Saddle up, Kentucky Dudes! Welcome to this week's roundup of Bluegrass living.

➡️ In case you missed last week’s round-up

A Smoky Good Time: A Family BBQ Adventure

Fire Up the Smoker, Dad!

Looking to elevate your BBQ game this holiday season? Discover the art of smoking a turkey, Kentucky style. From mastering the brine to the smoke, our step-by-step guide will help you create a showstopping centerpiece that'll have your guests reaching for seconds.

The best part? This isn't just about cooking—it's about family. Grab the kids for brining duty, let them monitor the smoker temperature, and create memories that'll last longer than the leftovers. And don't worry about fancy equipment—my $64 auction-bought smoker proves that great BBQ is about skill and love, not price tags. Keep reading How to Smoke a Turkey to start your family’s smoking adventure. Keep reading, 1-minute read, KY Dude Original

Smoke-on, Kentucky Dudes!

Louisville Shines on Turkey-Day Eve: A Hoosier Beatdown for the Ages

Holy Cardinal, did Louisville come to play on Turkey-Day Eve! If you missed the second half of their game against Indiana, you might think the Cardinals were auditioning to join the NBA. For a stretch, it looked like they could take on the Lakers and give LeBron a headache.

At halftime, Louisville led by eight, and the Hoosiers seemed poised to make it a game. They even cut the lead to six early in the second half. But then, Chucky Hepburn decided he’d had enough of that nonsense and took over. It was like watching the Globetrotters toy with the Generals—minus the confetti-filled buckets.

Every third play seemed to go the same way: Indiana would either cough up the ball or clank a three-pointer, and Louisville would grab the rebound and run. The energy, execution, and sheer dominance were a sight to behold. The Cardinals put on a clinic in the second half, turning what could have been a close game into a statement win.

A Season to Get Excited About

Let’s face it: this basketball season is shaping up to be something special for the Bluegrass State. Sure, if you’re a Kentucky fan, cheering for Louisville might feel as natural as eating tofu on Thanksgiving. But you’ve got to respect what Pat Kelsey and Mark Pope are building. These are coaches who get it, who are bringing excitement back to the hardwood.

And let’s not forget about the Cats. Western Kentucky gave Kentucky all they could handle on Tuesday night, reminding everyone that even the so-called smaller programs in Kentucky can ball. It’s a good time to be a basketball fan in the Commonwealth.

Nostalgia and Hope

This season feels like a callback to the glory days of Denny Crum and Joe B. Hall. Back when Kentucky and Louisville were both powerhouses, and every game was a war. As someone who grew up in that era, I can’t help but feel a little giddy about what’s brewing this year.

So, whether you bleed blue or red—or even a little green from envy—this season has the potential to make Kentucky basketball great again. The Cardinals are flying high, the Cats are clawing their way back, and the Hoosiers…well, maybe they’ll recover after this turkey of a performance.

Final Thoughts

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Louisville played out of their minds, and their fans deserve to bask in this one. Meanwhile, Kentucky showed grit against WKU, and the state is buzzing with basketball fever.

No matter who you root for, it’s shaping up to be a season to remember. Here’s hoping the excitement keeps building—and that we get more nights like this one to remind us why we love the game.

Governor's Cup 2024: The Showdown Kentucky and Louisville Fans Have Been Waiting For

The annual Governor's Cup between Kentucky and Louisville isn't just another game on the calendar. This year's matchup has extra spice, with Louisville's #BeatUK trending and both programs at pivotal moments.

Stakes are high – we're talking state pride, bragging rights, and possibly coaching futures. In a season where both teams have shown flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle, this rivalry game could define their entire year. With both programs at a crossroads, Saturday's winner might just claim more than the usual trophy.

Read more about the history of the Govenor’s Cup here 

Why Cutter Boley Could Shine Against Louisville and Beyond

Cutter Boley’s breakout performance against Murray State shows why Kentucky’s future might start this Saturday. In just one half, the freshman completed 10 of 14 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, igniting an offense that had struggled under Brock Vandagriff’s leadership. Vandagriff, though solid with 183 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, faltered in sustaining drives—highlighted by missed opportunities despite 13-play efforts​

Boley’s ability to generate first downs consistently and energize a stagnating offense demonstrates poise under pressure, even if the stakes weren’t high. Against Louisville, Boley’s fresh approach could exploit defensive vulnerabilities with precision and confidence. His readiness now sets the stage for a transformative 2025 season, offering Kentucky fans a QB they can rally behind​

As Kentucky faces a talented Louisville team, Boley has the opportunity to prove he's not just the quarterback of tomorrow—he’s the one for today.

The Brohm Revolution: Louisville’s Rise from Mediocrity

Over in Cardinal country, Jeff Brohm has done what many thought impossible: he has made Louisville football exciting again. The offense is a fireworks show, with quarterback Shough leading the charge. Wide receivers run routes so crisp you could package them as bourbon biscuits.

A win here wouldn’t just be sweet; it would be a cherry on top of a season that already tastes pretty-darn good. For Louisville fans, the Governor's Cup represents more than state bragging rights; it proves the Brohm era is no fluke.

Kentucky vs. Louisville is Must-Watch TV

This Kentucky-Louisville game is crucial: Stoops could be coaching to secure his future, while Louisville aims to solidify their ACC status. It’s not just a rivalry—it’s a family feud with bragging rights on the line.

Predictions? No, But Here’s Some Free Advice

• For Kentucky: Stick with a consistent quarterback—give Cutter Boley a real chance to settle in and find his rhythm.

• For Louisville: Stay sharp—rivalry games are unpredictable, and Kentucky might surprise you.

• For fans: Get your game-day snacks ready and maybe ignore the X (Twitter) drama. This year's Governor’s Cup could be unforgettable—unless you're on the losing side!

 🏈 How Kentucky's Top Teams Fared This Week

🏈 Football High School Football

Only 24 Kentucky high school teams remain with at least one major upset as #1 Boyle County being defeated by #20 Covington Catholic 31-28 in Class 4A. With upsets in throughout the Classes, we’re set to see new state champions this season in at least Class 1A, 2A, and 4A.

KY Highschool Football Playoff bracket - 1A | 2A | 3A | 4A | 5A | 6A

The Corn Wars: Kentucky Bourbon Fun Fact

The battle for bourbon supremacy starts in Kentucky's cornfields, not distilleries. Each year, Kentucky's bourbon industry devours 9.1 million bushels of corn, sparking fierce competition among farmers to grow the perfect bourbon-worthy grain.

Some farmers have developed exclusive corn varieties for specific distilleries, turning their fields into battlegrounds of flavor innovation. The real "Corn Wars" aren't fought with weapons, but with carefully guarded growing techniques passed down through generations of Kentucky farmers.

Next time you raise a glass, remember – behind every great bourbon is a Kentucky farmer who won their own Corn War.

How to Tell a Joke (Without Sounding Like You’re Trying Too Hard)

Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving dinners are a perfect time for dad jokes, but there’s always that one relative who really overdoes it. You know the one—the guy who thinks he’s the funniest person in the room, but his jokes hit harder than Aunt Suzie’s pumpkin pie... and not in a good way. Ready to avoid those cringe-worthy moments?

Keep reading How to Tell a Joke (Without Sounding Like You’re Trying Too Hard) to find out how to tell a joke without sounding like you’re trying too hard. Your family will thank you... eventually. 3-minute read, KY Dude Original

By saying no to distractions, we make room for the work that truly matters—whether that’s a career-defining project or the things that keep us grounded, like family and personal time.

Start here, and don’t be afraid to say “NO”

• Grow a set of balls - why are you worried about what people think?

• Prioritize your goals - know what matters.

• Be polite, but firm - “I can’t take that on right now” works wonders.

• Let go of guilt - Saying no isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength.

In Kentucky, we respect our time and our boundaries. Saying no isn’t just smart; it’s essential for growth.

🦌The Haunting of Kentucky’s Hunting Season: Tales of Big Rubs, Bigger Scrapes, and the Elusive Ghost Buck

As the sun sets on Kentucky’s 2024 hunting season, I’m left staring at a wall that should, by all accounts, be adorned with a new trophy. Instead, it’s just me, an empty hook, and a nagging feeling that the Ghost Buck is laughing somewhere out there.

You know the one I’m talking about. Every hunter worth his salt has a story about him. The massive tracks in the mud that measure closer to moose than deer. The rubs so high up the cedar tree you’re wondering if Paul Bunyan’s pet made a visit. And scrapes so fresh and clean, they practically….. Keep Reading, 3-minute read, KY Dude Original

🐟 Crappie Fishing in Kentucky

Winter is usually the time to go back indoor and stay warm. However, for those who enjoy solitude and having lakes and rivers completely to themselves, winter is the best time to get outside and fish. Contrary to the stubborn beliefs of many anglers, fish bite all winter long.

💪🏽 Fitness in Kentucky 

Just Start: Overcoming Gym Intimidation

Ever walked into a gym and immediately felt like the smallest guy in the room? Like, you're convinced even the treadmill is judging you?

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s the grunts of the heavy lifters or the sea of perfectly coordinated workout gear, gym intimidation is real. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever felt like a deer in headlights while trying to figure out the best way to not look like a newbie, this is for you.

Keep reading Just Start: Overcoming Gym Intimidation to learn how to stop worrying about what others think and start focusing on getting the results you want. Trust me, you won’t need a bench press to carry this advice. 2-minute read, KY Dude Original

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