Though I'm obviously not Jeff, I think UK fans fear/respect UT the most. Besides the border between the states, UT has, relatively at least, owned UK for a while. Barnes has done really well against Cal. I think recent history is more a factor than the Tubby vs Donovan years - in terms of general fan perspective at least. Florida OWNED UK for a while there but this hasn't been as much the case since Cal arrived. Don't know what the record was though, during that time period. I also think UT fans have a louder/more annoying social media presence too - at least one that is often directed towards UK or UK fans. Again, can't speak for Jeff or UK fans in general but I don't think UK fans have a low opinion of UF. I just don't think it's viewed like it was in the late 2000's, maybe 2014 also. There are SO many tough teams in the SEC now, including a lot of big name coaches (not intended as a shot at TG). It's easy to get distracted by a top 10 UT team or Pearl at Auburn or a team that can be really dangerous in Bama. Now Ole Miss has a coach and could become a tough win. Arkansas is usually strong now - though not this year! And USC now??? Especially this week, I think UK fans are overlooking Florida because of the UT game this weekend. Hope the team doesn't overlook y'all! That's my perspective at least.
Best of luck to UF and hoping for a clean, injury free contest. A win tonight would be a double thrust booster toward that longed for NCAA bid.
Yep - Gators need a Quad 1, signature win. Without one or two they're going to have a hard time getting an NCAA bid. Our guys had KY beat in Gainesville and let it slip away. Will be tougher tonight, but doable, IMO.
I have a slightly different outlook as I live in Florida so I will always consider the UF-UK game a heated rivalry. Nothing was better than when Donovan was at Florida. I think since both teams have slipped the rivalry has gotten weaker. I could always count on the UK-UF game being the last game of the SEC schedule. Honestly I think a lot of UK fans on message boards are very ego driven and most hate all the teams including UK lol. If I had to tell you a main rival I guess I would choose that they would say UT.
Sounds right. I know a couple of Vols and they hate the Gators in most sports (much more than most Gators hate UT), but in basketball their hate is more UK.
Justin Edwards and DJ Wagner out tonight it seems! We have not had one game with our whole damn team…. Frustrating Last game DJ didn’t play we lost…. Important piece. Edwards is overrated and not ready for the lights in my opinion.
Wagner (ankle) out tonight!! That is huge!! Dillingham is better, however he can go off or shoot you totally out of a game. Wagner is more steady. Edwards would not have helped much tonight but eat minutes. Sheppard Reeves Thiero Mitchell Ugo Starters for Kentucky.
Agree! DJ is crucial but Edwards is probably addition by subtraction. wouldn’t it be nice to have a coach who was even close to honest about why players miss games?
Both are just okay 3 point shooters and Florida struggles to defend the arc. I’m scared this means Kentucky’s great shooters get more minutes.
