Team preview: Kentucky

Blue Ribbon Illustrated previews the 2004-05 college football season, exclusively on Insider.

Originally Published: July 28, 2004
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COACH AND PROGRAM

If, at the end of this season, Kentucky fans are partying like it's 1989, Rich Brooks will be ecstatic. Heck, he'd be pleasantly surprised if they're partying like it's 1979.

An explanation: During Brooks' first tenure as a college coach with the post-Dan Fouts Oregon Ducks, he withstood back-to-back 2-9 seasons before breaking .500 at 6-5 in ... 1979.

The Ducks' first bowl bid in 26 years wouldn't come until, yep, 1989, when Brooks pieced together an 8-4 season and a trip to the Independence Bowl.

So, what consolation can be dredged from this nostalgic wax for UK backers? Brooks believes the infrastructure for a turnaround from last season's 4-8 finish in Lexington is far more advanced than what he had in Eugene.


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