Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
The atmosphere next weekend at Kroger Field is going to be unlike any other for a Kentucky football game. The Wildcats owning a 3-0 record, attempting to end a 30-year losing streak to the Gators, home conference opener, a chance to have one of the best starts to a season in program history, all are reasons why the hype leading up to next Saturday’s matchup will be the best it has been since 2007.
You ask any Wildcat fan and they will tell you that Kentucky will have enough to knock off the Gators next Saturday. Yet, fans are cautiously optimistic, and rightfully so, as 30 straight seasons of heartbreak are enough. However, it is exactly that, enough. This is a great opportunity to end the streak and it may not happen, but here are some reasons that I think it will.
This Team Plays Best with a Chip on Its Shoulder
Mark Stoops said it best last night when he said the team plays best with a chip on its shoulder. The Wildcats took offense to national media disrespecting them, even though they had beaten the Gamecocks three consecutive years. The doubt and lack of faith fueled the Wildcats and allowed them to play with an edge.
Stoops entered the post-game press conference with that same chip on his shoulder. A guy who knows his team needs to improve in all areas but was satisfied with the effort and willingness to silence the naysayers. The UK head coach believes the Wildcats will play with a chip all season, especially next weekend when the Cats will most likely be underdogs vs. Florida.
Last Season’s Result will be Added Fuel
Unfortunately, everyone remembers week two of the 2016 season. Fresh off an opening season loss to Southern Miss, Kentucky limped into the Swamp where the Gators dominated all four quarters of football. The Wildcats looked overwhelmed in all areas of the game, especially on the offensive side of the football.
The disaster in the Swamp last season led to the turnaround that took place in the last ten games. Stephen Johnson took his first snap as a Wildcat in that game, something he remembers and often references in interviews. One would have to believe the Wildcats will be fired up and ready for a team that not only has 30 straight victories but also embarrassed them a year ago.
The Atmosphere
No doubt, the atmosphere next weekend at Kroger Field may be the best it has been for a Wildcat football game. It will be difficult to top last season’s game vs. Georgia, but with everything added onto this matchup, I would predict an environment never seen before.
The game will be the talk of the state for the next six days and Stoops will have to keep his team focused throughout the week. This staff does an excellent job not building up games and keeping the players focused on the task at hand. However, you have to believe Stoops will reference the losing streak and just how close they have been in recent years to ending it.
Kroger Field will be the place to be in the Commonwealth on Saturday. The fans will set the tone of the environment, so let’s hope the team feeds off that.
