Rise of the Bluegrass Empire: A Kentucky Wildcats Dynasty

[jasontoddwhitt]

Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez Diagnosed with Elbow Sprain, Expected to Return for Bowl Game

Kentucky Wildcats standout running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been diagnosed with a sprained elbow following his injury in the recent Governor's Cup clash against Louisville. Rodriguez, a pivotal force in the Wildcats' offense, left the game in the fourth quarter after suffering the injury. The team has confirmed that while he will miss a couple of weeks of practice, he is expected to recover in time for the upcoming bowl game. Rodriguez's absence during this crucial period of the season is undoubtedly a setback. Still, the team remains optimistic about his return for the bowl game, recognizing his immense value and contribution to the Wildcats' success this season.

Kentucky Continues Strong Recruiting Drive with Two New Additions

Kentucky's football program secured commitments from two linebackers, adding depth and talent to their 2023 recruiting class. 3-star MLB Gabe Jackson, a Russellville, Kentucky native, pledged his commitment. He's ranked 37th among middle linebackers in the class and is lauded for his ability as a run-stopping force. Jackson chose Kentucky over Bowling Green and Ohio University, showing a commitment to his home-state team. Additionally, the Wildcats secured a commitment from 1-star JUCO MLB Rob Vozenilik from Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, ranked 135th in his class. Vozenilik, like Jackson, is also noted for his run-stopping capabilities and had an offer from Louisville. However, the Cats missed 1-star JUCO MLB Brett Dawson, who committed to Florida Atlantic. Despite Kentucky's pursuit, the Hallandale, Florida native, ranked 133rd among middle linebackers, opted for FAU, considering offers from other schools, including Boston College, Iowa State, Wake Forest, Troy, and Cincinnati.



Bowl Projection

[jasontoddwhitt]

Quote: Originally Posted by studbucket

Any bowl projections out? Would be fun for you to get a matchup with Coastal Carolina, Wisconsin, or Ohio State.

In the prior post, you saw our bowl projection. I'm doing the bowl matchups myself. I made a spreadsheet and will use the CFP spreadsheet to set up the bowl matchups. NCAA 14 doesn't have all of today's bowls, and I felt like I needed a Ph.D. to decipher the conference tie-ins.

For the conferences that use tiers, I ranked the bowls by payouts and ranked them that way.

[king8838]

Just spent the last two days catching up on all of this dynasty. As a lifelong UK fan I love it bro! The ‘21 & ‘22 teams were something special in Lexington, and I believe in ‘22 IRL we had all the pieces to have a much better season than we actually did. It was nice to see you achieve some of that early success we should have had last year, but a bummer to see it fall apart similar to what happened IRL.

I loved seeing us pummel the Cards! Great season from Levis, and McClain of all of people. Excited to see how the bowl game goes and what happens with the QB situation for next year. (Please don’t get Devin Leary! So disappointed with how he is playing this year).

(And on a completely unrealistic note, I would’ve loved to see Coastal Carolina in the CFP!)

[jasontoddwhitt]

Quote: Originally Posted by king8838

Just spent the last two days catching up on all of this dynasty. As a lifelong UK fan I love it bro! The ‘21 & ‘22 teams were something special in Lexington, and I believe in ‘22 IRL we had all the pieces to have a much better season than we actually did. It was nice to see you achieve some of that early success we should have had last year, but a bummer to see it fall apart similar to what happened IRL. I loved seeing us pummel the Cards! Great season from Levis, and McClain of all of people. Excited to see how the bowl game goes and what happens with the QB situation for next year. (Please don’t get Devin Leary! So disappointed with how he is playing this year). (And on a completely unrealistic note, I would’ve loved to see Coastal Carolina in the CFP!)

I completely agree with you about the '22 team, and the '23 team this year hasn't exactly lived up to expectations either. I still think the toxic segment of the fan base calling for Stoops' head is a bit premature. If they fail to get eight wins next year, I think the heat should turn up on his seat.

It would be cool to see Coastal Carolina get into the CFP. If USC or Michigan loses their title game and CC wins theirs, they may jump Tennessee and Wisconsin in the rankings. At least, that's what I would do.

Thanks for reading and glad you're enjoying it. I hadn't really been able to jump in due to working some OT the past couple of weeks. But with Thanksgiving plans canceled (COVID running through the extended family), I'm hoping to get the bowl game in and maybe watch the CFP playoff games as well.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Championship Week Edition

Conference Championship Chaos: Georgia's Dominance, Coastal's Unbeaten Run Headline Wild Weekend

In a weekend teeming with pivotal conference championships, college football landscapes shifted, creating national ripples. The SEC Championship unveiled a stunning upset as #2 Georgia bulldozed past #1 Alabama 44-24. Georgia’s suffocating defense and steady offense secured the SEC title, casting a cloud over Alabama's playoff aspirations as Alabama missed injured QB Bryce Young.

Fresno State emerged victorious in the Mountain West, clinching the championship in a 42-37 thriller against Boise State. A commanding first-half performance carried Fresno to victory despite Boise's valiant comeback led by QB Taylen Green. The win marked a triumphant moment for Fresno State in an electric contest.

Another spectacle unfolded in the ACC Championship, where #18 North Carolina dismantled #24 Louisville 48-3. North Carolina's QB Drake Maye steered an explosive offense while the Louisville offensive woes from the Governor's Cup carried over into the ACC title game. Maye's stellar showing might have cemented his Heisman hopes, leaving Louisville's defense in disarray.

Washington, ranked 17th, shocked the college football world by toppling #3 USC in the Pac-12 Championship, securing a 49-42 victory. Despite USC's explosive offense led by QB Caleb Williams, Washington’s late surge handed the Huskies the conference crown, potentially reshaping the College Football Playoff picture.

In the Big Ten, #4 Michigan claimed the championship, dismantling #13 Nebraska 42-23. Despite a resilient effort by Nebraska's Casey Thompson, Michigan's balanced attack led by QB J.J. McCarthy and HB Blake Corum secured their likely spot in the College Football Playoff.

Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina stormed through Troy 42-21 in the Sun Belt Championship, capping off an undefeated season. QB Grayson McCall orchestrated a dominant offense, strengthening Coastal Carolina's bid for a coveted playoff spot.

The MAC Championship witnessed Buffalo's triumph, defeating Northern Illinois 28-18. QB Cole Snyder's composed performance propelled Buffalo, seizing the MAC title in a well-contested game.

Each conference championship unfolded with its unique drama, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the impending College Football Playoff selections and the impacts of these compelling matchups. Does #1 Alabama drop out of the top four? Does Coastal Carolina vault into the top four? These questions will be answered Sunday night.

Drake Maye Emerges Victorious in 2022 Heisman Trophy Race



North Carolina's young sensation, quarterback Drake Maye, claimed the coveted Heisman Trophy in a riveting voting result, solidifying his meteoric rise in the college football landscape. Maye, the freshman QB, guided the Tar Heels to a stellar 12-1 season and steered them to the ACC Championship, showcasing a season of remarkable achievements. His staggering stats for the year—3,901 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and a 173.7 quarterback rating—sealed his triumph, amassing 212 first-place votes and 1,180 points.

Washington's junior quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., launched an extraordinary campaign that placed him in a close second in the Heisman race. Penix propelled the Huskies to an 11-2 record and clinched the Pac-12 Championship, boasting impressive numbers of his own—4,126 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and a 171.5 quarterback rating. Penix secured 187 first-place votes and amassed 1,090 points, making the Heisman voting a closely contested affair.

The third spot on the Heisman roster was secured by Ole Miss's true freshman running back, Quinshon Judkins. Despite finishing third, Judkins stood tall with an impressive 1,688 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, steering Ole Miss to a commendable 10-2 record. His exceptional performance earned him 158 first-place votes and 933 points in the final tally.

Michigan's standout junior running back, Blake Corum, clinched the fourth spot in the Heisman voting. Corum played a pivotal role in Michigan's triumphant 11-2 season, delivering an exceptional performance with 1,420 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His impactful contribution earned him 85 first-place votes and 604 points in the race for college football's most prestigious individual honor.

Rounding up the top five in the Heisman ballot was UAB's junior running back, Dewayne McBride. McBride's sensational year, amassing 1,636 rushing yards and an impressive 19 touchdowns, guided UAB to a standout 10-2 season, culminating in the Conference USA title. McBride clinched 95 first-place votes and earned 578 points in the Heisman standings.

The Heisman Trophy ceremony once again highlighted the exceptional talent and stellar performances that graced the 2022 college football season, showcasing these outstanding athletes' diverse skill sets and unwavering dedication.

Championship Scoreboard

[jasontoddwhitt]

2022 College Football Playoff Matchups Unveiled: Clash of Titans Await

As the dust settles on an exhilarating college football season, the highly anticipated College Football Playoff matchups have been revealed, setting the stage for intense clashes defining this year's playoff race.

In a spectacular showdown, the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are set to face the formidable Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the Peach Bowl, promising an epic battle between the seasoned giants and the surging underdogs. Georgia's relentless dominance throughout the season has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing an unwavering defense and an offense that's proven to be a force to reckon with. Conversely, Coastal Carolina, the lone undefeated team in college football, has rattled the status quo, displaying remarkable skill and determination that propelled them to this historic playoff berth.

Meanwhile, the Fiesta Bowl is poised to witness a titanic clash between the Michigan Wolverines, securing the second spot, and the storied Alabama Crimson Tide, landing at number three. Michigan, freshly crowned as the Big Ten champions, enters the playoffs with immense confidence, led by a potent offense and an unyielding defense that's been a cornerstone of their success. On the other hand, despite a setback in losing star quarterback Bryce Young to injury, Alabama remains a powerhouse with a legacy of championship-caliber performances, boasting a roster teeming with talent and a drive to reclaim their dominance in the college football landscape.

The selection committee's decision has sparked emotional debates and discussions, especially surrounding the inclusion of Coastal Carolina, marking the second straight year a Group of Five team has made it to the playoffs following Cincinnati last season. However, their undefeated record and unwavering determination propelled them past the traditional powerhouses, underscoring the unpredictability and excitement of college football.

The upcoming matchups promise to be an unforgettable spectacle, featuring powerhouse programs and rising challengers vying for the ultimate glory in college football. As the countdown to the playoff games begins, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing history unfold on the gridiron as these teams embark on their quest for the coveted national championship.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Wildcats Secure Spot in Citrus Bowl Against Illinois



The Kentucky Wildcats have once again secured a coveted spot in the postseason action, heading to the 2022 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to face off against the formidable #22 Illinois Fighting Illini in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. This marks the Wildcats' seventh consecutive bowl appearance, setting a record as the longest streak in program history.

Coach Stoops and his resilient squad, boasting a commendable 9-3 record this season, are riding a wave of momentum, having clinched victory in their last three bowl appearances. The Citrus Bowl holds a special place for the Wildcats, having claimed triumphant victories in their previous two outings, edging past Penn State in 2018 and Iowa in 2021.

This upcoming clash against Illinois presents an intriguing narrative, marking only the third time in history that these two storied programs will face off on the gridiron. The series, dating back over a century, currently stands at an even 1-1, with Kentucky claiming a 6-2 win in 1909 and Illinois securing a 21-0 victory in their last encounter in 1913.

This matchup is a testament to the team's growth and resilience for the Kentucky faithful, highlighting their consistent presence on the national stage. With a chance to add another victory to their bowl record and create a new chapter in their series against Illinois, the Wildcats are poised to deliver another memorable performance in this year's Citrus Bowl. As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await to witness history unfold on the field again.


Deandre Square's season earned him a spot as an AP All-American.

Kentucky Football Standouts Collect Numerous Accolades in 2022 Season

The Kentucky Wildcats football team has seen an outstanding showcase of talent and determination in the 2022 season, reflected in the well-deserved recognition received by several star players across various prestigious categories.

Senior linebacker Deandre Square leads the pack in the realm of individual honors, whose exceptional contributions throughout the season earned him the esteemed title of an AP First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC. Square's impressive stats, including 81 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, five pass deflections, and one fumble recovery, underline his invaluable impact on the Wildcats' defensive line.

Joining Square in the distinction ranks is junior linebacker J.J. Weaver, recognized as an AP Second Team All-American and securing a spot on the First Team All-SEC roster. Weaver's stellar performance showcased 54 tackles, an astounding 22 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four pass deflections, and four forced fumbles, cementing his pivotal role in the Wildcats' defensive success.

Freshman safety Jordan Lovett made an indelible mark in his debut season, receiving recognition on the AP All-Freshman Team and securing a spot on the First Team All-SEC. Lovett's impressive stats, including 63 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three pass deflections, underscore his promising potential and vital role in the team's future.

Senior linebacker Jacquez Jones and junior cornerback Carrington Valentine also received deserved recognition, landing spots on the All-SEC teams. Jones showcased his prowess with 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble. In comparison, Valentine's contributions shone through 35 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and three pass deflections.

The team's special teams didn't go unnoticed, with senior kicker Matt Ruffolo securing a spot on the Second Team All-SEC for his consistent performance, nailing 21 out of 28 field goals with a long of 49 yards and a perfect 41 out of 41 extra points.

True freshman wide receiver Dane Key rounded up the honors, earning a spot on the AP All-Freshman Team for his impressive season stats, boasting 57 catches, 942 yards, eight touchdowns, and an impressive 16.5 yards per reception.

These commendations highlight the exceptional talent within the Wildcats' roster and stand as a testament to the collective efforts that drove Kentucky's success throughout the 2022 football campaign.


Injuries hampered Barion Brown's freshman season, and Coach Stoops seems unwilling to rush the youngster.

Kentucky WR Barion Brown: Eager to Return for Bowl Game Amid Injury Recovery

Kentucky Wildcats' standout wide receiver, Barion Brown, has been a crucial asset for the team throughout the season, showcasing exceptional skill and playmaking abilities. However, the young athlete has been sidelined since the Tennessee game due to a significant injury, a broken collarbone, which has kept him out of action for several weeks.

As the Wildcats prepare for their upcoming bowl game, speculation arose regarding Brown's potential return to the field. Despite his eagerness to contribute and participate in the game, head coach Mark Stoops has taken a cautious approach, prioritizing Brown's long-term health and recovery over immediate on-field action.

Brown's absence from full participation in bowl game practices has raised concerns about rushing his return, prompting Coach Stoops to exercise caution and list the talented wide receiver as doubtful on the injury report. Stoops emphasized Brown's need for a comprehensive and gradual recovery process, ensuring he is in optimal physical condition before making a comeback.

The decision to hold Brown out of the bowl game aligns with the coaching staff's commitment to the player's well-being and the team's long-term success. Stoops highlighted the importance of Brown's future contributions to the Wildcats' program, indicating that allowing him the necessary time to heal appropriately would be the priority.

Despite the disappointment of potentially missing the upcoming bowl game, Brown remains dedicated to his recovery and the team's success, expressing his desire to return to action when fully fit. The coaching staff shares Brown's enthusiasm but remains steadfast in their cautious approach, prioritizing his overall health and ensuring he returns to the field when it's safe and beneficial.

Brown's absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field, given his impact on the team's offense this season. However, the Wildcats will rally behind their injured teammate, displaying depth and resilience in his absence as they aim to secure victory in the upcoming bowl game.

[jasontoddwhitt]