Bleacher Report - Articles by Jordan Coleman

Kentucky Continues Downard Spiral Against South Carolina

Jordan Coleman — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:29:32 -0500

This was a very bad day for us Kentucky Wildcat fans. It wasn't just the loss that makes today so tough, so to say, but it is having to witness our Kentucky Wildcats seem to be on a downward spiral, exactly like the Kentucky team that started the season.

After the historical night at Tennessee, in which Jodie Meeks scored 54 points to set a new UK record vs. the Vols, the Cats have been on a steady decline. The Cats have struggled to pull out victories against Auburn and Alabama. As well as laying big fat eggs at Ole Miss, and today against South Carolina.

South Carolina came calling into Rupp Arena in front of 24,000 fans today and Billy Gillispie's Wildcats did not respond. The Wildcats stretched their lead on the Gamecocks to 10 points in the second half, when South Carolina made their run to the finish line.

With about 28 seconds left in the game, Perry Stevenson missed two clutch free throws that would have stretched Kentucky's lead to three points 79-76. Instead, the Gamecocks snagged the rebound from the misses and raced down the floor to call a timeout with 22 seconds left on the clock, with Kentucky leading 77-76.

Devan Downey got the inbounds pass in the back-court after the timeout, and milked the clock to about six seconds left in the game, with Downey's blazing speed, he then drove into the lane and drained a step back jumper from just inside the wing to give South Carolina the lead 78-76.

After Billy Gillispie's timeout, the Wildcats ran their designed inbounds play but quickly called another timeout. This time, the Cats would inbounds the ball to Jodie Meeks. Meeks ran it to half court and threw up a prayer half court shot. Kentucky's prayer, along with all UK fan's prayers, were not answered. Meeks shot almost dropped but it hit the front of the rim as time expired.

South Carolina had not won in Rupp Arena since 1997, until today. The Gamecocks 12 year losing streak in Rupp Arena came to a end.

Zam Fredrick, with 24 points, and Devan Downey, with 23 points, led the Gamecocks in Rupp.

Kentucky's Patrick Patterson lead the Wildcats with 28 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks; but to no avail.

A lot of attention was focused toward Gillispie after the game as well. In the line to shake hands, Gillispie blew off South Carolina head coach Darrin Horn. Horn had to reach out and grab Gillispie's hand as he was already past him. Now tell me, if this a case of poor sportsmanship?

Gillispie had already had a case of poor sportsmanship vs. Ole Miss at halftime when he smarted off to ESPN sideline reporter Jenine Edwards which, already grabbed many Kentucky fans attentions.

Is this becoming a trend for Gillispie?

Gillispie had better get control of this team and himself if the Wildcats want to get out of this downward spiral and make a run for the SEC title.

South Carolina improves to 16-4 overall, and 5-2 SEC. Kentucky falls to 16-6, and 5-2 in SEC play.

Kentucky Basketball's Return to Excellence

Jordan Coleman — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:26:08 -0500

The University of Kentucky Wildcats' much-heralded basketball season has almost arrived. The Wildcats are back with blazing new uniforms, along with second-year coach Billy Gillispie.

The Wildcats are deeper this season than in recent years, even with the departures of Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford, and Derrick Jasper.

Coach Gillispie picked up some key freshmen and transfers last offseason.

Point guard DeAndre Liggins, standing at 6'6", is one of the most heralded freshmen of the 2008 class. He is a smart and very talented point guard and was one of the top point guards of the 2008 class. Look for Liggins to start just a few games into the season.

Freshman Darius Miller, another very highly touted player, won Kentucky's Mr. Basketball last season as a senior in high school. He is a very talented, smooth, and smart player. He will step in and produce greatly.

JUCO transfers Josh Harrellson and Kevin Galloway will also step in this season. Harrellson is a big man, standing at 6'11", that can not only play inside but can also step out to the perimeter and drain the long ball. Galloway will also step in and help greatly at the point guard spot.

Let's not forget about Kentucky's returning All-SEC players in Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks.

Patterson, coming off a dominant freshman season that ended prematurely due to an ankle injury, will be the Cats' workhorse once again. He is in the top five big men in the country and the best in the SEC. Look for him to average 20+ points a game and double-digit rebounds. He is a dominant force inside.

Jodie Meeks is returning at 100 percent for his junior season. Meeks was injury-plagued all season long and hardly played any last season. He will be a key factor in the Cats' young backcourt. He is very athletic and has a sweet stroke from the outside.

Without a doubt, the Wildcats' strength this season will be the frontcourt play, led by Patrick Patterson. The Cats possess one of the best frontcourts in the SEC with Patterson, Perry Stevenson, and JUCO transfer Josh Harrellson. This front line will put fear into the eyes of the SEC this season.

On the flip side, the Cats' weakness this season will be its young guard play. The Cats return Jodie Meeks, but other than Meeks, highly touted freshman DeAndre Liggins, JUCO transfer Kevin Galloway, and junior Michael Porter will taking over the point guard spot. Porter will start the first few games due to experience, but expect Liggins to eventually overtake Porter for the starting spot.

Kentucky has a very manageable non-conference schedule as well, with games at No. 1 North Carolina and No. 3 Louisville being the highlights of the schedule. Other key non-conference games are Miami (FL), Kansas State, and West Virginia or Iowa (whichever we play in the Las Vegas tourney).

Key games in Kentucky's SEC schedule are the two Florida games, Tennessee, Vandy, Alabama, and LSU. Florida is very young but extremely talented. Tennessee is once again a top team in the SEC. LSU is picked to win the SEC West, and Alabama has one of the best players in the SEC in Ronald Steele.

Kentucky should lose no more than three to four games in non-conference play, possibly fewer. Expected losses are to UNC, UL, and possibly Miami. Those three games are very winnable though.

Kentucky should lose no more than three to four SEC games as well due to the SEC being a little down this season. I expect losses to be @ Florida, @ Tennessee, and possibly LSU. Once again, all those games are very winnable though.

Overall, I expect Kentucky to finish with, give or take, six to eight losses in the regular season once everything is all said and don, to go along with a very deep run and possible SEC Championship in the SEC Tourney and a good seed in the NCAA Tournament.

This year's Kentucky team will begin the return to excellence for Kentucky basketball!

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, discussion, and media, go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM!

Will Kentucky's Last Three Games Be a Springboard to a Better Bowl?

Jordan Coleman — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:45:10 -0500

Kentucky fans are in a state of bliss. The Wildcats have started their much anticipated basketball season, and the Wildcats football team is going bowling for the third year in a row.

Yes, you heard correctly. The Kentucky Wildcats are going bowling for the third year in a row. For the first time since the Paul "Bear" Bryant era, the Cats are going to back-to-back-to-back bowl games.

Coming off a tough 14-13 victory at Starkville against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Cats are now 6-3 on the year, with three games remaining on the regular season schedule.

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Coming up next on Nov. 8 are the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia is pissed off after getting absolutely thumped by the Florida Gators (who also thumped the Wildcats). Georgia features a very talented squad, which many people predicted to win the BCS title early in the season.

Kentucky will need to come out blazing on all cylinders to stay in the game with Knowshon Moreno and the Bulldogs. Georgia is coming into Lexington looking for some revenge. The last time UGA made the trip to Lexington, in 2006, they left in defeat. They will also be looking to prove themselves after the spanking that the Gators put on them last Saturday.

My prediction: UGA 27, UK 10

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On Nov. 15, the Vanderbilt Commodores make the trip north from Nashville to Lexington to take on the Cats.

Vanderbilt started off the season blazing. The Dores started the season going 5-0, including an ESPN GameDay prime time win over Auburn.

But lately, Vandy has fallen off the radar. The Commodores have lost three straight games to Mississippi St., Georgia, and a surprising loss to Duke.

I see the Cats having no trouble beating the Commodores.

My prediction: UK 24, Vandy 14

After an off week for the Cats after the Vandy game, the Cats travel to Knoxville to take on their struggling rival Tennessee.

Tennessee has seemed to fall off the earth this season, going 3-6 so far, and just recently head coach Phillip Fulmer resigned for next season after close to 30 years in the UT football program.

Kentucky hasn't beaten the Vols in over 20 years. Some Kentucky fans think that if the Cats do not beat this pretty bad Tennessee team, then UK will never beat UT in football. That is what some UK fans are thinking.

This is the Cats' best chance to finally exorcise the UT football demon that has haunted us forever, and I think the Cats FINALLY beat the Vols of Tennessee in football.

My prediction: UK 24, UT 20

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I see Kentucky finishing out the regular season winning two more games and finishing up with a regular season of 8-4.

Even though I predict the Cats to go 2-1 to finish the season in our final three games, the Cats could very well go 1-2, or even 0-3, if they take any team remaining lightly.

Kentucky shouldn't take Vandy lightly, even though they have been on a recent skid. Also, the Cats cannot take the struggling Vols lightly. Any team that beats you 20+ years in a row you cannot take lightly, no matter what kind of team they have.

Any win that the Cats get now is only putting them in place for a better and better bowl game. Some bowl games being mentioned for the Cats are the Liberty Bowl, the Music City Bowl (of course), and possibly the PapaJohns.com Bowl.

Also, for what it's worth, the Outback Bowl and the Chick-fil-A Bowl will be at Commonwealth Stadium scouting the UGA vs. UK game. Both teams are candidates.

Kentucky is going bowling for the third straight year!

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, discussion, and media, go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM!

Randall Cobb over Mike Hartline: Kentucky to Change Quarterbacks

Jordan Coleman — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:14:15 -0400

Kentucky football fans received some good news this evening. Struggling quarterback Mike Hartline has been benched and replaced with up and coming star Randall Cobb for Saturday's game at Mississippi State.

Cobb is a dual threat QB, in case you haven't heard of him. He has moved the ball better than Hartline has all season, whether it has been through the air or with his legs. He is also an excellent wide receiver.

In case you missed the Kentucky vs. Arkansas game a couple of weeks ago, Cobb caught the two game-winning touchdown passes, and has led the team in rushing and passing in multiple weeks of the season.

Hartline has been struggling badly as of late. He has not been moving the ball; instead he has been turning the ball over, going three and out almost every possession.

The offense seems to run much better with Cobb under center rather than Hartline, and it has been obvious in every game that Cobb has played in.

Kentucky fans, including myself, have been calling for this change for quite some time. Brooks has finally decided that it is time for a change, if we want to become bowl eligible.

Our offense has been non-existent for the whole season, and that's an understatement. Cobb should produce a highly needed spark to possibly ignite us, much more than Hartline has given us.

Hartline, keep your head up and work even harder in practice if you want to get the starting job back. Cobb has earned it.

Kentucky fans, we can breathe easy for a little while now.

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, discussion, and media go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM!

Kentucky Basketball: Starting Lineup Prediction

Jordan Coleman — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:23:16 -0400

It's almost that time of year again. The always anticipated, basketball time in the Bluegrass.

The Kentucky Wildcats are back this season, not only with new uniforms, a second year head coach in Billy Gillispie, All-American Patrick Patterson, but also plenty of new names and faces on the roster.

Point Guard

This position is wide open with the loss of Derrick Jasper and Ramel Bradley. Juco transfer Kevin Galloway, heralded true freshman Deandre Liggins, and returning junior Michael Porter are in a battle for the starting PG spot.

Kevin Galloway and Deandre Liggins will be the main two guys. Porter will play a lot early, and probably even start the first few games in the season just until Galloway and Liggins get UK offensive scheme down. Liggins, standing at 6'6, and Galloway, standing at 6'7 all bring size to UK's backcourt.

My prediction: Kevin Galloway, but rotate Liggins in evenly.

Shooting Guard

A healthy Jodie Meeks will be UK's best player in the backcourt. Meeks, a junior, missed pretty much all of last season with injuries.

Also, true freshman and Kentucky's Mr. Basketball Darius Miller and even Kevin Galloway will rotate in some if need to be.

My prediction: Jodie Meeks

Small Forward

Ramon Harris, Darius Miller, and AJ Stewart will be battling it out for this starting spot. Ramon Harris had a great off-season and really played well for the Cats down the stretch.

True freshman and Kentucky's Mr. Basketball coming out of high school, Darius Miller, will be in the running and will see quite a bit of minutes.

Also, AJ Stewart will rotate in and get quite a bit of minutes. If he gives the effort in practice, which is something has hasn't been doing according to Gillispie.

My prediction: Ramon Harris

Power Forward

The Cats return a very good front line. Perry Stevenson is a blocking machine down low. He played absolutely perfect last season at the center position down the stretch when Patterson went down with his ankle fracture.

I'll explain why Patterson could be playing the 4 spot as well, coming up later in the article.

My prediction: Perry Stevenson

Center

The Cats return All-American big man Patrick Patterson for his sophomore season. Also, Juco transfer John Harrellson will be seeing a lot of time down in the paint this season as well.

The reason as to why Patterson could be playing the 4 spot, is because of Josh Harrellson. He is a monster down low in the paint and could be starting in no time.

If Harrellson gets the starting nod at the 5 spot, then Patterson will move up to the 4 spot(power forward) and start over Stevenson.

Stevenson will also see a lot of minutes at the 5 spot.

My prediction: Patrick Patterson, as of right now. But don't be surprised to see Josh Harrellson to eventually get some starts and see Patterson move up to the power forward position and start(which is his true position).

So here it is. My lineup and rotation in order for the Cats.

1. Galloway/Liggins/Porter

2. Meeks/Miller/Galloway

3. Harris/Miller/Stewart

4. Stevenson/Patterson

5. Patterson/Harrellson/Stevenson(don't be surprised if Harrellson gets some starts in the season and see Patterson move to the 4 spot over Stevenson.)

So there you have it. This is my prediction on the Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup as of right now. Gillispie has a reputation in starting multiple lineups to find the best one. This, in my opinion, will be the best lineup/rotation for the Cats in 2008.

The return to excellence, begins.

NOW!

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, discussion, and media go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM!

Kentucky Football: Get Ready For a Low Scoring Game Against South Carolina

Jordan Coleman — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:39:00 -0400

The Cats and the Cocks are getting ready to do battle in Lexington at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday.

For you fans are tuning in to see a high scoring, offense dominated game, then this game isn't for you. Let's face it, both offenses are just bad. Kentucky's offense hasn't gotten off the ground any this season, and USC offense hasn't exactly been high flying by any means.

It's going to be a defense dominated football game. Kentucky has been nothing less than dominant on defense this season, while South Carolina hasn't been to bad on defense either.

Kentucky's defense has been without key linebacker Micah Johnson the last two games against Western Kentucky and Alabama. Starting weak-side linebacker Braxton Kelley moved to the middle while Johnson was sidelined with a high ankle sprain. This will greatly help the Cats defense in having Johnson back.

Kentucky's offense has gotten some help, in returning true freshman Randall Cobb. Cobb was also out with a high ankle sprain. Cobb is a spark plug in UK offense. He is the backup QB that can beat you with his legs, and is a wide receiver as well. Having Cobb back will greatly improve UK's offense.

Kentucky has to somehow find someway to move the ball against USC. The Cats has to take care of the ball and get at least in field goal range, which is something we didn't do against Alabama hardly any.

Getting our running game going will greatly help the Cats. Derrick Locke and Alfonso Smith are two very explosive and very fast backs, both clocked in at a 4.2 forty yard dash. UK needs to utilize their speed.

Moncell Allen should also be used. Allen is a truck and is great running inside the tackles. Tony Dixon is the starter but hasn't really produced yet this season.

The offensive line is banged up for the Cats. Stuart Hines is out indefinitely, Josh Beets knee is not looking good, and no word on Justin Jeffries as of yet with his knee. The offensive line is banged up and pretty depleted, but they must find a way to get some sort of push for our backs in order for our offense to do anything against USC.

Let's face it, both defenses are going to dominate the game. It's going to come down to whoever doesn't make silly mistakes on offense and takes care of the ball, as well as cashing the check on whatever opportunities that they may get. It's going to be a physical slobber knocker low scoring game.

For you fans that like watching high flying, high scoring, offense dominating football, this this game isn't for you. For the fans that like watching physical and hard hitting football, then this game is just what you are asking for.

My prediction: UK wins in a slobber knocker 14-10.

Go Cats!!!

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, and discussion go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM!

The Kentucky Wildcats Are in Good Shape for a Third Straight Bowl Appearence

Jordan Coleman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:43:18 -0400

The Kentucky Wildcats and Coach Rich Brooks are 3-0 to start the season. The Cats have had somewhat of two faces in their 3-0 start.

The big blue came out blazing in a 27-2 throttling of rival Louisville. Also, a 38-3 throttling of cupcake Norfolk State. But then came a major egg laying in a 20-14 last second win against Middle Tennessee State.

The banged up Wildcats, missing top defensive player Micah Johnson and key offensive player Randall Cobb with high ankle sprains for a few weeks, just came off of a much needed off week with Western Kentucky University traveling to Lexington Saturday.

Kentucky, currently 3-0, has had somewhat of fool's gold so far. With wins over a bad Louisville team, cupcake Norfolk State, and Middle Tennessee State. The Cats have Western Kentucky coming up Saturday before heading into SEC play against a blazing Alabama Crimson Tide team in Tuscaloosa.

Kentucky, can have some success in SEC play. Games against a bad Arkansas team, struggling Mississippi State, a streaky South Carolina team, a dissapointing Tennessee team, and a extremely tough Vanderbilt team that is playing like the best team in the SEC currently. That could be 5 wins in SEC play if the cats get healed up and can get sometime going on offense.

The Wildcats, are currently relying on their hard nosed, tough defense to win football games. With a total of 17 points given up to the opposing offense in 3 games(UL scored 2 on our offense, not our defense), the UK defense will get tested majorly in Tuscaloosa in 2 weeks against the Crimson Tide. Micah Johnson, the Cats leading defensive player, suffered a high ankle sprain against MTSU and is currently sidelined with the injury. This is by far, the best area on the field for the big Blue.

The big blue offense is suspect, so to say. Mike Hartline has proved himself in the first three games to be the Cats starting quarterback that can manage the game well and protect the ball. Randall Cobb is the Cats spark on offense. He can run the ball from under center and throw, as well as play wide out. The only thing about Cobb that is worrisome, is his ability to protect the ball. Cobb suffered high ankle sprain in the MTSU game is out, some saying 4-6 weeks, others are saying longer.'

The wide receivers, offensive line, and the field goal kicking needs to improve, and fast. The receivers are running wrong routes, not knowing the hand signals, not battling for the ball, etc. The O-Line is not getting a push or creating any holes for our extremely talented backs to make a play. Our field goal kicking is just attrocious, Lones Sieber was 2-6 in the MTSU game, and has struggled all his career in Lexington.

With a possible 4-0 start(supposing UK can knock off cupcake WKU in Lexington Saturday), going into SEC play against 'Bama in 2 weeks, the Cats set in a good position to repeat the last two years success. There is five very winnable games in our SEC schedule this season, as I have listed above.

With three or more wins in SEC play with our winnable SEC schedule, and maybe a couple of breaks going the Wildcats way, there is no doubt that the Cats can earn a third straight bowl berth. Coach Brooks has turned the corner with the University of Kentucky football program and deservedly so.

It's football time in the Bluegrass!

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, and discussion go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM.

Kentucky-Middle Tennessee State: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Jordan Coleman — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:57:04 -0400

Kentucky barely escaped Commonwealth Stadium with a 20-14 victory over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.

The Good

- Michael Hartline really played a good game for us. With the exception of his fumble, he really came through for us. He seems to be getting more comfortable in the pocket. He started to shine whenever Joker Phillips loosened and opened up the playbook more in the second half. Hartline finished 28-47 for 254 yards and two TDs.

- Our defense, yet again. The Cats held MTSU to only 31 yards rushing on the night. Micah Johnson, despite going down with an injury in the first half and not playing a whole half on the field, led UK in tackles for the night with nine total tackles (eight solo and one assist), including two tackles for loss.

- Our punting game was superb. Tim Masthay and Ryan Tydlacka had excellent games punting the football. They both pinned MTSU back deep in their own territory with great punts a number of times. Tydlacka pinned MTSU deep inside their own 20 three times, with Masthay pinning them inside their own 20 once.

- T.C. Drake, at the tight end position, had a great game receiving: He caught four passes for 82 yards. It's good to see that we have a tight end to replace Jacob Tamme, who graduated last season and is now playing for the Colts.

The Bad

- Our passing defense gave up 352 yards passing and two TDs to Middle Tennessee State QB Joe Craddock. This is a little worrisome just one game away from opening SEC play at Alabama.

- Joker Phillips called a pretty conservative game Saturday night for the Cats offense. In the first half, he called inside run plays with MTSU stacking the box on first and second downs that would get bottled up for only a couple of yards or no gain, call bubble screens on third and long for no gain or a loss of yards, and then be forced to punt.

In the second half Phillips loosened up and opened the playbook and let Hartline play. We started moving the ball better in the second half and had plenty of chances to score.

- We need to start utilizing our speed in the backfield. Both Derrick Locke and Alfonso Smith run 4.2 40-yard dashes, yet they never get any runs to the outside. Let Locke and Alfonso use their speed and run some sweeps, quick pitches, etc. to the corners and utilize their ungodly speed.

- The injury report for the Cats isn't looking too good after Saturday. Starting corner David Jones (knee), guard Stuart Hines (ankle sprain), and center Jorge Gonzalez (foot) will miss a few days of practice.

In addition, three Wildcats will be out indefinitely because of high-ankle sprains: defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, linebacker Micah Johnson, and quarterback/wide receiver Randall Cobb. The off week coming up should hopefully heal these key players for us.

The Ugly

- Lones Sieber: 'nuff said. He was absolutely atrocious in the kicking game. He finished 2-6 from field goal range with misses from 48, 29, and 42 yards, plus a 33-yard FG being blocked. He was good from 40 yards and 25 yards. This is not acceptable for a Division I SEC kicker. Sieber has always been inconsistent, but that was just awful. If he doesn't improve in a hurry, we will have to find another place kicker.

- Our receiver play was pretty ugly: players running the wrong routes, not going up and competing for the ball, etc. If we don't develop a solid passing game, the opposing defenses will just start stacking the box and bottling up our running game—just like MTSU and UL did.

Thank goodness we have a bye week. Hopefully this will get our players' attention and get them ready for SEC play opening up in three weeks.

For the latest University of Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, and discussion go to WWW.WILDCATSTHUNDER.COM.

My First Boxing Match Ever

Jordan Coleman — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:28:33 -0400

I was gone all day for my first boxing match. They originally told me that my opponent was 5'10 and when I got there and saw him, he was 6'2 or 6'3. He had at least a foot and a half reach advantage on me. This was my first fight, this was his third or fourth fight.

Here I stand at 5'6 and he is 6'3. The bell rang for the first round. We came out and I was absolutely full of adrenaline. I was moving well all over the place. I went inside on him good and got him with some good shots to the body and a couple good ones to the chin. He got me with a few good jabs but nothing big.

I won the first round. Then the second round came. I was doing the same thing early in the second round, moving well, getting good shots to the body and head. But then I tripped over something, I don't know if he stepped on my toes or what, but he did not hit me and I tripped and stumbled back but I did not go down.

The ref stopped the fight and gave me a standing eight count. That was a terrible job of reffing. During the eight seconds, my adrenaline and energy just got sucked out of me and I lost my groove that I had going.

I just wasn't the same for the rest of the fight. He won the majority of the second round, after the ref stopped the fight for nothing and pretty much screwed me over. He won the third round easily.

I ended up losing by a decision. If it wasn't for the standing eight count, that stopped the second round on me when I was in my groove and full of adrenaline, I believe I would have had a chance to win the fight.

A bunch of other boxers and coaches stopped me after I got out of the locker room and asked me how many fights I'd had, this was my first one. They asked me how long I've been training, which is about a month and a half.

They all said that I should not have had to fight him for my first fight. It was a total mismatch, I mean the guy had a foot and a half reach advantage on me and almost a foot taller than me. He didn't hit that hard, but he was quick. They all said that I did good for being my first fight and going up against someone like that guy.

I have a black eye on my left eye but that's it. All in all, I am proud of myself for going the whole fight with the guy that they had me matched up with. I lost the fight by decision.

I love boxing and fighting. I will have plenty of time to train for my next fight because it won't be until after my football season ends, which will be late November or December.

Kentucky Football: Updated List of Recruits

Jordan Coleman — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:59:12 -0400

The Kentucky Football program has turned the corner over the past two years, not only on the field, but on the recruiting trail as well. This is an updated list of the 2009 Kentucky Wildcats football commitments.

2009 Kentucky Football Commitments List

Offense

Brian Adams - *** Athlete, 6'4"/210, 4.55 40 Yard Dash, Cumming, GA
Jerrell Greene - *** RB, 6'2"/210, 4.55 40 Yard Dash, Lexington, KY
LaRod King - *** WR, 6'6"/190, 4.6 40 Yard Dash, Radcliff, KY
Justin Bean - * WR, 6'2"/180, 4.55 40 Yard Dash, Tupelo, MS
Larry Warford - *** OG, 6'4"/349, Richmond, KY
Kevin Mitchell - * OT, 6'7"/280, 5.1 40 Yard Dash, Douglasville, GA
Jordan Aumiller - * TE, 6'4"/199, 4.6 40 Yard Dash, Danville, KY
Justin Jones - *** TE, 6'7"/234, 4.8 40 Yard Dash, Conyers, GA
Anthony Kendrick - *** TE, 6'4"/220, 4.7 40 Yard Dash, Katy, TX

Defense

Mister Cobble - * DT, 6'0"/270, Louisville, KY
Myron Walker - *** DT, 5'10"/264, Metarie, LA
Jarvis Walker - *** OLB, 6'2"/202, Metarie, LA

I will try to keep this list updated whenever Rich Brooks and Kentucky get a new commitment.

For the latest in Kentucky Wildcats updates, news, and discussion, go to www.wildcatsthunder.com.

Louisville Football: A Kentucky Fan Couldn't Be Happier

Jordan Coleman — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:10:54 -0400

Louisville Cardinals football, oh, how the tides have turned.

The Cardinals went from a dominant football powerhouse with Bobby Petrino to a bottom-of-the-barrel football program with Steve Kragthorpe in less than a year.

In the past year, the UL football program has been hit hard—and I mean HARD!

It all started when Petrino, who built the Cards up as a BCS football powerhouse, resigned and headed to the NFL for the big $ to coach the Falcons. In comes Steve Kragthorpe.

The Cards had a pretty bad season, going 6-6 and having possibly one of the worst defenses in the nation. Included in the bad season were losses at UK (I was at the game, one of the greatest days of my life) and Syracuse (that was just funny).

Then on February 28, 2008, senior cornerback Rod Council was arrested for armed robbery when he robbed a gas station in North Carolina and was subsequently kicked off the team (hence the picture to the article).

On May 16, 2008, running back George Stripling was dismissed from the team for violation of team rules. Stripling was a backup running back but was expected to contend for the starting job this season.

Also, Anthony Allen, the Cards' starting running back, transferred from the program. Allen set the Cards' single-game rushing record against Middle Tennessee State with 275 yards rushing on the ground.

Just recently, junior receiver JaJuan Spillman was arrested for the second time in 10 months for DUI, possession of marijuana, carrying a concealed weapon, and driving without insurance. Spillman was probably going to be the Cards' leading receiver this season. His career is likely over.

Also just recently, on a sad note, wide receiver Trent Guy was shot outside a nightclub in downtown Louisville. He is in serious but stable condition. The doctors say they expect him to make a full recovery, but they also say it's too early to speculate on his playing time.

Let me note, nobody is happy this happened, unlike what the title of this article suggests. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.

This season shouldn't be too much better for the Cards either. They lost pretty much their whole offense. Stack that on top of their awful defensive struggles last season, on top of all the players they lost, and that equals another season of disaster for the mighty Cards!

Oh, how the tides have turned. The once mighty and proud powerhouse football program has now been reduced to rubble since the loss of Petrino.

Did Bobby Petrino leave a curse on the mighty Cards?

Being as big of a UK fan as I am, I for one cannot be happier that the mighty Cards have fallen. They have fallen hard too!

Kentucky Football Coach Rich Brooks Involved in Boating Accident

Jordan Coleman — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:47:23 -0400

Monday proved to be a scary day for all of the Kentucky Wildcat nation.

Coach Rich Brooks was on vacation in Eugene, Oregon, with his son and long time friend. The three were fly fishing when a strong current pushed the boat into a log which caused the boat to capsize.

All three made it to a gravel bar after the boat capsized before they were rescued and taken back to shore.

They were not wearing life jackets at the time the boat capsized. All three were not harmed and are just fine.

Coach Brooks laughed about the accident when asked.

Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford, Derrick Jasper: Who Will Replace Them?

Jordan Coleman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:27:17 -0400

The Kentucky Wildcats basketball program had taken a pretty big hit in the offseason with the loss of senior guards Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford, but then the transfer of junior-to-be guard Derrick Jasper hit all Kentucky fans right where it hurts.

With the loss of Bradley, Crawford, and Jasper, the Wildcats lose two of their top three leading scorers. But the Wildcats do return sophomore Patrick Patterson in the post, plus junior guard/forward Jodie Meeks, who had a season full of injuries with a groin pull and a sports hernia and only got to play sparingly last season.

The Cats' backcourt is very much depleted and will have to turn to new players, besides Jodie Meeks, to step up and lead the Cats. But Coach Billy Gillispie has a very good and very deep class coming in to address the backcourt problems in 2008.

The Cats picked up three very good guards to help the backcourt. JUCO transfer guard Kevin Galloway (6'7") can play both the guard and forward spots. Kentucky's Mr. Basketball and highly anticipated incoming freshman Darius Miller (6'7") can also play both the guard and forward spots and will instantly help the Cats' backcourt, as well as incoming freshman guard Deandre Liggins (6'5").

Liggins is having trouble qualifying for UK, but all the news that I have heard on Liggins indicate that he is on track to get into UK and will qualify. I can only hope so.

All three of these very good pickups by Coach Gillispie will step in immediately and help the Cats instantly—and in a very big way.

With the addition of these three players, along with Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, Perry Stevenson, and the rest of the deep Kentucky bench, the Cats have the talent and the coaching to have a much more successful season than last season and the previous seasons.

Nevertheless, the loss of Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford, and Derrick Jasper will hurt the Cats. But Gillispie picked up three very talented players that can and will step in and help the Cats immediately.

Look for the Cats to have a much more successful season in '08-09. It may be a slow and rocky start to the season, but once the very talented incoming class gets used to the system and style of play, the Cats will be very successful.

SEC Football: Is This a Down Year for Quarterbacks?

Jordan Coleman — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:32:35 -0400

The Southeastern Conference is the premier football conference in the nation. It always has the top teams and always produces some of the most exciting games of the season. It has also been a conference that usually produces some of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

The two quarterbacks that will be the cream of the crop in the SEC are Tim Tebow of Florida and Georgia's Matthew Stafford. Tebow, the Heisman trophy winner returning for his junior season, will be the best quarterback in the nation, no question about it.

Stafford, being a very experienced and very battle-tested quarterback returning at Georgia, will be the second best in the SEC. Both Tebow and Stafford, surrounded by a wealth of talent and speed, will be the SEC's cream of the crop at the quarterback position in 2008.

The defending national champions, the LSU Tigers, have no experience returning at quarterback. With the loss of Matt Flynn, the Tigers are going to have to turn to Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee. Both have no experience in the SEC. LSU is going to have to rely on their running game to be the main part of their offense and to take pressure off the new quarterback.

Alabama's John Parker Wilson will come back with new spirit and leadership. He has very raw and natural talent and will do very good things for the Tide this season. He will hold most of the Crimson Tide's passing records by the time he graduates from Alabama.

Johnathan Crompton will be taking over the quarterback spot at Tennessee, replacing Erik Ainge. Crompton has some experience to work with. He will lead the Vols this season.

Casey Dick at Arkansas is an unknown when it comes to the passing game. He really never got the chance to shine under Houston Nutt's rushing offense with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. This season, under new coach Bobby Petrino's quarterback-friendly system, will be Dick's breakout season. We will all see what he can do on the field and how he can lead a team this season.

At South Carolina, a pretty big battle is going on between Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher. At Kentucky, another battle is going on for the quarterback spot between redshirt junior Curtis Pulley and sophomore Mike Hartline. Expect all four players to share snaps at their respective schools during the season.

Mississippi State returns Wesley Carroll this season. He was very inconsistent and needs a lot of improvement, but he still earned himself and the Bulldogs a Liberty Bowl victory. He will need to make some improvements in his sophomore season to get the Bulldogs back to their second consecutive bowl appearance, even with their very deep running game.

Vandy has Chris Nickson and Mackenzie Adams returning, both with experience. Both had some inconsistency problems last season though. If both can make some improvements, the Commodores could have a fairly successful season.

Ole Miss has Texas transfer Javon Sneed taking snaps under center for the Rebels. Sneed lost a battle to Colt McCoy at Texas for the starting job and then transferred to Ole Miss. He could instantly help the Rebels.

Auburn has a new offensive coordinator this season and will install the spread offense. Kodi Burns and Chris Todd are the candidates to be the Tigers' starting quarterback. Burns had a successful spring practice this season.

There is a big drop-off between Tebow and Stafford and the the rest of the field. The SEC has a history of having some of the best quarterbacks in the nation and will continue to do so with Tebow and Stafford.

The rest of the field, especially Dick at Arkansas and Wilson at Alabama, will step up by the end of the season and will be leading their respective teams.

Nevertheless, this season in the SEC is one of the lowest in quarterback quality in recent memory—in my memory anyway.

Anderson Silva Moving Up To Light Heavyweight?

Jordan Coleman — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:51:14 -0400

There is a rumor going around that Anderson Silva is going to move up and fight in the light heavyweight division. This is a division that already features the likes of Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Forrest Griffin, Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, and Wanderlei Silva, just to name a few. It is the best division in the UFC and MMA in general.

Anderson Silva has been steamrolling through the UFC middleweight division. None of his fights have went past the second round, and nobody has come even close to beating him. Dan Henderson took him to the second round and fought him the best that anyone has since Silva joined the UFC. Silva will not lose in the middleweight division anytime soon; the UFC just doesn't have anybody his level to compete with him.

If Silva does make the jump to fight in the light heavyweight division, then it would add to the best and deepest division in all of MMA. The light heavyweight division has plenty of fighters that can compete and even beat Silva, unlike the middleweight division.

Silva's road to getting the light heavyweight title will be a lot tougher, with "Rampage" Jackson holding the title, and Liddell, Griffin, Machida and Wanderlei Silva also looking for title shots, just to name a few.

I hope Anderson Silva does decide to move up. It would make for some very exciting and interesting fights. Imagine an Anderson Silva vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson fight for the title, or even an Anderson Silva vs. Chuck Liddell or Mauricio "Shogun" Rua fight. I guarantee that some of these fights would go down as being some of the best in MMA history.

If you like to watch exciting fights, then you better hope Silva makes the move up to light heavyweight. I sure hope he does.

Kentucky Football: Who Will the Wildcats Upset in 2008?

Jordan Coleman — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:08:12 -0400

In the past two seasons, the Cats have pulled three major upsets that seemed to have skyrocketed the Kentucky football program.

In 2006, the victim was the Georgia Bulldogs, losing at Commonwealth Stadium by a final score of 24-20.

In 2007, the Cats upset the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals by a score of 40-34 and also the top-ranked LSU Tigers, who eventually won the BCS Title, in triple overtime at Commonwealth by a score of 43-37.

In 2008, my guess of a possible upset is, the Georgia Bulldogs. I know I will probably get scalded for this but just hear me out. Georgia has the best team coming back in the nation, in my opinion.

The Cats are in a perfect position for a trap game against the Bulldogs. It is right in the middle of Georgia's SEC schedule. Here is the "murders row" of UGA's schedule...

Oct. 25, @LSU

Nov. 1, Florida (in Jacksonville)

Nov. 8, @UK

Nov. 15, @ Auburn

Kentucky is in a perfect position for a trap game, after two very tough games against LSU and UF and right before a tough game at Auburn. Kentucky gets UGA right in the middle of the toughest part of their schedule.

Now, I'm not calling this upset just yet. All I am saying is that, this game really jumps out at me to be a possible major upset in the SEC this upcoming season. It is going to be a very exciting SEC football season in 2008!

2008 Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview

Jordan Coleman — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:21:13 -0400

The 2006 and 2007 football seasons wrote history in the Kentucky record books, as the Cats won back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1951-52. You might remember a famous coach that led us to this feat in Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Kentucky had one of its best senior classes to ever come through the school graduate after the 2007 season. The Cats will have to find replacements for Andre Woodson at quarterback, Keenan Burton and Steve Johnson at the receiver spot, Jacob Tamme at tight end, Rafael Little at running back, and defensive leader and captain Wesley Woodyard at the outside linebacker spot, to only name a few.

One of the biggest questions on offense for this coming season is who will replace Andre Woodson. Well, nobody is for sure yet. Redshirt junior Curtis Pulley originally beat Woodson out of the starting job during the spring of 2006 before Woodson made his unbelievable improvement. After redshirting last season for personal reasons, Pulley is now back on the team and in a major battle with Mike Hartline for the starting quarterback spot.

My guess as to who will be under center for the Cats this season is Curtis Pulley. He is a dual threat quarterback that can hurt defenses with both his arm and legs. Don't be surprised if you see Coach Rich Brooks use Pulley and Hartline at the same time, with Pulley out wide at the receiver spot, and adopt somewhat of a dual-quarterback system this season.

Coach Brooks will look to the Cats' highly dangerous and extremely fast backfield to be the main threat on offense. Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith, and Tony Dixon all return at the running back spot along with Moncell Allen, John Connor, and Maurice Grinter returning at the fullback spot.

The Cats also return the majority of their starting O-Line last season, so the Cats will have one of the best and deepest rushing attacks in the SEC.

Another big question on the Cats offense is at the receiver and tight end spots. The only starter that Kentucky has returning at these positions is senior Dicky Lyons Jr. at receiver.

Along with Lyons, look for junior E.J. Adams (who recently moved to receiver from the cornerback spot), highly touted freshman Aaron Boyd, senior David Jones, senior Demoreo Ford, and even freshman E.J. Fields to carry the reins through the air for the Cats. Expect junior T.C. Drake to take over the tight end spot as well.

None of these players has the experience that Lyons has, but these will be the Cats' only options through the air.

The Kentucky defense returns nine starters in 2008. Wesley Woodyard, who was the defensive leader and captain for Kentucky, has graduated, so the Cats will turn to Braxton Kelley at middle linebacker to be the leader and captain of the Cats' battle-tested and very experienced defense.

Kentucky has five All-SEC caliber players on defense in defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, nose guard Myron Pryor, shutdown corner Trevard Lindley, middle linebacker Braxton Kelley, and free safety Marcus McClinton. Look for all five of these players to be mentioned on the All-SEC defensive teams at the end of the season.

To replace Woodyard at the outside linebacker spot, the Cats have junior Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell. Kelley will be in the middle, and senior Johnny Williams will be at the other outside linebacker spot.

The Cats' defensive line returns all four starters in defensive ends Jeremy Jarmon and Nii Adjei Oninku and defensive tackles Myron Pryor and Corey Peters, as well as backups Dominic Lewis, Corey Jenkins, and J.D. Craigman.

Kentucky's D-Line did take a pretty big hit in the offseason with the loss of very talented backup defensive end Jamil Paris due to health reasons. Nevertheless, the Cats' D-Line is strong and very experienced.

The Cats' defensive secondary returns everybody as well. Junior cornerbacks Paul Warford and shutdown corner Trevard Lindley (who will be one of the best in the nation) return. Both are battle-tested and very experienced.

At the safeties, senior free safety and captain Marcus McClinton returns, while junior strong safety Ashton Cobb will be starting in place of Roger Williams, who graduated.

The kicking game with Lones Seiber is a bit of a concern. He is very inconsistent with his field goals and extra points. This could be a big dent in Kentucky's armor if he doesn't improve. He improved somewhat last season but there is still some work to be done with him.

This Kentucky team will be in a rebuilding year, but that will not stop this very talented and well-coached team from once again making it to their third straight bowl game. This year's team will not be as good as the past two teams, but they still return enough talent to make it back to where they have left off the past two seasons.

Coach Rich Brooks has turned this program around and has turned the corner, not only on the field, but also in recruiting. He has given us hope and caused us to BELIEVE once again. For that, I am truly thankful. He is one of the greatest coaches to ever roam the Kentucky sidelines.

Once again, WE BELIEVE!