The Kentucky men started the season looking less than impressive in many games. But the month of January saw major improvements, culminating in a huge rout of Kansas in Lawrence last Saturday. If the Cats can keep everyone healthy, they are likely to be a candidate for the Final Four. With losses on the road to LSU and Auburn, the Cats are two games behind Auburn (still undefeated in conference play). Auburn has a favorable schedule down the stretch. But if they trip up, UK could be in the regular-season conference title picture.
In a fairly balanced Big Ten, Ohio State is only a game-and-a-half out of the conference lead. All the key players are healthy and the Bucks have given a good account of themselves, going 6-3 so far in the conference. The three losses were all on the road to teams in the upper echelon of the league.
The Ohio State women are 8-3 in league play but were beaten badly by Michigan (twice) and Indiana. The Kentucky women are only 2-6 in conference play, which may largely be due to a number of injuries and a player suspension due to violation of team rules. Senior Rhyne Howard is still most likely a first-team All-American this year but could use some help.
The Blue Jackets are below .500 and out of the NHL playoff race. In their last two games against Florida, the Panthers scored a total of 17 goals. Columbus is a young team, and we can hope they grow up quickly and have a better year next year.
We’ve had some cold weather in January and a good bit of snow. I was sick a couple of times, and probably had Omicron at one point. But I got over it quickly.
KU4A 