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Kentucky outranks Vols to stay perfect in SEC

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Watch out, SEC: Kentucky is back on track

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Keith Bogans made a bold prediction in the newspaper prior to the Tennessee-Kentucky game. He pulled a Joe Willie Namath, guaranteeing the Wildcats would beat the Vols.

Bogans talked the talk, and then he walked the walk. The guard backed up his statement with a big-time performance. He said, "This is our turf, and the Vols won't walk out of Rupp with a W." Bogans played under control, took good shots and Kentucky scored its seventh straight win.

There are still some who dream of Rick Pitino returning to Lexington. ... Forget about that.

I was really impressed with the unselfish play of the 'Cats. Kentucky was able to convert fourth-ranked Tennessee's turnovers into points in transition. Tubby Smith's team did a great job moving the basketball and the passing led to open looks on the perimeter.

Defensively, the Wildcats did a nice job of challenging every one of the Vols' shots. They moved their feet and were in good position. They also did a great job closing off the passing lanes, helping each other. The 'Cats got back and defended in transition and simply outhustled and outscrapped Jerry Green's talented club.

This was clearly a different Kentucky team than the one I saw lose to Georgia Tech earlier this season. The Wildcats are on the verge of having a great season. Consider the fact that their five losses all came by five points or less, including a Maalox Masher against top-five Michigan State.

If Kentucky can shoot well on the perimeter, watch out. With the way the 'Cats can defend, they are a dangerous team.

When the 'Cats were 3-5, people got down on the team. Tubby said things would get better and they have. He works so hard on the sidelines; most coaches who win a national championship and post the record he has would get a statue erected. Instead, there are some who do not appreciate what he has accomplished.

Keith Bogans
Keith Bogans looks for an opening as he works around Tennessee's Jon Higgins. Bogans led Kentucky with 21 points.

Yes, there are a lot of fans who understand the job Tubby has done. There are still some who dream of Rick Pitino returning to Lexington if Tubby left. Forget about that -- Pitino will be on the sidelines somewhere else next year.

A number of Kentucky players impressed me. Bogans took charge and was outstanding. Tayshaun Prince was much more active than when I saw him against Georgia Tech. Prince played like a King!

I was impressed with the way Jason Parker posted up and really wanted the ball early.

He's so strong inside, and if he gets touches, he's effective. I also felt Gerald Fitch was a positive addition to the starting lineup. He gives the 'Cats more speed and quickness. Fitch provides a spark with his enthusiasm and feeling for the game.

Then there is the crowd at Rupp. It is a great environment and the fans have such a passion for winning. The fans are so hungry and they were so loud -- the place was rocking and rolling.

Watch out for the Wildcats. They are definitely a Top 25 team with Uncle Mo (i.e., momentum) on their side.

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