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Drew Franklin
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Drew Franklin
I was on a rocky top down in the Tennessee hills. Hello KSR Nation. Drew Franklin here with Billy R Sports after The Cats take down the vols in Knoxville 80 to 78, winning six out of seven in Knoxville, completely ripping their hearts out. That's what Kentucky has started doing lately and they did it again today. I never doubted Billy Rutledge. Doubted. We'll talk to him a little bit. And you here on the Central Kentucky Select Toyota Dealers KSR postgame show. We want to hear from you during this one hour celebration. 859-280-2287. Uh, that spells cats, Billy. 2287 spells cats, so call us there. 859280 cats if you want to talk about this 80 to 78 win. Oh, it feels so good to beat Tennessee. I hate Tennessee. Today I hated him yesterday, I'll hate him tomorrow. I'll hate him forever. And today just such a fun win with Kentucky doing that second half comeback thing once again coming back from 17 points this time to still the victory in the end. Billy. Kentucky led by a total of 34 seconds. There was one lead change and they're leaving Knoxville with a victory. Are you as excited as I am?
Billy Rutledge
I am excited. Not excited to sing Rocky Top though. Off the top rope to start the show.
Drew Franklin
Rocky Top, you'll always be Dan. Oh, that was so fun. I'll admit the first half it didn't feel great. I wanted to back out of the postgame show, like many people, wasn't loving what I was seeing from the Cats. Another halftime deficit. Not nearly as bad as the first half at LSU. But a 11 oh run gave Tennessee separation that looked like it make might stay for the whole game. Kentucky was turning it over. I believe they had seven first half turnovers. Tennessee's big guys were just bullying Moreno and anyone Kentucky could throw at them, Kerry especially, he was having a big half. Luckily, Jasper Johnson comes in for Denzel. Aberdeen, who had foul trouble early on. Denzel with two fouls, you get Jasper. Jasper comes in three for three, eight points. He was the offense there for a while, keeping Kentucky in it, but still it was mostly Tennessee early in the game. And then we get to halftime, Billy. And then here they come. We collected the data, Pope went in the lab. I don't know what kind of stuff he uses, but he put the little numbers in and boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop. Spits out the plan for the second half and once again they do it again, kind of the same script. Aberdeen coming out playing well, had another huge second half. He was the leading scorer today with 22 points. Ortega O way, Jasper Johnson and Collar Chandler, Colin Chandler behind him with 12. And then Modi Bate off the bench with a big game. 10 points for him. Billy, what about it, man? Let me take a breath. Let me sing more.
Billy Rutledge
That was a ridiculous first half again. I mean, I feel like we're in Groundhog Day a little bit with these first half. So what is it going to take to stop these slow starts? But you're right, man. Jasper Johnson keeps the ship afloat with Denzel Aberdeen and foul trouble. And this team wakes up again at halftime. I guess they just need to get their butt chewed out from Pope just like they did against the in the LSU game. But I mean, this is Tennessee. This is a place that Mark Pope's never lost. Drew, if you heard as a player.
Drew Franklin
As a coach, I did the comeback thing last season in Tennessee. Just an unbelievable comeback. At halftime, they're down 42 to 31. Comeback. Slowly bringing it back. Slowly bringing it back. And I'll admit, as good as they looked, I thought, I just. I'm curious if they used all their luck in LSU the way they pulled that one off to come back with that 1.6 second full court pass and score. I thought as fun as this is right now to cut it to four, I just do they have the magic to get over the hump again and then we get the big Chandler still get it to away for the lead there and they don't look back and finish the job. Get beaten. The Vols, there's just not a better team. And to do it on the road, you get to 3 and 2 in SEC play, you rip their hearts out. It just feels so good. Billy, our sports, it does.
Billy Rutledge
And two guys that you paid a lot of money to in the transfer portal in Denzel, Aberdeen and Mode really showed their worth in that second half. Diabate ended up being Jack Givens, his defensive player of the game afterwards. Had some hustle plays and was good to see him respond after what it's been a rough couple games for him and just what a wild week it's been for Kentucky.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, and he didn't get to start. Came off the bench. Good response from him. We all wondered how he would handle getting bench. Second game where yellow bitch started. We'll talk more about him. But on Diabate, 10 points, six rebounds, it felt like more. I'll be honest, I think he had a lot of tip outs to keep plays alive. He's credited with six. You know, offensively there were still some moments. I know he had a three that like clanked off the. That wasn't on him. They threw him a hot potato with. With 1 second in the shot clock that wasn't on him. He had to throw that one up. But he still took 11 field goals. Four or 11 from the field, but a plus 16 to lead the team there. Otega away, not as efficient as he's been in the past, but he gets 12 points, not the 20. The 20 point shrink ends, but he was 311 from the field. One for five from three. And then, Billy, I knock. I don't want to do any complaining, but five from now from the free throw line from him after six from 10 at LSU. He's got to clean that up. But otherwise he had a quiet kind of cold first half, but then he made the impact plays late, including that, that big play to, to give him the lead in the end. So he provided a bunch of energy and physicality despite the poor shooting percentage in the game.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, I think if you show me the box before the game starts. Otega away doesn't have a great game. Malachi Moreno only has three points. Cam Williams only has two. But it's just, I don't know is, you know, the, the spice of the night with this team. Who's going to step up? It may be a different person each game at this point.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, and they shot well from three. Colin Chandler four from six. Those were all of his points. But a good game from him. Kentucky was 11 for 24 from the game. And a lot of it in the second half. Again went 6 from 10 after they were hot at LSU. You know, we spent all week, we're just trying to guess what. Why the slow first half, what makes them connect. I keep saying they can't do this forever, but they've now done it twice. I, I don't love it, but I'm pretty happy right now with the comeback.
Billy Rutledge
We're looking for an identity of this team. Is it just they play so poorly in the first half and we give up on them and then they come back and play like that. It's just, it's consistent. They've done it all week.
Drew Franklin
It is Tennessee out rebound them. That was kind of expected going in. They've got some huge size inside, but Kentucky turned up. The toughness and physicality of the game went on in part because Diabate Moreno got it going a little later. You know, he was. He was getting bullied there early on, but he made some big plays. I think he had like four blocks, including. He got up and got a Gillespie floater. That was tough to go up and Get a good game from him. I mentioned Yellowch. He and Cam Williams both started, but then we didn't see much from them. Yellow bitch looked good early, but again, I think this is like LSU where some guys you thought would get more minutes, you just couldn't put them in because other guys were playing better. I wanted more Jasper, but at the same time Aberdeen was doing that thing again where you couldn't take him out.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, no, this was a big response from Jasper. Right when Denzel picked up those two early fouls. And you know, I think it was Jack or Tom made the note that now he's not looking behind his shoulder. Right. You knew he was going to get those minutes and he excelled. That's exactly what you needed from him. And you know what? This is just. This is a great wind, Drew. I mean, when you hold Tennessee to zero field goals in the final 5 minutes and 30 seconds of the game, it was. You're going to give yourself a chance to win.
Drew Franklin
Beautiful. Beautiful. Found the defense. You know, we're talking about Aberdeen for the game he had. But that was probably Jasper's best game as a cat too. Not probably. It was given the circumstances at Tennessee. He had 12, five of six from the field, two from two for three from three. Like I said earlier, he came in when Aberdeen had to go to the bench from foul trouble and was the spark in the first half and kept him going. Huge impact off the bench. Kentucky had a lot of bench points today with he and Diabate. What that ended up being, as I look at my notes here, 36 to 22 and Kentucky surprisingly winning the second chance points early in the game, that was not the case. Tennessee was getting what they wanted in the paint.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, they were physical down low. Maybe why you didn't see a lot, lot of Yellowch in the second half. But this team prevailed and drew a fun celebration after they pulled Garrison back. Looked like he was going to fight the whole Tennessee team. Mark Pope pulling on his jersey. But Mark Pope got the. What was it, the water or the Gatorade baft afterwards? You think they're starting to build a little momentum, maybe find themselves a little bit?
Drew Franklin
They are. I love seeing that. That locker room, Garrison, sure, he might have needed to be pulled back a little bit there at the end. What is it with him? And last second wins. You got to go get him.
Billy Rutledge
You got to let him know. I guess that's his mantra. Got to get in their face, let them know they lost.
Drew Franklin
I guess Oklahoma last year, Amari picked him up and carried him like a baby. Halfway across the court today, Pope sprints with a full extension, grabs the back of his jersey and starts dragging him back. We they never did the team handshake line, right? It looked like Pope and Barnes agreed to send them their separate ways and let cooler heads prevail there.
Billy Rutledge
Probably the right move. I mean, no reason to go through that after a little scuffle afterwards. But I didn't even know it was brewing like that. Brandon's just a hothead. I think he's going to get into those fights at the end, but that's the response you want to see. Drew, I mean, did you have a whole different show you were going to do if after that first half? I mean, did you hit the panic button at all like I do?
Drew Franklin
You should. You should see my halftime notes. They still exist. Maybe I'll tweet a picture. It's not pretty. Yeah, and I'm thinking I've got bourbon and bubbles after this. Not just bourbon and not just bubbles, Billy. We are going to bourbon and bubbles after this. Down the street, an iheart party with.
Billy Rutledge
Shannon the dude playing.
Drew Franklin
We got NFL on great games. I don't want to talk about it, but at some point for anyone that's keeping up, we got Mario and Bob and Jamestown on the road in Ohio if you followed online. What was Bob wearing? What is he wearing? Bob had on a cowboy hat and a leather jacket with like tassels. It looked like he left this alien event early. Everybody wants to celebrate beating Tennessee, but we might have to call Mario as they're on the way back.
Billy Rutledge
I'd love to hear from Mario a check in after all that. And with all that on, Bob still had slippers on as, so. Still comfy?
Drew Franklin
Yeah, we're calling them.
Billy Rutledge
Okay, we'll call them during the break.
Drew Franklin
We want to hear from you all. 859-280-2287. Cats on the Central Kentucky select Toyota Dealers KSR postgame show after Kentucky beats those low down Dirty Vols 80 to 78, making it six out of seven in Knoxville. Gonna have a lot of fun with Billy, our sports here and I might even sing more Rocky top to troll those bums down there in Knoxville with their losing SEC record. We'll be right back. We want to hear from you as we celebrate. Go Cats. Welcome back in to the Central Kentucky select Toyota dealers KSR postgame show. Drew Franklin here with Billy Rutledge. 859-280-2287. We're very happy because Kentucky beat Tennessee and we Love beating Tennessee 80 to 78. Never mind a 17 point deficit. The comeback Cats do it again. And we want to hear from you on that phone line. Billy, understand the phone lines are full, but first I want to apologize. Some people wanted me to sing Rocky top again and I just wasn't ready to do it. Maybe later in the show.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, I'm still shocked from the Rocky Top in the first segment. Got it twice.
Drew Franklin
I came in a little hot. What do you want from me? I'm excited.
Billy Rutledge
No, it's a celebratory mood and it should be. I mean, you should celebrate the wins, especially when it's against one of your biggest rivals on the road. Now, have you talked to your dad yet?
Drew Franklin
I have not. Dad, are you listening? I love you. Congratulations on the first half and my friend Kyle, season ticket holder, who's also texting me. Hope you all get home safely from the game. I appreciate the photos.
Billy Rutledge
Very nice.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, I love them taking the high road and I feel bad right now, but not too bad because the Cats win and that's all that matters. Let's get some phone calls in and then I'll do a few more verses. Who's up first?
Billy Rutledge
All right, let's go to Wild Bill.
Drew Franklin
Wild Bill. What's up?
Caller/Listener
They low down. They dirty. They some snitches. Eat it, Tennessee. Go Cats. And congrats on your little one, Drew. I'm a fellow Madison billion. See you later.
Drew Franklin
Boom. Love that lot going on there. Thank you for the congratulations. Thank you for quoting the greatest video to be on the Internet and shout out to Madisonville. You know, Billy, they call it the best town on earth. It's trademarked. I don't know who ranked that, but Madisonville is the best town on earth. Tbtoe.
Billy Rutledge
I think we're going there for a remote soon.
Drew Franklin
So late February.
Billy Rutledge
Break in to explore it some more.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, Mary, go get a little El bracero. Who's up next?
Billy Rutledge
Dave is up next.
Drew Franklin
What's up, Dave?
Caller/Listener
Hey, man, thanks for taking my call. Positive takes here. We're. We're doing a lot of things bad, but we're still winning. Second thing is I think we have to figure out a way to get Jasper Johnson more minutes. I think he's the most complete offensive player that we've got. The third thing is I know we keep getting down, but now it's getting to the point that we're expecting them to come back. We've got confidence in them and you have to think that that confidence is growing within the team also. Thanks for call.
Drew Franklin
Go Cats, thank you for calling in. Go Cats. Indeed. Feel like Jasper's getting robbed a little bit by Aberdeen playing so well. But it was pretty cool in the second half. Pope played them together, wasn't too long. But that small ball lineup, what about him? There's a moment away, playing big at the four. There he went with four guards. That was pretty neat. I hadn't seen that this season.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, it wasn't always best game. He was on a streak of 20 plus points that wasn't going to last forever, but was big late. Had a couple steals and slams. But look, man, this is, this could have gone very differently this week and for them to win both of these games, I mean as much of a. As you don't have a resume in the non conference, you're starting to build one a little bit here in the sec.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, big quad one win. This will go a long way when they're building that tournament resume. We'll probably see an updated bracketology tonight after all these Saturday games. But this, this had to have helped Kentucky, where they've been a 10 seed leading into this game. And on, on Jasper, I, you know, I think this is big for his confidence doing this in Knoxville in a rivalry game. Sure, he probably wanted more minutes, but he's going to have to play a role. There's going to be nights where Aberdeen doesn't score 22 and go 7:11 from the field with five assists and Johnson will have to be the show. And I think tonight having won one on his belt is good for him.
Billy Rutledge
No, I was critical of Jasper in these early games and even today I'm screaming at the television saying why isn't he playing more in the second half? Well, that was because Denzel, Aberdeen was playing so well and he's played great now in back to back games. Kind of what you expected from somebody coming from a team that won a national championship last year.
Drew Franklin
Who's up next?
Billy Rutledge
Mike is up next.
Drew Franklin
Hello, Mike.
Caller/Listener
Hey guys, what's going on? Big day. Big day. I'm. I live here in Knoxville and I'm a UK fan, so you guys gotta understand just how this makes me feel, okay?
Drew Franklin
Sounds like you're on a Ferris wheel. That's how excited you are. Yeah. Is that a carousel? How's the merry go round treating you?
Caller/Listener
Dude, let me tell you something is. Ah, my gosh, man. I mean being here, living here and hearing this, I mean all year, last year we beat them twice and then they beat us in the 16, which, oh my gosh, it just destroyed us. But you know what? It feels so good to live here and to be able to know that when I go to work that I can walk in and be like C A T S. Cats, cats, cats. You know what I mean? So go big blue. Jasper Johnson playing more. I think he's going to be. I just. I believe that he's got. I think he's going to really be good by the end of season.
Drew Franklin
All right, thank you. Appreciate the call.
Billy Rutledge
Thank you, Mike.
Drew Franklin
Enjoy the Knox County Fair. What was going on there?
Billy Rutledge
What was on the Himalaya?
Drew Franklin
Is the Knox County Fair going on tonight? Did he leave the Food City center to go troll them at the Knox County Fair?
Billy Rutledge
It's not the world's fair, but maybe he did find his own little fair. There was something going on back there.
Drew Franklin
A lot of noises sound like a good time, though. Maybe Chuck E. Cheese. Good call from him.
Billy Rutledge
It's important for a lot of people on the border, man. You say, who's Kentucky's biggest rival? Some would say Louisville. The people that live on that border would definitely say Tennessee. So that's why I'm sure he's that happy right now.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, I go back and forth with Louisville in Tennessee, but this one basketball, we needed it. You know, I already played Louisville. Can't go get that one to beat them in Knoxville in a game where the SEC is in a big clump right now in Kentucky, huge win pushing Tennessee down and Kentucky staying in the mix. Still a lot of basketball to be played and figured out. No giving up. I know you thought about giving up in the first half. I saw you.
Billy Rutledge
I may have had a group text maybe a few weeks ago saying the season was over, but you know what? They've proven me wrong. That's for sure. And our KSR picks. I think Ryan was the only one to pick the Cats this week.
Drew Franklin
That's right. You know, some of the. Some of the picking against the Kentucky at this point is I'm fading myself. So when you see that, it's like a mental game. I've been really off with my picks in all things lately. So when I pick Tennessee, I'm really picking.
Billy Rutledge
Well, as the president of the Colin Chandler fan club, you have to love seeing him get on the board, the good side of things again. Last two weeks have been good for him. Right. Don't you think?
Drew Franklin
No. Yeah. Awesome to go from. You know, he had the two big, big plays. Really got the still tonight to get to go ahead. And of course the past last week at LSU and then the. The four, three Pointers. Big game from him off the bench tonight. Let's get one more in and then I might sing more Rocky top. I'm thinking about it.
Billy Rutledge
Bluegrass is up next.
Drew Franklin
Hello, Bluegrass.
Caller/Listener
What's going on, fellas? I got you something, Drew. And then I got a Jasper comment. When you saw Chandler get that steel and you didn't know if Chandler was going to lob it at the rim or lob it long to OA or bounce past it, was you nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Drew Franklin
I like that analogy. You know, in that moment, I wasn't as nervous. He had away after a week ago in that same spot when he threw the ball onto the stands. I feel like he got his bad throw out of the way. So I believe them. And he pulled it off this time. All right.
Caller/Listener
And I like Jasper, you know, but he's getting beat off the dribble in the first half, fellows, and it's getting us in rotation. So you. We've got to have Aberdeen in there. I do like Jasper scoring, though. You can't deny that. But I think it tells a lot about Jasper. At the end when he drove to the lane and got it knocked out his hands, and then he grabbed it and didn't let nobody have it. Like that's a learning experience. Like he was coming down with that ball and he wouldn't turn it over, he wouldn't falling down. So it's all a learning experience for that young kid.
Drew Franklin
You're right. And I appreciate the call. But it is one of his first true road games and he had eight huge points in that first half when they were struggling. Had a hot hand there that kept him alive even when Tennessee was trying to pull away with that 11 oh, run, Billy, before we go to the break, how about Mark Pope? Two for two on challenges. You can't teach that.
Billy Rutledge
That's true.
Drew Franklin
Cannot teach two for two on challenges.
Billy Rutledge
I mean, big important moments of the game. I mean, it would be a different score if he didn't win those challenges, don't you think?
Drew Franklin
Had the basket interference and then got to keep the ball both through the red flag, kind of back to back there in the game and won both. So good coaching by Mark Pope.
Billy Rutledge
It was a long game. I was a little worried about that. We hit the two and a half hour mark, but you know what? A wins a win. Whatever it takes to get that win.
Drew Franklin
We're not worried about being late for bur.
Billy Rutledge
Well, I mean, I think the NFL playoff game is going to start while we're on the air, Drew. So we'll have to multitask a little bit as employees of the league.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, a little bit from around the league before sec, before we take this break, watching Vandy and Florida here in the studio. Florida's up one at Vandy with six minutes to go and Georgia and Arkansas just tipped off. Georgia up nine. Oh, Billy, did you know Georgia leads the country in points per game?
Billy Rutledge
Only because I heard it this week. This week, which is. It's not Tom Crane still down there. I mean, who's coaching Georgia? Is it Mike White?
Drew Franklin
It is. And they're, they're playing well, leading the country. And now up early on Arkansas. So a couple more scores and a lot of games tonight and Drew and Billy Rutledge here chatting with you and celebrating on the Central Kentucky select Toyota dealers KSR post game show. Give us a call. 859-280-2287. Go Cats. Wish that I was on a rocky top down in the Tennessee hills Ain't no final fours on rocky top Ain't no banners there still Drew Franklin, Billy Rutledge, the Central Kentucky Select Toyota Dealers KSR Postgame Show. 859-280-2287. Celebrating Kentucky's sixth win in the last seven trips to Knoxville. Now the Food City Center. Billy, we're three and oh, in the Food City center since they changed the name from Thompson.
Billy Rutledge
I like the Food City Center. Oh, he's treating the Cats pretty well.
Drew Franklin
Great food. We own their groceries. Went and took their groceries today down there in Knoxville winning 80 to 76. And Billy and I are having a good time. Florida and Vanity still coming down to the wire. Four and a half minutes left in that one. We're watching here. 86, 83. I don't know if we'll call Mario because we have a lot of people on the phone that want to talk basketball. But it's not lost on me that he's coming back from Ohio after that Bob and Jamestown trip.
Billy Rutledge
I just, I can't imagine the stories. I just, I feel like we're going to get a lot from Mario. Something we can't forget, though Drew is we've got to give a Johnny Rocker, personal injury attorney, attorney, moneymaker of the game, injured, get small town compassion with big city results. When you call The Rocker at 270-321-4429. Malachi Moreno has won this award the last two games and we're going to give it to another freshman. Jasper Johnson is our moneymaker. 12 points led the team and assists with four in 19 minutes. I thought his points in the first half were crucial for Kentucky to stay in this game. For a guy that hasn't played a lot, he responded well when Aberdeen went out with foul trouble. He is our Johnny Rocker, personal injury attorney, moneymaker of the game.
Drew Franklin
What a great pick. I didn't know what direction you were going to go there. Got five scores and double digits, three off the bench. I didn't, I didn't know where you'd go. I liked the Jasper pick.
Billy Rutledge
I mean Aberdeen with 22, you can't fault that either. And Modi about to the husk play he had. But Jasper, man, I was, I was really surprised and it was good to see that from a guy that you're giving a lot of nil dollars to.
Drew Franklin
That's right. I have, I have one thing on my mind that I want to ask you about. I kind of caught half of it. We're sitting here and we're listening to Mark Pope and we're getting ready, you know, lots of show prep. By the way, speaking of show prep, Pat asked me if I've already been into the bourbon and bubbles. No, Pat, this is a latte from my wife in my swings for Soldiers Cup. This is just sober excitement right here. Pat. We're just having a good time.
Billy Rutledge
Well, those bubbles are going to taste even better after the win.
Drew Franklin
This is just happiness of beating Tennessee right here. I know I don't sound like my usual self. 100% raw excitement right here. But I need to know why Mark Pope compared Mo Diabatte to Steph Curry after the game. I was like half paying attention. You know, you're running the board over there listening. He obviously wasn't three point shooting. I don't think he said something about his toughness. It's kind of like Steph Curry's three point shooting.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, he like likened Modi about his toughness to Steph Curry's three point shooting as something that like you should admire or like be in awe of or like can change the game. Something along those lines. But it was a very, very over the top gracious comparison. Don't you, don't you think about Diabate and Curry?
Drew Franklin
It's one of those Pope comments where you just got a smile and a little bit of hyperbole there. I wouldn't have full comments.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, yeah.
Drew Franklin
Diabate and Curry not usually in the same conversation. But you know what? He earned it today.
Billy Rutledge
Well, that guy could have easily gone the other way, right? I mean, yelling at the teammates, maybe not playing the role that he was accustomed to. Didn't start like you said. So, I mean, could have easily went the other way. But this team is. Is fighting for each other and maybe starting to unlock something halfway through the year right now.
Drew Franklin
You want to hear a fun fact? Yes.
Billy Rutledge
Yes, I do.
Drew Franklin
Tennessee is 102 in their last 102 home games when they're up at halftime. The two this year and last year.
Billy Rutledge
Kentucky just up at halftime. That's it.
Drew Franklin
That's what this says. Wow. Seems. That seems like a lot.
Billy Rutledge
That's a heck of a stat.
Drew Franklin
I went with it. I think it was a Corey Price stat. Let me double check that.
Billy Rutledge
Well, if Corey Price.
Drew Franklin
We're going with it.
Billy Rutledge
I can't doubt Corey Price. He's the one that has the best stats.
Drew Franklin
I've already said it in the radio. I can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, so it has to be right. We're going with it.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah. We're past Corey Price.
Drew Franklin
It's exactly what it says.
Billy Rutledge
Well, that is.
Drew Franklin
Trust him.
Billy Rutledge
That's an incredible stat. And Rick Barnes has got to be pulling whatever hair he has left out trying to figure out Mark Pope in this Kentucky team.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, Pope got him twice. January 17, 2026 and January 28, 2025.
Billy Rutledge
Now let's do it in the tournament.
Drew Franklin
Oh, we don't want to talk about that right now. We're still one game at a time. We don't look ahead one game at a time. And we're still celebrating this one. We'll sleep this one off and get back in the film room tomorrow. Who's up next?
Billy Rutledge
Let's go to Moffat.
Drew Franklin
Moffat, what's up?
Caller/Listener
Hey, guys. What a fun game from start to finish. Even we were down like 17. I still had high hopes for it. I think we need to start an Aberdeen fan club too. I'm really enjoying when he's in the game now. I don't know what you're thinking, Drew. If you're overloaded with your two fan clubs, maybe I'll start it for you.
Drew Franklin
Oh, no, no, no. We have plenty of room for more fan clubs. When you have 35 points in back to back second halves like you did at LSU and then Tennessee. Yeah, we'll make room for another fan club.
Caller/Listener
I just. I'm. I'm enjoying this season. The rough start, while it wasn't fun in the time, it just makes it. When we start firing on all cylinders, it just makes it that much better. I mean, this. What a fun game. Can I give you one piece of Advice, Maybe two pieces for becoming a new girl. Dad?
Drew Franklin
Yeah. The three, if you have them. Whatever you want to say, you have the floor. Within reason.
Caller/Listener
Okay, so there's only two things you got to do with your baby. And my oldest is five years old. I got a five year old girl, three year old girl, and a one year old boy. And so far, this has never led me astray. The first thing you got to do is just give your kid lots and lots of lovings every single day. Lots of love. The second thing you got to do is just keep them alive until tomorrow. And if you do those two things, everything else will work itself out. I promise.
Drew Franklin
I appreciate that. You know, I never even considered that being part of it. I'd say that's a. That's a big part of parenting. Appreciate the call.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah. Loving them. Not only important, but keeping them alive, arguably even more important.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, like Kentucky staying alive. Getting excited. Three straight wins in the conference, Billy.
Billy Rutledge
That's right.
Drew Franklin
For that dang Missouri game. It's a bad. It's a bad hiccup. Not to look backwards.
Billy Rutledge
That's right. We've made up for that.
Drew Franklin
We have this point against Tennessee.
Billy Rutledge
And now what's next? Texas.
Drew Franklin
Yeah.
Billy Rutledge
Home.
Drew Franklin
Got a couple of home. Well, Texas. Ole Miss. Feels good to win.
Billy Rutledge
Okay.
Drew Franklin
It's that throw up orange, you know, it's not that orange you can sit with. It's that. It's that puk inside of.
Billy Rutledge
And they'll see them again later this year, right? They'll play Tennessee twice.
Drew Franklin
That's right. Maybe even a third time. I don't even like pumpkins. My dad said he's trying to call in and the phone lines are full. Can we call him? How does this work?
Billy Rutledge
I can. I can call him on the hotline if you want.
Drew Franklin
We'll get him during the break for the next segment. But he has something to say. Let's run through who we have now.
Billy Rutledge
Mark Anthony is next.
Drew Franklin
Oh, Mark Anthony, my favorite voice that calls in. How are you doing?
Caller/Listener
Hey. Hey, Drew. Hey, Billy. Hey, fellas. I have a suggestion for Coach Pope. On Wednesday evening, just before you go out for the tip off, you tell the boys. Now, listen, let's adhere to the game plan and let's go out and win this second half. Maybe they'll get fooled and go out and think it's the second half that Matt. And then in the second half, I'm not sure what you do, but for the first half, tell them it's the second half. See how that works out. We'll Talk to you later.
Drew Franklin
Thank you for the call. I appreciate it. It's a genius idea. I don't know if it'll work, but we got to try something. We can't keep doing this.
Billy Rutledge
Was it the other caller today that said they should play a five on five game before, like during warmups while everybody's standing out there? That might wear them out a little too much, Drew, but we got to do something about these stars.
Drew Franklin
Is it worse than what we're already doing? You know, Matt. Matt threw that idea away pretty quickly this morning when the guys, like just play a full scrimmage. Yeah, I don't hate it. We got to get him locked in.
Billy Rutledge
You don't hate it. I mean, some guys got to play 30 plus minutes. I guess not many. Otega always the only one over 30 on this team.
Drew Franklin
Just imagine 40 minutes of what they were doing the second half. That was a final four team that would have thumped Tennessee. That dang 11 oh first half run is why it wasn't a better ending for us.
Billy Rutledge
You know, Pope did throw a zone in there at one point and, you know, maybe that impacted Tennessee a little bit. But like these going down 17 points in the first six minutes of the game, 10 points down in the first six minutes, it's like, come on, you want to shake them.
Drew Franklin
This one was a little fun because it gets Tennessee hopes up. Their fans doing a little trash talking. Kind of feels good to. I don't want to keep doing this, but it does kind of feel good to rip their hearts out, especially get them all confident singing, Rocky talking.
Billy Rutledge
They're going to run the air. Is that a first?
Drew Franklin
I'll do it again.
Billy Rutledge
Please.
Drew Franklin
Let's get another call.
Billy Rutledge
Especially when your dad comes around. Derek is up next.
Drew Franklin
Hello, Derek.
Caller/Listener
Hey, what's up, Drew? What's up, Billy? How y' all doing?
Billy Rutledge
We're excellent.
Caller/Listener
Hey, what's up, guys? So we're on our way back from the game, on our way back to Louisville. I'm also east side Earl on KS board. So I brought my flag in. I whipped that thing out when we took that lead and this guy behind me got really mad. It was awesome. Other than that, I want to talk about Jasper Johnson. That dude was awesome in the first half. I think you should have got a little bit more run. Maybe some of Chandlers are always minutes in the second half when they were, you know, not too great on defense and having a tough time driving the ball. I just think he could have helped, you know, spread the ball around a little more and Just get some. Get some. Get something going, you know?
Drew Franklin
You wanted more from him.
Caller/Listener
I do. I want to see more. Now, after that first half, didn't he hit like some. Really? Wasn't his second three like, really long or something?
Drew Franklin
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. A couple tough finishes, too, on some twos, man, he's.
Caller/Listener
I'm telling you, he's gonna turn around. He's gonna turn it around.
Drew Franklin
I like it. We'll see more from him. Before I let you go, it sounds like he had somebody with you that had some good energy to you. Somebody in the car?
Caller/Listener
Yeah, man. Yeah, man. My buddy Paul. He's driving back. I'm in the passenger seat. We decided to come down after the LSU game the other day. It was a heck of a trip.
Drew Franklin
Where are you from? Where are we driving back to Louisville. All right, well, be safe. Tell Paul to keep up that energy. I heard him yelling. Tell him to do it one more time.
Caller/Listener
All right. Yeah, Paul.
Drew Franklin
There we go. Appreciate the call, guys. Drive safe. I like Paul. They might have been part of the Go Big Blues I heard on tv.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, they were. They were bleeding in there at the end.
Drew Franklin
I didn't expect that. You know, we're coming back, but I didn't expect my TV to be getting here in the Go Big Blues at home. That was a nice touch by the fans that made the trip to the.
Billy Rutledge
Food City center, especially when we had our face in our hands in that first half and it was a 17 point deficit. But, Drew, that's just normal for this team this year.
Drew Franklin
If I may compliment a few Tennessee players. Oh, you know, they lost. We can say a few things since they lost. Gillespie, he's tough.
Billy Rutledge
He's good.
Drew Franklin
He's tough. That moon ball three he hit at the beginning of the game, we had Cam Williams get an Open 3 on the first possession. Missed it and it's like, ah, it would have been a great way to start. And then you play good defense on Tennessee's first offense, possession, and then looks like you're going to stop. And he just threw up a moon ball from deep and splashes it. I was like, oh, God, here we go. He had 24. Amen. Had 17. Big game for both those guys, but just not enough.
Billy Rutledge
And was it Carrie down low?
Drew Franklin
Yeah.
Billy Rutledge
I mean, he was a force. I was just nice to not see Ziegler or Viscovi. But then now you got some other guys that you got to learn to hate.
Drew Franklin
Did you know Kerry's dad was there?
Billy Rutledge
Yes. I mean, they only showed. That's a Ryan Lemon comment. Did you know he was there? Yeah, we only learned about it five times on the broadcast.
Drew Franklin
Did you know he's going to Miami for the national championship or that he played for Miami?
Billy Rutledge
I don't hear it. There's a lot of criticism of Jay Billis, too. Did you have that same criticism.
Drew Franklin
I have? I still like Jay. Not as much as I once did. You know, I read his book Toughness. It's a good book. I didn't think today was a bad one. I saw some online complaints. I did not have any J. Billis complaints. Was there anything specific?
Billy Rutledge
No, just a few that I saw online. You know, I get Tom and Jack for every game, and I. We even had them turn their mics down before the final plays, and we still busted some of your drums.
Drew Franklin
Oh, really? You all turned the sound down on knowing there could be some screaming?
Billy Rutledge
We talked about it. I didn't want to jinx it during the LSU game, but we talked about it today. We were going to turn the mics down in case there was a big moment, and then there were some big moments, and we still got excited.
Drew Franklin
Oh, forget everything I have to say. Let's hear more about this. So there's, like, a conversation at LSU 1.6. Like, should we dial down just a little bit?
Billy Rutledge
So we go to under four.
Drew Franklin
Okay.
Billy Rutledge
I go to break, and the engineer is like, billy, I'm turning down the mics because of what happened last game. And I'm like, oh, Jim, you just jinxed.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, we can't be cursing it.
Billy Rutledge
And there. And then the guy's like, no, it's okay. We've thought about it. This is what we want to do. And then Colin Chandler makes that steal and passes it up to away, and we still get the excitement from our guys.
Drew Franklin
So I like the inside baseball here.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, it's. I'm sure people would love to hear some of these stories that I can't tell on the air.
Drew Franklin
Well, that one you. I feel like you could tell I didn't put you on the spot there. It's just interesting to know. You got to be prepared for a Tom moment like that.
Billy Rutledge
That's right.
Drew Franklin
You're not just sitting here watching games. You're working.
Billy Rutledge
We. We are working hard.
Drew Franklin
Let's get another call in before we go to.
Billy Rutledge
Let's go to John.
Drew Franklin
Hello, John.
Caller/Listener
Hello there, Drew Franklin. How's it going this afternoon, man?
Drew Franklin
Are you from Madisonville, Kentucky?
Caller/Listener
Afraid I am.
Drew Franklin
All right. Hey, John. I know that voice.
Caller/Listener
Hey there, Billy.
Billy Rutledge
Hey, John.
Caller/Listener
How are y'? All Doing great, guys. And I was just gonna tell you, Coach Pope, but on your same usual people in for next game against Texas and Go Cats.
Drew Franklin
I like it. Go Cats. Who's your favorite player on the team at this point in the season, John?
Caller/Listener
Oh, I.
Drew Franklin
All right. That's a good pick. Good to hear from you, John. I appreciate the call. Sorry about our Maroons. We're off to a slow start this year, but at least Kentucky's bringing us some joy.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, he's gone, but. But, oh, man, he. Double digits every game last year, 20 in a row for. What was it, three or four straight. And. And while he played bad, I think at some points in this game, he. He showed some flashes there at the end. He's got to be good for Kentucky to continue to play this good.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. Tough shooting night for him. 3:11 from the field. Couldn't buy a 3, but there at the end when it mattered, that's when he turned it on and made the. The impact plays. So even though it wasn't his best shooting night, it's still a good winning night from away. Shall we get more?
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, one more, and then we'll take a break, reset, maybe get. Maybe call my Franklin on the line.
Drew Franklin
My friend Kyle's on his way home from Food City Center. He's crying. Maybe we'll call him.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, Tennessee fan.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. He's a good guy, though, but, you know, might have to troll him a little bit.
Billy Rutledge
Well, this is what it's about, Drew. I mean, the water cooler on Monday or Tuesday, if you've got Monday off.
Drew Franklin
So I had to hear from them leading up to this. They're talking a lot of noise now. I get my moment. Let's get one more in.
Billy Rutledge
Josh.
Drew Franklin
Hello, Josh.
Caller/Listener
Hey. How y' all doing? So I've just gotta say the one thing better than going on the road and just beating the team is seeing the expression on all of those Tennessee faces when we just beat them at the last. When they're sitting back and they go like, oh, I have no. You know, we're gonna be. Have this victory. And then just to snatch it away from them, I'm. I fear karma is going to come up and bite me on something like that. But, man, that was just so sweet to see that happen. And I was terrified. I mean, were you all worried that they were going to be calling a foul, you know, when that rebound happened?
Drew Franklin
Oh, definitely there at the end when. When Carrie got it, I didn't feel good. When he got his hands on the.
Caller/Listener
Ball and he went up. I Thought, oh my gosh, it's, you know, flash that light on there. And I was really, really relieved. But I choose to be optimistic. I think now that we've decided that this is the core team that we're going with going forward, all we have to do now is work on getting better. And honestly, I think, Jasper, you know, obviously we need to, you know, we need to work on how we start, but this is a team that's learning how to win.
Drew Franklin
I love it.
Caller/Listener
You're exactly right.
Drew Franklin
Carry on.
Caller/Listener
No, no, no, go ahead.
Drew Franklin
Oh, this is awkward. I interrupted you. Do you have a final thought there?
Caller/Listener
Well, the only other final thought that I've got is, you know, I'm, you know, I don't know what it is, but it's been fun to watch. I don't know, it's. It's really, really hard because I'm also following the women's game and they all seem to be following this comeback pattern. And the one thing that I really do appreciate is last night we've been watching the Comeback Cats and I've been listening to kind of Ralph Hacker when he's calling the games. And both my wife and I kind of observe, even when something was really, really exciting, Ralph Hacker, you know, it's like Kaywood Leffard. They always maintain this even keel voice. And so it was such a joy to, you know, to listen to Tom Leach just go ballistic when we, when we got that steal and we go on in. So, you know, I, you know, I just give a little nod to Tom Leach and, and the way he calls the games.
Drew Franklin
Definitely. I appreciate the call and I appreciate Tom Leach. We're getting our money's worth with Tom Leach here the last two games. I mean, I don't give Tom any money, but as a fan, I. Tom's had two huge games and big moments where we get to hear why he is the voice of the Wildcats and the best of what he does.
Billy Rutledge
Here you go.
Drew Franklin
Gillespie walks it to the right now dribbles back over to the left. Stolen by Chandler. Two on one pass ahead to O. Lays it up and in.
Caller/Listener
And one and a foul on Tennessee.
Drew Franklin
Chandler with the steal, away with the run out bucket.
Caller/Listener
Gillespie on the foul and one.
Drew Franklin
Beautiful. To quote our Alabama gal, before we go to break here, I just don't like Tennessee.
Billy Rutledge
Man.
Drew Franklin
I can't stress that enough. We'll be right back. It's the KSR Chevy Select. Oh, Central Kentucky Select Toyota Dealers.
Billy Rutledge
There you go.
Drew Franklin
Almost got that backwards, Billy. KSR post game show. Welcome back in One last segment here with Drew Franklin and Billy Rutledge on the Central Kentucky Select Toyota Dealers KSR postgame show after Kentucky rips Tennessee's hearts out in Knoxville, winning 80 to 78 after trailing by 17 points. Denzel Aberdeen led the way with 22. Oh, Wade Johnson and Chandler with 12, Diabate with 10. Kentucky hit 6 of 10 threes in the second half to lead the comeback and beat the Vols. And we'll celebrate for a little longer here with the post game show before Billy and I walk down the street for some bourbon and some bubbles. And we have some full lines right now, including one I'm very excited about, some special guests. Well, sometimes people won't call in, so you call them. And right now I would love to speak to my father, a Tennessee fan. Billy, is he on the line?
Billy Rutledge
He's on the line. He's here.
Drew Franklin
Hey, dad. How are you?
Caller/Listener
How are you, Drew?
Drew Franklin
I couldn't be happier. I don't know if you heard me singing Rocky Top, but that was a first. I hope you enjoyed that.
Caller/Listener
I think we should have spent money on singing lessons rather than college. But there's another thing.
Drew Franklin
Well, no, congratulations.
Caller/Listener
Congratulations to the Cats. They are obviously a second half team. Really frustrated.
Drew Franklin
Where's.
Caller/Listener
Where is bourbons and butter? I need to go get drunk. Where is this?
Drew Franklin
Oh, I'll go get you. We'll find you a ticket. It's at rough. It's down the street.
Caller/Listener
No, no, I'm good. Really am.
Drew Franklin
How did it hurt though? You know, it's not just that Kentucky won. You know, being up by 17. How much does that add to the, to the sadness here?
Caller/Listener
Well, if you watch them like I have all year, it's turnovers and miss free throws. That's all we do. And then when your point guard gives three giveaway easy passes for breakaways and then goes down thousand like an idiot, and I mean, hey, we deserve to lose.
Drew Franklin
Well, you know, we've talked a lot about my Kentucky Wildcats this year. Do you, do you think they've turned any kind of corner at all after they've had these two comebacks in the last two games?
Caller/Listener
Oh, definitely. They need to wake up in the first half. But you know, as you just saw.
Drew Franklin
Vanderbilt just lost to Florida.
Caller/Listener
I mean, it's, it's.
Drew Franklin
There's just.
Caller/Listener
There's about three teams and there's the rest of us.
Drew Franklin
Well, you know, I don't love that you have to be sad, but somebody had to win this game and I'm glad it was the blue team. Six out of seven to remind you.
Caller/Listener
I'm happy that you get to host.
Drew Franklin
This show and I get to grind my beer. Well, thanks for calling in. It's been a while since I've talked to you on the radio. This is. We've done this maybe once or twice.
Caller/Listener
I tried to call in earlier. I couldn't get through. So thanks for calling me back.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, thank you, Billy, for getting my dad on the line. I'll see you back in the neighborhood soon after I have a little bourbon and bubbles. Tell Mom I said hello.
Caller/Listener
Okay, I would do that.
Drew Franklin
And I just sit here in the.
Caller/Listener
Ball cave and cry.
Drew Franklin
All right, I'll. I'll bring you some ice cream or something a little later. Thanks. Thanks for talking to you. Thanks for talking. That doesn't make sense. Billy, thanks for talking to you.
Billy Rutledge
That was. He was extremely level headed, like he knew that was going to happen before it even happened. I thought he might actually be crying by the time that we spoke to him, but maybe he'll save those tears for his beer.
Drew Franklin
I just gotta be careful. He's got this thing called the Vol Cave. It's Tennessee. Everything. Like the TV remote has the Tennessee logo on it. The trash can, the blanket, the walls. I know his setting, where he was sitting. I know how orange it is around him. It's his safe space. You know, one's allowed in there. But him, it's. It's. It's. It's his cave. And I know he's hurting right now.
Billy Rutledge
Well, there's. There's some people with houses divided right now that are doing that. Celebrating. It's just the fact that he was a Cats fan before he was a Tennessee fan is what I'll never forget.
Drew Franklin
The hill turn. Usually we have a buffer period. Kentucky, Tennessee games, football and basketball. There's not an immediate, let's talk, we both go our separate ways, wind down. So this was an immediate reaction. You sound bum.
Billy Rutledge
Well, let's continue your victory lap, Drew.
Drew Franklin
This one I'm excited about because you've got another buddy. We're just calling all Drew's Tennessee friends. This is Kyle, who lives in Knoxville and was at the game. Kyle, how did it feel to hold that L right there in person at the Food City Center?
Caller/Listener
It felt awful. Drew, I tell you what. I love you. I love your dad, But I'm. I am pretty disappointed right now. Not gonna lie. 1. One of the worst losses I've seen in Thompson Bowling Arena. I'm sitting here right now. I'm at Schultz Brow Brewery trying to drink the Pain away. Credit to Kentucky. They are second half team and pretty disappointed. Not gonna lie.
Drew Franklin
You're. You're a season ticket holder. Lifelong Vol, what was the building like in the first half when you all were. Had that 110 run and looked like you're gonna put a blowout on the Cats?
Caller/Listener
It, you know, it was. It was a good, good, good crowd. But that last few minutes of that first half there, I got a little nervous. Not gonna lie. I knew you guys were gonna come back. Obviously y' all did it against the LSU and still. Still kind of reeling a little bit from the loss, but hey, that's what alcohol is for, so we're all right. We'll survive.
Drew Franklin
Sounds like both. Both of my dad and my friends turning to the same remedy. Well, I got Alabama next. You'll get that one right.
Caller/Listener
I don't even know who we have next. Not gonna lie. I'm just like. I'm still, like, living in the present. I'm still. I don't even know what to handle it right now. I'm just gonna. Just gonna keep on. Keep on having fun, living my life.
Drew Franklin
Well, thanks for taking a minute and your sorrows there to talk to us here on the airwaves. We miss you here in Lexington. Tell the family I said hello and hold that.
Caller/Listener
L. Yeah, we love Lexington. We lived there for three years, but obviously a rough loss, but, you know, hey, go ball, whatever.
Drew Franklin
All right, Go Cats. To our list. Thanks for letting me troll the guys that were giving it to me.
Billy Rutledge
That's a Drew segment, right?
Drew Franklin
Y' all gotta understand, my phone's just blowing up that whole first half and I'm not answering. I'm just sitting there taking it. So I needed to have those two conversations there. Thank you for allowing me to do that.
Billy Rutledge
I'm sorry you have so many Tennessee fans in your life. I mean, that's just gotta be hard year round.
Drew Franklin
Sounds like good night for beer sales for Tennessee fans. For two for two on you just.
Billy Rutledge
Come on down to Bourbon and Bubbles here and we'll. We'll see you there.
Drew Franklin
Who's up next?
Billy Rutledge
So I've got some people on the line. I didn't able. I wasn't able to get their name.
Drew Franklin
I heard one was Penelope. Is she around there?
Billy Rutledge
Yeah. You want to talk to Penelope?
Drew Franklin
Yeah, let's get Penelope on here next.
Billy Rutledge
Penelope, you're up.
Caller/Listener
Hello.
Drew Franklin
Hi, Penelope.
Caller/Listener
I'm becoming a girl, dad.
Drew Franklin
Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. That means a lot coming from you.
Caller/Listener
All right, tell them about the game. That was such a Big game.
Drew Franklin
Did you love the whim?
Caller/Listener
Yeah. Can you hear?
Drew Franklin
I can. Yeah. Only. We only hear her. I didn't even know there were two people there.
Caller/Listener
We have a house divided, too. We have a house divided into Louisville and Kentucky.
Drew Franklin
Oh. Who's the Louisville fan?
Caller/Listener
My dad and my grandma.
Drew Franklin
Dad and grandma. Oh, those got to be two of your favorite people. And they wear the wrong color. Well, maybe you can teach them after a big day like today that it's better to be a Kentucky fan.
Caller/Listener
Yes. All right.
Drew Franklin
Well, thank you. Go Cats. Indeed. Thank you for calling in, Penelope. I appreciate the call. And thank you for congratulating me on being a girl dad that'll be coming up here in a few months. Thank you, Penelope.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, we're all excited for you, Drew. These wins will mean even more when you're a father and you can teach your child about the rivalry.
Drew Franklin
Well, there will be no question what team she's rooting for. There will be no grandfather influence. He's already been shopping for some orange little baby fits. Ain't happening.
Billy Rutledge
See, that's the thing. Like, you try very hard to make them a fan of one team, and sometimes out of spite, they'll just be a fan of the other one.
Drew Franklin
Well, she's going to like the Kentucky Wildcats and the Buffalo Bills. Who's up next? Speaking of, just. Just kicked off in Denver.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah.
Drew Franklin
Oh, oh. Getting started. Go Bills.
Billy Rutledge
Ray Davis versus Devin Key. Right, Don all pro is somebody that we do know is on the line.
Caller/Listener
Hey, guys, big win. Good job consoling your dad there, Drew.
Drew Franklin
Thank you.
Caller/Listener
Listen, I. Please allow me to give a shout out to Jerry Tackett. Jerry is a big or was a big Kentucky fan. Six, seven, sweet bear of a guy about a 20 year business friend. He passed away last night. And he would have loved this game because Jerry's lived About the last 30 years in Knoxville and worked for probably one of the biggest big orange companies in Knoxville, so rest in peace, Jerry. Good job. Thank you, guys.
Drew Franklin
Appreciate the call. Thank you for calling in and sharing that. Sorry for your loss. And Jerry's family, I mean, we love all Cats fans, but the ones that are, like, in enemy territory, they. They really carry a special flag for us down there fighting against the Villains and Sounds like we lost a good one in Jerry Tackett.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, absolutely. And I. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that my dad, who texted in went the other way. He was raised a Vol fan, is now a Kentucky fan.
Drew Franklin
Oh, like a little circle of life there. My dad was A Kentucky fit. They just switched places.
Billy Rutledge
That's right.
Drew Franklin
Could have just given him all his gear. Saved a little money there, probably.
Billy Rutledge
So.
Drew Franklin
So.
Billy Rutledge
But he's listening and supporting right now, so. Thanks, dad.
Drew Franklin
Shout out to Billy's dad as well. Another bill.
Billy Rutledge
Let's go to Kinky.
Drew Franklin
What? Kinky. Oh, that's a call. I thought you were talking to me. My Billy hadn't had bourbons and bubbles yet. Now Kinky. Hello. I'm a little nervous where we're going here.
Caller/Listener
Hey, Drew, good talking with you this afternoon. I just wanted to point out, I think a key to the game tonight, like the last two, was just getting back into it at the start of the second half. If it goes the other way, this game's over. It seems like Pope is starting to find his foot feet again. He seems to be. You know, if he just figures out that first half, I think then we're. He's back in my good graces and addressing that first half, I just want to say I would like to see them full court press a little bit more in the first half. That just seems to get them more engaged and get them going. What do you think about that?
Drew Franklin
I agree. I appreciate the call. I was hesitant to press Tennessee, especially on the road. That's a team where if they beat it and get a big play, you can get an avalanche going on with the way Barnes coaches them. But there was a moment. Kentucky did a little three quarter court pressure and forced him into a turnover. They didn't do it much, but there was a moment in the game where it helped him out today. Billy.
Billy Rutledge
Well, they say that about football players, right? Like you just want to get hit in the mouth and then you're ready to go. Maybe you're coming off an injury or a long wait. Is there. Do you think there's any science to that? Maybe they just need to go full court press and get into the game.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, I mean it helped. You know, Pope came up on patino in that way. The thing with full court press is the game's change a little bit with more ball handlers, it's a little easier to beat than it was in the early 90s. But I agree that UK should try it a little bit more in the small three quarter pressure they put on today. For briefly, it seemed to work a little bit even in the road atmosphere against a good team. Who's up next?
Billy Rutledge
We've got three left and we'll go to Son of Gilbert.
Drew Franklin
Son of Gilbert, thanks for calling in.
Billy Rutledge
No, no, Son of Gilbert.
Drew Franklin
Say I think. Did my sound go out or there's no one there?
Billy Rutledge
No, no, he's not there.
Drew Franklin
All right, we'll catch you next time. Son of Gilbert. Who's up next?
Billy Rutledge
DG is up next.
Drew Franklin
Dg, Hello.
Caller/Listener
What up, guys? So, man, what an absolute game. I'm sure I'm the same with everybody, you know, at the first half, like, here we go again. But, you know, the second half come around. I've actually got two kids. I've got a two and a half year old and year old. And as soon as the game at the end, they're asleep, taking their mid afternoon nap. And I have got to get something else. So I have to run outside and just yell and scream, go crazy. Hopefully the neighbors heard it. I don't know if there's any Tennessee fans around our neighborhood, but anyways, one quick thought for you all is you was talking about the J. Billa stuff and it is absolutely warranted. I know you said you didn't hear anything specifically, but on both calls that Mark Pope had, whenever the challenges, he was disagreeing with them. Also, whenever Otega hit the guy in the head, he was like, that's not a basketball play. But man, it was just awesome. Keep singing the Rocky Top. Go Cats. And absolutely just awesome. Win for us, Rocky Top.
Drew Franklin
You'll always be densely. I can't keep doing that. I'm not a good singer. But it is fun.
Caller/Listener
I love it.
Drew Franklin
Thank you. Appreciate the call.
Billy Rutledge
Think about this. I mean, without Jalen Lowe, without Jaden Quaintance.
Drew Franklin
Oh, I mean, you're doing this shorthanded roster. Do we want to talk about Jane Quaints or just put a pin in that for later? Didn't play today. You worried about knee swelling? I went on the record on the pregame show. I don't know who heard it, but I have not been worried 1% about Jaden Quaint's all year. I've even defended him at every turn. But I will tell you, I now have a small percentage of worry.
Billy Rutledge
You're a little worried?
Drew Franklin
A little. I'm not. I'm not all in on. I don't think he's gonna play or anything that. But I used to say not worried at all. Now I'm slightly worried. I've graduated from zero worry to slightly worried.
Billy Rutledge
Well, I just. I don't know how you see what's going on and not want to be a part of it. I mean, these guys want to play and want to win as much as we do. So, I mean, I don't Think it's a shade and sharp situations. He's already played, but, I mean, look, it's. It's just a little different, you know, with the knee swelling. You don't want to go out there and not be 100% and then have bad game tape. Right. So I think he's protecting himself, but I do think he'll return. So it's just where he's going to mesh. And where do those minutes go if. When he comes back, I guess, you know, Moreno's earned that playing time, too.
Drew Franklin
Yes. Not Moreno's best game today, but, I mean, they're. They've been winning with quaintance dealing with that swelling. But hopefully they get him back soon because he. He is talented, and they'll need him eventually, whenever he can get healthier, and we hope that soon. And we see him. Let's get another one.
Billy Rutledge
We got one more on the line, man.
Drew Franklin
Just one.
Billy Rutledge
It's a good one. You want to keep it going? We can keep it going.
Drew Franklin
We got to go. Bourbon and bubble. Who is it? You got me excited.
Billy Rutledge
Casey is up.
Drew Franklin
Oh, Casey, thanks for calling in.
Caller/Listener
Hey, what's happening, Drew? See, you guys were just talking about Malachi Marino, and I wanted to take it back to the LSU game after when he caught that ball, there was 1.5 seconds left on the clock when he shot it. And I got to thinking malachi is the name of a book of the Bible. So I went and I looked up Malachi, Chapter one, verse five. And this is what it says. You will see with your own eyes and say, great is the Lord. And, man, wasn't that true? Like, I don't like way, but, man, that was awesome how that aligned.
Drew Franklin
It is Nice touch. Appreciate that. Say it one more time. Malachi 15 is what?
Caller/Listener
Malachi 1 5. You will see with your own eyes and say, great is the Lord.
Drew Franklin
Boom.
Caller/Listener
And then after the Tennessee game, I think we got to call these guys. These are the Clawback Cats.
Drew Franklin
I like the Clawback Cats.
Billy Rutledge
You like the Clawback Cats?
Drew Franklin
Will come back. Cats is already taken. So we got to come up with something.
Caller/Listener
Yeah. Got to come up with something different. Clawback Cats. Billy, you don't like it?
Billy Rutledge
I just. I don't know if they need a name. I mean, there are teams in the past with names, but feel like we're forced.
Caller/Listener
I think the Kentucky fan kind of wants to do that. The Untouchables, Comeback Cats and Beatables got to have something with. I mean, this hasn't been done. The graphic at the end of the game. Said no one has come back from down 15 and back to back games since 2017.
Drew Franklin
See, look at that. The Clawback Cats. Billy. Appreciate the call, Casey. Two good additions to the conversation. So you like it?
Billy Rutledge
I'm fine with it if that's what you want to roll with.
Drew Franklin
I'm not. I'm not ready to commit to it. I'm not ready to put on a shirt, but it's. It's all I have so far. I mean, comeback Cats is used. Yeah, I've seen second half Cats out there. I didn't have the alliteration.
Billy Rutledge
Now we want the alliteration.
Drew Franklin
So right now, callback Cats is our leader. If it was earlier in the show, I would have asked for more submissions. We'll have to revisit this on Tuesday.
Billy Rutledge
Well, you know, I don't know if I'll forever forget this week and some of these comeback victories for the Cats. They definitely do maybe deserve a name like the comeback Cats. After what we've seen.
Drew Franklin
Getting sad. It feels like this is ending. I feel your tone. You told me there's no more phone calls. It's been an hour. Feel like. Feel like this is goodbye.
Billy Rutledge
I mean, we got to go bourbon and bubble it up. We got, you know, the celebration doesn't stop. Just the post game show does.
Drew Franklin
What would happen if you just left the board as is and left and I just sat here and kept yapping like, what's on next? Would it go on the air?
Billy Rutledge
It would. It would take you off the air and force you off probably at about 5 here, man. My guy Carl would kick you off.
Drew Franklin
Dang it, Carl. Just let me have a little bit longer. I'm having fun talking.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, well, let's take a couple calls. We can take some calls.
Drew Franklin
Is there anyone on there?
Billy Rutledge
No, but I will just. I'll just open it up, back up and we'll take the next person.
Drew Franklin
I want two more. I'm not ready to leave yet. Be one of the last two before we go get bubbles and or bourbon. I'm not ready to say goodbye after. On the Central Kentucky select Toyota Dealers KSR post game show right now. Yes. Yes.
Billy Rutledge
Who is this? I don't know.
Drew Franklin
All right. Who are you? Syndicate. One of my favorites. Perfect. What's up?
Caller/Listener
What's happening, fellas? How y' all doing?
Drew Franklin
Oh, we're great, man.
Caller/Listener
I've been trying to get in, like, your lines guys have been blowing up. You're doing an awesome job over today, my man.
Drew Franklin
Thank you. It's easy to do when we beat those low down dirty Vols.
Caller/Listener
So you know what, So y', all, everybody was talking about Jasper, right? How Jasper's just coming around. Remember the last time I seen you was headed to Rupp Arena. We was walking and I was telling you about Bruh.
Drew Franklin
You were. Saw you on the sidewalk.
Caller/Listener
Remember we were talking about that. I was going to ask him the question. Remember like Teen Wolf, when Michael J. Fox turned into the Wolf on the court and he was just balling out. I think that. I think. I think Jasper is now starting to turn into Bruh. When he got that little swing back, when he's. I'm keeping the ball. No one's taking the ball from me. That's when you. I think we start to see Bruh come out of Jasper now more physical, more just. He's just. He's developing more into this college player that in this great player that he's about to become.
Drew Franklin
You told me that. I think it was early December, it was very cold. We're on the sidewalk outside of Rupp Arena. You spoke it into existence. So you're saying Jasper Johnson is becoming Bruh Johnson, which is his nickname.
Caller/Listener
Yes. So he's the alter ego. Bruh is now welcome him to the Wildcats. To the Come Around Cats is what we call them. The Come Around Cats.
Drew Franklin
Love it. Thank you, Syndicate. Appreciate the call.
Caller/Listener
All right, guys, have a great day.
Drew Franklin
See, Billy, that's why we went back to the phone line. We got another nickname. Two nicknames, if you count Brad Johnson. And we heard from one of our favorite callers.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, I got two more on the line for you, Drew.
Drew Franklin
Now you're just gonna put me into overtime.
Billy Rutledge
Let's keep it rolling.
Drew Franklin
All right, two more. Let's do.
Billy Rutledge
I believe this is Tanner? Not sure.
Drew Franklin
Hey, Tanner. It's from Wild Wonderful Whites, West Virginia. Billy, thanks for putting me on.
Caller/Listener
My friend Drew. Let me just start by saying, and my dad always told me when we were getting in trouble back in high school, you are who your friends are, so you might need some new friends. All these Tennessee fans talking trash to you.
Drew Franklin
It's a good point. I have a lot of Tennessee friends, unfortunately.
Caller/Listener
Hey, well, speaking of Tennessee, big shout out to them. They've been awfully sweet to us down there on their home court the past couple years, getting a couple dubs. I mean, I had to break into the bourbon. You're about to do bourbon and bubbles. I had to break in the first half. It turned into. Turned into happy bourbon. It was sad bourbon there for a little while. But hey, how funny Is it Colin Chandler? We hear how good of a shooter he is, and this week he's done everything but shoot. Making that pass, making that steal. I mean, it's awesome to see him come on these past couple games.
Drew Franklin
Sure has. I appreciate the call. Even had a big moment in the last game where he had a big steal chasing me. I ended up not getting points off of it, but he's been doing the extra things and today added a little shooting, hitting four or three pointers. Good. Good game for Chandler. I know some people were a little down on him. Of course, I had the fan club to start the year when he looked good, had the big dunk. Then he kind of cooled off, got inconsistent, seemed to lose his confidence. But playing well today in Knoxville should be good for him.
Billy Rutledge
Shout out to Shanna, who sent me a DM that the Kentucky men's basketball team tweeted out. The Cardiac Cats.
Drew Franklin
Cardiac Cats. Clawback Cats come from behind Cats. We'll figure it out. We'd have to commit now know we'll get one, we'll get one soon.
Billy Rutledge
Okay, as long as the alliteration is the important part.
Drew Franklin
Let's get this last call. I'm starting to worry you're just gonna start calling Buddy and we're gonna do another.
Billy Rutledge
I don't know who this is they're on though.
Drew Franklin
I don't either. I. I just work here. Who are you?
Billy Rutledge
Hello?
Drew Franklin
Hi.
Caller/Listener
Hello.
Drew Franklin
Hi. Who are you?
Caller/Listener
Hello. It's Buddy.
Drew Franklin
Hey, Buddy, take us home. What you got?
Caller/Listener
Yes, indeed. How you doing? I think we played a really great match tonight. And I think the European American boy did a real nice job of that steel. I think that changed the complexion of the rest of the mat, you know, I think that turned the. Turn the tide for us, sir. And I'm a first time caller and never called in before, but had a call in one time, the first time ever. But I think we all call them the Thermonuclear Cats. You know, we just destroyed that Knoxville and I got a song for you if you let me sing it. You'll always be a little brother to me. Good old Rocky Slop. Rocky Slop, Tennessee indeed, sir. What a great victory for the Cats. And I'll have to hang up and go on with. Anyway, your show's really well. I had to wait for a while to get in, but keep on trying. I. I'm expecting a national championship. I'll say right now that's what I'm expecting every year, you know. Got my teams, you know, see what we can do.
Drew Franklin
Where are you from, Buddy? Before I let you go, I like hearing from you for the first time. I like your vibes. Good vibes. Born in Louisville.
Caller/Listener
Okay, yes, I was a born in Louisville, but I've been all around the world. Many places indeed. I was in the Navy for six years. Ended up in Scotland for two of them. And, you know, I think Glasgow's like boot camp for alcoholics. There's only five colors. It rains every day. You walk down the pier, halfway gets wet, half it gets dry. I tell you, submarine repair. Oh, my Lord. Babe, it was. It was back in the 80s and now I remember. First time I remember a Kentucky man, I finally went. My first match was last year at the Thompson Bowling Arena. If you get there before 2 o', clock, you can park free. Why is that? All afternoon. Like, you know, he's. Soccer, football matches we go to. We hang around all day. Walk through the campus and everything. That's huge. Anyway, you know, and then we won down there. But, you know. You know, they're calling Pope Pooh now. Come on now. You know he's doing that.
Drew Franklin
People.
Caller/Listener
I think. Yeah, I think you add up their IQs, you're making the negative numbers. But anyway. Yeah, two people. But anyway. Good to hear from you, Buddy. I don't know about the end of it. It almost broke into a hockey match, but A hockey game. But we won that too. We're going with you. We'll see you next time. Thanks a lot. And go. Big blue and big blue line. Indeed, sir. Ciao.
Drew Franklin
All right. Thank you, Buddy. What a great. What a great way to end it. Buddy had a lot going on there. Called it the match. The chow lived in Scotland. I've been to Scotland. Great time.
Billy Rutledge
I love Buddy.
Drew Franklin
I can't recommend Scotland.
Billy Rutledge
Wait until he calls back again. I was trying to place that accent. Maybe that was a little Scottish.
Drew Franklin
See? Well, one Buddy call back anytime. I enjoyed hearing from you. Great first call. Ooh. But Billy, that's why we went back to the phone lines. Those. Those last three there were really good.
Billy Rutledge
Syndicate. Tanner. And now Buddy. That was a good way to end it, Drew.
Drew Franklin
And now we gotta. We gotta go home. Broncos up three. Oh, in Denver for you NFL fans, big night for that. I heard Vandy beat Florida. We didn't see the end of that. We'll just go with whoever said that. I think my dad said that. He wouldn't lie to me. And we'll shut it down here on the Central Kentucky select Toyota dealers KSR postgame show after Kentucky beats Tennessee 80 to 78 to get a winning record in the SEC. We'll be back next week.
Caller/Listener
You know, Donald, I just want to.
Drew Franklin
Scream out into this canyon and tell the whole world T Mobile's got home Internet. Do exactly T Mobile's got home Internet. Let me try. T Mobile's got home Internet. How much is it cost?
Caller/Listener
35 bucks a month and it's guaranteed for five years.
Drew Franklin
I'm switching T Mobile's got home Internet. Just 35 bucks a month with auto pay and any voice line and it's.
Billy Rutledge
Guaranteed for five years.
Drew Franklin
Taxes of these applies. ET mobile.com isb for details and exclusions, this is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jewels. Sunday mornings I've got my game day ritual, coffee, lucky socks and now new morning Uncrustable sandwiches.
Billy Rutledge
It's all about that 12 gram protein.
Drew Franklin
Boost with the new uncrustables. Bright Eyed berry or up and apple flavors. Bright Eye Berries got a feisty receiver.
Billy Rutledge
Energy up an apple. Your classic do it all tight end.
Drew Franklin
Soft, pillowy, packed with protein and easy enough for Gronk to grab from the freezer. Whether you're on the couch, driving to.
Billy Rutledge
The tailgate or heading to the locker room, New morning Uncrustable sandwiches are the MVP of snacks.
Drew Franklin
Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with new morning Uncrustable sandwiches packed with.
Billy Rutledge
12 grams of protein.
Drew Franklin
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Billy Rutledge
Built with guardrails in place.
Drew Franklin
Try Greenlight Risk free today@greenlight.com iheartra that's greenlight.com iheart hey, it's Covino and Rich. Super Bowl 60 is coming fast.
Billy Rutledge
If you're hosting, make the smartest play now.
Drew Franklin
Upgrade before game week before the stores get picked over before kickoff sneaks up on you. Go with the TCL ultimate series, the QM8K or the QM9K Ultimate Brightness Ultimate Black levels for the ultimate game day experience.
Billy Rutledge
From the coin toss to the final drive, this is super bowl football stadium. Lights, fast cuts, big hits and bigger debates.
Drew Franklin
Was he in? Did it move?
Billy Rutledge
Did it cross with tcl?
Drew Franklin
The replay looks obvious. The picture is so real it feels like you're on the 50 at Levi's Stadium.
Billy Rutledge
You'll catch the ball, spin on a deep shot, the toe drag on the sideline.
Drew Franklin
No blur, no squinting, no run it.
Billy Rutledge
Back and go big with sizes up.
Drew Franklin
To the massive 98 inch class. Every seat is a great seat, even the one by the snack table.
Billy Rutledge
Table on sale now at all major retailers.
Drew Franklin
Get it while supplies last.
Billy Rutledge
TCL is the official TV partner of the NFL and Super Bowl 60.
This postgame episode captures the exhilarating aftermath of Kentucky’s dramatic 80-78 come-from-behind victory over Tennessee in Knoxville. The KSR crew (Drew Franklin and Billy Rutledge) revel in the joy of another road win against a bitter rival, dissect the Cats’ wild second-half comeback, identify key player performances, and share listener calls that echo the euphoric mood of Big Blue Nation.
The episode is pure Kentucky fandom—jubilant, irreverent, and full of inside jokes about rivals, team identity crises, and bench dynamics. The hosts bounce from technical basketball breakdowns to playful ribbing of Tennessee fans (including Drew’s dad), and the energy never dips below raucous as calls pour in all hour. The recurring theme is UK’s newfound grit: a team that keeps clawing back, refuses to fold, and—though still flawed—has BBN justifiably optimistic for the rest of the SEC season.
This postgame show is equal parts catharsis and chaos: a celebration of Kentucky’s resilience, grit, and ability to break Tennessee hearts in their own building. The interplay between hosts, callers, and locker room stories makes it an essential listen—or, thanks to this summary, a vivid, replayable read.
Go Cats! Beat Tennessee (again).