By now I am sure all of you have checked out the polls and realized that UK is missing from the AP poll, coming in at #19 in the coaches poll. This is the first time under Coach Cal that a UK team has not been ranked, and the largest drop-off of any team since the polls began. None of that really matters in the long run, and let’s hope the drop turns into motivation for the team.

Calipari talked to the media today ahead of tomorrow’s game and mentioned that he hopes Polson fights for and keeps the starting point guard position. In my eyes, that is just coaches speak in the hopes that Harrow takes notice and takes the reigns of the team through hard work and dedication to the Cats. He also reiterated he doesn’t have a magic wand and that this team will come together. Four players confirmed they have deleted their Twitter accounts due to negativity from the fans, something that should never happen. Calipari addressed this, saying that any critics should put their focus on Cal’s Twitter or Facebook and not the players. I agree. Leave the kids alone.

The Samford Bulldogs will be a good rebound for this UK team after two tough losses last week. Samford comes into Rupp with a 2-7 record, with losses to Louisville and Memphis scattered in there. They (we HOPE) don’t pose much of a threat to UK, and instead should be a good tackling dummy for the boys to help them get back on track and forget last week’s scrutiny. It will also be a time for Cal to mess around and tinker with the lineup to find what he think is going to be the best fit going forward.

This is one of those games where talent alone will win the game. Don’t expect that to be the case, however. Calipari will be all over his guys and make sure that they are playing with effort and a sense of urgency. Expect Poythress and Noel to have great games against weaker competition. Who knows, maybe Archie gets that elusive triple double he came so close to earlier this year.

UK 103, Samford 63