Kentuckians Favor Kentucky to Win Governor’s Cup

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

With every passing week, Kentucky fans seem to be growing more and more confident that this football season could be special. And that growing confidence is evident in a new Bluegrass Poll released this week that shows a majority of Kentuckians across the Commonwealth believe UK will best UofL in the Governor’s Cup at the end of the season. John Clay writes:

"“Both teams have experienced just one loss so far this football season, but a majority of the state thinks it knows which will be the winner when Kentucky plays Louisville on Nov. 29.In a new Bluegrass Poll, 51 percent of respondents predicted Kentucky will win the annual Governor’s Cup game, compared to just 27 percent who projected a Louisville victory at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Twenty-three percent said they were not sure.”"

Zach West returned to the starting lineup last Saturday night versus South Carolina after missing 3 games due to a mystery injury to his neck. And his presence was felt as the offensive lineman helped open up huge holes for Jojo Kemp. Kyle Tucker writes:

"“With West helping lead the way – several times he finished a play on top of a flattened defender on the ground – UK rushed for a season-high 239 yards against South Carolina. That was the Cats’ highest total against a Power 5 opponent in 42 games, and their 6.6 yards per carry were the most against an FBS opponent since Week 2 last fall.”"

Kentucky isn’t just winning on the football field, they’re also winning on the recruiting trail. And last Saturday’s win over South Carolina has already paid dividends. Sanjay Kirpalani writes:

"“The start of October has always raised spirits at the University of Kentucky, as fans start getting excited for the start of another championship run on the hardwood.  It is rare that the Wildcats football team elicits the same reaction.However, after the Wildcats beat South Carolina 45-38 to improve to 4-1, fans in the Bluegrass State are harboring visions of winning the SEC’s Eastern Division.The hot start on the field has also translated to the recruiting trail, as 2015 4-star Ohio twins Andrew and David Dowell and 2016 3-star Georgia corner Jordan Griffin pledged to Kentucky over the weekend.”"

Julius Randle has an excellent opportunity to become the new face of the Los Angeles Lakers in the next few years as Kobe’s career comes to an end. In his first preseason game, Randle did well, but Lakers head coach Byron Scott knows he can do better. And to get the best out of Randle, Scott wants him to improve his conditioning. Eric Pincus writes:

"“Julius Randle had a solid rookie debut Monday night, scoring 10 points with eight rebounds in the Lakers’ 98-95 victory over the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener.While Coach Byron Scott was happy with some of what Randle accomplished on the floor, he would like to see more from the rookie.”"

Fresh off his new multi-year, multi-million deal with the Phoenix Suns, Eric Bledsoe showed up to camp in top shape, ready to prove he deserves to be considered one of the elite point guards in the league. Paul Coro writes:

"“When Eric Bledsoe walked his upcourt dribble last season, Suns coach Jeff Hornacek would ask Bledsoe if he was tired.Bledsoe looked to be made of granite and sprinted like a racehorse, but Hornacek’s point was made then and in his exit conversation with Bledsoe. After not seeing him for more than five months this season, the staff was pleased to find Bledsoe in top shape.”"