I know most fans mainly count wins and losses, however, I think the fact that I/we got to see 40, count em, "40" U of L basketball games this year is quite an amazing year. NO other D1 team that I can find played more games.

What a season, what a team, what a finish. One game away from the NC. Playing the consensus #1 (for the second time), The Commonwealth of Kentucky representing one half of the Final Four. I'm quite sure that I can't say enough about how much I loved-hated-swooned-drank this season.

So my conclusion is: Let's do it again next year...only this time WE win it all.

Go! Cards!

That’s the $64,000 question? The answer is simple, you don’t. You let them scatter and then run them down one-by-one; over two halves.

Cats have a proclivity to be individualistic. There’s a reason they call it a “Pride”. They also have a tendency to eat and then rest. Having just partaken of Bear Meat, and feeling fat, full and happy, they may not be ready for the current RusSivafied-GorguiChane version of the Cardinal show.

Of course, the expected is always a possibility. U of L could blow out the Cats and it make it look like it wasn't even a contest. We make every open 3, rebound all missed shots, they choke on their own vomit, Cat nation has a hissy-fit (kind of appropriate) and U of L wins its 3rd NC.

But you know there will be moments of doubt and anxiety. So just keep in mind, “U of L loves to keep the TV audience”. That’s why the three and four-letter networks keep televising our games. So more than likely it will be a close one.

But one thing is for sure, this time we will be playing with a full deck (including jokers-no offense Russ).

Go Cards! Corral them cayutes!

The Cardinals are in the Big Game in the Big East and the Big Moment. I can’t speak for anyone but me; however, I’m sure most of the Cardinal faithful did not expect them to be playing in the Big East Tournament Championship game. If you can honestly say you did, you have my gratitude and admiration for being very confident and optimistic, or my empathy and prayers in your time of need.

Me, I hoped for a Friday night game, expected to flame out on Thursday against Marquette. It’s not that I have little faith in the team; it’s that we seemed in such a funk that I honestly thought it would take the NCAA Tournament to jerk us out of it. Instead what I am proud to witness is a resurgence and re-birth of the team I thought we had.

This is somehow a testament to players, coaches, fans, and luck. But we seem to finally be healthy, happy, and adjusted. I admit I was shaken by the games prior to the BET. But now I must say I’m very impressed at how they have responded to adversity. Once again, what I thought would happen, didn’t, the unexpected surprised me once more.

Wow, I love this team. So winning tonight would be great, fantastic and all those other good words. It would also be the culmination of unexpected. As Jack Burton said in Big Trouble in Little China, “You know Wang, I kinda feel invincible”. And remember it’s all in the reflexes.

GOOOOO! CARDS! Beat Cincinnati. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I’ll try to keep it in perspective. Team started with 15 players available. Currently has less than 10, Marra, Buckles, Blackshear, Kuric, SVT, and Justice are all hurt. Siva and Smith were also out for a couple of games (and practice). Ware didn’t start playing until two weeks ago and Swopshire is coming of a year and half long injury.

IMHO it’s not rough practices, bad coaching, or poor effort that has us losing, it’s a combination of inconsistent practice and out-of-shape players (they can’t work out when hurt). I don’t know of another team ranked in the top 25 that has had to withstand the number of on-going and ever-present injuries. You know that has to take a toll on the players’ mental attitude as well. (Will I be next?)

No doubt after the Marquette loss the Cards will drop out of the Top 25. Not a surprise given the trials and tribulations this team has had to overcome. Granted that doesn’t make losing any easier to handle, but at least I know it’s not from lack of heart, talent, or coaching ability. I challenge anyone on this blog to tell me they could have done more than Pitino or these players have, given the same circumstances.

I’m not apologizing for Pitino or the team’s won/loss record. I could debate the minutia all day, and never come to a definitive conclusion. What I think is that a potentially good/great season has become very painful to watch for one reason - injuries. It has happened to pro-football, pro-baseball, and other teams in the past and they suffered likewise.

The only solution is to get well.

After reading the replies (universally negative/threatening) to my post about desiring the “old” Mike Rutherford, I felt a response was necessary.

1. I do, and will always, desire Mike Rutherford to be the primary source of CC content. His analysis, knowledge, wit and way with words are truly a pleasure. Without Mike there would be no CC.

2. Mike, my sincerest apologies if I insulted you in any way. I simply miss your ability to devote 100% of your efforts to CC (I’m selfish that way).

3. My statement that Mike was “Mailing-it-in” was over-the-top. Again, for this I apologize. I understand Mike’s dedication to CC and its readers. I shouldn’t have made that accusation.

4. I LUV CC and will always be a reader.

5. Rickmbari, I have no excuse except I was tired and frustrated, please except my apologies as well.

6. To the entire CC readership, I wear my emotions on my sleeve and sometimes say things that are insensitive and selfish. Apologies in advance.

7. I will continue to read and post on CC, if allowed.

As always, GO Cards!

OK, I'll say it...I miss the Original CC Mike Rutherford. You know, the shy and retiring, I'm gonna be a lawyer (not a web blogger), can't really look anyone in the eye without doing the Andy Griffith..."Aww shucks", Mike.

I had the opportunity to meet said Mike on two occassions, when he was normal and not riding in SBNation Limo's, with girls hanging out of the sunroof, etc. etc.

He used to give wild, witty, and need I say it, long-winded, in-depth analysis of the pre-game, post-game, and past game along with insightful prognistication of the up-coming game. Now we are treated to snippets and quick-hitters. It's almost like Mike is "mailing it in". Ok, bring it on...I just speaking truth to power!

I must say that this is not meant to insult or slight CardFan922, Rickmbari, Austin, or any other poster, especially Mike.

This is my expression of a desire for the "old" Mike.

"There's no place like home, there's no place like home" Judy Garland-Wizard of Oz. Gotta give props.

OK. Thanksgiving is officially over and we can get into the Basketball season. Screech! Hold on. I do believe that the U of L Football Cardinals are playing for a piece of the Big East conference championship and a possible BCS bowl bid against the University of So. Florida tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. How come you'd never know this from the blogs, websites and even the C-J (however, that doesn't surprise me). Football has taken a backseat to basketball and the football season is not even over.

What's sad is that Charlie Strong and his young Cardinals have done the unprobable...taken a group of noobies and made them into a competitive team, and the local (and national) media have all but ignored it. Sure there have been a couple of isolated articles about the up-coming game, but only here and there. And rarely do you hear about the importance of the USF game for the UL program (both bowl and recruiting wise).

I have searched in vane for any local prognostications or analysis (and found none more recent than last Tuesday). And given that the game starts at 11:00 a.m. EST, it's not likely any really revealing analysis is going to pop up before the game starts. IMHO it's a shame that we have already switched over to basketball (no knock on the team), while the football team is making potential history.

Go Cards!

It has been mentioned that Mike is in need of a new PC. I, for one, think that the "Big M" needs to be able to rely on his hardware (I'm sure Mrs. CC agrees). I surely missed his comments during the past games. Along those lines, I am a computer geek/professional (your call) that is more than willing to help resolve this problem. I have several "older" PCs that I will gladly donate to the "PC for CC" cause. Unfortunately they need a few components (more memory, hard drive, etc.) that I don't have. If anyone else is willing and able to get with me on this, I think we can put together a suitable computer.

Not sure how to proceed from here. So just reply to this post if you're interested in helping out.

For all good Big East Teams to heed the call of their Conference!

We ask that you win your game for the good of the conference and the bragging right's of the fans thereof,

We ask that you "kick ass" so that we may once again, taunt our opponent's fans with chants of "We're No. 1...And, you suck soiled panties"

We ask that the Big East (aka the BEAST Conference) once again show it's dominence over the "Lesser" conferences, by showing them no quarter, giving them no slack, and otherwise, showing them smoke-n-tail-lights, elbows-and-assholes, shittin-n-gittin, etc.".

We ask that CBS not cut away from Big East games because they are incompetent BOOBS!

We ask for decent officiating of all games!

So, Heed the call!

The Time is NOW!

30 minutes before game time and still no Dunking Marcus to bring us luck. Don't tell me Marcus missed the plane?!

I seem to remember reading that you were going to give Dunking Marcus a day off so as to not wear out his charm.

Please Mike, I need to see that wondeful picture posted before tipoff. Unless you think this game is gonna be a loss for the Cards and don't want to tarnish the Dunking Marcus mojo.

...please do whatever you need to do to be able to post and comment more often. I know that this is a BIG request, seeing as how you're involved with many different "extra-carricular" activities. But surely you realize that you are our only salvation in these trying times. I know that sounds desparate and I need to get a life, but, sadly, it's true.

I'm sure I speak for many (at least 2) readers.

JustCards