Kentucky hoping to surprise doubters with a bowl trip

[WildcatRick]

By JEFFREY McMURRAY
Associated Press Writer


LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Rich Brooks kicked off his fourth year as Kentucky's football coach by humorously addressing the elephant in the room: whether he would be back for a fifth.

"Here we are again,'' said Brooks, taking the microphone at the annual media day. "I know some of you may be surprised. I hope I can surprise you again this year.''

It's an understated, almost secretive confidence Brooks and his young team are exuding in the early days of summer practice.

Brooks is just 9-25 record in three seasons at Kentucky, with only four Southeastern Conference victories - two each against Vanderbilt and Mississippi State - to his credit.

Most pundits seem to be predicting another subpar season followed by a swift coaching change.

So throw cockiness out the window as a rallying cry for these Wildcats. Instead, they're relying on the element of surprise, fueled by some healed wounds and a fiercer attitude.

"We haven't had a chance to showcase our mentality yet,'' said linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who led the Wildcats with 100 tackles last season.

http://www.ncaafootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=34&url_article_id=6953 &change_well_id=2

[poodoo]

Good read. Thanks for the link, WildcatRick.

[CATHYnKY]

My suitcase can be packed and ready to go in a matter of minutes for an away or bowl game. All my UK stuff is hanging together in my closet.:dude:

[POEKLM]

I haven't called in sick all year. I knew I was holding out for something:D
Let's go Big Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Will Lavender]

I've never been to a bowl game.

I'd go in a second if the Cats made it this year, though. I'd sell something to get tickets. The car, my kidneys -- anything.

Go Big Blue! I really think it's gonna happen this year!

[poodoo]

As I have said, all I want for Christmas is a bowl game for the UK players and players. That's all I honestly want, even if I cannot go to the game.

HOWEVER, I would absolutely LOVE to go to another Wildcat bowl game.Some of you know thatI'm scared of flying and have never flown. If these Cats get to a bowl game, yes, I WILL FLY to go see it (if Mr. Poodoo will buy me, or preferably the two of us, the tickets!). :)

[UK Chic]

I will be on maternity leave during this time & already told hubby we would be going if it happened! If all goes well with little one, count us in! Especially if it is SOUTH!

[EricBigNally]

Good read.

I plan on doing my best to make it out to the bowl game if they make it. If I have to camp out in my car (which actually wouldn't be that bad since it has a tent for the back of it...). I will be on break from school and have a "special savings" for something of this nature.

[UedK]

EricBigNally wrote: Good read.

I plan on doing my best to make it out to the bowl game if they make it. If I have to camp out in my car (which actually wouldn't be that bad since it has a tent for the back of it...). I will be on break from school and have a "special savings" for something of this nature.

Having attended all the bowls going way back to the Claibourn Hall of Fame bowls in Birmingham I can tell you from experience that there is no greater time. The UK fans pop up like wildfire and whatever town it's in becomes Kentucky South. 40,000 in Tampa, 50,000 plus in Nashville.

Keep your camper tent handy, you will be using it this December.

[poodoo]

UK Chic wrote: I will be on maternity leave during this time & already told hubby we would be going if it happened! If all goes well with little one, count us in! Especially if it is SOUTH!


I'm already counting you and your hubby in, UK Chic! :)Too, I like that you have TOLDyour hubbythat you will be going if it happens. Maybe I will try TELLING my hubby that we WILL be going! :cool: