Tom Luginbill w/ some compliments for UK

[jnewc2]

I've always liked Luginbill's insights on ESPN because he seems to be one of probably only a handful of college football analysts who really follow the sport closely (not just zeroing in on the traditional powers) and he doesn't seem to immediately dismiss us as most analysts do because of our basketball success.

But Luginbill had a good comparison a few minutes ago saying that he could see Kentucky making a similar move to what Mississippi State has done over the next couple of years in that both programs don't necessarily recruit elite prospects, but that if we could find a way to recruit a certain type of player that we're looking for and then develop those players much like MSU has, then he could see us having similar success to what Mullen has had there.

Luginbill also brought up a good point that even though we finished w/ six-straight losses, that the early taste of success that we had could be real motivation for our players to work harder and try to capture more of that success. Overall, he had some pretty insightful stuff on the program, and seemed to like the direction we're heading.

 

[wildcatbd21]

I can see the MSU comparison being very close. They were about like we were/are. Losing some years and winning some. Get a good coach and system in, and let them get their players and build a program, and see what happens. I think next year for us could be like last year for them. Maybe not a number 1 ranking any. But, I could see top 10 - 15 being realistic.

 

[MirageSmack]

This thread gets no replies. The thread about some media writer dogging us goes balistic. Interesting.

 

[Bigbluetrue]

I can see the MSU comparison being very close. They were about like we were/are. Losing some years and winning some. Get a good coach and system in, and let them get their players and build a program, and see what happens. I think next year for us could be like last year for them. Maybe not a number 1 ranking any. But, I could see top 10 - 15 being realistic.

I agree with this except the state of Mississippi is typically a much more fertile recruiting area than Kentucky. That being said, we are blessed that the 2016 recruits available in Kentucky are of exceptional quality combined with making Ohio a top priority for recruits is quickly putting us on par with the Mississippi States of the world.

 

[How Blue Can You Get?]

These comments are missing one thing though. Mullen basically got 1 or 2 big classes that helped him have success, and they all left last year, leaving the cupbord bare. Stoops, however, is recruiting consistently since he's been here, and building depth. Assuming we get to the point Miss St got to, and Stoops stays, I don't expect the drop off they are experiencing this year. Of course, anytime you lose a big senior class, you take a step back, but Mullen is not the consistent recruiter that Stoops and co are.

 

[AndyPopCat]

Thanks for posting jnewc2. Dig that signature. Stay strong in the fight. We will get there. #WhyNot

 

[jnewc2]

I agree with this except the state of Mississippi is typically a much more fertile recruiting area than Kentucky. That being said, we are blessed that the 2016 recruits available in Kentucky are of exceptional quality combined with making Ohio a top priority for recruits is quickly putting us on par with the Mississippi States of the world.

I was about to say the same thing..Stoops has basically made southern Ohio part of his Kentucky recruiting territory, and I think that narrows the gap quite a bit with a school like Miss State

Honestly..I feel like if we can consistently bring in classes ranked in the 25-30 range that we can compete with and beat anyone in the nation..if you look at the best teams out there..a lot of them don't necessarily have top-5 classes, but they DO have top-25 classes at the worst..I think as long as we get top 25-30 type talent on a consistent basis and can develop those players, we can compete with and beat anyone

I know it sounds like a big, big difference between a class ranked 25th and a class ranked 8th or 9th, but I still think as long as we're bringing in classes ranked in the 20's or 30's, we can play with and beat those teams bringing in top-10 classes..South Carolina, Miss State, Ole Miss, Mizzou, Arkansas, etc have shown us that you can win in the SEC with classes in the teens and twenties as long as you're recruiting the "right" guy for your system, and able to develop those guys (like I think Stoops and Co will be able to)..I just don't think there's a huge, huge difference between a class ranked 10th and a class ranked in the 20's..especially if a coach is recruiting with a purpose looking for a particular player to fit his system..the important thing is just to be consistent and not have a "drop off" year or two which can be deadly to a program like KY

 

[StooperTroopers]

As far as MSU having more instate talent, I agree. The problem with thinking that is to their benefit in comparison to UK is that MSU is in about the same pecking order in Mississippi as UK is in the state of OH since Stoops arrival.