Russ Smith breaks foot

Freshman guard Russ Smith will miss 8-12 weeks with a broken bone in his right foot, per a Kenny Klein press release. Never good for frosh to miss preseason practice. Elisha Justice needs to be ready to contribute from day one.

A note on the Bledsoe situation...

I realize how UK-centric posts have been recently, and I apologize. That's not the tone I want to set for the blog, and you can drive yourself crazy refuting every slight and misstatement. But it's a bye week, so allow me one last vent and then I promise a clean start next week. On Bledsoe's C in Algebra 3, which was suspiciously changed to an A, although he never took Algebra 2, which also miraculously lifted his GPA to the minimum level needed to become eligible to play NCAA athlethics...

* One thing I think we all can agree upon, what an enormous waste of time. What was the school district expecting the private investigative report to uncover? Apart from a bugged math room in high school where the teacher was overheard saying, "Ya know Eric, you didn't really earn this A, but you're a good kid and I like you", or having that same teacher break down into a sobbing confession, what were they expecting?

The report found what most suspected all along, the rationale for changing Bledsoe's grade was "not credible". There was never going to be anything more conclusive than that, so for the school district to immediately state that his grade will stand, it makes me think the whole thing was just a charade to create the appearance that all stones were unturned.

* I've had countless discussions with UK fans on Cal and the baggage he brings. I've noticed that over time, with some of the allegations raised over the summer, that their argument has changed.

At first it was, "Cal won't have to cheat here, it's a combination of powerhouses! We're the most scrutizined team in the country! Bring 'em on! Suuuuuuck it!"

Now, it's "Everyone just targets us cus it's Calipari. These things happen at every program. Forde and Thamel are on a witch hunt, get a life, geez. The NCAA is a joke anyways. Free Enes!"

My point is, the cavalier "bring it on" attitude at first exhibited has given way to a pathetic cult of victimhood.

* What happened to "the Great Sandy Bell" who UK fans love to champion as sort of a combination between Janet Reno and Winston Wolf from Pulp Fiction? The line of thinking goes that Cal couldn't get into trouble at UK even if he wanted to because Sandy Bell is too damn good at her job. Bell must have seen the transcripts, the mysterious jump in grades, and the anomalous Algebra 3 before 2. Just a once-in-a-life time oversight, I'm sure.

* It's cheating. I know bashing the NCAA is en vogue at the moment, but while the system stands, it's cheating. Most free-thinking individuals smell the stench from Bledsoe's transcript. He cheated, or stood by while other people cheated for him. He's not the victim. That doesn't mean he's a bad person, but he should never have been able to play D-1 basketball, ala Justin Coleman.

UofL fans waited on pins and needles for months for news on the academic status of Justin Coleman, always on the bubble of academic eligibility. Pitino and staff were monitoring the situation, kept track of his progress, and when it became clear he wouldn't make it, they cut ties and wished him well. A fortuitous "bump" in grades from a generous teacher is what kept the Cardinals from an explosive wing player next season. And I'm fine with it, he didn't make the cut.

Just like any NCAA allegation or violation, you cannot look at the Bledsoe situation myopically, you have to look in context. Is it ever a "big deal" that a recruit attended a party at a coach's house, that the point guard borrowed a car from a booster for the night, that a halfback received more text messages from a coach than is authorized? Are any of these things "big deals" in the grand scheme of things? Maybe, maybe not, depending on your point of view. The "big deal" is when a player or coach decides not to play by the same rules that everyone else plays by.

If you want to reform the NCAA, by all means let's have that discussion. But you have to reform it before you can begin flauting it. Under the current rules, occassionally players and even seasons hang in the 2.0 point difference between an A and a C. To make excuses for players that have to cheat to get eligible is an insult to fairness and sports in general. It's cheating. But defending cheating also seems to be en vogue at the moment.

What a few days can do

The  Courier-Journal has printed it's story on the judgment won by ex-assistant UofL track and field coach, Mary Banker. And hey, whadaya know, it appears there was more to the story than was first seized upon by UK blogger-in-chief Matt Jones, who lambasted the CJ for it's failure to cover the story in timely enough fashion. Maybe it's because with a little fact-checking, the CJ got the story right. Unlike Jones, who's first reaction to the story was this...

The newspaper could have easily fit the story into a larger theme about “The Boys” network that we saw in the Sypher trial and now this case (his bold). It is clear that for some period of time, some amount of Louisville employees around the Athletic Department and Basketball Office were…well, middle-aged men making crude comments to women. It was admitted at the Sypher trial and now found in a verdict in court.

It was not found in a verdict in court. The court specifically stated that Banker was not subject to gender discrimination or sexual harassment. Her judgment was for lost wages and emotional distress for what the jury ruled was a wrongful termination.

And as far as the "larger theme" of boorish behavior by "The Boys" network that Jones was so eager to push, is plainly unsupported by the facts. Tom Jurich's only involvment was in a discussion with senior assistant athletic director Julie Herman, who brought Banker's complaint to his attention in a meeting. Jurich's reply was: "If there was any harassment, fire them today".

Think any further clarification from Jones will be forthcoming? Didn't think so.

But hey, all in a days work, smearing reputations with rumor and baseless assumption, all while accusing reporters and journalists everywhere of a lack of integrity. A hypocrite, plain and simple.

UofL to offer scholarship to Tyler Harris

Coach Pitino has offered Tyler Harris, the four-star wing from Long Island, a scholarship offer according to Zagsblog. Harris has Louisville listed as one of the 5 schools he is considering, and will schedule an official visit, though the date has not been set.

He's an interesting prospect; he's 6'8'', big and rangy, with a deft shooting touch, but also shows an ability to get to the rim. He looks athletic, though a little gangly, as if he hasn't grown into his size yet. Once he gets into a major college conditioning program, however, his potential seems to be through the roof. 

Class Act

Daniel Covington's funeral was Tuesday morning at Southland Christian Church and Steve Kragthorpe was there to help honor his life. Kragthorpe's words at the service: "Save me a spot in the huddle, and I'll see you in heaven." CJ's coverage here, but Straightpinkie gets it right with their take here.

Glenn Beck meets his match

Matt Jones must have a strong back. In between moments of patting it, he reaches as well.

It's the favorite pastime of he and his bloggers, calling out and mocking journalists for lack of integrity, and then crying to followers if treated with a cold shoulder from "established" media whenever he decides to be treated as a "professional".

And it's spiraling out of control quickly. His vitriol is being spread everywhere: the Lexington Herald, John Clay, ESPN, the Courier-Journal, Pat Forde, The Cats Pause (I'm told), Pete Thamel, the New York Times, and anyone else that displeases or refuses to kiss the ring.

I'm a fan of the blogosphere, obviously, but there's a fine line between shaking up the "established order" and just being a prick.

And it's getting absurd. Now, Jones is directing his bully pulpit towards the Courier-Journal and the fact that it took their staff  four whole entire days to report on a sexual-harassment judgment that was brought by a former track and field coach against the UofL athlethic department; Jones, of course, being a long time fan of Cardinal track and field.

I mean, do you even know how many posts KSR has posted since then? I mean, really, CJ, shameful, just shameful, what are you doing, checking facts and background or something?

It's the prerogative of the CJ staff to determine what to publish and when to publish. And they did, just not in the time frame preferred by Mr. Jones. Jones only cares about journalistic integrity, obviously, which is why he goes out of his way to refer the UofL AD as "Tommy" in his post on the subject.

Nice one. Zinnng!!!

If you want respect you gotta show some respect, I don't care how many hits your site gets. Sometimes the answer is the most simple: support and cheer your team without being such a douche about it.

In the throwing feces against the wall department...

Mayor Quimby: Are these morons getting dumber or just louder?

Assistant: Dumber, sir.

 
Not the best day for a Cats blogger to write a poorly-argued article about UK's recruiting dominance over the Cards into perpetuity. Not on the same day that Strong brings in two touted DBs from the Sunshine State. But never let facts or poor-timing get in the way of the massive "tiny weiner" complex that drives our bloated blue brethren.
 
BTI's post on KSR on Joker's "whipping" Charlie Strong on the recruiting trail is too error-ridden to go through line-by-line. Especially since the writer relies on rankings to prove his so-called thesis, and that, with these new additions to UofL's class, we actually leapfrog UK's in the Scout rankings. I think rankings are aribitrary and overvalued, but when that's all you've got to support your point, and if it's being disproven while you're typing, well, you look pretty stupid.

But really I was most fascinated by his conclusion, bringing "analysis" to heretofore unseen levels of stupidity. Here it is...

On a side note, make it a point to try and watch a Charlie Strong press conference some time.  It is truly the MOST BORING thing you will ever see.  Thank god we have a coach with a little personality.  As Lachlan pointed out to me in the sports office, that lack of personality is all fine and good now, but if UL begins losing in Year 2 and 3, the fanbase will turn very quickly on Strong.  Keep an eye out for this.

Did you notice the part where if you type something in ALL CAPS, that it makes it essentially true? Despite the fact that Charlie Strong has 99.99% of Louisville on the edge of its proverbial seat when he speaks, and despite the fact I had no idea that Joker Phillips was the new Johnny Carson of college football, the notion that we'll turn on Coach Strong "very quickly" when he "begins losing" in year 2 is one of the most out of touch remarks I've read in awhile.

If you're waiting for UofL to turn on Coach Strong to make yourself feel better about your own prospects, well, you may be waiting quite a while. If wishing made it so.

Him too

Not an hour later, and another 3-star Flordia DB. Cornerback Terell Floyd, ranked 28th for his position by ESPN, and described as...

Floyd is an explosive athlete who plays the game fast and physical. A quick-twitched, reactive athlete with good rangy size who will likely get recruited at corner. Has a leaner, rangier frame with good height. Transitions extremely quick with little wasted motion out of his pedal breaking on the perimeter.

Perhaps the best pickup of the new three. Described by NEXT LEVEL SCOUTING:

Floyd has a unique skill set, standing at 6'0 185, he has great hands, could be a receiver, great speed and toughness, could be a runningback, great instincts, change of direction, and physical tools to be a cornerback or safety as well as vision as a returner, not many kids have that, plus Floyd has that swagger that you want in a big time athlete, fearless on the gridiron.  All in all Floyd is the best junior prospect in my opinion on the Treasure Coast right now, behind Giorgio Newberry of Fort Pierce Central. He may not recieve the early attention from college coaches like others in the area are now, but come Spring time college (evaluations) he will be a house hold name here on the Treasure Coast and throughout the state of Florida. Mark my words

Welcome aboard, Terrell. And Charlie, take the rest of the afternoon off. You have my blessing.

Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano, all I know is I love Charlie too much, to walk away tho!

In a little over 48-hours, and Charlie Strong has found two key pieces for his secondary of the future. The lastest is Calvin Pryor, 3-star DB out of Florida. ESPN described him thusly:

Pryor is a physically impressive athlete who could get recruited on either side of the ball. Tall, slashing running back prospect but his tools and skill-set project best at safety. Has ideal measurables with his good height and rangy, well-built frame. Flashes great range and closing speed.

Welcome aboard, Calvin.

Would we have gone for 2? And other leftovers...

I thought ahead, I admit it. The Cards offense was rolling and brimming with confidence. I was already asking myself, if we score here, do we go for the big upset or take it into OT? What kind of man is Coach Strong?

He's not a reckless coach, that's for sure. I was armchairing it on that 4th and 10 play, I thought the Cards should have gone for it with 3 minutes left. Our D seemed gassed, we needed to pick up chunks of yards anyways, and I just didn't think we'd get the ball back. But, they rallied, they dug deep, and most importantly, they've learned to tackle. They earned the ball back.

It's not that Strong's not a risk-taker necessarily, I just think he had more confidence in his defense than I did at that point. My two cents, had we scored at the end I believe he'd have gone for 2. It'd be the smart move for an undermanned team to try and steal the W and get out of Dodge. A moot argument, obviously, but still an interesting hypothetical.

* Cardinal Laws "Helmet Stickers" for the week. BJ Butler, Josh Bellamy, Cameron Graham, and Johnny Patrick. The anti-sticker? Sorry, Josh. I know Chichester made an unbelievably athletic first-down snag, but that roughing the kicker penalty was brutal, just brutal.

* Froman played a hell of game, but that last INT was only partially explained by the defender at his feet that prevented him from stepping into the throw. All game, that pass play when he would underthrow Bellamy sprinting the sideline was clicking. Josh would see the ball, cut his route short, and go up and make the catch before the corner knew what happened. That final play? I thought Froman perhaps went to the well one time too many. It looked like the corner had already turned and had seen the throw. I think there's a good chance it would have been an INT even if he had stepped into it.

* Why is beef jerky so damn expensive? It's my new favorite football snack, I'd eat a bag each quarter if I could afford it. It's dried beef and spices, where's the markup coming from?

* Worst call of the game not by an accouncer: The 4th and 1 rush up the gut for the goal-line stuff on our first drive. You've got to be more creative there. Maybe at the end of the game with a depleted and worn down defense, but at that point, against a fresh defense with plenty of adrenaline flowing and the home crowd on its feet, running up the middle is a recipe for disaster.

What's worse, after watching the Petrino-led Razorbacks defeat Georgia earlier that day, I was having flashbacks of the myriad of magic tricks ol' Bobby would have pulled out in such a situation--naked bootlegs, end arounds, playaction passes to the tight end...who knows. I doubt he'd have settled for such an obvious call.

Eric Crawford even sent out a tweet earlier that day after an Arkansas strike when Ryan Mallet playactioned, hid the football behind his back, and then hit a wide open receiver for a TD. It was on a 3rd and short situation. EC asked how many Cardinal-clad remembered plays like that. I sure do, and I was missing them at that moment.

Graham's TD

Louisville-Oregon State highlights are at 7:30-11:00 on the video scroll, though you might not want to watch since the vantage point is all Beaver (huh huh). What you should do is scroll directly to the 9:03 mark to watch Cameron Graham pull down that back-of-the-endzone touchdown grab. Camera angle is terrific, right in the back corner of the end zone. Great catch in traffic!

Char-lie Strong, he's unforgettable, fine fresh fierce he's got it on lock...

God I hate that song. But I haven't listened to the radio in awhile, so that's all I could think of. Sue me. Actually, don't do that, I think we bend a couple copyright laws around here.

Anways...the Cards got their 17th commit to the 2011 class yesterday in 3-star cornerback Chris Dukes out of Cincinnati. He's 5'10, 184lbs, and can bench press 315 and squat an unreal 680.

Watching his highlights I was struck by his physical play. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he glides to the play quickly once he makes his read and he seems to have excellent ballhawking instincts. Relentless effort too; watch his pursuit from the other side of the field at the 1:50 mark below to force a fumble. Another solid pickup with another awesome football name. Welcome aboard, Chris.

Houston, we have a football team...

The first quarter of the UofL-OSU game invoked emotions I've never experienced watching a game before. Was I shouting at the TV, was I crestfallen over the 14 points the Cards left on the field in the first two drives? Absolutely, sure. Kinda... not really though.

Underneath, I was just proud and excited. Despite the key mistakes, this team was playing football again. It was as if my future teenage son told me he was having an affair with his tantalizing English teacher. Disappointed, upset, angry...all the proper emotions, but secretly still a tad proud.

The Cards went straight into the house of perhaps the toughest team on the schedule and looked dominating from kickoff. And they weren't using trick plays or gimmicks, they were just outplaying and outexecuting the opponent. Throwing daggers downfield on offense, swarming to the football on defense.

More than anything, I just want to see good football and maximum effort from the Cards. That's really all a fan can ask for. We saw it from our guys on Saturday.

But a solid gameplan and focus could only keep the Beavers from flexing their muscle for so long. Unsurprisingly, their gamebreakers started to break the game open. I was providing update-texts to a buddy that couldn't watch, and at 35-14, when OSU looked to be scoring at will, I told him I was ending communication unless a miracle happened. I sent about 63 texts after that.

Other thoughts...

Thumbs UP: Mike Sanford. The playcalling in past games has been questioned, but Saturday we got a decent look of what his spread offense can be. It's a complicated system, so I think most questions have been answered by the most obvious solution all along; it takes time to learn and implement the system effectively in game situations. Bilal Powell in the "wildcard" formation was a revelation.

Thumbs DOWN: Fox Sports Northwest. Not to pile on, but the gaffes went far beyond misindentifying Charlie Strong (over, and over...and over).  The announcers were cracking me up, watching the replays and commenting: "I sure don't see holding on that one! Oh wait...I'm looking at the wrong guy" as well as seeming to go out of their way to find as many humorous puns for the OSU Beavers as possible.

Thumbs UP: Adam Froman. I can't believe there were still some questioning his play after the game. I thought he was terrific, Lefors-esque keeping plays and drives alive with his feet. He was hitting his receivers accurately, and sensing pressure and stepping outside the pocket without taking his eyes from downfield.

Thumbs DOWN: Fans still not sold on Froman as the QB. I don't blame him for the first quarter fumble, it was really a fluke as well a great play by the OSU defender, nor do I blame him for the last INT, which was caused by a collapsing pocket. I'm sure he missed throws, I'm sure he perhaps stared down some receivers, but I can't believe some fans that still express desire to go with Burke. Some can only see the negative, and I suppose the mystery of a sleeping dynamo on the bench has a powerful attraction. 

I don't know what others were watching, but I saw a leader.

Thumbs UP: Bilal Powell. Quickly becoming the best back we've seen 'round these parts since Michael Bush. I feel cheated that he's a senior and we're only now discovering what he can really do.

Thumbs DOWN: OSU's helmets flying off, they had to set some sort of record. Back in my day, if I had, ya know, actually played football, you better believe I'd have had that helmet strapped on tight as a pickle jar in January. Kids these days.

Thumbs UP: UofL receivers. It was like a coming out party: "Josh Bellamy! I was hoping you could make it! I've heard sooo much about you! And Doug, there you are, I knew you'd be here. Welcome, it wouldn't have been the same without you. And who's your new friend? Andrell is it? Well, you look lovely Andrell. Please wipe your feet if you don't mind, in bounds next time would be great. And...Josh...is that you Josh Chichester? My, I haven't seen you in ages."

Thumbs DOWN: UofL special teams, really just return coverage. I realize James Rodgers is a stud, but more than any other area of football, a good scheme and effort can stop a talented returner. At least contain... might have made a difference.

Thumbs UP: Tackling! There were two areas under Kragthorpian rule that really symbolized the state of the team. A woeful kicking game, and piss poor tackling. The step-up in tackling technique is already evident. It was awesome to watch the Cards delve out more punishment than they received. Dexter Heyman's hit on the QB in particular.

Thumbs DOWN: Rick Bozich. I love Dr. Bo, and I tuned into his live-blog during some of the action. I know making inane comments is as much a part of football as cheerleaders and tailgaiting, but something about seeing them in print just gets my goat. I had to tune out after receiving such bits of wisdom like, "You can't leave 14 points on the field like that if you're trying to pull-off an upset on the road" or "UofL must improve their kick coverage. You can't give up returns like that if you're trying to pull-off an upset on the road" or "Louisvile really needs to score more points than OSU like that if you want to pull-off an upset on the road". I made that last one up, but you get the idea.

Thumbs UP: Charlie Strong. Hardly a hint of contentment after a gutsy performance. Just an emphasis on getting back to work, learning how to win.

(Note: The image above is from the actual Apollo 13 takeoff. Both bloggers are also fans of the space program, and of course, the movie)

Highlights from Louisville-Oregon State

Brought to you by the ever-infectious Matt Hobbs of WHAS (video portal's a little small, but you can expand to full screen). Louisville went down in defeat on Saturday, but what a game and what a gritty comeback. No moral victories here -- per orders of Charlie Strong -- but all the same we can acknowledge that this team has improved with every game, making prospects for the rest of the season all the more exciting.

As for the by now much ballyhooed quality of the telecast -- I guess once Strong finishes fixing Louisville's offense and defense and special teams, he's going to have to go over to Insight and impose his iron will, so that Cards fans might enjoy away game coverage less grainy than the Zapruder film. Who knows, maybe then the announcers and camera crew will bother to learn which coach he is.

Go Cards!