By LARRY VAUGHT
Former UK All-American receiver Derek Abney says it was not hard for him to know the importance of the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry immediately.
“You knew it from the start. You were immersed in the fact it was more than just an in-state rivarly. Fans made sure you knew, but the upperclassmen also made sure you knew it was a game you had to win,” Abney said. “I played in the very first one, but even as a freshman playing in the first UK-Louisville game (when the series resumed) I knew how big it was.”
Abney knows the game opens the season for both teams today, but he prefers to have the game the third week of the season like it is when UK hosts the rivalry.
“I think if both teams were honest, they would both say they would rather it be the third game,” Abney said. “Then you can put your best foot forward. It’s exciting to have it the first game, but that really favors the veteran team. Of course, having it the first game is a great chance for the underdog to set the tone for the rest of the season by winning like Kentucky could do this time by knocking off a top 25 team. Actually, most players like being the underdog and having a chance to prove the naysayers wrong.”
9 Responses to Derek Abney says out of state players immediately know importance of UK-Louisville rivalry
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Thanks, Larry, for letting us hear from all-time favorite Derek Abney still again. Too, I think our Wildcats are excited and anxious, as the underdog, “to prove the naysayers wrong.” Further, if it happens, the victory will then be all the sweeter! GO CATS! BEAT THOSE CARDS!
Got more coming with Derek next week too
I think that most players have understood the importance of the rivalry – Some have shown it more than others. It certainly seems much more important this year (The success of the season & maybe Jokers job are at stake).
Professor indicated tha U of L is one of the five “Unclear” games –
Could go eithjer way – I agree.
Wow – Is Louisville really a top 25 team?
I would bet that a lot of lower tier SEC teams think that they are better than U of L!
Throw out the ranking when U.K. plays U of L!
I am going to turn off my computer & start my pre-game preparations with my grill.
Go Cats!!!!!!!
I don’t believe Louisville is a top 25 team. That is a myth being advanced by those who continue to build up the useless Big East football’s BCS position.
I believe the UK and UL teams are much closer than any of the experts are willing to admit, with the primarily source of any Louisville advantage tomorrow resulting from the venue of the game. For that reason, I believe the Cats have a legitimate chance to win this game, which in my opinion, the Cats must do this year more than most years.
I want to preface my remarks with the statement that I think that Charlie Strong is a really good football coach, and he waited a long time for his chance to prove that fact. Having said that, there are certain coaches that the media roots for, and Charlie Strong is one of those. That is one of the reasons that Louisville is ranked. I think the game could go either way, and I side with John Clay in that I think the Cats are going to be better than most people believe.
It has always been my belief that we are closer to them than most think. I have picked us by 6 and I am going to stick with that. This game like every UK UL game will be won by the team that runs the ball the best. 13 years in a row most ground yards equal victory.
GO DEFENSE
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GO BLUE OR STAY HOME
Abney was lightining in a bottle, when he returned kick offs. Cobb was the next big lightning bolt. Who will the next big play guy be?
let’s hope it is Demarcus Sweat on Sunday
AMEN to that “Demarcus Sweat” answer, Larry, but, ironically, “Demarco Robinson” would actually work fine, too (although I, too, am really anxious to see Sweat back there)! By the way, I read the other day that our punt returns averaged only 1.4 yards last season!!! We got virtually nothing on both punt returns and kickoff returns. Yes, here’s hoping one of those guys becomes that “lightning bolt” (and I imagine Derek would be fine with either Sweat’s or Robinson’s shining enough to surpass him)– and here’s SO hoping it happens this Sunday!