Parrott

Hard to say what Clemson really has, with only playing one Power 5 opponent. If ND is able to establish the run game, which I think they will, I expect a 7-10 point victory. As mentioned before, they do have a pretty good recent history with these prime-time road games.

I've always kind of admired Clemson, just cause I think their stadium is one of the coolest venues. However, I definitely want the Irish to get it done in this one.

The running game is really looking good this year. Kizer makes some nice throws, misses on some easy ones...still growing into his role. This team probably has the most overall talent of any ND team since the early 90's.

Next week @Clemson is obviously a huge game. The toughest test of the year, in my opinion.

7 - Ludlow

5 - Cooper

3 - Newport Catholic

2 - Bracken County

1 - Grant County

TB - Ludlow

I see that Auburn snagged the 25 spot in the coaches poll. I'm not an Auburn hater, and they're actually one of the SEC teams I dislike the least...BUT that's just crazy sauce right there.

SEC Team.

That's pretty much the main reason. They are this year's version of last year's Texas A&M team.

If they even get a vote this week...they should probably just cancel all college football polls until the end of time.

Aside from the last minute...I thought it was the most impressive showing by the Irish since 2012 @ Oklahoma.

Really impressed by the defense.

Based on the opening statement that introduced this thread: "For Today's installment we will define the Top 5 Football Programs that personify Kentucky to the rest of the HS Football world," from the perspective of someone who grew up in 'the rest of the HS Football world'...the most iconic programs would be Trinity, Highlands, St. X, and Male. After that, there would be a large gap before any other teams would come to mind.

I know there are other programs that are currently, and even historically, very, very strong. However, in terms of regional & national perception, it's those 4.

7 - St. Xavier

5 - Beechwood

3 - Grant County

2 - Pendleton County

1 - Carroll County

TB - St. Xavier

Alabama

Georgia

LSU

Auburn

Missouri

Florida

Mississippi

Kentucky

Tennessee

Mississippi State

I see what you did there. I would also probably have to slip in Jacksonville St and Toledo, since they competed so fiercely with a couple of mighty, mighty SEC West teams.

Feel for Zaire...while he struggled passing today, he still was very effective on the ground, and was poised for a huge year.

I think Kizer will be ready to go for GT...and it should be a very interesting game.

On a side note...almost feel for UVa fans. That was a great chance for a big, big win for their program. But great job by Kizer to bring the Irish back for the win.

7 - Kentucky Country Day

5 - Lloyd

3 - Scott

2 - Lexington Catholic

1 - Ryle

TB - Scott

Born & raised in South Bend...Huge Irish fan. I think 10-2 is pretty realistic.. @Clemson, USC, @Stanford are the big ones. Though I'm always a little uneasy about the games in Pittsburgh & Boston.

As for the Weis vs. Kelly discussion...I don't think it's even close. Kelly has them on the right track.

One more thing...Malik Zaire is the REAL DEAL. By the time his career is over, he could very well be the best QB they've had since Tony Rice (favorite Irish player in my lifetime).

Actually pretty impressed with Michigan in this game. Their QB really hurt their chances, but the run defense looked especially strong. I'm not a Michigan fan, so I could really care less...but they are definitely improved from last year.

Beechwood

Pendleton Co.

Gallatin Co.

Campbell Co.

Scott Co.

TB - Beechwood

Pitching was definitely a real problem today, but when guys are hitting opposite field line drives that are clearing the fence by 10-15 feet.. it's time to move the fences back.

The field is just too small for a lot of those kids.

7 - Grant County

5 - Paris

3 - Simon Kenton

2 - Ryle

1 - Scott

TB - Grant County

Impressed with CAL's QB...Front 4 getting after Racke pretty good, as well.

22-16 SK @ the half

7 - Grant County

5 - Bellevue

3 - Walton-Verona

2 - Dayton

1 - Ryle

TB - Bellevue

Pulaski County should win comfortably. Jeffersonville was likely ranked based on record only, as opposed to any quality wins. 6a in southern Indiana is extremely weak right now...so even the wins they had against larger schools were not against great opposition.

Kid for S.Carolina was throwing GAS. Fastball touched 80, with a pretty nice breaking ball to go with it.

About 99.9% certain I saw Muhammad Ali in the passenger seat of a van at a gas station close to Grissom Air Force Base, IN about 20 years ago. I couldn't believe it, but everyone I was with was convinced it was him.

I've lived in NKY for 9 years, though not originally from the area, or even the state, and I would say SK is respected as a solid, but not elite program. It all depends on what the benchmark is for respect.

If they have to consistently compete with the Jefferson County schools to earn your respect, then you're going to be waiting a long time. Just as you would be for just about any other school in the state. I think the big question is, can they (or any 6a school in NKY) reach the level of 80's & 90's Boone Co. I'm not sure if they can...it's a different climate, with more solid big school programs in the area now.

The game against Highlands is a BIG one in regards to this topic. If they get smoked, it will just be "I told you so." But if they compete or win, it's a nice step toward more statewide respect.