[Quality88]

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Howard Schnellenberger did not resurrect his trademark phrase about a collision course with you know what. He did not mention time as a variable. Heck, Schnellenberger did not mention any variables.
But Schnellenberger is a man who has coached splendid football teams -- and coached against teams that have played in January bowls that people still discuss.
Yesterday, after his Florida Atlantic team was dispatched by the University of Kentucky, 45-17, at Commonwealth Stadium, Schnellenberger predicted UK would win two of its next three games.
Yes, he is aware that the Wildcats' next three opponents are South Carolina, Louisiana State and Florida -- three teams that have combined to beat UK 31 straight games. He knows that fans at one of his previous jobs -- the University of Louisville -- will flinch at these comments. But … tell the world what you think about Rich Brooks' team, Coach.
"I haven't seen anybody out there today or anybody that I've watched that has given me cause to think that (Kentucky) won't be in the thick of things at the end," Schnellenberger said.
Believe in Big Blue
End of the Southeastern Conference season? End of the college football season? End of the universe?
Take your pick. Schnellenberger was not differentiating. He said he believes UK can win the SEC title. He said he believes Kentucky can play in a January bowl.
He likes the 5-0 team that Brooks has built at Kentucky. Likes the simple efficiency of an offense that has now scored at least 40 points in five consecutive games.
Likes the unflappable precision of quarterback Andre' Woodson. Likes the visible improvement in the way the Wildcats rush the passer, tackle and defend the pass.
In fact, the only thing Schnellenberger didn't like was that everybody keeps saying he wore No. 19 when he played at UK from 1952-55. Not true. He said he wore 84 and was perplexed that his wife, Beverlee, wore a No. 19 Florida Atlantic jersey yesterday.
"I'm talking to you like an alumnus," Schnellenberger said. "But I really like Kentucky's team. I believe their hour is here."
Schnellenberger is not the only one. Gary Nord said UK looked more talented in person than the Wildcats looked on video.
Nord serves as Schnellenberger's offensive coordinator. Nord said UK has three defensive players -- end Jeremy Jarmon, linebacker Wesley Woodyard and free safety Marcus McClinton -- that could play for any defense in America.
"That's a very good team." Nord said. "They're strong and physical on both sides of the line. They've got a quarterback who doesn't make mistakes. Receivers who make plays. Running backs that move the chains. A defense that's starting to grow in its confidence.
"They do a lot of basic things, but they do them all very well."
Cool Cats
What the Wildcats did well yesterday was fail to act as if they were still playing Arkansas or already playing South Carolina. No early sleep-walking. No fourth-quarter relaxation.
Woodson positioned himself to remain in the Heisman Trophy debate. Yes, he finally threw an interception, concluding his streak of consecutive passes thrown without a pick at 325 in the third quarter.
I'd still call it the best game he's played this season. He did a better job distributing the ball, finding Dicky Lyons for eight catches, Keenan Burton for six and Jacob Tamme for five -- and completed 26 of 33 for 301 yards and five touchdowns.
UK's running game was functional. The defense limited FAU to 307 yards, 93 less than the Owls' average.
"Kentucky fans should be excited," Schnellenberger said.
I'm guessing they will be when they read what the former coach at the University of Louisville has to say about their team.

Rick Bozich: Schnellenberger sees big things for Big Blue

[Quality88]

Old fart thinks the cats can take the sec title. I don't know about that. I'm with my team through and through... but it's hard to think the cats can take LSU or the Gators... but then again look how the season is goin in the NCAA as a whole.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Quality88

Old fart thinks the cats can take the sec title. I don't know about that. I'm with my team through and through... but it's hard to think the cats can take LSU or the Gators... but then again look how the season is goin in the NCAA as a whole.

If Auburn can take Florida, so can you guys. LSU will be the biggest obstacle. They look damn near unbeatable.