Making it rain: an open letter to the team.

Dear Kentucky 2010-2011,

First of all, let me say congratulations on the week that just was! Knocking off two ranked teams, capping off a perfect season at home, and preventing any East divisional sweeps is a lot to accomplish in one week! Still, something seems to be missing, doesn't it?

I think I know what that might be. A signature road win in conference; no, South Carolina doesn't count. And while some of you might be looking at this final contest as, well, no contest, I assure you that 10-6 feels a whole lot better than 9-7 going into the SEC Tournament.

Still not convinced? Chew on this: if you beat Brucie and his ragged mix of rejects, you'll not only deal him his last loss as coach of the Vols(and really, that's motivation enough), but you will likely secure a second-seeding in the SEC Tournament. We've got, what - a four-man rotation? That extra day of rest has to be looking good right about now.

So take a minute and think about it - how badly do you want to hear "Good Old Rocky Top" sung by 20,000 rednecks in orange if you let another close one slip on the road; how badly do you want to prove the talking heads - and the tweeting heads - wrong about your supposed inability to win on the road; how badly do you want to hammer a team of gun-toting, rules-violating, drug-illiciting snitches?

That's what I thought. Just remember: you're Kentucky, and they're not. You're more talented, fundamentally better, and have a coach who has about a million more wins.

Now go out there and win like it's the reason you were brought to Kentucky!

Sincerely,
Your devoted, traveling circus of fans.