By

The athletic department is asking all fans to blackout for the game against Rutgers University. No, they haven’t come to the realization that getting blackout drunk is the only way to watch a 5-6 team play in sub freezing weather, instead they obviously know that black is the proper color to any funeral.

As we lay to rest this season of demise, we must be aware of the legacy that this senior class has left. In the season of Thanksgiving, allow me to give thanks to the seniors for all they have done.

I am thankful for…

Brian Brohm and Harry Douglas being the college equivalent to Indianapolis Colts duo Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison.

Offensive guard Daniel Barlowe proving you can be both a student and an athlete by having a 3.96 GPA as a graduate student in exercise science while starting every game this year.

Art Carmody who will become the all time NCAA scoring leader with two points against Rutgers. I vow not to donate a cent to this school if that glorious #18 jersey is not retired.

Todd Flannery’s ability to live in the 10-foot shadow Carmody casts. It can’t be easy kicking alongside a legend.

Willie Williams not being like his namesake and eating marijuana. I prefer my Willie to be a run stopping defensive tackle rather than a convict.

Scott Kuhn having flowing blonde hair so that I always know when he is on the field. Similarly, I would like to thank linebacker Malik Jackson and safety Jon Russel for being two of 16 players with dreadlocks on the team. May this season be remembered as the year of outstanding hair.

Brandon Cox being the top rated defensive player for U of L on the NCAA Football 2008 video game. He wreaked havoc in many opponent’s digital backfields.

Preston Smith switching to linebacker. He was recruited as a quarterback, but leaves U of L a 6-1 220-pound hitman.

Deon Palmer stepping up as a starting safety. (Note: He was not in on UK’s final drive).

Patrick Carter being a quarterback for one play, when he threw the game clinching touchdown to Anthony Allen in the Orange Bowl… oh the glory days.

Tight end Gary Barnidge jumping over a man during a game this season.

Linebacker Terrance Butler and offensive tackle Breno Giacomini always playing with heart. They were a testament to how the game should be played.

All 16 of the seniors have started in at least one game this season. When we look back, I hope they are remembered for bringing U of L a BCS bowl victory and being the reason for a pending 20,000 seat expansion. These athletes don’t deserve a 5-6 record, they deserve a high-five.

Remember, a man is judged by the number of people that show up to his funeral.

So on Thursday, show up and show some respect by wearing black as we lay to rest the senior class.