Nothing but respect to Miami from this Cardfan, but I'm gonna try and explain the arrogance.
Here's the thing guys, this game for UofL is much, much bigger than Miami. It really wouldn't matter what ACC team we're playing tomorrow because whomever it would be would have no idea of what they are walking into. It's a convergence of scenarios that are all aligning at exactly the right time...
*First ACC Game Ever.
Joining a real conference and having a seat at the bigboys table is something we've been fighting for for over three decades. As a program, we've had to claw and scratch for every single shred of respect and attention, not just nationally, but locally, in a UK/basketball dominated state that refused to acknowledge we even existed. Tomorrow's game will be a celebration, and a validation that we have arrived, so to speak. We're ready for the ACC.
*Bobby's Back
This is almost as massive to us as #1. The guy who took us to our highest level ever is back and for what some think may be an extended stay(I'm not sure I agree with that personally). We had our most exciting times with BP around and that energy and passion has returned with him. Even without the rest of the reasons on this list this would be cause for a hype atmosphere. We're ready for Bobby Ball.
*We're playing Miami
Nuff said. But I'll say more. Ever since Howard we've wanted to be what Miami is. An urban school in a city(as opposed to a college town in the boonies) that has had to earn praise(and villainy) the hard way. Our game in 2004 at the Orange Bowl is still talked about as perhaps our greatest and most satisfying loss ever. We know what a benchmark beating the Hurricanes is and we're ready to make that mark.
*Lots of Experienced Returning Talent
This has been severely overlooked by everyone who has only looked skin deep at our roster. People say we don't bring back any starters on defense but we actually return quite a bit of part-time starters and even a guy that started in 2012 but sat out last year with injury. Strong was a helluva recruiter and we've got serious talent all over the field, on both sides. And they're experienced. And they're proven winners. They know what it takes to prepare and what it takes to beat top-flight competition.
*National TV - Only Game On
Monday night, prime-time, everybody in the country will be watching and hoping we fail(via Bobby)...Our players and coaches have been staring at this night for **** near half a year. They want to unleash what Charlie Strong held back so, so many times in the past 4 years.
*Blackout
Yeah it's cheesy but black is one of our primary colors(as opposed to a "cool" gimmick) and Strong literally refused to allow the team to wear black during his tenure. It's kind of a big deal here. lol
*First Game of the Season
We're ready.
Like I said, we, as a school and city have nothing but respect for the U and I just wanted to give my take on the confidence. Good luck to your guys, they'll need it.
http://thecebe.com
Hope that you don't choke on the koolaid and it doesn't run out your nose. That said, I hope you post here after the game win or lose. If you win you'll have my props. If not we can discuss what you didn't know.
) and Strong literally refused to allow the team to wear black during his tenure. It's kind of a big deal here. lol