Fan-apathy
Webster’s would probably describe this malady as a self perpetuating disease which leaves the collective patient itself alive, yet a non consequential entity, one void of direction or dedication to any great cause or meaningful goal.
Such was the condition of a certain college football program. One once known for its loyal fan base and it’s on the field successes.
Yep, people were taking notice again and the football world seemed to flourish in the palm of its hands. All seemed right and as it should be.
But now, after four years of existing as an after thought among college football’s movers and shakers, a choice had to be made to avoid a total collapse of the program.
Once proud and hopeful, things now had snowballed to the point confidence was utterly and completely shattered, not only for the upcoming season but for its football future as a whole. Why, even a smart coaching hire would see years of rebuilding needed to compete with the gridiron might assembled elsewhere.
You see, being a part of a traditionally strong conference has its pitfalls as well as advantage. Other teams, some hated rivals, now had a stranglehold on the proverbial conference “throne”
Hope certainly lies in scoring more points than we have of late most folks would say.
And who could argue since championship caliber teams were winning by outrageous margins, while giving no thought to easing up on the throttle against lesser opponents?
After all, among the elite, perception more than anything else was what placed you in a position to become champion. Surely the program would pluck a young offensive genius from one of the elite college football powers wouldn’t they?
Bring on Coach Stoops. A guy who was ready to leave the pleasant shores and plentiful pickings a power program in the state of Florida can provide and. Take the helm of a program in rapid decline. Not only that but this young man is…is…is a defensive coordinator of all things! What line of thinking makes that call palatable when so much lies in the balance?
Ok, ok. I wager by now you folks believe I’m talking about our Kentucky Wildcats but in fact the program was Oklahoma circa 1998. The conference was the Big 12.
The defensive coordinator was not newly appointed UK football Coach Mark Stoops, but big brother Bob who was D.C. for the Florida Gator program and not Florida State where UK’s head man was a former assistant.
And in one season BBB (Big Brother Bob) returned Oklahoma to the Bowl picture.
In fact, since Stoops took the helm in Norman, the Sooners have been to 14 strait bowl games and won one national title.
Now,I understand we are not as tradition rich as Oklahoma in football. But the fact is they were in a similar decline as UK and a defensive coordinator brought them out of it and back to national prominence in short order after four seasons of poorly coached and poorly played football. It does seem UK is several years removed from the respectability Rich Brooks developed, but in fact it’s only been three seasons out of the bowl picture. At one point the Cats were even ranked in the top ten nationally. That and the previous four bowl games in a row should mean recruits and national pundits alike still recall what can be accomplished in Lexington, which certainly seems to be the case looking at what Mark Stoops is doing on the recruiting trail currently.
Kentucky football fans aren’t greedy. Nor are they so spoiled as to believe the same must happen in Lexington as it did in Norman Oklahoma 15 years ago. But UK fans can indeed rest assured Mark Stoops knows it can be done…as well as how it was done once before
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