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ThatGuy wrote: ↑

July 14 23, 8:54 am

Interesting. And are fans still happy with Stoops? Especially after the Tennessee game last year (understandably the one I paid most attention to), I sensed a bit of a "we're not totally happy but we don't know if we can do better" kind of vibe.

Last season was a disappointment but for the most part, the fanbase is happy with Stoops. He has won 10 games in a season twice within a 5 year span, which accounts for half of the 10-win seasons in Kentucky history. He's also gotten the administration to invest in facilities heavily-the stadium was renovated within the past 10 years and is gorgeous (I enjoy going to games there more than I do Rupp), a new weightlifting facility, and the indoor practice field is about to be a full-length field without having to share it with the track team come August.

He's made mistakes along the way. Last season went off the rails because of an OC hire that didn't work as well as failed recruiting and development for the OL( granted, that had more to do with having an OL coach die mid-season in 2020 from a terminal cancer diagnosis and his replacement leaving after 1 season, but they still missed on transfer targets), but he's safely gotten Kentucky to a place where 7 wins is a minimum expectation. The question is can he elevate the program going to Atlanta or a NY6 bowl. I think he can.

ThatGuy wrote: ↑

July 14 23, 8:54 am

Yeah, and not gonna get any easier when Oklahoma and Texas join the conference. I was wondering if the run to the Super Regionals this year might create some momentum for the program, but maybe not.

Tennessee's program didn't even get to the postseason from 2005 to (I think) 2018—they were out in the wilderness. They got there in Vitello's second year and have now been to the CWS two of the past three years. I've seen what a difference the right coach can make, so I feel like Kentucky could do better with a dynamic hire.

Mingione saved his tenure at the end of 2022 by making it to the semis in Hoover as a 12 seed and then making it to the Super Regionals this year. Year 1 with Mingione they made the Super Regional for the first time in program history in 2017, but missed the tournament every year until 2023.

I think Kentucky can be a consistent tournament team given that the athletic department is one of the top 20 revenue-generating departments in the country and Kentucky has good baseball facilities (the stadium is less than 5 years old), but it's still going to be hard to a serious threat for Omaha.

ThatGuy wrote: ↑

July 14 23, 8:54 am

I'll just say you're the most level-headed about Calipari of any Kentucky fan I've interacted with. The seats seems hot, especially after the past two seasons.

The relationship has certainly gone through rough patches recently, but I don't think he'll ever be fired. He's done so much for the program, university, and state that they'll give him the dignity to leave on his own terms (or be heavily encouraged to retire because boosters want him gone) unless he does something stupid.

Spider John wrote: ↑

July 14 23, 9:52 am

In 1939 the Vols football team did not allow a point scored against them in the regular season. Let's see Kentucky basketball do that.

That'd be very impressive and unlikely.

Man, I just don't see Stoops taking your team to Atlanta. Hope springs eternal, but given Kentucky's traditional spot in the SEC football pecking order and the fact that competition is about to get even tougher, it would genuinely shock me. Like, more than the Vols getting to a Final Four.

And yeah, I don't think Calipari will be fired, but he seems to be having an identity crisis. He's gotta stop doing less with more. Upcoming season will be very interesting given that several other SEC programs are strong right now.

The PAC 10/12 is dead. That’s pretty crazy. Looks like Oregon State will be relegated. Hopefully they’re able to maintain the Civil War.

College football is pretty ridiculous all the way around when you think about the money, the supposed link to academic institutions, and state employees making tens of millions of dollars.

I’m glad players finally have stuff like NIL and reasonable transfers.

However, the Utah quarterback has committed to his seventh season in college football, sixth at Utah. Injuries and whatnot. Still, wtf? I feel like an opposing coach should demand he perform surgery on him or something.

Maybe he can pull a Griffey thing with one of his kids if he holds on long enough.

BottenFieldofDreams wrote: ↑

December 2 23, 3:52 pm

College football is pretty ridiculous all the way around when you think about the money, the supposed link to academic institutions, and state employees making tens of millions of dollars.

I’m glad players finally have stuff like NIL and reasonable transfers.

However, the Utah quarterback has committed to his seventh season in college football, sixth at Utah. Injuries and whatnot. Still, wtf? I feel like an opposing coach should demand he perform surgery on him or something.

Maybe he can pull a Griffey thing with one of his kids if he holds on long enough.

Vanderbilt bump.

obucard wrote: ↑

October 5 24, 5:52 pm

Vanderbilt bump.

Sonny Gray is happy.