Before each season every fan has expectations. For example, Kentucky basketball is almost expected to go to the Final Four and quite possibly win the whole “shuhbang.” One thing about UK football is expectations are rarely high. Not to be a “Debbie downer” but it is the truth. The general feeling around the program is a 6-6 record, low-grade bowl game and it is acceptable. To other teams in the SEC, this would be blasphemy!
Probably the number one thing I love about Joker Phillip’s is his desire to get this program on top. You can hear it when he speaks, you can see it in the level of recruits he is bringing in, and positive coaching changes he has made. Phillips isn’t afraid to change the wheel in order to find what works. Now I loved “Pawpaw” Brooks, but the difference between him and Joker is the willingness to change.
Today at the UK football luncheon in Louisville, Joker was quoted as saying, “We want to win championships, I’m not in this business to go to bowl games.”
As some of you may chuckle or think this might be impossible, Joker was completely serious. It may not be this year or the next, or even the year after that, but Phillips plans on competing for a championship, not just a Music City title. Joker is trying to create that winning attitude and atmosphere. If you don’t believe you can win, then you’re more likely to lose.
I honestly can’t give a prediction one way or the other regarding this upcoming season which kicks off a week from tomorrow. What I can do is tell you I’ve never felt more positive going into fall as I do right now for this team. I don’t know what kind of spell Joker has put on me in believing this team is going to shock some people, but I’m going to roll with it.
What are your expectations for this upcoming season? Do you believe Joker and lead this program to championships?
Follow Courtney Deuser on Twitter @Wildcatty11 for more UK sports insight.
Doron Lamb also at Workout
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