"Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats

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  • Maize
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2010
    • 1912

    "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats


    Since 2007, I have posted nine different dynasties on five different sites. My dynasty history looks like this:
    NCAA 2007 on PS2 - Idaho (DC)
    NCAA 2008 on PS2 - Kent State (DC), Michigan (MM)
    NCAA 2009 on PS2 - New Mexico State (MM)
    NCAA 2010 on PS2 - Notre Dame (OS)
    NCAA 2011 on PS3 - Kent State (OS/VSN/DSS)
    NCAA 2012 on PS3 - UCLA (DSS)
    NCAA 2013 on PS3 - Duke (DSS), Kentucky (DSS/VSN)

    So some of you by this point are familiar with my work. This is my ninth dynasty posted since '07 and one I am looking forward to this numerous reasons. Like in the past, I like to pick teams that are looking for a coaching change or are struggling. I like to build up programs and I finally won my first National Championship in the fifth year of my UCLA dynasty.

    This is going to be an interesting dynasty because I am going to be doing some conference realignment (both real and some that I am working on). Also, the addition of new teams this year (UMass, UTSA and Texas State), gives me some more freedom with realigning conferences.

    Similar to UCLA, they have a storied athletic department (mainly basketball team) with a less-than-stellar football history. Kentucky is consistently one of the worst football teams in a BCS Conference. My goal is to turn them into a team that can compete in the SEC, possibly building them like what Stanford has done in recent history.

    Joker Phillips is entering year three with a 11-14 record after being on staff as the Coach-in-waiting under Rich Brooks. The team had moderate success under Brooks and even make a bowl in Phillips' first year. Last year was a big let down, except for a big win over Tennessee. Reviews on Phillips are pretty mixed at this point, and this could be a big season for his future in Lexington.

    I have story lines ready and I cannot wait to get going. I finally have some free time and I think UK was the team I should have picked all along. As always, I put most of my time into making this realistic and writing articles. Please feel free to post, comment, criticize, and ask questions about this dynasty.

    Dynasty Information
    Platform: Playstation 3
    Gameplay Level: All-American
    Quarter Length: 7 Minutes
    Sliders: Custom, always a work in progress.
    Rosters: NCAA Football 13 OS Community Roster Project (PS3) - Version 2.5
    Roster Size: 70 players, 60 active
    Scheduling: Realism is the key. I will try to stick to Kentucky's future schedule and also stick to how they usually schedule games.
    Redshirts: I am allowed to redshirt true freshmen, transfers, and back-up skill position players.
    Recruiting: All-American Level.
    In-Season Updates: Top 25 and Heisman watch will be updated every week. Team standings and individual statistics will be updated after the first four game, after the ninth game, then after the final game of the season.
    In-Game: Choose one of the selected plays on First and Second Down. Then on third down, I am on my own. Try to create realistic statistics, so bring in back-ups if the game gets out of reach. Adjust sliders after every four games if needed.
    "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
    2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
    Next Game: Bowl Game
  • Maize
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2010
    • 1912

    #2

    History and School Records

    All-Time Record: 588-587-44
    All-Time Win %: 50.1%
    National Championships: 0
    SEC Conference Championships: 2 ('50, '76)
    Postseason Bowl Record: 9-7

    -

    The Governor's Cup (UK-Louisville Rivalry)
    Rivalry Record: UK Leads, 14-12
    Last Game: 2013; Louisville 27, Kentucky 13
    Current Streak: Louisville won last 3 games
    Longest Winning Streak: 7 straight ('12-'94)
    Longest Losing Streak: 4 straight ('03-'06)

    -

    Kentucky Bowl History
    YearBowl - OpponentDukeOppW/L
    1947Great Lakes - Villanova2414Win
    1949Orange - Santa Clara1321Loss
    1950Sugar - Oklahoma137Win
    1951Cotton - TCU207Win
    1976Peach - North Carolina210Win
    1983Hall of Fame - West Virginia1620Loss
    1984Hall of Fame - Wisconsin2019Win
    1993Peach - Clemson1314Loss
    1998Outback - Penn State1426Loss
    1999Music City - Syracuse1320Loss
    2006Music City - Clemson2820Win
    2007Music City - Florida St3528Win
    2008Liberty - East Carolina2519Win
    2009Music City - Clemson1321Loss
    2010Compass - Pittsburgh1027Loss
    2013Poinsettia - San Jose St3523Win

    -

    Individual Records
    Passing
    Passing Yards (Game) - Jared Lorenzen (10/21/00) - 528 yards
    Passing Yards (Season) - Tim Couch (1998) - 4,275 yards
    Passing Yards (Career) - Jared Lorenzen ('00-'03) - 10,354 yards
    Passing Touchdowns (Game) - Tim Couch (Twice) - 7
    Passing Touchdowns (Season) - Andre Woodson (2007) - 40
    Passing Touchdowns (Career) - Andre Woodson ('04-'07) - 79
    Rushing
    Rushing Yards (Game) - Moe Williams (9/23/95) - 299 yards
    Rushing Yards (Season) - Moe Williams (1995) - 1,600 yards
    Rushing Yards (Career) - Sonny Collins ('72-'75) - 3,835 yards
    Rushing Touchdowns (Game) - Four Players Tied - 4
    Rushing Touchdowns (Season) - Moe Williams (1995) - 17
    Rushing Touchdowns (Career) - Moe Williams ('93-'95) - 26
    Receiving
    Receptions (Game) - Craig Yeast (11/14/98) - 16
    Receptions (Season) - Darryl Collins (2013) - 93
    Receptions (Career) - Craig Yeast ('95-'98) - 208
    Receiving Yards (Game) - Craig Yeast (11/14/98) - 269 yards
    Receiving Yards (Season) - Craig Yeast (1998) - 1,311 yards
    Receiving Yards (Career) - Craig Yeast ('95-'98) - 2,899 yards
    Receiving Touchdowns (Game) - Three Players Tied - 4
    Receiving Touchdowns (Season) - Craig Yeast (1998) - 14
    Receiving Touchdowns (Career) - Craig Yeast ('95-'98) - 28
    Defense
    Sacks (Game) - Dean Wells (9/19/92) - 5.0
    Sacks (Season) - Dennis Johnson (2001) - 12.0
    Sacks (Career) - Oliver Barnett ('86-'89) - 26.0
    Interceptions (Game) - Five Players Tied - 3
    Interceptions (Season) - Jerry Claiborne (1949) - 9
    Interceptions (Career) - Darryl Bishop ('71-'73) - 14
    Bold - Record Broken in Dynasty
    "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
    2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
    Next Game: Bowl Game

    Comment

    • Maize
      Senior Member
      • Jan 2010
      • 1912

      #3

      Season Reviews

      2012
      Overall Record (Conf.): 3-9 (1-7)
      SEC Standings (Division): 14th (7th in East)
      Schedule/Results:
       
      @ Louisville - L - 24-34
      vs. Kent State - W - 17-24
      vs. W. Kentucky - W - 3-35
      @ Florida - L - 7-30
      vs. South Carolina - L - 52-28
      vs. Mississippi St. - L - 35-10
      @ Arkansas - W - 21-14
      vs. Georgia - L - 38-24
      @ Missouri - L - 24-28
      vs. Vanderbilt - L - 28-24
      vs. Samford - L - 31-28
      @ Tennessee - L - 17-24
      Awards/Honors: Larry Warford, Sr., OG (All-SEC 1st Team)
      Offensive Player of the Year: CoShik Williams, Sr., RB
      Defensive Player of the Year: Miles Simpson, So., OLB
      Heisman Winner: Montee Ball, Sr., RB - Wisconsin
      SEC East Champion: Florida Gators (7-2)
      SEC West Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0)
      SEC Championship: Alabama 28, Florida 13
      BCS National Championship: Alabama 37, Kansas State 25

      -

      2013
      Overall Record (Conf.): 7-6 (3-5)
      SEC Standings (Division): 11th (6th in East)
      Schedule/Results:
       
      vs. Louisville - L - 27-13
      @ Arizona - W - 27-17
      vs. Miami Univ. - W - 17-30
      vs. Florida - L - 40-21
      @ W. Kentucky - W - 28-10
      @ South Carolina - L - 40-43 (OT)
      @ Georgia - L - 20-27
      vs. Arkansas - W - 24-31
      @ Mississippi State - L - 12-31
      @ Vanderbilt - W - 33-14
      vs. Missouri - L - 44-17
      vs. Tennessee - W - 10-14
      vs. San Jose State - W - 35-23
      Awards/Honors: Patrick Towles, QB (All-American Freshman), Darryl Collins, WR (All-SEC 2nd Team), Ronnie Shields, TE (All-SEC 1st Team)
      Offensive Player of the Year: Darryl Collins, Jr., WR
      Defensive Player of the Year: Miles Simpson, Jr., OLB
      Heisman Winner: Marcus Lattimore, Sr., RB
      SEC East Champion: South Carolina Gamecocks (6-3)
      SEC West Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0)
      SEC Championship: Alabama 35, South Carolina 17
      BCS National Championship: Alabama 20, Notre Dame 10
      "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
      2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
      Next Game: Bowl Game

      Comment

      • Maize
        Senior Member
        • Jan 2010
        • 1912

        #4

        Recruiting Recaps

        2013
        Class Rank (Nat'l): 41st | Class Rank (SEC): 9th
        Best Class (Nat'l): Michigan | Best Class (SEC): Florida (2nd Overall)
        Class Breakdown: 20 Total (10 on Offense, 10 on Defense) | 0 , 0 , 15 , 4 , 1
        Top Recruit: Jonathan Hampton, DT, Fairview, TN

        -

        2014
        Class Rank (Nat'l): 47th | Class Rank (SEC): 10th
        Best Class (Nat'l): Alabama | Best Class (SEC): Alabama (1st Overall)
        Class Breakdown: 13 Total (4 on Offense, 8 on Defense, 1 on Special Teams)
        0 , 1 , 11 , 1 , 0
        Top Recruit: Isaac Butler, ATH, Fort Valley, GA
        "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
        2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
        Next Game: Bowl Game

        Comment

        • Maize
          Senior Member
          • Jan 2010
          • 1912

          #5

          Kentucky Finalizes Future Schedule
          The Wildcats, ready to kick-off the 2012 season, were able to lock up the future non-conference slate by completing the schedule through 2016. The next two years, they will open the season against in-state rival Western Kentucky. This year, they play the Hilltoppers in the team's third game of the season. Dates have not been finalized, but the in-state rivalry will continue through 2014. The only constant in the future schedule is another rival, Louisville. That rivalry will continue until at least 2016. The Athletic Department did not release the schedule past the '16 season.

          In 2013, the team starts a three game series with Arizona. Besides an off year in 2014, the Wildcats meet the UA Wildcats twice in Arizona ('13 & '16) and one in Lexington ('15). The team continues the trend of hosting a MAC Conference team by playing Miami University next year, Ohio in 2014, Ball State in 2015, and Bowling Green in 2016.

          Finally, the team announced an exciting home-and-home with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). A recent upgrade of the Universitiy's football program to the FBS, UTSA is also upgrading to Conference USA next season. In 2015, they host UK in the Alamodome and will travel to Commonwealth Stadium in 2016.

          "By announcing the future schedule prior to the 2012 season, we are hoping to entice alumni and fans to buy season tickets with ten exciting, non-conference home games coming up over the next four seasons (after this year)" said a representative for the Athletic Department. After missing a bowl game last season, attendance has also been down for home games in recent seasons. The University is hoping that will change by playing series against teams like Arizona, continuing the in-state rivalries and playing an exciting, new team like UTSA.

          YEAROPPONENT 1OPPONENT 2OPPONENT 3OPPONENT 4
          2013vs. W. Kentucky@ Arizonavs. Miami Univ.vs. Louisville
          2014@ W. Kentuckyvs. UT-Martinvs. Ohio@ Louisville
          2015vs. Louisville@ UTSAvs. Ball Statevs. Arizona
          2016@ Louisvillevs. Bowling Greenvs. UTSA@ Arizona
          "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
          2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
          Next Game: Bowl Game

          Comment

          • Maize
            Senior Member
            • Jan 2010
            • 1912

            #6
            Here is a list of the Conference Realignment changes that will take place for next season. A quick note, I dissolved the WAC, but since you cannot get rid of the conference, I just kept the minimum amount of teams in that conference (4). I moved BYU and Army in because Navy is already heading to the Big East, and that would leave only one true "independent" in the future (Notre Dame). But I am treating those four in the WAC, like they are independents. Good news for BYU's overall record every season...

            Pittsburgh (Coastal) and Syracuse (Atlantic) to ACC (14)
            Houston, SMU, UCF, Boise State, SDSU and Memphis to Big East (12)
            - Championship: Team with best record
            Coastal: Cincy, Temple, Rutgers, UConn, USF, UCF
            Continental: Houston, SMU, Boise State, SDSU, Memphis, Louisville
            - Protect Louisville-Cincinnati rivalry
            SJSU and Utah State to MW (10)
            Louisiana Tech, UTSA, North Texas, FIU to C-USA (12)
            - Championship: Team with best record
            East: ECU, So. Miss, Marshall, Tulane, UAB, FIU
            West: Rice, Tulsa, UTEP, UTSA, La Tech, No. Texas
            Texas State to Sun Belt (8)
            WAC - NMSU, Idaho, BYU, Army - "Independent"
            "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
            2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
            Next Game: Bowl Game

            Comment

            • Maize
              Senior Member
              • Jan 2010
              • 1912

              #7

              Phillips Resigns After Three Seasons
              After a tough loss to rival Tennessee to end the season, many fans and media members were calling for the end of Joker Phillips' reign as Head Coach of the Kentucky Wildcats. Going into the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium up 14-10, Kentucky fans were wondering if they could beat Tennessee for two straight years for the first time since 1976 and 1977. Since then, Kentucky has beaten the Vols only three times. Last year's upset win in Lexington ended the FBS' longest losing streak to an annual opponent at 26. That streak now belongs to Florida... over Kentucky at 26 straight.

              The struggles of Kentucky in the SEC are well documented, but that started to change when Rich Brooks took over the program. Four straight wining seasons and bowl appearances led to his retirement after the 2009 season. Head Coach in-waiting Joker Phillips took over, after a successful stretch as the team's offensive play-caller. The second African-American Head Coach in SEC history; Phillips was a Kentucky native who played for the Wildcats and was beloved by fans.

              His tenure started with a losing season, but another bowl appearance after winning only two conference games. One of those wins was against then-tenth-ranked South Carolina in Lexington. The season ended in the Compass Bowl, where the team lost to Pittsburgh.

              The next season was similar, but with a losing regular season mark. The win over Tennessee finished the season on a high note. That led to what looked like a make-or-break 2012 season. A young Wildcats team started with a close loss to Louisville then followed with back-to-back wins against Kent State and Western Kentucky. Then SEC play started and Kentucky looked out-classed, before a surprise upset over Arkansas in Fayetteville. Then five straight losses to end the season, including an embarrassing home loss to FCS opponent Samford.

              The end of three seasons with Phillips: A 14-23 overall record, with a 5-19 conference record. The team finished fifth in their first two seasons, then finished last (7th) in the East this year. His 37.8% win percentage is 2nd worst in Kentucky history of Head Coaches that coached at least 20 games (8th worst overall).

              Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart stopped answering questions about Phillips' job security. He then met with Phillips over the weekend, leading up to Joker Phillips' Monday Press Conference following the Tennessee loss. The time for the press conference was changed for later in the afternoon, then a press release stated that Phillips had given his resignation to Barnhart on Sunday.

              An emotional Phillips was met with applause by members of the media, as he was joined next to the AD. "I love this school, I bleed blue, but after meeting with Mitch (Barnhart) and talking to my wife, I know this was the best decision for everyone." Phillips had a year left on his contract, in which he was making just over 1.7 million a year. The school will pay Phillips part of that, but the agreement on the contract payout has not been announced.

              Barnhart did not comment on the coaching search that is expected to begin right away. He did say the decision was difficult, but it was obvious that the fans and alumni were not supporting the football program. This was best displayed by the attendance that had bottomed out in the team's loss to Samford. A reported 31-thousand people attended the game at Commonwealth that afternoon. An afternoon that could have been Phillip's undoing. "A change was necessary, but it was not an easy one to make."
              "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
              2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
              Next Game: Bowl Game

              Comment

              • Maize
                Senior Member
                • Jan 2010
                • 1912

                #8

                Recruiting News and Updates

                Top 20 Committed Players (Preseason) Recruiting - 2012
                NAMEPOSTEAMHOMETOWNHTWTCALIBER
                Robert NkemdicheDEClemsonLoganville, GA6'5"265
                Reuben FosterILBAuburnAuburn, AL6'2"242
                Vernon Hargreaves IIICBFloridaTampa, FL5'11"185
                Su'a CravensFSUSCMurrieta, CA6'1"205
                Jaylon SmithOLBNotre DameFort Wayne, IN6'3"212
                Max BrowneQBUSCSammamish, WA6'5"214
                Kendall FullerCBVa. TechOlney, MD5'11"190
                O.J. HowardTEAlabamaPrattville, AL6'6"225
                Ryan BurnsQBStanfordAshburn, VA6'5"220
                Cam BurrowsCBOhio StateTrotwood, OH6'0"203
                DeMarcus WalkerDEAlabamaJacksonville, FL6'4"280
                Shane MorrisQBMichiganWarren, MI6'3"190
                Keith FordRBOklahomaCypress, TX5'10"200
                Ryan GreenRBFlorida StSt Petersburg, FL5'10"187
                Robbie RhodesWRBaylorFort Worth, TX6'1"185
                Jeryl BrazilCBLSULoranger, LA5'10"184
                Kevin OlsenQBMiamiWayne, NJ6'2"195
                Kenny BigelowDTUSCElkton, MD6'3"295
                Tyrone SwoopesQBTexasWhitewright, TX6'5"229
                Asiantii WoulardQBUSFWinter Park, FL6'3"205

                * - These players will be included into the recruiting class and are already committed. No CAP for this year, I am using real recruits instead. Next year, I will use CAPs. These ratings I put together using Rivals and ESPN. The stars and ratings are how they are in the game after I put them in. Some UK recruits will be real as well.
                "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                Next Game: Bowl Game

                Comment

                • Maize
                  Senior Member
                  • Jan 2010
                  • 1912

                  #9

                  Around The NCAA

                  C-USA Championship1ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                  Southern Miss. Golden Eagles (8-5)7701428
                  SMU Mustangs (10-3)71721045

                  ACC Championship1ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                  #6 Florida State Seminoles (11-2)7107024
                  #2 Virginia Tech Hokies (12-1)00077

                  Pac-12 Championship1ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                  #19 Stanford Cardinal (9-4)71071438
                  #8 USC Trojans (10-3)14176037

                  MAC Championship1ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                  Western Michigan Broncos (10-3)147101445
                  Buffalo Bulls (8-5)7010724

                  B1G Ten Championship1ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                  #5 Wisconsin Badgers (12-1)61314033
                  #4 Michigan Wolverines (11-2)0170017

                  SEC Championship1ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                  #9 Florida Gators (10-4)730313
                  #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0)1470728


                  NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Dec 15, 2012
                  RKLWTEAM (VOTES)WLPOINTS
                  11Alabama Crimson Tide*1301499
                  22Kansas State Wildcats*1201476
                  35Wisconsin Badgers*1211195
                  46Florida State Seminoles*1121158
                  52Virginia Tech Hokies1211046
                  67Michigan State Spartans931009
                  74Michigan Wolverines112924
                  810BYU Cougars102901
                  911Oklahoma Sooners102861
                  1012N.C. State Wolf Pack102822
                  1113Texas Longhorns93776
                  1214Iowa Hawkeyes102742
                  1315Utah Utes102702
                  149Florida Gators103681
                  158USC Trojans103657
                  1619Stanford Cardinal*94654
                  1716LSU Tigers93650
                  1817Louisiana Tech Bulldogs*102620
                  1918Clemson Tigers84564
                  2020Nebraska Cornhuskers84480
                  2121Ohio State Buckeyes84437
                  2222Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets84394
                  2323Oregon Ducks84351
                  2424South Carolina Gamecocks84307
                  2525Baylor Bears84263
                  Big East - UConn (8-4, 5-2)*
                  C-USA - SMU (10-3, 8-1)*
                  MAC - Western Michigan (10-3, 7-2)*
                  MW - Colorado State (11-2, 7-1)*
                  Sun Belt - Arkansas State (9-4, 6-1)*
                  * - Conference Winner
                  "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                  2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                  Next Game: Bowl Game

                  Comment

                  • Maize
                    Senior Member
                    • Jan 2010
                    • 1912

                    #10

                    Around The NCAA

                    2012 Award Winners
                    AwardPlayerPosTeam
                    Heisman Memorial TrophyMontee BallRBWisconsin
                    Maxwell AwardMontee BallRBWisconsin
                    Walter Camp AwardMontee BallRBWisconsin
                    Chuck Bednarik AwardDeVonte HollomanSSSouth Carolina
                    Bronko Nagurski TrophyMichael MautiOLBPenn State
                    Davey O'Brien AwardLandry JonesQBOklahoma
                    Doak Walker AwardMontee BallRBWisconsin
                    Fred Biletnikoff AwardMarquess WilsonWRWashington State
                    John Mackey AwardMario CarterTEN.C. State
                    Outland TrophyBarrett JonesCAlabama
                    Rimington TrophyBarrett JonesCAlabama
                    Lombardi AwardJackson JeffcoatDETexas
                    Linebacker of the YearChris BorlandMLBWisconsin
                    Jim Thorpe AwardBashaud BreelandCBClemson
                    Lou Groza AwardNiklas SadeKN.C. State
                    Ray Guy AwardTrey BarrowPMissouri
                    Returner of the YearEric StephensRBTexas Tech

                    First Team All-American
                    QB - Matt Barkley, USC
                    RB - Eddie Lacy, Alabama
                    RB - Montee Ball, Wisconsin
                    WR - Marquess Wilson, Washington State
                    WR - Cody Wilson, Central Michigan
                    TE - Mario Carter, N.C. State
                    OT - Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin
                    OG - Nick Puetz, Kansas State
                    C - Barrett Jones, Alabama
                    OG - Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
                    OT - D.J. Fluker, Alabama
                    DE - Pat Muldoon, Wisconsin
                    DE - Michael Sam, Missouri
                    DT - Derrick Hopkins, Virginia Tech
                    DT - Sharrif Floyd, Florida
                    OLB - Michael Mauti, Penn State
                    MLB - Chris Borland, Wisconsin
                    OLB - Khaseem Greene, Rutgers
                    CB - Ricardo Allen, Purdue
                    CB - Bashaud Breeland, Clemson
                    FS - Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma
                    SS - DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina
                    K - Niklas Sade, N.C. State
                    P - Trey Barrow, Missouri
                    RET - Eric Stephens, Texas Tech
                    "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                    2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                    Next Game: Bowl Game

                    Comment

                    • Maize
                      Senior Member
                      • Jan 2010
                      • 1912

                      #11

                      A.D. Releases "Short List," 25 Names
                      The Athletic Department has been quiet since the resignation of Joker Phillips. The Head Coach position vacant, the rest of the staff has stayed on, unknowing of their future in Lexington. Randy Sanders has been mentioned as a possible replacement, although the Athletic Department released a statement that says otherwise. The A.D. Mitch Barnhart and the rest of the department are leading the national search, not using a third party to vet a potential Head Coach.

                      The Athletic Department released a statement naming 25 names as part of their "short list" of coaching candidates. It has also been mentioned that former Head Coach Rich Brooks was seen on campus and is helping in the search for Kentucky's next coach. Bowl season is underway and many of the names are currently coaching. Right now, Kentucky is the only SEC school with an opening at the top. This could make the Wildcats intriguing to many possible candidates.

                      The list was broken down to three categories; Current college assistants, college Head Coaches, and former Head Coaches. Names that are continuing to be find their way to the top of the list include former Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino and Texas Tech Head Coach Tommy Tuberville. Both men have experience in the SEC, making them appealing to Kentucky. The list includes:

                      Current Assistant Coaches: Clemson Offensive Coordinator Chad Morris, Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart, Texas Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz, Texas Offensive Coordinator Bryan Harsin, Texas Tech Offensive Coordinator Neal Brown, Georgia Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham, Auburn Assistant Head Coach Trooper Taylor, Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator Chuck Martin, and Florida State Defensive Coordinator Mark Stoops

                      Current Head Coaches: Washington State Head Coach Mike Leach, Texas Tech Head Coach Tommy Tuberville, Cincinnati Head Coach Butch Jones, Louisiana Tech Head Coach Sonny Dykes, Western Kentucky Head Coach Willy Taggart, Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, Arkansas State Head Coach Gus Malzahn, Louisiana Lafayette Head Coach Mark Hudspeth, Iowa State Head Coach Paul Rhoads, Duke Head Coach David Cutcliffe

                      Former Coaches: Former Tennessee Head Coach Phil Fulmer, former Ole Miss Head Coach Houston Nutt, former Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino, former South Florida Head Coach Jim Leavitt, former North Carolina Head Coach Butch Davis, former Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel, and former NFL Head Coach Jon Gruden

                      The order was what was released by the school, although many think this could be a bit of a smokescreen. The school said they are already contacting candidates and hope to name a coach before the New Year.
                      "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                      2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                      Next Game: Bowl Game

                      Comment

                      • Maize
                        Senior Member
                        • Jan 2010
                        • 1912

                        #12

                        Around The NCAA

                        2012-13 Bowl Results (Team's Rank is Final AP Top 25)
                        New Mexico - San Diego State (7-6) 34, UL-Lafayette (8-5) 20
                        Idaho Potato - Toledo (8-5) 33, Louisiana Tech (10-3) 28
                        New Orleans - Houston (9-4) 37, Arkansas State (9-4) 21
                        Beef O'Bradys - Tulsa (10-3) 35, South Florida (6-7) 16
                        Poinsettia - Boise State (8-5) 38, Utah State (7-6) 14
                        Las Vegas - Colorado State (11-2) 37, Arizona State (6-7) 22
                        Hawaii - Southern Miss. (9-5) 27, San Jose State (6-7) 24
                        Independence - Cal. (7-6) 41, Fresno State (7-6) 24
                        Little Caesars - Illinois (7-6) 37, Buffalo (8-6) 7
                        Belk - North Carolina (9-4) 25, Cincinnati (9-4) 21
                        Military - Navy (7-6) 23, Kent State (6-7) 3
                        Holiday - #12 USC (11-3) 28, TCU (8-5) 35
                        Champs - #20 Georgia Tech (9-4) 24, Pittsburgh (8-5) 17
                        Alamo - #21 Baylor (9-4) 28, #16 Utah (10-3) 21
                        Insight - #17 Nebraska (9-4) 63, Texas Tech (7-6) 6
                        Music City - Missouri (8-5) 34, Virginia (6-7) 31 (OT)
                        Armed Forces - Nevada (9-4) 24, East Carolina (7-6) 14
                        Sun - #15 Clemson (9-4) 28, Washington (7-6) 23
                        Car Care - Oklahoma State (7-6) 17, Purdue (7-6) 0
                        Liberty - #25 Notre Dame (7-6) 34, SMU (10-4) 7
                        Chick-Fil-A - #8 N.C. State (11-2) 35, #24 LSU (9-4) 27
                        Fight Hunger - #22 Oregon (9-4) 24, Ohio (9-4) 14
                        Outback - #19 South Carolina (9-4) 28, #14 Iowa (10-3) 27
                        Gator - #18 Ohio State (9-4) 29, Georgia (7-6) 28
                        Capital One - #6 Michigan (12-2) 38, #23 Florida (10-4) 28
                        Ticketcity - Central Florida (9-4) 42, Northwestern (7-6) 17
                        Rose - #10 Stanford (10-4) 40, #7 Wisconsin (12-2) 20
                        Sugar - #2 Virginia Tech (13-1) 23, #11 BYU (10-3) 11
                        Orange - #4 Florida State (12-2) 37, UConn (8-5) 7
                        Cotton - #9 Texas (10-3) 19, Arkansas (7-6) 17
                        Fiesta - #5 Oklahoma (11-2) 17, #13 Michigan State (9-4) 14
                        Compass - Auburn (8-5) 44, Louisville (7-6) 17
                        GoDaddy - UL-Monroe (8-5) 17, Western Michigan (10-4) 3
                        BCS Championship - #1 Alabama (14-0) 37, #3 Kansas State (12-1) 25
                        "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                        2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                        Next Game: Bowl Game

                        Comment

                        • Maize
                          Senior Member
                          • Jan 2010
                          • 1912

                          #13

                          Season In Review

                          2012-13 SEC Bowl Results
                          Music City - Missouri (8-5) 34, Virginia (6-7) 31 (OT)
                          Chick-Fil-A - #8 N.C. State (11-2) 35, #24 LSU (9-4) 27
                          Outback - #19 South Carolina (9-4) 28, #14 Iowa (10-3) 27
                          Gator - #18 Ohio State (9-4) 29, Georgia (7-6) 28
                          Capital One - #6 Michigan (12-2) 38, #23 Florida (10-4) 28
                          Cotton - #9 Texas (10-3) 19, Arkansas (7-6) 17
                          Compass - Auburn (8-5) 44, Louisville (7-6) 17
                          BCS Championship - #1 Alabama (14-0) 37, #3 Kansas State (12-1) 25
                          Bowl Record: 4-4

                          SEC Final Standings Conference Standings - Updated: Jan 10, 2012
                          TEAMRECPCTCONFPFPASTRK
                          #1 Alabama Crimson Tide14-0100%9-0481233
                          #23 Florida Gators10-471%7-2381245
                          #19 South Carolina Gamecocks9-469%5-3405318
                          Arkansas Razorbacks7-653%5-3365270
                          #24 LSU Tigers9-469%5-3388294
                          Georgia Bulldogs7-653%4-4432307
                          Missouri Tigers8-561%4-4334275
                          Auburn Tigers8-561%3-5317207
                          Ole Miss Rebels6-650%3-5301270
                          Vanderbilt Commodores6-650%3-5292314
                          Tennessee Volunteers6-650%3-5275221
                          Texas A&M Aggies5-741%3-5340307
                          Mississippi State Bulldogs6-650%2-6299244
                          Kentucky Wildcats3-925%1-7266344

                          First Team All-SEC
                          QB - A.J. McCarron, Alabama
                          RB - Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
                          RB - Eddie Lacy, Alabama
                          WR - Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
                          WR - Kenny Bell, Alabama
                          TE - Jordan Reed, Florida
                          OT - Alex Hurst, LSU
                          OG - Chance Warmack, Alabama
                          C - Barrett Jones, Alabama
                          OG - Larry Warford, Kentucky
                          OT - D.J. Fluker, Alabama
                          DE - Damion Square, Alabama
                          DE - Michael Sam, Missouri
                          DT - Jesse Williams, Alabama
                          DT - Sharrif Floyd, Florida
                          OLB - Adrian Hubbard, Alabama
                          MLB - Nico Johnson, Alabama
                          OLB - Jarvis Jones, Georgia
                          CB - Tharold Simon, LSU
                          CB - Dee Milliner, Alabama
                          FS - Robert Lester, Alabama
                          SS - DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina
                          K - Jeremy Shelley, Alabama
                          P - Trey Barrow, Missouri
                          RET - Dee Hart, Alabama

                          Second Team All-SEC
                          QB - Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
                          RB - Mike Blakely, Auburn
                          RB - Spencer Ware, LSU
                          WR - Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas
                          WR - Tavarres King, Georgia
                          TE - Justice Cunningham, South Carolina
                          OT - Cyrus Kouandijo, Alabama
                          OG - Josh Wiliford, LSU
                          C - P.J. Lonergan, LSU
                          OG - Jon Halapio, Florida
                          OT - Chris Faulk, LSU
                          DE - Lerentee McCray, Florida
                          DE - Ed Stinson, Alabama
                          DT - Jonathan Mathis, Texas A&M
                          DT - Omar Hunter, Florida
                          OLB - Alonzo Highsmith, Arkansas
                          MLB - DaMario Jeffery, South Carolina
                          OLB - Xzavier Dickson, Alabama
                          CB - Darius Winston, Arkansas
                          CB - Cody Riggs, Florida
                          FS - Josh Evans, Florida
                          SS - Matt Elman, Florida
                          K - Caleb Sturgis, Florida
                          P - Brad Wing, LSU
                          RET - Jeff Scott, Ole Miss
                          "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                          2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                          Next Game: Bowl Game

                          Comment

                          • Maize
                            Senior Member
                            • Jan 2010
                            • 1912

                            #14
                            End of 2012 Season

                            Overall Record (Conf.): 3-9 (1-7)
                            SEC Standings (Division): 14th (7th in East)
                            Schedule/Results:
                             
                            @ Louisville - L - 24-34
                            vs. Kent State - W - 17-24
                            vs. W. Kentucky - W - 3-35
                            @ Florida - L - 7-30
                            vs. South Carolina - L - 52-28
                            vs. Mississippi St. - L - 35-10
                            @ Arkansas - W - 21-14
                            vs. Georgia - L - 38-24
                            @ Missouri - L - 24-28
                            vs. Vanderbilt - L - 28-24
                            vs. Samford - L - 31-28
                            @ Tennessee - L - 17-24
                            Awards/Honors: Larry Warford, Sr., OG (All-SEC 1st Team)
                            Offensive Player of the Year: CoShik Williams, Sr., RB
                            Defensive Player of the Year: Miles Simpson, So., OLB
                            Heisman Winner: Montee Ball, Sr., RB - Wisconsin
                            SEC East Champion: Florida Gators (7-2)
                            SEC West Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0)
                            SEC Championship: Alabama 28, Florida 13
                            BCS National Championship: Alabama 37, Kansas State 25
                            "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                            2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                            Next Game: Bowl Game

                            Comment

                            • Maize
                              Senior Member
                              • Jan 2010
                              • 1912

                              #15

                              Kirby Smart Named 37th Head Football Coach
                              Just over a week after Alabama beat Kansas State by 12 to secure back-to-back National Championships; their Defensive Coordinator was being courted by multiple schools. Kirby Smart, the 37 year old architect of the best defense in the nation had spent 8 of his 14 year coaching career under Nick Saban. Turning down an offer to coach Boston College, that after the Eagles reportedly offered Smart upwards of 2.5 million to take over the flailing BC program. Smart wanted to focus on the championship game before worrying about his own future.

                              Then Smart was seen on University of Kentucky's campus, although many believed Bobby Petrino was the leading candidate for the Wildcats job. Then, Kentucky's President, Dr. Eli Capilouto, made it clear that the school would not be bringing in Petrino. Citing Kentucky's commitment to "ethics," Kentucky's search seem to come down to Kirby Smart and Arkansas State Head Coach Gus Malzahn.

                              Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart, after meeting with Smart for over five hours on campus, said it was clear that he was the right choice. Kirby Smart becomes the youngest Head Coach in the SEC (Dan Mullen is the only other SEC coach under 40). Smart follows Jim McElwain as the most recent branch of the Nick Saban coaching tree. McElwain, in his first year at the helm at Colorado State, led the Rams to a Mountain West title and an 11-2 record.

                              Smart was over-joyed for the opportunity to take over a SEC program. He touched on his understanding of the rich tradition, the strong Athletic Department, their struggles in-conference, and the growing anxiousness of a large fan base. The 2009 winner of the Broyles Award is a Georgia graduate who had coached at three different SEC schools (Georgia, LSU, Alabama). His knowledge of the SEC was part of Kentucky's decision to name him their Head Coach.

                              The Defensive Coordinator of three of the last four National Championship teams, Smart's career started at Georgia. As a defensive back, he earned All-SEC 1st Team honors in his senior season. He earned his degree in finance and was quick to choose coaching. His first job away from Georgia was with Valdosta State, where he worked with Will Muschamp for a year before taking over for Muschamp at VSU's Defensive Coordinator. In 2002, looking to complete his Masters Degree, he went to Florida State and worked under Bobby Bowden and Micky Andrews as a Graduate Assistant.

                              After earning his Masters, Smart would link up with Nick Saban, a year after Saban led the Tigers to the National Championship. He joined Will Muschamp again and coached defensive backs for a year before taking a job on Georgia's offensive coaching staff under Mark Richt. Richt made Smart the running backs coach, but when Saban and the NFL came calling, Smart answered. Spending a year with Saban in Miami, he followed him to Tuscaloosa where he has spent the last seven seasons.

                              Smart became the Crimson Tide's Defensive Coordinator in 2008, and every season since: Alabama has been one of the best defenses in the country. Known as a great scoring defense (something the Wildcats have struggled with), Smart will continue to call the defense at Kentucky.

                              Signing a three year contract with Kentucky, Smart will be in Lexington at least through the 2015 season. Making 2 million a year, it is a step up financially from the $750,000 he made last year as Alabama Defensive Coordinator. Coach Saban could not be happier that another one of his assistants; Smart becomes the fifth current college Head Coach who had previously served under Saban (Jimbo Fisher, Will Muschamp, Derek Dooley, and McElwain are the others).

                              He now must assemble a coaching staff, start in on recruiting (Kentucky has no committed players for the 2013 class), and begin to evaluate the current roster. Known as a player's coach, he is also a student of the game that has been heralded for being a hard worker and tactician. Something he definitely learned under coaches like Saban and Bowden.

                              Kirby Smart will be introduced to fans as Head Coach during halftime of Saturday's mens basketball game against Tennessee.
                              "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                              2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                              Next Game: Bowl Game

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