Kristen Geil's KSR College Portfolio

Poythress to Consider Part Time Job As Pizza Delivery Boy

kristenmgeil — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:56:00 -0400

TENT CITY, KY- After spending time last night delivering pizza to hungry fans camping out for Big Blue Madness tickets, Alex Poythress has reportedly decided to pursue a career as a pizza delivery boy.

A source overheard Poythress commenting to a friend, “Man, I could do this all night long!”, referring to passing out pizza and not (as we first assumed) Lionel Ritchie’s hit song. Witnesses commented on the huge grin planted on Poythress’s face as he interacted with fans and spread the joy of Papa John’s pizza throughout 582 tents worth of people.

Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari could not be reached directly for comment, but a source who wishes to remain anonymous told this reporter, “Calipari runs a players-first program, and that includes their professional careers. If the NCAA would only pay student athletes, Alex wouldn’t have to pick up a part time job.”

Considering Poythress is currently projected to only go sixth in the 2013 NBA Draft, it’s probably wise for him to work for extra cash during the school year. In that scenario, Poythress would only earn $2,643,600 in his rookie year, as opposed to the $4,436,900 projected first-year earnings of the number one overall draft pick- hardly enough to afford a white-on-white Bentley.

NCAA rules allow student athletes on scholarship to earn up to $2,000 annually at outside employment; as a pizza delivery boy, it’s safe to say Poythress will not be in danger of violating this regulation. However, UK is awaiting ruling from the NCAA regarding how much Poythress will be able to use his employee discount or employee meal for free or drastically reduced-cost pizza.

Poythress has scheduled a press conference for halftime of the next UK home football game (to ensure a high attendance) to announce which pizza chain he will work for. The smart bet is on Papa John’s, which is a UK sponsor and gave Poythress his start in the business last night; however, there are whispers that Poythress is partial to the cheesesticks from Mad Mushroom. Mellow Mushroom also has nicer uniforms.

Poythress’s favorite pizza toppings are pineapple and ham.

@KristenGeilKSR for fake and sometimes real news

Best of KSRCollege From the Weekend

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:32:45 -0400

This week’s best of KSR College is brought to you by Rajon Rondo hiding in a closet at Fashion Week to eat a cupcake undisturbed.

I’m sorry, but is that not the funniest thing you’ve ever seen? Glad you liked it. Let’s move on to the best of KSR College so far this week.

Andrew Cassady, the consummate professional, pushed aside his UK pride to honestly rank the SEC football teams in this week’s SEC Power Rankings. Read to see if Kentucky has a chance against Florida this week.

Speaking of Florida, Brooks Holton did a little digging and found a look at the Kentucky football program through a Florida football writer’s eyes. Brooks also drops an absolutely terrifying stat regarding Kentucky and Florida scoring in the first quarter of their previous four match ups. Yikes. However, I do think it was kind of the Florida writer to refer to our Western loss as “humbling.” That’s a nice little spin.

The men’s and women’s soccer teams both earned victories this week. Dean Bowling covered the men’s win over Eastern Tennessee last night, and I wrote briefly about the women’s soccer team, who are still undefeated in SEC play against some really tough competition. Check it out.

It’s Big Blue Madness time, so let’s have some fun. JC Ausmus provided some fun facts surrounding the madness, and Havana Childers wandered around the tents to photograph some of the Big Blue Faithful. So did Tara Bilby. Did you make it onto their iPhones?

And finally, in case you’ve somehow missed hearing about the epic Stone Cold vs Nerlens Noel one-on-one game that’s taking place tonight, Hayley Minogue wrote up a quick pre game preview. Read it, then go check out the matchup at 9 pm behind the Craft Center. Who’s side are you on?

@KristenGeilKSR

Best of KSR College From the Weekend

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:32:21 -0400

Well, that was a roller coaster of the weekend. From the Fantasy Camp experience to the Alumni Game, to the Western debacle to the women’s soccer win, Kentucky sports experienced every emotion on the spectrum this weekend. Luckily, KSR College writers were on hand to cover all of it. Here’s what you might have missed (while napping at Wildcat Lodge) over at KSRCollege.com:

Let’s get the ugly stuff over with. Andrew McCarthy had the dubious task of writing the post-game summary of the Western Kentucky overtime win, and he managed not to shatter his keyboard when angrily blogging away. That deserves a click, amirite?

Brooks Holton is a freshman at Centre College and is apparently really enjoying the discussion-based classes he’s taking, because he took the concept to his post Sunday Discussion: What Happened to Maxwell Smith and the UK Offense? It’s similar to a difficult therapy session- you don’t want to talk about it, but you know you’ll feel better after.

As David Mulloy sunnily phrased it, “At least we didn’t lose the tailgate.” He and Havana Childers roamed the Commonwealth parking lot to capture on film what is now widely considered Kentucky’s greatest strength as a football program. JC Ausmus also got a fun perspective with access to the John Calipari Fantasy Camp’s tailgate, and let me tell you, it is something swanky.

And to wrap up the football section, I wrote about why I’m already getting a little bit fed up with coaching speculations. Guys. It’s September. There is a whole lot of football season left, for better or for worse. Nothing good can come from pressing fast forward on this football season, and I explain why in my post.

Let’s lighten things up a bit. Jack Heyburn brought the laughs this weekend, with one of the most unlikely pictures to ever be taken and a brief discussion afterwards. Jack also browsed the Oklahoma City message boards for fan reactions after the announced signing of DeAndre Liggins, and the results are NOT what you would expect. I died laughing.

The Billy G saga continues. Doctors have advised Billy Gillispie to stay stress-free for the sake of his health- how will he possibly fill his days? I offered a few suggestions for him.

And finally, after watching Jim Calhoun’s retirement press conference, I started musing on Calipari’s (hopefully very far off in the distant) future retirement, using The Sandlot as my analytic lens. I wrote this before the Fantasy Camp and Alumni Game, which would definitely impact my thoughts if I were to rewrite it today- but you’ll have to read it to find out why.

@KristenGeilKSR

Catch the KSR Pregame Show on WLAP 630

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:31:58 -0400

After they get done watching the UK Alumni Charity game this afternoon, Matt and crew will head straight in to work to bring you the KSR Pregame show. Tune in to 630 WLAP AM or 98.1 The Bull at 4 pm for Matt’s broadcast from Commonwealth stadium before the Cats take on Western Kentucky. You can also listen online at WLAP.com.

And because we at KSR live to diversify, radio isn’t your only medium to experience the glory that is our humble website. Log on for the live blog, starting right here around 6:30 pm. Have your “But seriously, what is WKU’s mascot?” jokes ready to go, and we’ll see you there. Go Cats.

@KristenGeilKSR

They Say Pictures Are Worth a Thousand Words...

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:31:36 -0400

…but how many recruits are these two pictures worth?

What if Kentucky Moved to the ACC?

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:31:11 -0400

Conference realignment. The carousel has seemingly not stopped for the past few years, and it doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon. The most recent move has Notre Dame ditching the Big East to join the ACC in every sport but football, leaving the ACC with fourteen football schools. As of now, ACC league commissioner John Swofford says they’re not recruiting any more schools to join, plus adding one more league would mean fifteen schools and a bit of a football scheduling headache.

However, according to Mark Story of the Herald-Leader, rumors are still circulating that the ACC is looking for one more solid school (probably a Big East seceder) to join and strengthen its conference. Story asks the question that made me reel in disbelief: what if that next school to join the ACC was Kentucky?

Take a second and gag a little. Get it out of your system. I’ll wait.

Story argues that a Kentucky move to the ACC would help us tremendously with our struggling football program. Basically, we can’t win in the SEC. Barring a major program reform, we’re always going to be second fiddle to Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Florida, even Vandy some years. It’s disheartening. Texas A&M was in a similar position in the Big 12, but made the bold move to the SEC in hopes of securing a new football identity. Why shouldn’t Kentucky football get the same opportunity?

As for the basketball purists, you can’t deny the ACC’s traditional strength of conference. A move to the ACC would give Kentucky regular opportunities to play against Duke and UNC, plus increase the conference’s revenue by adding at least two more hugely profitable games that would garner enormous ratings for television and guarantee a College Game Day visit. We’d get to see Duke and UNC in Rupp as well as periodically invade their home courts and those irritating Cameron Crazies. Also, the SEC has been weak for the past couple of years, and a move to the ACC would nip any “yeah, Kentucky has a great conference record, but their conference sucks” arguments in the bud.

Plus, we’d get to see more of this.

Rationally, it could work. It could even progress our athletic program. After all, the basketball team is well-established enough that we can succeed wherever we go. The football team needs an extra leg up, and a conference shakeup could be just what the doctor ordered. It could even be a way to show the football players and coaching staff that we value them just as much as basketball, if not more, because this move would benefit them the most.

But you know what? The thought just feels icky in my stomach. Kentucky football may struggle, but our tradition is more than just wins and (lots of) losses. It’s about our state’s Southern identity, our hatred for Tennessee and all things orange, and our road trips to the meccas of tailgating culture. It just feels wrong to think about Kentucky being an ACC school.

Luckily, this speculation is all incredibly premature, and good only for “what if” fodder. For now, Kentucky is safe and sound in the SEC, and there’s no reason to think anything otherwise.

@KristenGeilKSR

Official Team Rosters for Charity Game

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:30:47 -0400

Blue Team:

Darius Miller

Nazr Mohammed

Randolph Morris

Jeff Sheppard

Wayne Turner

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

(Coached by John Wall)

White Team:

DeMarcus Cousins

Anthony Davis

Perry Stevenson

Antoine Walker

Tony Delk

Jared Prickett

(Coached by Drake, below, who is apparently buddies with Davis)

(h/t @KSR_allHayl)

White Team looks to have the advantage on the inside, but you can never underestimate MKG.

Julius Randle Spotted at Alumni Game

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:29:41 -0400

Julius Randle has been spotted at the UK Charity Alumni game in a grey UK windbreaker. No word yet on whether Beyonce has accompanied him to Rupp.

Players Arriving for Alumni Game

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:29:19 -0400

Well, well, well, look who came back to say hi to that 2012 title banner…

Doron Lamb also here. So all six draft picks from 2012 title team are in the building.

— Jon Hale (@JonKyForward) September 15, 2012

No word yet on whether Doron rode his bike to the stadium.

College Football Viewing Guide

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:28:49 -0400

Well, someone who works at CBSSports.com woke up hungry this morning. For your viewing ease, Tom Fornelli wrote a guide to college football games today, cleverly organized by what meal you would be eating while viewing. A couple of SEC-related highlights:

Arkansas vs. #1 Alabama - CBS 3:30pm ET

This game lost a bit of luster with Arkansas’ loss to Louisiana-Monroe last week and the injury to quarterback Tyler Wilson, but it’s still your first chance to listen to Uncles Vern and Gary call SEC football this season.

…

#23 Tennessee vs. #18 Florida - ESPN 6pm ET

What is easily the biggest game in the SEC since the loser could have a tough time winning the Eastern Division. Is Tennessee really a program on the rise, or will Florida once again have its way with its rivals to the north?

Fornelli paired his post with pictures of breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates. Someone get this guy a cheeseburger before he passes out from low blood sugar.

@KristenGeilKSR

FINAL: 96ers 103, Campers 43

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:28:07 -0400

Also: what’s wrong with this picture?

(h/t @KyleTucker_CJ)

Halftime: 96ers 44, Campers 15

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:27:43 -0400

The big plays are mostly coming from the 96ers, but the Fantasy Campers still have a chance to make a comeback in the second half. Honestly, scoring in double digits is probably enough of an accomplishment for the team. First half highlights included Jeff Sheppard missing a dunk and Wayne Turner hitting multiple threes, and then proving he’s still hip with it by throwing up three goggles.

Time to check out my trick plays, campers. Seriously. They couldn’t hurt at this point, right?

Matt Jones' Defensive Stance

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:27:15 -0400

(h/t @LauraLeighKSR)

Nice and low, bent knees, elbows in position to block out, but his feet look a little too widespread and flat to be able to move quickly.

1996 Team Player Representatives/Opening Tip-off

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:26:54 -0400

The 1996 team is just being introduced to the Rupp Arena crowd. Player representatives are:

Anthony Epps

Jared Prickett

Oliver Simmons

Wayne Turner

Jeff Sheppard

Derek Anderson

Tony Delk

Walter McCarty

Coached by: Sam Bowie

Oh, and guess who got to jump for the opening tip?

Matt Jones of KSR fame jumping center for Fantasy Campers. McCarty, standing flat-footed, controls tap for ‘96 team

— Jerry Tipton (@JerryTipton) September 15, 2012

Oh, Jerry.

BREAKING: 96 Team Will Not Wear Denim Uniforms

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:26:31 -0400

(h/t @KyleTucker_CJ)

But hey, they’re still in their old uniforms. So…

If I Were Coaching the Alumni Game...

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:26:04 -0400

So, in many ways, I don’t quite have the normal resume to be working for KSR. I didn’t go to University of Kentucky (Transy grad, so that’s basically the same thing), and I don’t live in Lexington currently (Chicago’s an easy road trip though). However, I was thrilled to hear about the UK Alumni Charity game and spent weeks waiting by my phone for Cal’s call that I had been invited to coach a squad. After all, I once met Tubby Smith at a Mariott Hotel charity event, and I went to Tin Roof often enough senior year to know when Darius was recycling graphic t-shirts he hadn’t had time to wash.

You’re probably as shocked as I am, but I never got that call. No matter. John Wall is legitimately more qualified than I am to coach, and Drake probably just whispered sweet nothings into Calipari’s ear until he agreed to give the Canadian a chance. And let’s face it- today’s game is about entertainment, not true competition. Still, just in case they’re reading this blog while frantically scanning the Internet for last minute “how to coach basketball” Google results, I’ve drawn up a couple of trick plays that guarantee victory.

The Air Bud Bamboozle: First, find a dog that has graduated from UK, perhaps in the Seeing Eye Dog Program. Preferably, this dog is named Keightley, Miller, Prince, Knight, or some other UK-inspired moniker. Stick a UK jersey on him. It’s a given that all Kentucky dogs know how to play basketball, so just toss the ball in his general direction and watch the pup magically mouth the ball into the hoop. If a dog isn’t available, a human player can pretend to be a dog, which will further confuse the opposing team.

The Wheelchair Jimmy: There’s a solid chance that I’m the only one in the world who’s obsessed with this fact, but before he was Drizzy Drake, Aubrey Graham played the inimitable “Wheelchair Jimmy” on the Canadian teen soap DeGrassi. His character, a rising basketball and music star, got shot and Jimmy was subsequently reduced to a wheelchair.

Here’s how it works in the Alumni Game setting: Player (preferably one of the Fantasy Camp guys, because let’s face it, they’re older and it’s a more likely scenario than Tony Delk throwing his back out) goes down with an injury. He later emerges from the locker room in a wheelchair to an ironically standing ovation from the Rupp Arena crowd. Opposing players don’t know how to react- guard him as normal and be perceived as heartless and taking a charity game too seriously? Play in wheelchairs themselves to make it fair? Confusion ensues, resulting in Wheelchair Player’s team dominating. In the last two minutes of the game, Wheelchair player drives (rolls) for a layup, rising from his chair en route to the hoop for a miraculous recovery and game-winning shot. Calipari announces that his next charity event will be a wheelchair basketball game featuring old UK players. Everybody wins.

The Annexation of Puerto Rico: Basketball Edition: Perhaps the best known trick play in history, the Annexation of Puerto Rico was popularized by the ragtag Little Giants of 90’s cinematic fame. It was actually run by the Carolina Panthers last year, to great success.

This can easily be adapted for basketball purposes. Point guard “snaps” the ball to another player (with the snap being a behind the back pass), who leaves it on the ground. Guards and forwards run to the right, and one player picks up the ball and runs left for the easy dunk. Personally, I nominate MKG for the scoring position just because his love of The Lion King makes me think he would most appreciate the 90s nostalgia inherent in Little Giants.

If all else fails, have the WBA step in as assistant coaches. They know a thing or two about trick shots.

@KristenGeilKSR

Derek Anderson is Back on the Rupp Floor

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:25:40 -0400

There’s no place like home… there’s no place like home… there’s no place like home…

Saturday Morning (Cuff)links

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:25:18 -0400

Good morning, BBN. How’d you sleep? No, I’m not sure what it means to dream that you’re running naked through a field of oversized gummy bears being chased by zombie Digger Phelps, but I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Here, let’s sit and discuss today’s breaking links over some coffee before we go to the local organic fame’s market. I’m feeling very bougie.

-Last night, we learned that Billy Gillispie was already back from his stint in the Mayo Rehab Clinic. Red Raider Sports reports on his return and says that the Texas Tech staff was “shocked” to learn Billy had returned so quickly.

-Game Day! Ben Jones of Cats Illustrated gives a preview of Western Kentucky at Kentucky, including the obligatory “WKU wants the upset” warning.

-Maxwell Smith has proven to be a worthy starter in his first two weeks on the job. Glenn Logan of A Sea of Blue argues that we need to be recruiting more players like Max in order to improve our standing in the SEC.

-Morgan Newtown may not be our quarterback, but his bruising style may have found Newton a new role at tight end, writes Jennifer Smith of the Herald Leader.

-In recruiting news, ZagsBlog reports that James Young hasn’t ruled out the idea of playing alongside Andrew Wiggins, the Harrison twins, and/or Julius Randle at UK. Glad to see he’s of the “the more, the merrier” mindset, because that’s how Cal rolls.

-Also on Zags Blog, tagged “Obvious News,” Kentucky is apparently in strong recruiting position with 6’11” Dominican Karl Towns. Can I get a Cher-style “Duh!”?

-The men’s and women’s soccer teams each scored huge wins last night, with the men upsetting #18 Louisville and the women winning their SEC opener against #13 Florida.

-A little outside of the sports realm, two universities were evacuated yesterday after bomb threats; luckily, no explosives were found on either the University of Texas-Austin or North Dakota State University campuses.

@KristenGeilKSR

Stadium Frame's Saturday News and Views

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:24:55 -0400

The celebration is over but it can live on forever inside your home or office with this Final Four print from Stadium Frame. The 34x24 framed photo is matted with coins and features a shot of the Superdome court just after the final buzzer sounded to end Kentucky’s magical 2011-12 season. Go to www.Final4Prints.com to purchase the print you see here, or pick out another print or variation of this one from Stadium Frame.

Hey, guys. TGIF, amirite? I’ve had a long day of scrolling through Twitter, watching SportsCenter, and occasionally feeding the baby I nanny, and I have to say I’m exhausted. It’s a rough life I lead. Let’s get to the news and views, and then I’ll read you Goodnight, Moon and tuck you in. I’m still in nanny mode.

-The Coach Calipari Fantasy Camp has, by all accounts, continued to exceed everyone’s expectations. Today saw more big names show up- Dick Vitale, Anthony Davis, Anthony Davis’s gold medal, DeMarcus Cousins, John Lucas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hayley Minogue, and more.

-After taking in the local horse history (seriously, the dude loves him some thoroughbred statues), Dick Vitale stopped at Cal’s camp and delivered an incredibly inspiring and moving speech to all in attendance. Vitale, who works tirelessly to raise money for pediatric cancer, addressed the campers and took questions from the media. One quote that stood out- “Passion and work ethic. Those are the two most important things in achieving your dreams” (h/t @LauraLeighKSR). He also apparently took a moment to kiss his wife during his speech, noting that she changed his life. All together now: Awwwwww….

-Speaking of life-changing, the money raised by the John Calipari Fantasy Camp Experience was totaled at $25,000, all of which will go to Dick Vitale’s V Foundation for finding a cure for cancer. We can’t mention enough how impressive Calipari’s philanthropic tendencies are, and it’s not just bake sales and calls for donations. Instead, Calipari innovates ways to get the fans involved while helping a charitable cause. That’s not anywhere on his job description, and it’s just another way he goes above and beyond the call of duty at Kentucky.

-Vitale’s got jokes.

-After a long day of workouts, the camp members have media have convened behind the wrought iron gates of Calipari’s Castle for some dinner, relaxation, and Mrs. C’s brownies. Just like in rec league soccer, Calipari even handed out trophies. Nice touch, Cal.

-Of course, the camp culminates with the UK Alumni Charity Game tomorrow at Rupp at 2 pm. Tickets are still available, guys, and I’m mentally kicking myself that I didn’t have the foresight to fly home for this incredible weekend. The game won’t be available on television or radio, so in person is the only way to enjoy. You can buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com. Go. Now. You’re already on the Internet so you really might as well.

-In case you missed it, John Wall was named as the other celebrity guest coach (along with Drake). It’s Jimmy Wall versus Wheelchair Jimmy, and I can’t wait to see how their coaching styles match up. I picture Wall distracting his opponents with props such as neon sunglasses and clown wigs, while Drake uses his dulcet tones to lull the opposing team into an R&B, baby-making-inducing haze.

-All of the names I’ve dropped so far in this post have been already established Wildcat stars, with one hopefully soon-to-be star among them. Power forward Julius Randle arrived on campus today, and the top 2013 prospect is set to enjoy all the glamour that UK Alumni weekend has become. Wonder if he’s going to root for Team Wall or Team Drake?

-In soccer news, both teams walked off their respective fields tonight with absolutely HUGE wins over Top 25 teams. The men beat #22 Louisville 1-0 in front of a record crowd, with Matt Lodge scoring the 20th goal of his career for the win. Cedegren’s squad improves to 2-4-0. The women’s team won their SEC opener against #13 Florida. After falling behind 1-0 early, Kentucky defender Arin Gilliland scores on a penalty kick and Courtney Raetzman (she of the horribly grotesque black eye) followed suit. Ally Tucker was there, and caught some great shots of Raetzman’s goal and the post game celebration.

The Wildcats relied on defense to contain Florida, a team that tends to dominate possession, and Coach Lipsitz and his team move to 6-1-0. They face undefeated Mississippi State on Sunday afternoon.

-Amidst all the basketball and soccer excitement, I nearly forgot there’s a football game tomorrow night. The Wildcats will take on Western Kentucky Saturday evening at 7 pm, and for many people, it’ll be the culmination of a Kentucky-filled day after the UK Alumni Charity Game, tailgating in what I’m assured will be gorgeous, girls in dresses and cowgirl boots weather. After their impressive games last weekend, Aaron Boyd, Miles Simpson, and Dakotah Tyler have been named the game captains. Nick Roush had the honor of writing the scouting report for Western Kentucky, so check it out here.

-And finally, some late breaking news: Billy Gillispie is back in Lubbock, Texas after a very brief stay at the Mayo Clinic. No further details have emerged, but we’ll keep our ears out over the weekend.

Whew, that was a lot. Are you sleepy yet? Me too. I’ll see you bright and early for an omelette with a side of Saturday morning links before we hit Spin class. Get some rest. Go Cats.

@KristenGeilKSR

Best of KSR College This Week

kristenmgeil — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:24:27 -0400

With fall sports kicking into high gear, I know that my schedule, at least, is a lot more jam-packed than usual. Time is of the essence, and to help you guys make the most of your Internet time, I’m here to highlight the best KSRC posts every few days. This week, I have also included a book recommendation because we all need to read more good literature. Let’s goooooo.

Let’s start with some football posts. We’ve heard that this Kentucky football team is young and inexperienced. In The Future of Kentucky Football, Will Totten profiles some of our most vital young players. These are the guys to keep an eye on throughout their Kentucky careers.

Similarly, remember Jessica and her daily life affirmations on YouTube? Andrew McCarthy takes it upon himself to be the Jessica of UK football beat writers, reminding us of why Max Smith could be “the light at the end of the tunnel.” It’s like Chicken Soup for the Kentucky Football Fan’s Soul.

It’s been a couple days, but Willie Taggart’s thoughtless comment about WKU students getting rejected from UK still sting for some WKU students. Havana Childers has some fighting words for him as a UK transfer by way of WKU. Her post “Choose One: Blue and White or Red and White” is a glimpse into how lots of WKU’s students might be feeling right now, and it’s worth a read.

John Burke did some research and summarizing to analyze how UK’s opponents for the rest of the season fared in their first two weeks, all to explore the question “Has UK’s Schedule Gotten Easier or Harder?” His conclusion may surprise you…

To cap off our football posts, Andrew Cassady is a man on a mission. That mission? To use his KSR power and rank the SEC’s football teams on a weekly basis. Spoiler alert- Kentucky’s not last!

Billy Gillespie is currently one of the most notorious figures in college basketball (well, this week anyway). Tara Bilby provides an insightful comparison of how the media handled Billy G’s firing from Kentucky as compared to his present situation at Texas Tech (written before he checked into rehab).

On the flip side of Tara’s post- Jack Heyburn should run for office. He can put a positive spin on anything. Keep that in mind while reading “It Wasn’t All Bad,” which focuses on Billy Gillispie’s perhaps most significant victory while at UK. It’s nice to remember that we had a nice moment, once, for a brief second, with Billy.

And finally, everyone had a great time with the Countdown to Kickoff football posts (except possibly Nick Roush when he did a string of roughly 14 days of them in a row), so we decided to bring the feature back for a Countdown to Big Blue Madness. With 30 days out, the first post went up this morning- so check it out to see what fun facts associated with the number thirty there are in the realm of UK basketball (hint- there’s an Eloy tweet).

@KristenGeilKSR for the links to KSRCollege posts as they go up