Calipari 2.13 - Harrellson, Knight S. O. G. Double O. D. Good In Destruction of Cards

December 31st: On this date....

..... 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

FYI - Your University of Kentucky Wildcats record vs. the Filth Balls is 1-1 on December 31st.

A Photo Essay From TheBigBooyah From His October Tour Of The Yum! Center

Lobby, Arena, Hall of Fame gem (Game ball from 1985 NIT Final Four APPEARANCE, not win), Dead Foliage in the center of The Presidential Suite. Seriously.

GO CATS.

The Official Louisville Fan Checklist

1. Wake up. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Ask Why?

2. Grab red shirt, staright-billed cap, AK-47, 9mm, and menthol cigarettes.

3. See post-it note on door to not forget ammo.

4. Dodge bullets on your way out of front door.

5. Hotwire the nearest car in sight/carjack the nearest citizen in car.

6. Drive stolen, G'd-out 1984 Honda Accord to liquor store.

7. Rob liquor store for $27.83.

8. Realize stolen car is our of gas.

9. Find nearest gas station.

10. Put $3.83 of gas into stolen ride.

11. Rob gas station for $16.22, making grand total of two robberies $40.22 (after gas).

12. Go back into robbed gas station and buy $13.00 worth of breakfast (potato chips, slushie, candy)

13. Take I-64 west towards Indiana.

14. Friends/OG's from this site call to ask where you are.

15. Finally make way toward downtown "Da Ville" for rivalry game.

16. Arrive at local KFC. Ask drive-thru employee if there's a basketball game in the parking lot.

17. Drink two 40's of Olde English. Pour some out for friends who may or may not have survived previous night of violence.

18. Watch team get blasted off the court by the Big Blue.

19. Fire shots into the air after game to signify how worthless your basketball team is.

20. Try to convince Kentucky fans that your basketball coach is more motivated than ever, because he had sex with a crazy woman on the floor of a Louisville restaurant.

21. Dodge bullets on way back home.

22. Get arrested for carjacking and robberies.

23. Repeat.

It's basketball time in the Bluegrass ladies and gents. Go Cats.

December 30th: On this date....

.... 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.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

FYI - Your University of Kentucky Wildcats have never beaten Louisville on December 30th. Probably the only day ever.

December 29th: On this date....

..... 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 2.12 - Freshmen Lead Way Again In Rout Of Coppin St.

December 28th: On this date....

..... 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...

..... 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.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 26th: On this date....

..... 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....

... in 2010, all of us here at Big Blue Booyah wish You and Yours a Merry Christmas. Six days and counting. Six days.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Ladies & Gentlemen, Your 2010-11 Mississippi State Bulldogs!

Hey, at least their fans didn't throw anything on the court this time! Most likely because none of them travel to see the team.

December 24th: On this date....

..... 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 28 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.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 23rd: On this date...

..... 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. I asked the NCAA for video of this game and they replied, "We'll put it online when Enes Kanter gets in a college game." How rude.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 2.11 - Doron Lamb Sets Frosh Scoring Record In Rout Of Winthrop

December 22nd: On this date....

..... 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

Total Eclipse. Total Eclipse Of The Heart.

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.

December 21st: On this date.....

..... 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

December 20th: On this date....

..... 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.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Take That DeSean!