By LARRY VAUGHT

Sometimes vaughtsviews.com readers have better story ideas than I do. Take this post from Pacman that I wanted to make sure everyone saw because it raises valid, interesting points. Here goes:

“Larry, one question not specifically related to Joker only but something for your readers to think about. The SEC is the toughest conference for most sports, football being one of them. UK has historically not done well in any SEC sport except basketball (and rifle and cheerleading). Yet now the baseball team is #2 in the country and won the SEC a couple of years ago (might win it again this year); the women’s basketball team won the SEC and made it to the Elite 8; men’s tennis won the SEC and is #6 in the country and in the Sweet 16; Women’s softball in the NCAA tournament two years in a row; women’s volleyball deep into the NCAA tournament. I don’t need to mention Men’s Basketball.

“UK football 10th in the SEC two years in a row; 1 bowl game in last two years (loss to Pittsburgh and their interim head coach); record of 4-12 in SEC and losing records both years.

“All the teams seem to be making progress except football. What is the common denominator for all the teams I listed above? Is it dynamic coaching? Is it recruiting only? Is it a unique system or scheme? Is it a marquee coach that makes a lot of money? All the programs have obstacles to overcome (bad geographic location, too far north, limited facilities, recruiting in the SEC, low fan support) but for some reason(s) these coaches have been able to pull UK up from the bottom of the SEC and our football coach (so far) has not been able to do the same.

“I would be interested to hear comments from others about why traditionally weak sports have been able to move to the top of the SEC and UK football has not.”

So would I because it is a valid question that I’m not sure I can answer. Let me know what you think.