Nation of Blue - Blogs - The random musings of Papaw Ott by Scott

Frosty the Wildcat?

Scott — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:19:15 GMT

Lynn, a Nation of Blue reader, recently caught up with Frosty the Snowman to ask him what he does during the off season. When frosty showed up for the interview, there wasn't much to ask. As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words.

The NFL Playoffs

Scott — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:23:55 GMT

By far the best time of the NFL season is this weekend and of course Superbowl weekend. This year I think it's pretty cool to see some of the top teams be in the running. Some years in the NFL that just isn't the case and that is one disadvantage of the 1 and done playoff structure. But so far this year it has worked. The game just started and I am looking for a Colts win today and a Saints win tonight.

Just because the structure worked this year doesn't mean it always does. Same can be said for college basketball. Anyone could have a good game on the same day a better team is having a bad day. Sure teams have to have a certain amount of talent to make it to a playoff or the NCAA tournament but if the Raiders (funny, I know) would have made it to the playoffs and beat the Colts today would that really make them the better team or could it be simply that they had a better day? This is one of a few times that you will hear me say that I think the NBA does it better. For the NFL or NCAA a best 5 of 7 is probably too much, but I think a best 2 of 3 would give us a better picture of who the best team really was.

Anyway, here's to the Colts and to the Saints! Good luck!

Random UK basketball and football videos

Scott — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:13:47 GMT

Click to watch on Youtube

Here are a few random Wildcat videos that you may enjoy.

Click to watch on Youtube

Kentucky vs. Louisville Point Video

Scott — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:28:25 GMT

Although the UK vs. UofL Game of 2010 wasn't pretty it was a win for the Wildcats in more ways than one. Confidence, emotion, bragging rights...there is so much to winning the rivalry game.

Here is a video that shows every point scored by the Wildcats during that game. Hope you enjoy the recap.
Click to watch on Youtube

The Usual Blowouts

Scott — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:18:00 GMT

The last 25 times that Kentucky has played Auburn the Cats have won 24 times. It doesn't matter if this game was played at Charles Barkley's house, this game should be a blowout. Going into game like this, I like to find things that we could improve on and maybe even things that we could work on for future road games. Here are my 5 things that needs to happen vs. Auburn to beat our next road opponent South Carolina.
I would like to see Darius Miller be more active on the offensive end. Coach Cal told Darius "Shoot the Ball!" during the Florida game on several occasions. Lets make the Auburn game the first time that no one has to tell Miller to shoot it. Darius, just shoot it!!!
Darnell Dodson needs to continue hitting big shots. Dodson can be the proverbial "nail in the coffin" type shooter. I hope he hits a couple today that puts a cap on a big run or just puts in the mind of the Auburn players that there is no chance of even staying in the game.
DeAndre Liggins needs to rebound from his nonexistent performance vs. Florida. If he only plays 8 minutes, those minutes need to be the most hustling, hardest playing, and positive playing minutes of his life. He is an energy guy and he needs to show it vs Auburn, a bottom feeding SEC West team. If he can't have a lot of positives today, he isn't going to have many vs. USC on the road.
Daniel Orton needs to be more of an offensive threat. He has been a defensive monster the last couple of games, but with Cousins foul trouble, Orton is going to have to be more assertive on the offensive end. The talent is there, it is just a matter of time that it will bust out. Today could be that day.
My final point, is for Coach Cal. I would love for this to be a day where we could play some more of the bench players. We need a good ole blowout today. I would love to see Jon Hood, Josh Harrelson, Mark Krebs, and Perry Stevenson get more minutes earlier in the game. If the Cats could jump on them early and often, maybe we could see what those guys could give us off the bench. I am not in anyway saying these guys ought to be playing, I would just love to see Hood and how he could fit into the future of this program. The rest of the guys playing alot means it is a laugher and it is 18-0 coming back home to play a miserable Arkansas team.

Lane Kiffin Billboard

Scott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:41:00 GMT

OK....I swear we'll stop talking about the Lane Kiffin situation. It's just hard for me to get over how someone can do that to a team. Kiffin and Bobby Patrino have really shown what's important to them...

This Billboard sums up what Kiffins done to the UT football program....

Kentucky Basketball Gets Noticed for Coach and Player of the Year

Scott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:25:00 GMT

As we're getting ready to go into the second conference game of the season, the Nation is definitely taking notice of this years team. UKAthletics.com has reported numerous accolades for our Coach and Players...

Here's the breakdown....

ESPN's Dick Vitale named UK head coach John Calipari his mid-season Coach of the Year and called John Wall his Player of the Year.

Calipari has led the Wildcats to a 17-0 (2-0 in SEC) record to open the season, Kentucky's best start since the 1966 team started off 23-0. Wall leads the Cats in scoring at 17.3 points and ranks second nationally in assists at 7.1 per game.

ESPN's Jay Bilas named Wall a mid-season All-America first teamer.

"The fastest player in the country with the ball in his hands, Wall is more explosive and more efficient than Derrick Rose was in his rookie season, and so far, he has been every bit the same winner," said Bilas.

He also named Calipari as his mid-season Coach of the Year.

"The job that Calipari has done in Lexington is nothing short of remarkable," said Bilas. "To have the Wildcats, a team so young it should be referred to as Kittens, still unbeaten is an amazing job."

The Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy also selected Wall as his mid-season Player of the Year.

"Kentucky PG John Wall has dominated the season," said DeCourcy. "Don't expect that to change."

DeCourcy also called Eric Bledsoe the nation's most surprising player.

"Eric Bledsoe was Scout.com's No. 37 player in the 2009 recruiting class -- and he's a better freshman than about 30 guys ranked ahead of him."

Bledsoe Knocks Out Gators 89-77

Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:22:00 GMT

The other stud freshman point guard showcased himself to the Nation this evening. We all knew he was there, now the World knows. Eric Bledsoe scored a career high 25 points on 10-13 shooting and 3-4 from behind the arc. There are few nights that John Wall was not the best player on the floor. Eric Bledsoe was tonight. You can check out the official boxscore for the rest of the scoring and stats. We will have more stories about the game in the morning, along with Inside the Boxscore, a story on how Darius and Darnell has Section 137's (my) call for better play, a bunch of Youtube videos on the game, all the other things we do for free. If you get a chance check out www.kyrivalry.com. I did a live blog with them during the game tonight and are knowledgeable Cat fans. Go Big Blue!

Fab Freshman have UK Back on Top

Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:14:00 GMT

Pat Dooley from the Gainesville Sun writes:

But it's back. Kentucky is back.

When Kentucky's players who should be playing 10 minutes a game were playing 10 minutes a game and Florida's were playing 35 minutes. When Kentucky would substitute and you'd hardly notice a difference. When Kentucky was bigger, stronger and -- oh my goodness -- faster.

This was the way it used to be when Florida met Kentucky. There was a talent gap that Billy Donovan eventually erased. There was a sense of entitlement that Donovan was able to overcome. There was a culture he was able to change.

But it's back. Kentucky is back.

Read Full Article

Inside the Boxscore: Florida Edition

Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:03:00 GMT

The point that I have been trying to make over the last couple of weeks is that Darius Miller and Darnell Dodson had to show up on a consistent basis for us to keep winning after the SEC schedule started. Right on cue they both played big roles in the Florida road win. Lets look at the boscore:

Official Basketball Box Score
Official Basketball Box Score

Kentucky vs Florida

1/12/10 9 p.m. at Stephen C. O'Connell Center



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VISITORS: Kentucky 17-0, 2-0

                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS

## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN

15 Cousins, DeMarcus... f  5-11   0-0    3-3    3  2  5   4  13  0  0  0  0  23

54 Patterson, Patrick.. f  7-11   0-1    1-3    1  6  7   1  15  0  2  1  2  37

01 Miller, Darius...... g  4-8    1-3    0-0    2  2  4   1   9  2  0  0  0  26

11 Wall, John.......... g  7-17   1-7    4-4    0  4  4   3  19  6  2  1  0  35

24 Bledsoe, Eric....... g 10-13   3-4    2-2    1  6  7   3  25  5  3  0  3  37

03 Dodson, Darnell.....    2-4    2-3    0-0    0  1  1   0   6  0  1  0  0  10

05 Harris, Ramon.......    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  1  1   0   0  0  0  0  0   5

21 Stevenson, Perry....    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   1   0  0  0  0  0   4

33 Orton, Daniel.......    1-6    0-0    0-1    4  5  9   3   2  0  0  4  1  17

34 Liggins, DeAndre....    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   0  0  2  0  0   6

   TEAM................                         3  1  4

   Totals..............   36-70   7-18  10-13  14 28 42  16  89 13 10  6  6 200



TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 16-36 44.4%   2nd Half: 20-34 58.8%   Game: 51.4%  DEADB

3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  2-7  28.6%   2nd Half:  5-11 45.5%   Game: 38.9%   REBS

F Throw % 1st Half:  4-5  80.0%   2nd Half:  6-8  75.0%   Game: 76.9%    1



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOME TEAM: Florida 11-5, 0-2

                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS

## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN

21 Werner, Dan......... f  1-8    0-4    4-4    2  4  6   3   6  4  3  0  0  33

23 Tyus, Alex.......... f  5-12   2-4    5-6    3  4  7   2  17  1  0  1  2  35

32 Macklin, Vernon..... c  4-6    0-0    0-0    2  1  3   4   8  1  2  0  0  19

01 Boynton, Kenny...... g  5-17   2-8    0-0    1  1  2   0  12  2  2  1  1  30

11 Walker, Erving...... g  6-15   4-9    4-4    0  3  3   3  20  4  1  0  2  33

03 Shipman, Ray........    1-2    0-0    0-0    1  1  2   0   2  0  1  0  0   9

25 Parsons, Chandler...    3-5    0-2    2-4    2  1  3   1   8  1  0  0  0  28

33 Murphy, Erik........    1-3    0-0    2-2    2  4  6   0   4  1  1  1  0  13

   TEAM................                         3  3  6

   Totals..............   26-68   8-27  17-20  16 22 38  13  77 14 10  3  5 200



TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 10-33 30.3%   2nd Half: 16-35 45.7%   Game: 38.2%  DEADB

3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  3-13 23.1%   2nd Half:  5-14 35.7%   Game: 29.6%   REBS

F Throw % 1st Half:  8-10 80.0%   2nd Half:  9-10 90.0%   Game: 85.0%    1



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Officials: Tony Greene, Mike Stuart, Tom Eades

Technical fouls: Kentucky-None. Florida-None.

Attendance: 12618

Score by Periods                1st  2nd   Total

Kentucky......................   38   51  -   89

Florida.......................   31   46  -   77
Darius' line is exactly the way it should look every game! 4-8 from the field for 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and no turnovers. I know everyone says that there is no way that this team can go undefeated. If Darius keeps playing up to his capabilites, and he keeps getting the minutes he got last night (26), then everyone in the SEC is going to dread seeing the Cats no matter where they play them.

The enigma found the answer last night as Darnell Dodson hit several big threes in the 2nd half. Dodson was 2-3 from the 3 with 6pts in only 10 minutes. If Darnell can keep hitting the "roof blowing off" threes as he did last night, he will not have to worry about DeAndre Liggins taking any time from him. The Cats need the "Cameron Mills" type player that can come in and be a sniper and break the other team's back. He did that vs. Florida. Darnell had my fist pumping on both of the 3s he made.

DeAndre Liggins took a step backwards last night as he didn't answer the call of Coach Cal. Cal was hinting earlier in the week that he was thinking about starting Liggins. Monday he told Larry Vaught that he wouldn't start him, but Miller and Dodson better start playing better. Well, Liggins folded tent last night, and Miller and Dodson stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun. Liggins played 6 minutes with 2 turnovers. We will still need Liggins down the stretch, so hopefully he can rebound off the poor performance. It was ill timing for Liggins to play so bad because he was possibly breaking the starting lineup if he outplayed the other 2.

Ramon Harris was non-existent last night only playing 5 minutes and had 1 rebound. As I have stated before, Harris' playing time will really reflect the pace and style of the game that is being played. Last night was a shootout, so it is hard to play a guy that shoots a lot of blanks on the offensive end. The Alaskan Assassin will get his minutes, beacause the way the defense looked in stretches versus the Gators, we will definately need a stopper in the future.

All in all it was a great offensive effort shooting 51.4% from the field and 38.9% from the 3. Our free thow shooting was also a lot more reliable tonight as we shot 85%.

I love how everyone contributed offensively and if our "role players" keep contributing we are a very scary team. I just wish Texas would hurry up and lose so the real #1 team can take its rightful place on top of the polls. Go Big Blue!

Donovan: Florida is not deep enough to handle UK or Bledsoe

Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:01:00 GMT

Kentucky is now 17-0! WOW! Their not too far away from a 20 win season and to think last year this team was in the NIT...or should I say Billy Clyde was in the NIT? Eric Bledso is not having it this year!!

This game started slow for the Cats who went 1-12 for shot from one foot from the goal. It could have easily been a blow out from the beginning but for some reason they just weren't falling. Florida on the other hand started hot from all over and continued to nail three pointers throughout the game.

Eric Bledsoe is the star in this one. Bledsoe seemed to do no wrong and in the second half began to hit his three point shot and you just knew that Florida wasn't going to have a chance. So far this year, the Freshman are definitely carrying the team. The most impressive thing is how the continue to make big plays in critical situations.

Patterson may have had a slow night and I"m sure Calipari will continue to expect more from him, but once again he steps up with the game on the line and makes the play that shifts the momentum of the game and a knock out punch to Florida. Catching the ball just outside of the lane, Patterson was able to hit a jump hook and get fouled for a potential three point play. Doesn't sound like much, but this basket came at a time when Florida was looking to make a final run. Instead it ended in a five point play for UK when the free throw was rebounded and Dodson sinks a three.

In the Miller, Dodson, Liggins saga....Liggins looked shaky to start the game and didn't see much playing time. Dodson hits a big shot, but turnovers resulted in Darius finishing the game and hitting some big shots of his own. Miller who started the game, may have put some distance between himself and the compitition for a starting spot.

Another win and it's great to see this team win the tough ones. They'll definitely need these experiences come March.

Here's the post-game interviews in case you missed them....

Eric Bledsoe Interview

John Wall Interview

Billy Donovan Presser

John Calipari Presser

What Are They Thinking?

Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:58:00 GMT

John Calipari is a wizard. Cal brings in the high brass on a regular basis and getting Rober Kraft to come and speak to the players is genius. Cal is getting these guys ready for the business of the NBA. This is why we are getting the top recruits because Cal is a preparer for basketball and the life that goes with it. That is a story for another day, because I noticed the players and just what is going through their mind.

For some reason, God only knows, I saw John Wall at first glance. Look at him. Sitting front and center staring right at Mr. Kraft's eyes. This kid absoulutely gets it and I can see how he has been proclaimed the best since Michael Jordan. Just looks so focused.

I glared at Jorts right after Wall caught my eye. Josh Harrelson, sitting with his hand on his cheek. He is thinking, "Man, I wish I was back in the room asleep."

Cats Travel to the Swamp - Kentucky vs. Florida

Scott — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:12:00 GMT

Kentucky Travels to Gainesville on Tuesday to take on the Gators. If your looking for the next big rivalry game on the schedule, this would be the one. Florida's success over the past few years has given them a sense of false hope that needs to be addressed.

Field goal percentage will be a key statistic in the game on Tuesday. Florida has as many shot attempts as UK, but they average more three point attempts (20.9 Three Point Attempts Vs. UK's 16.1.) If Florida can hold serve on their shooting percentage, they will win the game because they take more shots overall. Another area of concern would be UK's performance behind the three point line. This could be a huge problem if Florida get's hot.

NCAA Basketball

The other thing Kentucky has to contend with is the "Swamp" itself. Gator fans are known to be...well gator fans. Two NCAA Championships and now they think their Basketball program is just as good as their football program. Here's an example of excellence that is the Florida Gator Fan...

Late Night Wars

Scott — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:47:00 GMT

If you have heard or not, Conan O'brien is pissed off and going to leave NBC because of Jay Leno. NBC wants to push Conan back to 12:05 and he will quit if they do. I mean seriously, would it be the Tonight Show if it was tomorrow? Jay can't carry the ratings at 10 and everybody else has to pay for it. As you can tell, I am a Conan fan. I like Letterman too. As you can see by the videos below, I am not the only one who like Conan, or dislikes Jay. These videos are hilarious!

1-10-2010 - Kentucky Wildcats Around the Web

Scott — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:13:42 GMT

It's always a great day... - Ok this isn't UK but when Duke loses it's close enough.
I have always said that it is always a great day when Duke loses. The only thing better is if Louisville and Tennessee could lose on the same day as Coach Kressduroeusljg�s team. Here is the last 6 minutes of Duke getting beat by a team that just got beat by a team that we just beat.

Rich Brooks: Resolute Man About Town
Much has been written and said over the last four days about the sometimes tumultuous seven-year tenure of newly retired Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks. Most of the commentary has been complimentary of Brooks, citing the many "firsts" the program accomplished under his leadership.

C.J. Leslie Highlight Reel
Five-star Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God Christian Academy forward C.J. Leslie played the second of two games in Lexington this weekend on Saturday at Dunkin Donuts Shootout.

1-6-2010 - Kentucky Wildcats Around the Web

Scott — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:33:35 GMT

Modern Day Rupp?
Adolph Rupp won instantly at Kentucky. The Wildcats went 30-5 in his first two seasons playing in the Southern Conference before joining the SEC. The Wildcats won the SEC�s first title, in 1933, and ruled the conference under Rupp for four decades.

Why Eric Bledsoe won the Louisville game for Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins won SEC player of the week this past week for putting up 18-12 against Hartford and 18-18 against Louisville. I�m okay with that. The 18-18 game was one of the best performances by a Kentucky player against Louisville since the series resumed in 1983. I�m okay with any accolades DeMarcus gets for his play. But the real MVP of the Louisville game was Eric Bledsoe.

Potential Unfulfilled? What could stop the Cats?
UK has finished the non-conference portion of their schedule and have their best start to the season in 40 years. They have won a variety of games: rivalry games, games decided in the final minute, games decided in the first minute, games they were down at halftime, games away from Rupp Arena, and games they needed some luck to win (Stanford). They have gotten better and better and one of the many exciting bits of the season is that as good as they have been there is still plenty to improve going forward.

John Wall and SI

Scott — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:39:44 GMT

John Wall has done it again, this time surprising us not with a spectacular last second game winning shot. Not with an amazing pass for an alley-oop dunk. This time we are surprised by John Wall soring across the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine. Wall is currently posting 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Wall has helped to lead the Wildcats to a 15-0 start and has people already talking about UK going undefeated on the year. Possible...but let's enjoy the moment.

Coach Rich Brooks LIVE at 11:00am

Scott — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:17:02 GMT

Read HERE for more details.

We will have a live video feed of the Coach Rich Brooks news conference at 11:00am this morning. Coach Rich Brooks is expected to announce his retirement from UK Football which has been highly anticipated since comments he made after the loss at the Music City Bowl last week. The video is below and will be live at 11:00am.

If you cannot see the video below please go here.

Watch live streaming video from cjsports at livestream.com

John Calipari 12:30 Rick Pitino 3:00

Scott — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:51:53 GMT

The John Calipari conference had technical difficulties but we'll find the video and post it. The Rick Pitino conference is due at 3:00pm.

Watch live streaming video from cjsports at livestream.com

Week 14 NFL Schedule

Scott — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:00:20 GMT

SUN, DEC 13 TIME (ET)
New Orleans at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX
Green Bay at Chicago 1:00 PM FOX
NY Jets at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM CBS
Miami at Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS
Detroit at Baltimore 1:00 PM FOX
Seattle at Houston 1:00 PM FOX
Denver at Indianapolis 1:00 PM CBS
Buffalo at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS
Cincinnati at Minnesota 1:00 PM CBS
Carolina at New England 1:00 PM FOX
Washington at Oakland 4:05 PM FOX
St. Louis at Tennessee 4:05 PM FOX
San Diego at Dallas 4:15 PM CBS
Philadelphia at NY Giants 8:20 PM NBC
MON, DEC 14
Arizona at San Francisco 8:30 PM ESPN

Sports Fan Weekend

Scott — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:20:06 GMT

This has been a great weekend for basketball and football sports fans. This time of the year you've got College Basketball, College Football, NFL and NBA games all going on at the same time. This weekend had some exciting games in all of them.

The Kentucky Wildcats held off a late rally from the North Carolina Tarheels and pulled off the win.
Alabama beat Florida for the SEC title and will meet Texas in the BCS Championship.
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant hit's a last second 3-pointer to win against the Miami Heat.
The Colts and the Saints exit the weekend undefeated; both at 12-0.
To me, that is a pretty exciting sports weekend. The two downsides to this weekend we're the Louisville Cardinals getting smoked at home by Charlotte and that the weekend is now over. Back to work sports fans; we'll see you on the uphill road we call Monday.

Peace Out.

Basketball, Football and Turkey?

Scott — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:08:37 GMT

Well, maybe not the last one since I will not, cannot and do not eat turkey. I will however eat some ham, mac-n-cheese, corn, rolls and dessert. :) Generally speaking though, Thanksgiving is a great holiday. Let's review:

You get an extended weekend.
You get to eat a lot.
You get to watch College Basketball games before and after the holiday.
There's usually a decent football game or two on (not the last two years thanks to the Detroit Lions).
You get an extended weekend.
To everyone out there in KY Rivalry land, here's to good eats and relaxation! Have a safe Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.

It's Vacation Time...

Scott — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:55:14 GMT

Not for UK or for UofL, but for Scott. We are on the road headed towards our favorite vacation spot: Tunica, MS. If you know where I'm talking about then you know that there is only 1 reason to go there and that's for the casinos. Tunica is about a 6 hour drive from Bardstown, KY so it's not too far, but far enough that you feel like your gone somewhere. That's what vacation is all about right? Feeling like your away from everything that causes you to feel like you need to get away in the first place.

So, here's to getting away and here's to good times at the casinos (and hopefully good luck).

Peace out.

Wildcats Season Begins 11-13-09

Scott — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:48:41 GMT

The Kentucky Wildcats season officially begins tonight (11-13-09) as the new head coach John Calipari and team face off against Morehead St. The season opener will be played at Rupp Arena and airs on ESPNU at 6:30pm. The last time the Cats met the Morehead was in 2004 when the Cats posted a final score of 71 and Morehead 40. Tonight, we can expect more of the same as UK leads the series, 8-0 with a record of 6-0 at Rupp.