This story is as old as I am, Kentucky and Vanderbilt fighting it out to stay out of the bottom of the SEC. Bowl eligibility for the Cats has been at stake for five years now, while Vanderbilt has only had the opportunity to get bowl eligible three times this millennium (2005, 2007, 2008) and won only once. This year has proven very different in terms of the headphone wearers, with Robbie Caldwell getting tossed the keys unexpectedly while Joker’s progression to coach was about as long awaited and smooth as it could get. The Fightin’ Steamboat Captains didn’t handle it well, with early season losses to Connecticut and Northwestern, but did show what kind of heart and guts they had by beating Ole Miss. Unfortunately, things haven’t gotten much better after that for the ‘Dores, now sitting at 2-7. What’s going to win this game for the Cats? Honestly, it will take a lot to make them lose this one. Here’s the matchups.
Larry Smith v. UK’s secondary- The junior QB has not been a stellar beacon of play this year but has done everything he can. Unfortunately his best means he doesn’t have a single receiver with over 300 yards this season and only six TD’s total (four INT’s). The secondary has not had many problems defending the pass but this game should change that. The one receiver he will probably look for most is 6’5″ 250 lb (holy hell!) junior Brandon Barden.
Buildup v. Letdown- Winning this game would mean bowl eligibility for Joker’s first campaign, in case you haven’t heard. So what does that mean after the game? Would such an accomplishment allow the team to relax and focus a bit more, or will the assurance of a post season trip lead the oft flighty Cats into an stumbling start at a game that is more important than a 5th Tennessee bowl trip. You can lecture me all you want about the value of more practice and more exposure (I’ll agree with it) but there is a streak that needs to be broken before I can stop feeling nauseous every time I see that disgusting color. I swear, if the Cats don’t win it this year I’ll drink myself into short term memory loss. I’ve done it before!
Injuries v. Rust- Part of the reason that I am so confident in our chances to win this game is the fact that Vanderbilt is now using a linebacker and a safety at the running back position. On our side, Derrick Locke has officially been greenlighted for play but how much work will he be able to handle? Joker has a fine balance to achieve between making sure our all-SEC back is primed to blow up against the Filthy Volunteers and risking re-injury. Remember this injury was enigmatic from the outset, with a shoulder stinger turning into something more ominous week by week.
Honestly, there’s not much chance that Vanderbilt will pull this out, but after seeing how this team can often play down to their competition and how Vanderbilt can man up and beat an SEC team on the road. Still, I’m saying the scales have been bottomed out and the heavyweight is wearing blue. UK 38- Vandy 20
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