After a much needed win against Ole Miss yesterday, Kentucky sits at 4-5 on the season with 3 games left to play: at Vandy, at Georgia, and home against Tennessee. If you are having trouble doing the math, that means UK needs to win 2 of its last 3 to become bowl eligible. Two games are on the road, and the home game is against a team that hasn’t lost to Kentucky since Nehi was still a popular drink. In other words, it looks rough.
But, I’m nothing if not here to give fans everywhere a reason to be happy. Why, optimism is my middle name! Therefore, I’m going to give you, the faithful reader, some scenarios that allow Kentucky to play in a bowl this year, even if it is the Beulah Jean Skinner’s House of Ill Repute & Pancakes Bowl, sponsored by Valtrex and Mrs. Butterworth.
First off, let’s look at next Saturday. Vandy holds an identical overall record as UK, with one more SEC loss. Seems like this game is a toss-up every year, and the last couple years bowl hopes for each team have hinged on winning this game. Look for a rested defense to make its mark, and the Kentucky offense to gain a little more momentum while stealing one on the road. I’m gonna say 24-17, Kentucky.
That leaves the Cats one win away from bowl eligibility going between the hedges for a tilt with #18 Georgia, a team that somehow has the inside track to win the SEC East. Don’t see the Cats winning here, but they can certainly keep it close. Maybe. I hope. Dawgs by 13.
So, it all comes down to this: a home finale against hated Tennessee, who is currently winless(!) in conference play, for an opportunity to go bowling once again. UT also most likely gets Tyler Bray back for this one as well. It’s been said every year, but this is truly the year to beat the Vols. They are horrible. Still, with Kentucky it’s always been a mental thing, as the last few years have seen close losses that can usually be pinned on one particular play or coaching move. And the coaching has been suspect at times. We all remember last year’s face-palm moment when UK punted inside the Tennessee 40. Or in 2007, when the Cats had a chance to win in overtime, but chose to play for a field goal rather than a touchdown. But here’s the kicker: in the current bowl streak, the team has always had 6 wins going into this game. It hasn’t actually been a must win. This year, however, could be very different, especially if the above scenarios play out.
You don’t think Joker would (finally) go for broke and leave it all on the field in this situation? The fans have been on his ass all year, the team needs the win to keep the streak alive, and if nothing else, Kentucky is due for some damn luck against these guys, right? I’m gonna say Kentucky by 10, and we all go bowling once again.
Of course, I could very well be wrong. If so, I’ll make sure to be extra negative at that point to compensate for any hope I’ve given you today. I’m just that kind of guy.
See you next weekend.
