If UK Finishes 6-6..What Then..

[CARDSRTOAST]

Not being negative..Just asking the question.We beat who we are supposed to beat (Vandy may be more than we can handle)is this where we want to be as football fans..I think that Mitch has a short list and does not want to have a hurried search in December like when GuyMo bolted for Baylor...

I believe that a long hard look needs to be looked at motivation and use of existing talent..We have the players now and more speed ..but are they being used correctly..My Trainer played at UK and in the NFL for 12 years and says our kids on defense are out of position..I know that we are not 49 points worse than LSU nor is South Carolina a better team..But folks ..that is where we are today.I love UK and support our kids ..I think hard choices need to be made and soon..remember what Coach Rupp said.."losing records don't fire coaches..Empty seats fire coaches"..:ggrin:

[johnkyblue]

My seat won't be empty.

[Sam K.]

...v.., I feel like I know when you're serious and when you are joking. This time I definitely think you are serious and appreciate your post. Because I really don't know where to pin the defensive problems the comment on kids being out of position makes as much sense as anything to me. Yes, defensively we are short on experience and talent compared to most SEC schools , but not a gap so wide that we should be ranked last IMO. If we get 5 wins I want to keep Brooks, but I think the DC position certainly needs a serious evaluation. And if a change is made I'm hoping that we look internally to see if Steve Brown or Chuck Smith would be up to the task. Are Brown or Smith qualified? I don't know, but that's where I'd look first.

[AndyPopCat]

CARDSRTOAST wrote: ...is this where we want to be as football fans...
The type of probation we're still rebuilding from is devasting to program like Kentucky's.

So...6 wins and a bowl is a huge step forward this year.. Then we look to take another step forward in '07.

[Spanish Moss]

AndyPopCat wrote: CARDSRTOAST wrote: ...is this where we want to be as football fans...
The type of probation were still rebuilding from is devasting to program like Kentucky's.

So...6 wins and a bowl is a huge step forward this year.. Then we look to take another step forward in '07.




I agree a bowl game of any kind will be big step forward and I will label that a success. I just don't know if 6 wins of the type we may get will get us in a bowl. Time will tell but first we have to get those 6 wins.

[UedK]

CARDSRTOAST wrote: Not being negative..Just asking the question.We beat who we are supposed to beat (Vandy may be more than we can handle)is this where we want to be as football fans..I think that Mitch has a short list and does not want to have a hurried search in December like when GuyMo bolted for Baylor...

I believe that a long hard look needs to be looked at motivation and use of existing talent..We have the players now and more speed ..but are they being used correctly..My Trainer played at UK and in the NFL for 12 years and says our kids on defense are out of position..I know that we are not 49 points worse than LSU nor is South Carolina a better team..But folks ..that is where we are today.I love UK and support our kids ..I think hard choices need to be made and soon..remember what Coach Rupp said.."losing records don't fire coaches..Empty seats fire coaches"..:ggrin:

Call or shoot me an email, my friend. I'd really like to hear what Danny thinks about this whole deal.

Six wins. A possible bowl. I'll be in my seat for every game, including a bowl if it happens. My enthusiasm is in the tank and I don't know if it will return. This staff can not motivate me nor the team. The terrible, terrible lopsidedlosses greatly outweigh the wins against inferior foes.

If we win six, it will be status quo and that's not necessarily a good thing.

[CARDSRTOAST]

johnkyblue wrote: My seat won't be empty.

3 misses in 27 years..mine won't either but about 10,000+ were at South Carolina ..It may get worse in November I hope not..

[Brian McCat]

CARDSRTOAST wrote: johnkyblue wrote: My seat won't be empty.

3 misses in 27 years..mine won't either but about 10,000+ were at South Carolina ..It may get worse in November I hope not..

If this team loses to MSU in 2 weeks, you can bet that Commonwealth will be like a mausoleum in November.

Yes, I will be at every game.

[poodoo]

AndyPopCat wrote: CARDSRTOAST wrote: ...is this where we want to be as football fans...
The type of probation were still rebuilding from is devasting to program like Kentucky's.

So...6 wins and a bowl is a huge step forward this year.. Then we look to take another step forward in '07.




Excellentpost, AndyPopCat. Personally, I'm just worrying about getting those six wins and these kids' getting their bowl game. If we get it, it will be a HUGE step. Then we can take anotherstep in '07.

Frankly, I just hope the players aren't worrying about any short list of Mitch Barnhart's right now. :(They only need to be concentrating on getting much better before we play our next game.

[baldcat]

If 6-6 means that Archer comes back next year than the heck with it.

I've been a UK football fan for over 25 years and never thought I'd see the day when I'd entertain such thoughts.

[BowlingGreenUKGrad]

poodoo wrote:Personally, I'm just worrying about getting those six wins and these kids' getting their bowl game. If we get it, it will be a HUGE step. Then we can take anotherstep in '07.



Six wins will only be a HUGE step if we get there by beating Georgia and/or Tennessee. Otherwise, it's just six wins over medicore or bad teams. That's a small step forward, to be sure, but not a HUGE one...not by a long shot.

[Mackcat]

poodoo wrote: AndyPopCat wrote: CARDSRTOAST wrote: ...is this where we want to be as football fans...
The type of probation were still rebuilding from is devasting to program like Kentucky's.

So...6 wins and a bowl is a huge step forward this year.. Then we look to take another step forward in '07.




Excellentpost, AndyPopCat. Personally, I'm just worrying about getting those six wins and these kids' getting their bowl game. If we get it, it will be a HUGE step. Then we can take anotherstep in '07.

Frankly, I just hope the players aren't worrying about any short list of Mitch Barnhart's right now. :(They only need to be concentrating on getting much better before we play our next game.

I would not worry too much. Judging by the last football coaching search, if Mitch has a short list, it is a real short list.

[katfever]

It is fool's gold. Our defense is a total embarrassment- to be last in the nation is unacceptable. It is time for a change and it starts at head coach and defensive coordinator. I think Mitch should make one call and one call only- the Tulsa coach. He is a young talent and has an impressive offensive mind. UK football fans deserve better and if Mitch does not make a change in coaches, I have no problem running him out on a rail either. Could UK have gone in and beaten Georgia at Athens? Hell no. I havezero confidence in the coaching staff- particularly the defensive coaches who are not competent to coach my son's peewee league team. Probation is no longer a valid excuse for the our inept coaches.

[FatCatDaddy]

Even if we get six wins, I don't think we will get any more next year. I don't see any real over all improvement. I see us powder puffing the schedule and beating some lesser teams. What I mean is, there are 6 teams this year we should beat and 6 teams we can only beat with vast improvement, well next year it will be the same way, 6 teams we can play with and 6 we can't be on the same field with. It appears to me the schedule has been shifted to make it appear progress has been made, but has it really? I mean, do you think we can trully win 7 or 8 next, which teams are we going to beat besides the 6 weak teams we have stacked the schedule with?

[Blue4ever]

At 6-6 I think Barnhart has a heck of a decision on his hands. Maybe things have changed but I can't see Brooks being able to recruit with one year remaining on his contract. Even at 6-6 and a bowl bid I believe there is such a ground swell of fans against retaining Brooksthat I just can't see Barnhart giving an extension without a fan backlash. I think the best case scenario for Barnhart is UK 6-5goinginto the UT game, Brooks announcing hisretirement effective atthe end of the season or bowl game. Thiswould allow Brooks to go out with dignity and let Barnhart start the selection process early.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I guess this means if I want tickets it will be no problem

[ukbob]

What we really need to do is quit talking about 6-6 and worry about winning #4.

With this group of players and a staff that can not motivate players on a consistent basis, each game will be an adventure.

If we are lucky enough to get to a Bowl...any Bowl, then you be happy with what you have and hope there is enough changes made next year to improve on it.

IMO, this season is the only realistic shot at a Bowl for this program in the next 2 years. With next year's schedule, we could be a better team and not win more than 5 games.

MSU should be the Bowl game for us. If we win that one, then the next game should be treated the same.


Besides, I am not asconfident as some of you that Barnhart could make a great choice for a replacement anyway. Hope I am wrong.

[poodoo]

FCFS82 wrote: BowlingGreenUKGrad wrote: poodoo wrote:Personally, I'm just worrying about getting those six wins and these kids' getting their bowl game. If we get it, it will be a HUGE step. Then we can take anotherstep in '07.



Six wins will only be a HUGE step if we get there by beating Georgia and/or Tennessee. Otherwise, it's just six wins over medicore or bad teams. That's a small step forward, to be sure, but not a HUGE one...not by a long shot.

At least we would get the extra month of practice. After yesterday the Vanderbilt game would be a fair accomplishment. However, this team will have to win at Miss State and I don't know if they can.




Actually, in NAME, beating Georgia would make it a bigger statement. Yet, remember that Vandy beat Georgia at Georgia in Georgia's homecoming game (besides missing a field goal normally made by its field goal kicker against a strong, undefeated Arkansas team that soundly beat Auburn on the road). In other words, beating Vandy this season is looking bigger all the time.

As ukbob says, right now beating MSU is not a given. That's what these players (and coaches)had better be concentrating on, and I surely hope they are doing just that. IF they play as they did Saturday night, no, they do not beat MSU. :(

Regardless, IF we get the bowl game, period, it's still a BIG step forward, in my opinion, because of the extra practice and good exposure for recruiting. We must remember that this UK football program, sadly, has only had a few bowl appearances in decades. :(

[lribookend]

ukbob wrote: What we really need to do is quit talking about 6-6 and worry about winning #4.

With this group of players and a staff that can not motivate players on a consistent basis, each game will be an adventure.

If we are lucky enough to get to a Bowl...any Bowl, then you be happy with what you have and hope there is enough changes made next year to improve on it.

IMO, this season is the only realistic shot at a Bowl for this program in the next 2 years. With next year's schedule, we could be a better team and not win more than 5 games.

MSU should be the Bowl game for us. If we win that one, then the next game should be treated the same.


Besides, I am not asconfident as some of you that Barnhart could make a great choice for a replacement anyway. Hope I am wrong.



Gosh, UKBOB, it scares me when I agree with you.....but I do, in this case. Next years' schedule is certainly no easier than this year's. I personally don't see Brooks being replaced if he is 6-6 and bowl-bound. An upset over Ga. or Tenn. might make 6-6 more paletable, even if Miss. State or Vandy should beat UK. However, I think Archer's job is definitely in jeopardy. Brook's comments about the defense after the LSU game were pretty direct and harsh. This was supposed to be the year where we showed improvement on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. WORST DEFENSE IN THE NATION? It is impossible to make excuses for the defense, in my opinion. This is NOT year 1 of the Brooks regime, it is year 4. Last place in the NCAA certainly cannot be tolerated. My prediction is that Brooks gets an extension if we go 6-6 and to a bowl, but Archer will move on.

[kevinlw1974]

BowlingGreenUKGrad wrote:
Six wins will only be a HUGE step if we get there by beating Georgia and/or Tennessee. Otherwise, it's just six wins over medicore or bad teams. That's a small step forward, to be sure, but not a HUGE one...not by a long shot.


It is a huge step if we haven't been able to beat those mediocre teams many times in the past, which happens to be the case.

And like others, barring some miraculous turn around this year on the defensive end, Archer must go. He is clearly not teaching the kids well and lighting a fire under them to play their position. Didn't I read in an earlier post that we had only 10 guys on the field 4 different times? I cannot understand how this defense is so bad. We have some talented kids.

[kevinlw1974]

FatCatDaddy wrote: Even if we get six wins, I don't think we will get any more next year. I don't see any real over all improvement. I see us powder puffing the schedule and beating some lesser teams. What I mean is, there are 6 teams this year we should beat and 6 teams we can only beat with vast improvement, well next year it will be the same way, 6 teams we can play with and 6 we can't be on the same field with. It appears to me the schedule has been shifted to make it appear progress has been made, but has it really? I mean, do you think we can trully win 7 or 8 next, which teams are we going to beat besides the 6 weak teams we have stacked the schedule with?
I disagree with this. Going to a bowl can only help recruiting. Kids want to play in bowls. If we consistantly get to bowls we will improve. Two bowl games in a row will make selling the program as improving to recruits much easier. Because it is improvement.

[kyjones]

Whether we win 4 -5 -6, it doesn't really matter. If we go bowling will you feel good about our defense? If we win no more will you feel good about our defense? Last in the nation does not cut it. It is an embarressment to the University, the fans, the players (not sure about the AD yet). The DC position has to be changed out. Period!

[CARDSRTOAST]

I AGREE:ggrin:

[kevinlw1974]

kyjones wrote: Whether we win 4 -5 -6, it doesn't really matter. If we go bowling will you feel good about our defense? If we win no more will you feel good about our defense? Last in the nation does not cut it. It is an embarressment to the University, the fans, the players (not sure about the AD yet). The DC position has to be changed out. Period!
Oh I agree with Archer needing to go. But 6 wins is a great improvement especially considering how terrible our defense has been. Imagine a mediocre defense for this team.I believe if the offense was given more opportunities bythe defense we could be a solid team.But I believe Archer should go.

[CATHYnKY]

I'll be in my seat. Like I said in another thread. I'd rather be in my midfield seat 33 rows up and crowded in like sardines than several rows down in a chair back seat because of vacates. I also believe a loss at Miss St means I will be in a chair back seat. I don't want those young men looking at empty sections. As for Archer? I can't believe Brooks (if he is still here) will allow him to come back next year. Too much restlessness in the stands. Know what I mean???

[poodoo]

Didn't I read in an earlier post that we had only 10 guys on the field 4 different times? QUOTE

_______

Kevin, although we certainly have some serious concerns on the defensive side of the ball, last night on Coach Brooks' show a caller mentioned that situation. Coach Brooks said it was inexcusable. Actually, though, the defense was only involved in one of those, a play in which a UK defender had mistakingly not stayed on the field or gone out on the field (as I don't rememberwhich it was), which certainly showed a lack of focus.The other three involved special teams. LSU was a total disaster with all three units, unfortunately. :(

CATHYnKY, please cheer loudly enough for me, too. The MSU is so important, as we all know. Too, youare so right that our guys need to see some UK fans up there in the stands. I would surely be there if I could. :(Way to support our Cats! :)

[CATHYnKY]

poodoo wrote: CATHYnKY, please cheer loudly enough for me, too. The MSU is so important, as we all know. Too, youare so right that our guys need to see some UK fans up there in the stands. I would surely be there if I could. :(Way to support our Cats! :)



poodoo, I was talking about filling the stands at Commonwealth. I am very fortunate to have a friend who asked me to go with her to away games. That is how I was able to go to The Swamp and now Starkville. I thought there was a good turn out in Gainesville. It would be nice to have that amount of people in Starkville too.

[CatsSaintsFan]

CARDSRTOAST wrote: Not being negative..Just asking the question.We beat who we are supposed to beat (Vandy may be more than we can handle)is this where we want to be as football fans..I think that Mitch has a short list and does not want to have a hurried search in December like when GuyMo bolted for Baylor...

I believe that a long hard look needs to be looked at motivation and use of existing talent..We have the players now and more speed ..but are they being used correctly..My Trainer played at UK and in the NFL for 12 years and says our kids on defense are out of position..I know that we are not 49 points worse than LSU nor is South Carolina a better team..But folks ..that is where we are today.I love UK and support our kids ..I think hard choices need to be made and soon..remember what Coach Rupp said.."losing records don't fire coaches..Empty seats fire coaches"..:ggrin:


There are enough empty seats when we had a winning record this year. They lose to MSU and you'll see tumbleweeds in the parking lot. It'll be a ghost town.

The foundation of this season is built with sand and nothing concrete. It was designed to have 6 winable games. I'm not criticizing that. A lot of teams do this. It's just a fact that Ole Miss is their most impressive win. Holding serve should earn Brooks nothing more than the season he has left on his contract. Ifhe improves the record next year to above .500. Then he's earned his right to stay.

[CatsSaintsFan]

kyjones wrote: Whether we win 4 -5 -6, it doesn't really matter. If we go bowling will you feel good about our defense? If we win no more will you feel good about our defense? Last in the nation does not cut it. It is an embarressment to the University, the fans, the players (not sure about the AD yet). The DC position has to be changed out. Period!
I agree. Unless there is a drastic improvement the last half of the season he should pull a Hudson and axe himself for the good of the program.