First Down Kentucky: Keeping The Immortals Immortal

There are lessons to learn in the pages of the Kentucky Football Fact Book. One is about a team I knew very little about that accomplished an incredible feat more than 100 years ago.

The game of football was different back in 1898. The Wildcats were not even known as the Wildcats until 1909. Nevertheless, the 1898 team dominated unlike any other ever has or ever will.

Kentucky played seven games during that season and did not allow one single point, outscoring their opponents 180-0. The only unbeaten team in school history was led by captain Roscoe Severs and coached by W.R. Bass. The closest of the seven games was a 6-0 victory over Centre College.

The 1898 Kentucky football team was dubbed “The Immortals,” and it’s a title that should stick. Here’s a reminder to ensure their immortal legacy will not be forgotten.

More Insight into the Kentucky Quarterback

Folks who cover the University of Georgia have been kind enough to provide Kentucky fans insight into their next quarterback. We know Brock Vandagriff has five-star pedigree, but what exactly will that look like?

“He’s a tough kid, great leader, great charisma. He’s going to get the best out of everybody around him,” Mike Griffith told That SEC Podcast. The Finebaum regular from Dawg Nation believes the Kentucky game is a dangerous one for Georgia, but this quote stuck out the most.

“It’s going to be hard to get through the season because Brock’s going to take you on. He’s a tough kid who runs the ball.”

Remember when Will Levis used to run through opponents? Get ready to see more of that this fall (and Gavin Wimsatt, get ready to step in if BVG takes one too many hits).

Return of the Flow

Vandagriff cut his signature long locks before making the move to Kentucky. He was prepared to take a more business-like approach to the gridiron. After spending a summer in the Commonwealth, he recycled the flow and it’s beautiful.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brock Vandagriff (@brockvandagriff)

Texas Spent Big for SEC Entrance

Texas announced its arrival into the SEC with a big party in Austin. Thanks to open records requests from Sportico, we learned the Longhorns spent $610,000 to pay for a Pitbull concert and $35,000 on advertising in Times Square. The total tab for the event, which drew an estimated 50,000 people to Austin, was $2.1 million. That’s an awful lot for a housewarming party.

Less Than One Month Until College Gameday Returns

College Gameday is coming to a city across the pond. ESPN announced the traveling college football roadshow will begin the 2024 season overseas. The program’s first international road trip is near Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland for the week zero matchup between Florida State and Georgia Tech.

Pat McAfee announced he will return to College Gameday in 2024. The former Colts’ punter received mixed reviews following his first full-time season on the set. He’s not for everybody, but I appreciate the energy he brought to the show that was growing stale. Nick Saban has been on College Gameday many times and this year you’ll see him every morning to kick off your college football Saturday.

JJ Weaver Organized a Bike Drive

For the second straight year, Kentucky EDGE JJ Weaver rounded up hundreds of bicycles to give away to kids across the Commonwealth. Last year he handed them out in his hometown of Louisville. This year children gathered at Tates Creek Community Center to meet the Kentucky Wildcat and find a new set of wheels. Weaver’s Perfect Fit organization uses the annual bike drive to give children a gateway to exploration, adventure, and childhood fun.

Another successful "The Perfect Fit" Bike Drive hosted by @jjtimeee.

The bike drive provides children with the joy and freedom of owning their own bicycles. By collecting donations of gently used bikes and soliciting funds for new ones, the drive ensures that every child,… pic.twitter.com/7YhtsENfDE

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) July 25, 2024