Big Blue Nation experiences first heartbreak under Mark Pope: Fan reactions

The honeymoon phase is over as Big Blue Nation has finally experienced a loss under new head coach Mark Pope and his entirely new team. It's not like Kentucky basketball was going to win every game this season, but the first loss still stings. It was Kentucky's first true road test, and they certainly seemed rattled, especially when shots weren't dropping and fouls weren't being called the Wildcats' way.

Big Blue Nation reacted in a variety of different ways to the first loss of the Pope era. Some with a "hopefully we learn from this," others with a more "Mark Pope failed us." Some blamed the refs, and others the players. It was a bit of a mixed bag as Kentucky fans are grappling with the first loss of the year.

Hats off to Clemson and their fanbase. The crowd was loud and annoying all night, and Clemson played physically, especially with their big men. Those players were relentless. They fought for every board, even when a Kentucky player would come down with it. They never stopped fighting. Clemson won that game on the back of pure hustle and energy.

Clemson also did a great job of throwing off the rhythm and looking from behind the arch. Kentucky went 7-27 from three, which is terrible for this Wildcats team that prides itself on its ability to shoot the ball.

The "hopefully they learn from it" is a consistent theme throughout Big Blue Nation. Unlike football and early-season losses won't kill your year, teams don't go undefeated in hoops. They lose some games, learn from those games, and move on to become better throughout the year. Kentucky faced a tough assignment in their first road test, but there are even some who think that it may have helped them prepare for Gonzaga, who they see on Saturday.