date....

2011-11-21T11:00:00.001-05:00

...... 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 low post guys (Daniels, Azubuike, Hayes). Daniels led the Cats that day with 15 points and 8 rebounds. ‘Buike added 11 points and 9 rebounds.

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Calipari 3.04 - Darius Calms The Nerves, Leads UK To Championship

2011-11-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

November 20th: On this date....

2011-11-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

...... 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 seasons as the Wildcat head coach. “Ten Loss” Tubby seems pretty good compared to the most recent debacle of Billy Clyde, eh?

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Calipari 3.03 - Lamb, Wiltjer Show Cats' Potential in Rout of Penn St.

2011-11-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

November 19th: On this date....

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

..... 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 nineteen months earlier.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Marquis, Doron On NFL Live

2011-11-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

November 18th: On this date....

2011-11-18T10:53:00.001-05:00

..... 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. This is the life of a Kentucky football fan.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 17th: On this date....

2011-11-18T10:42:00.001-05:00

..... 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 26. It will never end.

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