Okay, obviously, UK football has been kicking some serious tail this season. If you are familiar with the program, we have been in a slump for the last several years. I stand behind my team, and I love UK Football, regardless, but it is awesome to be able to go watch a team that has fun, and gets the W. I barely recognize this program, or this team. I mean come on, we almost (and should have) beat the Gators...AT THE SWAMP. (Game clock was bullshit, there, I said it.) I had the opportunity to meet Coach Stoops at the UK football Women's clinic this summer, and he, as well as his coaching staff, and his team, promised some major changes. Well, kudos, Coach Stoops, because UK Football is making all of us at BBN seriously proud. 5-1,tied for first in the SEC East, and kicking Steve Spurrier's tail. HELL YES!
This past weekend, I attended the game against the University of Louisiana-Monroe. While the Cats were predicted to be the obvious winner, and we kinda-sorta beat the tar out of them, can I just talk about how proud I was to be there, and to be a part of the greatest fan base in all of college athletics. While some people may not view beating ULM as something to be bragging about, I am speaking of more than just winning. I am speaking of the atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium, the excitement,enthusiasm and sheer bad assery that is just KENTUCKY. If you weren't there, let me recap all the reasons that made proud to be in Lexington that dreary and (rather cold) day.
*A packed house, despite rainy weather and cold temperatures. The devotion of Big Blue Nation is just amazing. This wasn't a high profile game, but we still showed up in full force.
* My Old Kentucky Home. This always gets me teary eyed. When everyone in the stadium is collectively screaming, WEEP NO MORE MY LADY, and you look around and there are thousands of people, singing about their home state so freakin loud and proud, you can't help but swell out your chest and thank the good lord you're from the Bluegrass.
* It was Hero's Day at Commonwealth Stadium. We honored our troops. Not only did BBN display Kentucky fans and soldiers who are stationed in Kuwait, giving shout outs on the jumbo-tron, but the half time show, was centered around our great nation, complete with the band playing patriotic songs, spelling out USA, and stretching a gigantic American flag across the field. Not to mention, Jared Lorenzen lead the crowd in the USA chant.
* Javess Blue's one handed touchdown catch. Um. Do I need to even write anything else?
*Bud Dupree was/is a beast. He rushed the quarterback, he sacked the quarterback, he blocked a field goal. Basically, Dupree made big plays, and proved himself to be a leader.
* It was the first time since 1986 that Kentucky defense produced two pick-sixes. This is coming from a defense that had only three interceptions, and did not make one defensive touchdown all last season. Josh Forrest, and Marcus McWilson both returned inceptions for touchdowns.
*We scored so many points that I wondered if our mascot was going to be able to do all those push ups. He battled through it, though.
*BBN is showing our football program, coaches, staff, and players that we are behind them, and more importantly, are proud of them. This team is showing BBN that they really are "changing the game." Coach Stoops said it best after our win against South Carolina, "We're just getting started, bro."
