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Holiday Afternoon Notes for the UK Fans of the Day

Nick-Roush-headshotby:Nick Roush•12/24/23•

RoushKSR

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Dr. Michael Huang | KSR

Greetings, Big Blue Nation. Tis I, a man who is happy that I can use the word “Tis” in this afternoon’s notes for the UK Fans of the Day. Today I feel more cultured. Last night I finally watched one of the few holiday classics that evaded me over the years, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” For years it capped off NBC’s Thanksgiving Day broadcast, but that lengthy black and white feature was replaced by a third football game. After 30+ years, I was long overdue for Jimmy Stewart’s classic that still holds up more than 75 years later.

There’s one phenomenon about watching classic movies decades later that’s a bit annoying. They often serve as the origin of movie tropes, limiting the effect of the tools used in the original. The entire hook is George Bailey’s wish, granted by an angel, that he had never been born. I’m sure the consequences were Earth-shattering in 1947, but I saw about seven different kids’ movies with a similar hook in the 90s. It doesn’t take away from the meaning of this classic, but it doesn’t hit the same.

One other thing I’ve noticed this holiday season — folks really loved their tinsel on Christmas trees back in the day and I don’t really understand why. Sure, it’s shiny, but in this humble man’s opinion, the strings make it look more chaotic, disorganized and frankly, gross. Tinsel on Christmas trees has gone out of style for a reason.

Today I hope you’re drinking up all of the Christmas carols, movies, spirits and even a little football. Before the holiday parties really get rolling, let’s talk a little ball.

Christmas Caroling with the Cats

First Career Touchdown for Chris Rodriguez

The former Kentucky Wildcat finally found the end zone during a disappointing season for the Commanders. He did it in the most Chris Rodriguez fashion possible. The BBN has seen something similar a time or two.

A Kentucky Assist on Ja’Mori Maclin

The future Kentucky wide receiver has not said much since he announced his commitment, with one exception. Ja’Mori Maclin spoke with Jacob Polacheck of KSR+ ahead of the holiday weekend.

“I’ve built a really good connection with the coaches,” Maclin told KSR+. “They felt the most genuine, the most real. I was able to easily connect with them and be comfortable with them.” 

Maclin felt a connection with the coaches, even though Kentucky had not officially added Daikiel Shorts to the roster. One assistant acted in his place and made major moves in this recruitment, Andrew Verboys. The grad assistant who previously worked at Virginia Tech created the initial connection between the Cats and Maclin. The names you know — Marrow, Coen, White — typically get all of the shine in recruiting, but there are plenty of folks like Verboys doing heavy lifting behind the scenes that do not get the credit they deserve.

The Rich get Richer

Kirby Smart has created a steamroller in Athens. One thing felt a little different about the last Georgia football team. Carson Beck threw the ball around the yard. Mike Bobo did not lean on a Nick Chubb, Sony Michel or Todd Gurley type at running back to move the sticks. They did not need to look far to find a dominant player for their backfield.

The Dawgs pulled Trevor Etienne from Florida in what might be the most devastating blow to Billy Napier yet. Imagine having your team’s best player plucked in the portal by your rival. There’s just no way he survives 2024. It’s a shame, a real shame.

This Feels Significant

Kentucky pushed hard for a commitment from Naquil Betrand. The Cats finished as a runner-up to Texas A&M for the big offensive tackle. Now back on the market in the transfer portal, Kentucky could really, really use another offensive tackle. Even though he’s unproven, Betrand would be a nice addition. But there’s this:

Not great, Bob. Not great.

Christmas in Mammoth Cave

CBS Sunday Morning went spelunking in South Central Kentucky to hear some of the state’s best songbirds ring Christmas carols through the cavernous Mammoth Cave. I now have added something to my “Christmas To-Do List” for 2024.

Jon Rothstein is a Gem

Often times the insider comes across as a college basketball robot. Every once in a while he turns off his artificial intelligence and shares his human side. On Christmas Eve, he opened up to the world, providing us with a giggle and a reminder that not everyone needs an appearance Santa Claus to enjoy the extra time with family.

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2025-05-01