Student Union

Kentucky took down South Carolina for the fourth straight time last night in front of a sold-out crowd in Columbia, SC. The Gamecocks pulled out all the stops, including a crowd and uniform blackout, but Kentucky still prevailed.

So the question now: is Kentucky becoming a two-sport school?

We all know Lexington, KY, is well known for their hoops and sending stars to the NBA every year, but Big Blue Nation is now buzzing over the Stoops Troops, and rightfully so. The Wildcats went to the TaxSlayer Bowl last season to break a seven-year bowl drought and are now 3-0 to kick off this season, the future looks very bright in Lexington under Mark Stoops.

Kentucky improved to 3-0 last night and did it in an impressive fashion, playing a complete game and shutting down Jake Bentley and the Gamecocks offense. Coach Mark Stoops and his staff has Kentucky playing their most physical brand of football in the last decade. Maybe the best I have ever seen here, honestly. Kentucky stuffed South Carolina on numerous third and fourth and-ones. I cannot tell you the last time the Wildcats were strong and physical enough to do that consistently, especially against SEC foes. Stoops, the former defensive coordinator from Florida State, has proven his defensive prowess yet again after taking the reins of this defense from former defensive coordinator DJ Eliot last season. The Wildcats are now ranked third in the country in rush defense this season, thanks to their extremely physical d-line.

Is Kentucky becoming a football contender?

Maybe. The Wildcats finished third in the SEC East last season and look dangerous enough to win the whole damn thing this season. But, the Big Blue faithful knows Florida is rolling into town next weekend and the 30-game losing streak is on everyone’s mind. Kroger Field will be rocking next weekend at 7:30, and Kentucky will be ready. If the streak ends next week, which it will, Kentucky may be able to break down that final door to become a real football threat. Still not a powerhouse, but relevant for the first time in a decade.

To cap this off I want to say how great Stephen Johnson has been this season. Nobody has been a bigger critic to him than myself and I will gladly eat crow if it means he keeps leading the Cats to wins this season. Now, BBN, let’s pack Kroger Field next week, be loud all night, and let’s FINALLY beat those damn Gators! Go Cats!