Why the UK game is so important.

[18IsTheMan]

No, it's not a marquee game on the schedule, and that's the point.

Prior to 2000, this was basically a toss-up game, with UK holding a slight 6-4-1 edge. Starting in 2000, we flipped the script and won 13 of 14 against them (2010 will live in infamy). For a little more than a decade, we basically added a win to our conference slate by turning a toss-up game into a reliable win. Then a switch flipped and they have won 7 out of 8.

It's crucial because that was one of the few reliable conference wins on our schedule that has now become a loss. Maybe, along with Vandy, UK was the only game we could look forward to as pretty certainly a win each season. Making matters worse, we haven't replaced that reliable win with another game (of course, some seasons we do win a conference game we weren't supposed to win). Outside of Vandy and UK, for most seasons, the majority of our conference games have been toss-ups or likely losses. But, for the UK game, that's just one additional conference loss we've eaten for 7 out of the past 8 seasons. That's a pretty big deal from the conference perspective, to have a reliable win flip to a likely loss.

We have to get UK back to the reliable win column before we'll make any progress. Priority 1. Yeah, we have bigger goals (win the East, beat Clemson, etc), but none of that is happening if we don't start beating UK.

 

[vacock]

How are you going to help USC win? If you can’t, then sit back and watch and have fun when we win. Win them all if we can but don’t let your blood pressure get so high. If we get to where we need to be in the SEC, they’ll be in our rear view mirror. In then next decades.

 

[18IsTheMan]

How are you going to help USC win? If you can’t, then sit back and watch and have fun when we win. Win them all if we can but don’t let your blood pressure get so high. If we get to where we need to be in the SEC, they’ll be in our rear view mirror. In then next decades.

Well, let's just shut the forum down then if there's nothing to talk about.

 

[Prestonyte]

No, it's not a marquee game on the schedule, and that's the point.

Prior to 2000, this was basically a toss-up game, with UK holding a slight 6-4-1 edge. Starting in 2000, we flipped the script and won 13 of 14 against them (2010 will live in infamy). For a little more than a decade, we basically added a win to our conference slate by turning a toss-up game into a reliable win. Then a switch flipped and they have won 7 out of 8.

It's crucial because that was one of the few reliable conference wins on our schedule that has now become a loss. Maybe, along with Vandy, UK was the only game we could look forward to as pretty certainly a win each season. Making matters worse, we haven't replaced that reliable win with another game (of course, some seasons we do win a conference game we weren't supposed to win). Outside of Vandy and UK, for most seasons, the majority of our conference games have been toss-ups or likely losses. But, for the UK game, that's just one additional conference loss we've eaten for 7 out of the past 8 seasons. That's a pretty big deal from the conference perspective, to have a reliable win flip to a likely loss.

We have to get UK back to the reliable win column before we'll make any progress. Priority 1. Yeah, we have bigger goals (win the East, beat Clemson, etc), but none of that is happening if we don't start beating UK.

Agree, there needs to be some emphasis on winning this game. Not sure the focus was there over the past several years, possibly because of where it falls on the schedule.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Agree, there needs to be some emphasis on winning this game. Not sure the focus was there over the past several years, possibly because of where it falls on the schedule.

I think somewhat we got accustomed to looking past the UK game and never adjusted to this being a dogfight. Even for fans, even though we're living through it, I think most still find it surprising that they've won 7 of 8 against us. That we need to get back to winning this game on a regular basis is not much of an observation. Just saying why, for me, it's so important.

I guess it's encouraging that we managed to keep the game close last year, in spite of not having an offense and no legitimate QB.

 

[1vagamecock]

No, it's not a marquee game on the schedule, and that's the point.

Prior to 2000, this was basically a toss-up game, with UK holding a slight 6-4-1 edge. Starting in 2000, we flipped the script and won 13 of 14 against them (2010 will live in infamy). For a little more than a decade, we basically added a win to our conference slate by turning a toss-up game into a reliable win. Then a switch flipped and they have won 7 out of 8.

It's crucial because that was one of the few reliable conference wins on our schedule that has now become a loss. Maybe, along with Vandy, UK was the only game we could look forward to as pretty certainly a win each season. Making matters worse, we haven't replaced that reliable win with another game (of course, some seasons we do win a conference game we weren't supposed to win). Outside of Vandy and UK, for most seasons, the majority of our conference games have been toss-ups or likely losses. But, for the UK game, that's just one additional conference loss we've eaten for 7 out of the past 8 seasons. That's a pretty big deal from the conference perspective, to have a reliable win flip to a likely loss.

We have to get UK back to the reliable win column before we'll make any progress. Priority 1. Yeah, we have bigger goals (win the East, beat Clemson, etc), but none of that is happening if we don't start beating UK.

More important now that Stoops has been making fun of Beamer.

 

[18IsTheMan]

More important now that Stoops has been making fun of Beamer.

Yeah, that was a weird shot at Beamer. I can't imagine there's bad blood between the two and, even though they own the series with us lately, UK isn't exactly in the position to be talking trash to other teams.

 

[Tngamecock]

Yeah, that was a weird shot at Beamer. I can't imagine there's bad blood between the two and, even though they own the series with us lately, UK isn't exactly in the position to be talking trash to other teams.

Okay I missed it…..what did Stoops say?

 

[Tngamecock]

Never mind I found it. Yeah, he’s really changed the culture. They play hard but no one fears playing UK. His great culture could barely beat a team last year with zero QB play. An ounce of a decent qb and we likely beat them last year with a first year coach who inherited many problems. So that red faced humpty dumpty should only can throw shade using his fat body.

 

[KingWard]

It's important because we blew it at home last year through rookie coaching mistakes. With Stoops talking smack, this is both an opportunity and an imperative for Beamer to redeem himself.

 

[The Reel Ess]

Agree, there needs to be some emphasis on winning this game. Not sure the focus was there over the past several years, possibly because of where it falls on the schedule.

And also because WM was actively running the program into the ground at the same time UK was building up. We were on opposite trajectories. Hopefully, that's changed.

 

[18IsTheMan]

And also because WM was actively running the program into the ground at the same time UK was building up. We were on opposite trajectories. Hopefully, that's changed.

Yeah, I'd like to think that all things being equal, we have a better football team. We dominated them for a little over a decade until the wheels came off.

 

[18IsTheMan]

It's important because we blew it at home last year through rookie coaching mistakes. With Stoops talking smack, this is both an opportunity and an imperative for Beamer to redeem himself.

Imperative for sure. When UK's head football coach starts talking junk, it's time to get serious about winning.

 

[Prestonyte]

Never mind I found it. Yeah, he’s really changed the culture. They play hard but no one fears playing UK. His great culture could barely beat a team last year with zero QB play. An ounce of a decent qb and we likely beat them last year with a first year coach who inherited many problems. So that red faced humpty dumpty should only can throw shade using his fat body.

See the resemblance

 

[ScWildthing61]

See the resemblance

View attachment 222837

Well they did have the Pillsbury throw boy playing QB for them once upon a time.(R.I.P)

 

[ScWildthing61]

Still to this day pissed off about that jerk UK columnist back in 1999 that said the SEC should kick us out, we bring nothing to the conference.

 

[Tngamecock]

See the resemblance

View attachment 222837

Yep…and his record is, now get this for the “culture changer”…..59-53 since he arrived in 2013. Wow, give me some of that

 

[gamecock stock]

IMHO, there are 3 games on our schedule that we will go into the season as underdogs, that we've a chance to win due to having comparable talent: Kentucky is one, the others being Arkansas and Tennessee. Those 3 games will define our season.

 

[18IsTheMan]

IMHO, there are 3 games on our schedule that we will go into the season as underdogs, that we've a chance to win due to having comparable talent: Kentucky is one, the others being Arkansas and Tennessee. Those 3 games will define our season.

Yeah, Arkansas is an early measuring stick game. They were worse than us the past several seasons until last year.

 

[Horseshoe04]

If we pack our Defense we can hang with Are Kansas. Give up 200+ rushing & we are probably in for a long day.
Punt (maybe attempt a FG, but not sure about the youngster yet) on 4th downs and we should hang with pUKe. We will need to play nickel & dime scheme while trying to pressure Hooker with 4, I still can’t get over how well they threw the ball last year.
I want them all

 

[18IsTheMan]

If we pack our Defense we can hang with Are Kansas. Give up 200+ rushing & we are probably in for a long day.
Punt (maybe attempt a FG, but not sure about the youngster yet) on 4th downs and we should hang with pUKe. We will need to play nickel & dime scheme while trying to pressure Hooker with 4, I still can’t get over how well they threw the ball last year.
I want them all

Ugh, that UT game was just....the worst. Was out with the family that day and went to check the score on my phone and it was basically 14-0 at kickoff.

 

[Tupacaintdead]

Yeah, Arkansas is an early measuring stick game. They were worse than us the past several seasons until last year.

If we can’t find an o line to be proud of, we may be in for a long year regardless of who we have taking snaps

 

[KingWard]

Yeah, Arkansas is an early measuring stick game. They were worse than us the past several seasons until last year.

Their coach is proving himself capable.

 

[KingWard]

IMHO, there are 3 games on our schedule that we will go into the season as underdogs, that we've a chance to win due to having comparable talent: Kentucky is one, the others being Arkansas and Tennessee. Those 3 games will define our season.

Tennessee could be very difficult. That boy coaching up there knows cutting-edge offense.

 

[Lurker123]

Tennessee could be very difficult. That boy coaching up there knows cutting-edge offense.

And I think there's a window there too. There is comparable talent between the teams, but that won't be true for long if they're recruiting continues to improve.

 

[gamecock stock]

Tennessee could be very difficult. That boy coaching up there knows cutting-edge offense.

Yes. He was my first choice to replace Muschamp. He is also proving himself to be a good recruiter. Member, Battleship Texas was down on him. Not sure why.

 

[KingWard]

Yes. He was my first choice to replace Muschamp. He is also proving himself to be a good recruiter. Member, Battleship Texas was down on him. Not sure why.

Doesn't matter why. Doesn't matter anyway. The boy can coach offense. He's ahead of the pack on offense.

 

[Prestonyte]

Doesn't matter why. Doesn't matter anyway. The boy can coach offense. He's ahead of the pack on offense.

They all get figured out eventually. Takes a little time and study.
Did you see where Steve Worster from the Texas Longhorns wishbone offense died? That was some offense in its day.

 

[KingWard]

They all get figured out eventually. Takes a little time and study.
Did you see where Steve Worster from the Texas Longhorns wishbone offense died? That was some offense in its day.

The time between now and eventually can be long enough to kick a lot of @$$. That boy will have to be outscored.

 

[gamecock stock]

The time between now and eventually can be long enough to kick a lot of @$$. That boy will have to be outscored.

Very true. I hope Satterfield has it in him to do that.

 

[FlebusJones]

A major factor in our success will be Satterfield's ability to take a bunch of new talent, blend it with old talent and be able to make a huge leap to start outscoring teams with high powered offenses . Despite all the new offensive talent that we are all excited about, until Satterfield makes it work in real games, it's a big question mark. Since our offensive baseline has been so low for so long, I am expecting significant improvement right away. Satterfield might be the biggest question mark.

 

[Tupacaintdead]

A major factor in our success will be Satterfield's ability to take a bunch of new talent, blend it with old talent and be able to make a huge leap to start outscoring teams with high powered offenses . Despite all the new offensive talent that we are all excited about, until Satterfield makes it work in real games, it's a big question mark. Since our offensive baseline has been so low for so long, I am expecting significant improvement right away. Satterfield might be the biggest question mark.

What great offensive talent are we discussing? We still have an unknown line. Qb transfer “possibly” could be good, lost his job at his last team. Who is our best wr??? Vann? Probably wouldn’t start on a top 10-15 team. So I like to be optimistic, however some folks forget last year and what it actually looked like under satt…. Everyone and their brother was calling for his head…. Minus the fla game and UNc game

 

[Lurker123]

A major factor in our success will be Satterfield's ability to take a bunch of new talent, blend it with old talent and be able to make a huge leap to start outscoring teams with high powered offenses . Despite all the new offensive talent that we are all excited about, until Satterfield makes it work in real games, it's a big question mark. Since our offensive baseline has been so low for so long, I am expecting significant improvement right away. Satterfield might be the biggest question mark.

Talent question aside, it's not a good thing if the season hinges on Satterfields ability, imo.

 

[Taco73]

Yeah, that was a weird shot at Beamer. I can't imagine there's bad blood between the two and, even though they own the series with us lately, UK isn't exactly in the position to be talking trash to other teams.

I like it. We were a good quarterback away from winning last year. Let this dude show himself out. He clearly lacks the levity of an OBC. I hop Beamer posts his statements in the lockeroom. Let's see if it holds up.

 

[18IsTheMan]

What great offensive talent are we discussing? We still have an unknown line. Qb transfer “possibly” could be good, lost his job at his last team. Who is our best wr??? Vann? Probably wouldn’t start on a top 10-15 team. So I like to be optimistic, however some folks forget last year and what it actually looked like under satt…. Everyone and their brother was calling for his head…. Minus the fla game and UNc game

I'm reserving judgment on Rattler. Yeah, he "lost his job" at OU, but there was a lot going on there that wasn't his fault. Even some OU folks have conceded that Riley wasn't coaching him well, speculating that he already had his eye on the exit, given how quickly he departed for SoCal. Not to mention, they were 5-0 when Rattler was demoted. To that point, he had a 75% completion percentage, 11 TDs and 1500 yards. He was on pace for about 3600 yards and 27 TDs. He wasn't exactly playing poorly. Fans were just agitated b/c they weren't obliterating teams and it was the classic "the most popular man on campus is the backup QB." Williams was highly touted and fans just got antsy to see him and the thing snowballed.

I don't know how good Rattler will/won't be BUT he is unquestionably an upgrade over last year's QB situation.

 

[Lurker123]

I'm reserving judgment on Rattler. Yeah, he "lost his job" at OU, but there was a lot going on there that wasn't his fault. Even some OU folks have conceded that Riley wasn't coaching him well, speculating that he already had his eye on the exit, given how quickly he departed for SoCal. Not to mention, they were 5-0 when Rattler was demoted. To that point, he had a 75% completion percentage, 11 TDs and 1500 yards. He was on pace for about 3600 yards and 27 TDs. He wasn't exactly playing poorly. Fans were just agitated b/c they weren't obliterating teams and it was the classic "the most popular man on campus is the backup QB." Williams was highly touted and fans just got antsy to see him and the thing snowballed.

I don't know how good Rattler will/won't be BUT he is unquestionably an upgrade over last year's QB situation.

I think Rattler is a question mark as well. 5 of his 11 TDs came in one game against a patsy. From a previous thread:

They started the year beating Tulane by 5 points with him throwing 1 TD and 2 INTs. He then threw 5 TDs with 0 INTs against western Carolina, but followed it up with a 7 point win over Nebraska, throwing 1 TD and 0 INTs. Then it was a 4 point win over WVU where he had 1 TD and 1 INT, and then a 6 point win over Kansas state, throwing 2 TDs and 1 INT.

Then came the Texas game where they fell behind with him struggling and throwing 0 TDs and 1 INT.

Throw in that we are talking about B12 defenses and teams that his offense "out talented" by far.

 

[KingWard]

And also because WM was actively running the program into the ground at the same time UK was building up. We were on opposite trajectories. Hopefully, that's changed.

I believe this is correct and I don't really understand it. Things looked so promising for us after Year Two of Muschamp. But one factor could be that our coordinators were where they were for reasons other than having established themselves as ready for those roles. It could be that we needed better coordinators. We definitely needed better coordinators.

 

[gamecock stock]

I believe this is correct and I don't really understand it. Things looked so promising for us after Year Two of Muschamp. But one factor could be that our coordinators were where they were for reasons other than having established themselves as ready for those roles. It could be that we needed better coordinators. We definitely needed better coordinators.

BMAC and TROB were over their heads as Coordinators. I really like our DC and STC. But I am concerned we have a Pee Wee football OC. Hope my fears prove to be unfounded.

 

[KingWard]

BMAC and TROB were over their heads as Coordinators. I really like our DC and STC. But I am concerned we have a Pee Wee football OC. Hope my fears prove to be unfounded.

We'll know by the end of this season. He is weighed in the balances.

 

[18IsTheMan]

If Satt can't do it with Rattler under center, then it'll be time for a change. Not saying Rattler is a Heisman candidate or anything, but he's certainly capable and well above average. I'm also not keen on the prospect of having what seems like our 10th OC in the last 5 seasons, but it is what it is.