The auctioneer is in the house

Did anyone besides me get the feeling that the old fast talking auctioneer Lane Kiffin sold out Tennessee in record time.

Has there ever been a faster talking SEC coach? The fast talking old balls coach at South Carolina couldn’t come close to matching Kiffen’s speed with his mouth and Spurrier at least is willing to give a school his best. Kiffin on the other hand is willing to give a school his dads best shot. If it wasn’t for his dads defensive coaching what would Tennessee have done this season.

Has anyone seen a reason he should be described as a good head coach? I thought not.

He spends not even a year with the Raiders, has a losing record and is fired and called a liar by Al Davis. And you betcha he is a liar as Tennessee fans and players will tell you. All you have to do is watch his lips move to know that.

He wins barely half of his games and hes considered a good coach at Tennessee but his lips were moving there all the time too.

Hes an embarrassment to not only Tennessee fans but all of us SEC fans as well and USC fans will find that out quickly. Thanks Lane and your dad would be ashamed of you but hes watched your lips move your whole life and knows not to get involved watching them and forget whats hes doing.

About the only thing left for Tennessee to do is put the head coaching job up for auction and let the fastest auctioneer get the school a new coach in record time.

I’m behind Joker, and here’s why

Yes, God himself knows I’ve gone a mile out of my way to discuss my distaste with Joker’s playcalling, but all that is over. I’ve said before, and I’ll say again, I truly think that Joker will have better success as a head coach, than he did as a playcaller. He’s a tremendous recruiter, and he has a team building personality.

Allow me to entertain you with a bit deeper analysis of my predictions, and I’ll use some examples to show you what I mean. BTW I’m going to use layman’s terms, but some of you may know exactly what I’m talking about and may know what ideology I’m referring to. If so, no problem. But, I think it’s time I did a little bit of explaining as to WHY I’m so adamant in my evaluations. Plus, it might convince you that I’m not just pulling my opinions directly from my behind without a slight bit of filtering…

If there’s one thing that my considerable training on human traits and leadership has taught me, it’s that everyone has strengths. And, when those strengths are matched to the job right, it can be dynamic. and when they aren’t, it can be disastrous. To use one particular idea, there are four basic personality types. Some are thinkers, some are doers, some are collaborators, etc. you get the idea. Well, I’ve been thoroughly tested, and I am a doer. I’m a guy who specializes in crisis management, and immediate decision-making. *I* am better at evaluating plays and playcalling than Joker. That’s right. I said it. I DO know football, maybe not as much as some, but I know the game like it was my wife. I can look at a defense, and tell you what a good play might be in seconds. I can also tell you what a bad play might be at the same time. I say might, because sometimes, even the wrong play can be made good with good playmakers.
Now, I can do that and do it well. What I do NOT do well, is interpersonal management. I’m not someone who has the inspirational personality. I come off as direct, and abrasive, even when I don’t mean to. IT’s the way I’m wired. But, in a crisis, people are glad I’m around because I can make immediate decisions to manage the problem. But, this isn’t about me, it’s about Joker…

Joker IS NOT like me. Joker is not a crisis manager, and that’s what makes him a generally poor playcaller. He is however, a good leader. He can get the most out of people because he can manage them and their feelings. He comes across as a family member, not a boss. And that’s why I think he’ll make a good head coach.

Now, let me give you an example that should clarify why I believe you need doers as coordinators, and leaders as HCs. Florida State. Think about Florida State. Imagine Bobby on the sideline, or after the game. Remember the way he was? A salesman. The guy could sit down with anybody and make them comfortable. Make them believe him. You agree?

Now, think behind Bobby. Think Mickey Andrews. What did he look like during a game? Chewing the gum rapidly. Barking out orders. Never still always moving. He’s a kinesthetic doer. Are you starting to see what I’m getting at? They were perfect for each other and the team. It was the perfect fit.
Now, this is not to say that a doer can’t make a good coach (Urban Meyer) or that they WILL make a good coach (Charlie Weiss), but the best programs tend to have AT LEAST doers as head men or coordinators (Saban), or they have a leadership guy (Brooks) in charge that gets everyone to work well together.

BUT when teams inevitably go wrong is when they DON’T have a doer as a coordinator/playcaller. This has been the Achilles heel of UK for years now. Both Phillips and Brown are not critical thinkers. They are not crisis managers. They have milder personalities and are more interpersonal oriented. This leads to conservative decisions and playcalling. It just does.
UK needs to have DOERS as it’s coordinators. On both offense and defense, you have to have guys who think quickly, can adjust on the fly, and will gamble as often as they can, as opposed to as little as they can. Not that you need to onside kick it at the Swamp after you just scored, but things like CORNER BLITZES. 1st down hitch and go’s for the TD. Those type of things.

Joker is a collaborating type guy. He’s a guy who can bring people together and make them like him. Which is a great thing for leadership, but not for playcalling. In playcalling, you need guys who flourish under pressure. Like pit bulls and pain, they just wag their tail faster when the pressure increases. That’s what UK needs.
Sanders will be that guy, I think. (hope) His personality is more suited to the bang bang, and when he’s in the box making the calls, he’ll be better at making adjustments. I almost guarantee it.

Now, after that long walk in some minor psychology, back to the point. I’m behind Joker, and think he will do well. But, I can almost guarantee you that, unless he goes and gets a doer for his defense, he’s never going to get over the big hump. I still think he’ll be successful, maybe get an 8 win season here or there, but he’s never gonna challenge for the SEC, U-N-L-E-S-S…. Brown makes a dramatic change in his personality/philosophy and starts being a doer. To be frank, that’s just not likely.

Joker should be fine, and may be great. But, he’s gonna have to look past his feelings when it comes to Brown, IMNSHO, and realize that Brown is not a compliment for him. He needs a guy like Chuck Smith as Def Coordinator. Chuck is a doer. He’s a run the sidelines, screaming out stuff coach.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed it, even if you disagree.

Rich Brooks Field

Rich Brooks is stepping down as head coach at Kentucky after seven seasons. What you did at Kentucky and your doing things the right way and sense of humor will long be remembered will be remembered by the players and the fans.

I hope the school renames our field Rich Brooks field so you become the first coach to have fields at two schools named after you. Give the school a call or email and ask them to name the field in his honor.

Enjoy your fishing and tomatoes coach.

Thanks for the memories
Of games I can’t forget
The bowl wins you beget
Our wond’rous win against LSU
And Georgia and Auburn too
How lucky we were to have you

Music City Bowl

Okay, I have managed to find myself a bit of pep. Realistic one, too. UK is very, very young. Our offense, in particular is still so young. Clemson, is pretty veteran. My assertion being that, really OUR team is the one that has the ability to make the leaps and bounds during these practice weeks. Morgan finally getting some good reps in, without having to squeeze in the practice week, in between games, with no real time to get comfortable, and get to know his receivers,.. things like that.

This whole season was really Clemson’s season to be at their best. They had the experience and depth, particularly at the skill positions on both sides of the ball, and they had their speed. They were supposed to be a 10 win team. They weren’t. And, they weren’t because they just aren’t.

UK, on the other hand, came into this season with many of us debating whether this team was even a six win team. Most of us fell between 6 and 8. Yea, lo verily, we got 7. But, we never anticipated a true freshman QB winning three conference games. Not for a minute. And our receivers are still a group of young guys who, even though we’ve played a season, still haven’t gathered that much experience. We’ve had to run the ball so much (and it was good) that none of these guys, even Cobb, posted number like they could have if we had a more experienced and confident QB.

Well, now we will. I think this pause and practce will be take alot of pressure off Morgan. I think with the time to ONLY have to watch film on one team, and having the luxury to take 5 days a week to throw all the reps he can to all his recievers, learn their timing, get to know their speed, I think UK may well emerge a different team for this bowl game.

I think Clemson will be good, but they have ONLY the lowest level of performance of our team to look back on and reflect. They really, truthful, CAN’T possibly know how to scheme for this team because there has been so little game footage of this team getting to play well as a unit. The only thing they will definitely know is that our O-line is really good, top ten good, but that really only tells you you may have send extra people, to get pressure. They are only gonna know Locke is fast, and Cobb is dynamic. Beyond that, they have no idea as to the capabilities and potential of the rest of our offense.

–I’m starting to like the idea.

The Boring Bowls

When I read something starting out with “Is it just me” the first thing that crosses my mind is yeah its probably just you buddy.

Having poked a little fun at one of my favorite lead in lines. Is it just me or is this going to be another bowl season where the incidental bowls are going to be a lot more fun to watch than the BCS bowls.

There was a small chance that we were going to get to see if a non BCS team was worthy of playing for the national championship. Instead we get a Texas team that hasn’t shown much against anyone but patsy’s. A team who lucked by a Nebraska team who’s offense has been lost in limbo all year. The only thing Texas playing Alabama is going to show is that Texas isn’t a championship team and Alabama is.

The major bowls look like this.

Orange Iowa vs. Georgia Tech
Sugar Florida vs. Cincinnati
Fiesta Boise State vs. TCU
Rose Ohio State vs. Oregon

Lets start with the Rose Bowl’s stance on Pac 10 vs Big 10. Going by that premises they shouldn’t be considered a major bowl anymore since the Big 10 reminds most fans of the MAC. Wouldn’t everyone rather see Oregon play Boise St. again rather than perennial flop Ohio St.

On to the Orange Bowl where people get to watch Iowa vs Georgia Tech. Wouldn’t it be more fun to watch Ga Tech vs Pittsburgh rather than another big boring team.

The Sugar Bowl at least has some exciting football possible with Cincinnati going against Florida.

That leaves me with the Fiesta Bowl where if it was up to me Texas would be playing. I’m one good team short of having someone to play TCU so I guess the team would have to be Penn St, Ohio St or Iowa so the big boring fans don’t feel to bad.

Wouldn’t a eight team playoff be more fun to watch than what looks to be a boring week of football.

The Hard Fall

The higher you go, the harder you fall.  Its been a long time since UK fans have had to experience the long fall, and never from football.  But here we were yesterday, watching the possibility of all things new.  UK could beat UT and move into the upper levels of the SEC all in one game.  Then it came down to all in one set of overtime series.  All UK had to do was score and they probably only needed three points if the D could hold for three downs, possibly four.  UK did neither and fell right back into the hole they have taken decades to dig.  Maybe the long fall in football will help prepare us for the long falls we may have coming up in basketball?  It’s not much of a silver lining, but at least its something I guess.

There are plenty of reasons UK fell down in the UT game.  The D could not stop the run once again, but they’ve had trouble with big strong backs all year so this wasn’t a big surprise.  UK did find a way to put enough points on the board, but I had that, “doomed” feeling when I felt UK needed to produce on demand in OT.  The reason was at quarterback.  Newton hasn’t performed all year, never seemed to grow at all, and especially not to a level that you would expect from a future savior.  The bottom line with me comes down to what I consider to be the huge mistake at passing over Fidler.  First, UK simply GAVE the kid a job he did not earn, and the players never seemed to play as hard for him.  He never seemed to have their respect and was lost in most games and was totally lost in the entire UT game.  All the while, Fidler read defenses much better, and let’s face it, reading anything at all was light years better than Newton.  Fidler’s passes were more on time and on target, his decisions were that of a fourth year guy, the team played for him and he ran just as well as Newton.  Of course if your end goal was to run Fidler off, I say mission accomplished as he was honored on senior day following his announcement that he wasn’t coming back next year. 

Most people think UK error by not going to the Wildcat more in the UT game, which is completely an error in judgment if you ask me.  The Wildcat is a wrinkle set designed to give the other team something else to prepare for.  What those calling for more Wildcat fail to understand is all UT had to prepare for was the Wildcat and they bottled up every single option once they had a chance to see their guys defending it one time.  There is a reason Cobb had twice as many fumbles in the UT game as all the others combined (and his other fumble was actually a backward pass he dropped).  UT almost forced two other Cobb fumbles but he was able to pull it back in long enough to go down.

I love all the UK players, but when it comes to Newton, I just don’t know if he’s going to be a fit.  He’s the reactional type QB in a pro style offense that requires a thinker as much as a drop back passer.  Trading a number two position in the SEC for getting him some reps was a horrid mistake in my mind, especially considering he’s of the same mold as Pulley.  People might point to this year, where Pulley did finally have passing numbers in a lower division, but let’s also consider it took him five years to finally get numbers in one.  UK simply can’t waste two more years of dismal QB play to get one OK year and blowing this year on Newton was the worst coaching move of the year.

Second Place in the East

A post from ukn96 on the forums that deserves to be read by more than the forum users.

The battle for 2nd is coming on Saturday. Layla is bringing Lane, a reinstated (and “cleared”) freshman starting safety and the rest of the Tennessee Chain Gang to Commonwealth.

Are they visiting to see how a clean program should be built? Is Lane going to learn how to make sure his players weren’t arrested right before he proudly proclaims they have had no arrests that month? Is he going to learn from PawPaw what respect is?

His trash talking is what Vol fans want. The recent comment about there being no reason why the streak should not extend to 25 in a row was a clear indicator he is a warden the fans will love. As long as he wins. He may have a hidden talent too. How to convince the victim that the player should be able to play. After all…shop lifting is only a crime when there is enough evidence to convict. And possession of a $120.00 shirt you didn’t pay for is obviously not a crime in Volville.

So here they come to Commonwealth. A stadium with more ghosts than traditions. They are coming on senior day to extend the streak, and claim 2nd place in the East.

This is not David and Goliath as it was in years past. UK has proven they can end streaks, and make the plays when they matter. They have also proven they can brain fart at the wrong time. But this is not the same UK that played SC and MSU. Not the same teams that was embarrassed by FL, and happy to hang in there against Bama.

This team is led by Randall Cobb. A kid who was overlooked by the Pumpkins when he was playing in the shadows of Knoxville Prison. Rumor is that he didn’t have enough felonies to qualify for an athletic scholarship.

Like Cobb, this team no longer quits. They no longer make THE turnover to cost them the game. They get THE first down so they can line up in V formation. They have ended two streaks, and are going for #3.

Dinged and bruised they have played 10 straight weeks. This will be #11. A fans dream, a coaches nightmare. Either way, they are 7-4. Those of us on the bus believed they would be here, just not the way we arrived. Who would have thought we would win at Auburn and at GA?

The Felons are 0 fer in the SEC on the road. Hard to travel with that little bracelet on your leg, isn’t it? The Cats are 0 fer against the SEC at home. Yet another streak will have to end.

Commonwealth is ready. Extra locks and police. New safes for wallets and jewelry. Accommodations for the parole officers, and plenty of photographers for the arrival of Layla. Rumor has it that the shops at Fayette Mall and Lex Green are trying to prevent shoplifting by not allowing anyone wearing orange in their store.

Commonwealth will accept cash only from Vol fans. The Secret Service is looking for “funny money”, and will keep an eye on the players in and out of the tunnel. Al Gore’s “carbon credits” are not real currency either.

They Cats are ready. They will be bruised and playing hurt. But aren’t they all this time of year? I feel we will see a conservative offense early in the game, with Brooks trusting the D to keep them in check while Joker figures out Monte. Then we open it up.

Will Under Armor protect against a shank? THAT is the question I need answered.

After we end the 3rd streak of the season and secure 2nd place in the east, I will have 1 question for Lane.

Who’s your Daddy?

TRUE BLUE THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving Catland:

In honor of our festive holiday…. I’ve put together a lil Top 10 of things that we can all be Grateful for this season… So Raise your cup high & toast the CaliCat Era!

10.   Cheers to Bill, the founder of our feast.  Bill, I know I speak for all of us when I say …. “I can’t thank you enough for caring enough to take the time to set up this community giving us a place to Laugh, Cry, Fight, Argue, Agree & tell tall tales &  share the Spirit of KY BB Family.”   It’s a tireless, thankless job for the most part & many here couldn’t begin to imagine all the time & effort it takes in keeping Catland alive, thriving & growing.   Kudos & Kisses to you CatDaddy, you’re my Hero.  NOW…. please do us all a favor & keep your glass on the table instead of between your legs…. Frostbite on Thanksgivin is definitely a sight I think we can all live w/o.  Course now when New Years rolls around— you may very well find yourself in good company & ifn your lucky an offer of assistance in removal of said glass from… well—-CHEERS!                       

9.  NO MORE WE GOT WHOOPED speeches.  God, isn’t it just top it all to have a REAL COACH again?!  The more I watch our Cats grow & see Cal~ workin his magic the more I fall in love.  We’re gettin our swagger, pride & identity back.  Faster than anyCat could have imagined at that.  Recruits will once again want to take their place at our table.  TIS GOOD TO BE A CAT!  We deserve this & have waited too many years for that bird to finally come outta the oven.

8.  Old Feline Friends & the coming of the New~  Part of the mystique of  KENTUCKY BASKETBALL is the coming together of the young & old, rich & poor, foul & proper, the knowledgable & dumb….around the world making us a breed of our own— 1 BIG BLUE NATION!  Through it all, we have a common bond that is unrivaled by anthing in sports & most cultures in life….. FAMILY, IDENTITY, FRIENDSHIP.  WE RULE! (:

7. Demarcus Cousins—- We’ve waited & waited for his arrival.  Oh sure, we didn’t know his identity but the idea of him has certainly been there!… He’s not just bringin inside presence to the table— he’s bringin it w/a vengeance!  The last several years we’ve had some decent big men but they were lackin that FIRE in the belly/Take No Prisoners attitude electing not to let their size do the talking.

6.  Lit’s You Pick Em’s—- Love em & love the challenges, boasts & brags that accompany them.  Word to Jeffro Nolte— it’s on this year “Sweetheart”!  Get your game face on & Bring it!   Oh & Bama— I’ve seen your picks for week 1…you’re slackin Sunshine—thought you were better than that SNICKER SNICKER.   HO HUM …. who to copy & paste off of??? Well I wonder??! (:

5.  A big CAT applause for Cat8 & his killer video’s.   Whadda way to enhance our board not to mention the ability to visually capture just exactly what is KENTUCKY BASKETBALL.  A treasure to say the least.

4.  JAGOFF! That’s right— you read right!  Fellow Felines, Coach Cal~ has just kicked the Border War w/those tennessee turds up 10 knotches!   I love all his lil suttle jabs…. More Boast & Swagger added to the SEC pot w/a dash of Witness 54 delivered to their door.   WE’RE BACK! TIME TO STRUT LIKE A CAT & MORE IMPORTANTLY ROAR LIKE A CAT! ALL THAT’S LEFT IS THE POUNCE & KILL! (:

3.  THE GREAT WALL OF KENTUCKY THAT PLAYS W/ALL THE PRIDE & HEART IN THE WORLD.  Love him while we can— By March, he’s gonna be one of our greatest Floor Generals!  Perhaps in his retirement, he’ll come back to his Old Kentucky Home. (:

2.  RUPP ARENA IS ROCKIN AGAIN & we shall soon witness RUPP in her finest hour.  Cats, that’s just not expectations, hopes & dreams —- NO, it’s better than that—- IT’S A UNITED NATION W/1 BIG BLUE VOICE!  Oh how sweet the sound!   Sigh~  relish & a reminder to never take for granted what we hold so near & dear to our hearts.  RUPP IS ALIVE AND COME JANUARY TEAMS WILL COME IN FILLED W/LOATHING, DESPERATION & FEAR—-  Have ya’ll forgotten what the sweet stench of fear smells like??? GET READY we’re gonna get plenty of big whiffs! YAY!

Which brings me to #1—-

HOW FITTING IS IT THAT ON JANUARY 2ND— A GRAND CORONATION WILL BE HELD IN OUR BELOVED RUPP & AS THE BAND PLAYS ON ON UOFK  THE TRAITOROUS KING OF OLD WILL HUMBLY BE FORCED TO WALK IN THE SHADOWS OF THE BIG BLUE NATION & THEIR NEW KING!

NOW THAT’S KENTUCKY JUSTICE MY FELINE FAMILY & MAKES FOR ONE DAMN FINE MEAL!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you w/much love & affection.  You Cats rock 1 & all.

CHEERS TO US & THE LONG JOURNEY WE’VE TAKEN TOGETHER.  MAY OUR NEW ADVENTURES BE PROSPEROUS & MAY 8 BE JUST AROUND THE BEND.

LUVTHOSECATS & LUVUGUYS!

Ms.Cats~

Expectations vs Facts

You know I think I’ve complained about everything when it comes to football this year except for the players. They have been the one positive this year win or loose. Sure I could have complained about their outing against Florida but they didn’t quit and have shown it ever since.

I complained about the offensive play calling but frankly they brought the offense along slowly but surely. Joker even called a pass on first down twice in the second half at Georgia and I can look forward to seeing a more diversified offense against Tennessee.

I complained about the defensive play calling and Im gonna imagine that if I was named Cox I’d be complaining about his offensive protection after the defense harassed him in the second half into committing several turnovers.

I complained about special teams play but they held a good kick return game in check and created turnovers that we were able to capitalize on. Thats something we haven’t done especially well in the past.

I still have several complaints that I’m gonna express because I’m afraid if I don’t I might Jinx the cats.
1. We need to use a few more blitzes.
2. We need to pass to the TE a little more.
3. The middle of the field needs to be used more in the passing game.

Some place along the road I seemed to have gotten my expectations confused with the facts.

1. We are starting a freshman quarterback and the coaches have brought him along nicely.
2. Our defensive line had one returning lineman and we have been forced to depend on our linebackers more than we would have if Jarmon had been here.
3. We had no experienced receivers. Now we do and next year the rest of the SEC is going to disrespect them to their undoing.

If we were as bad as my complaints we couldn’t have come back come back against Georgia turnovers or not. I promise to try not to complain again this year

It was suggested in the forums that Uga VII died because he didn’t want to face the embarrassment of losing to Kentucky at home. And whats with the arrest of 1 more Georgia football players thats 31 in the past four years. Florida only has 24 arrests and Tennessee 25.

BBR Top 25 Week 12

BigBlueRules latest weekly top 25. There is no change at the top with Alabama still leading Florida due to having played a tougher schedule than the Gators.

RK	TEAM	RECORD
1	ALABAMA	11-0
2	FLORIDA	11-0
3	TEXAS	11-0
4	TCU	11-0
5	CINCINNATI	10-0
6	BOISE ST	11-0
7	GEORGIA TECH	10-1
8	OREGON	9-2
9	PITTSBURG	9-1
10	OHIO ST	10-2
11	IOWA	10-2
12	OKLAHOMA ST	9-2
13	PENN ST	10-2
14	VIRGINIA TECH	8-3
15	LSU	8-3
16	OREGON ST	8-3
17	MIAMI FL	8-3
18	CLEMSON	8-3
19	BYU	9-2
20	USC	7-3
21	UTAH	9-2
22	CALIFORNIA	8-3
23	HOUSTON	9-2
24	NORTH CAROLINA	8-3
25	MISSISSIPPI	8-3

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