HOOVER, Ala. -- Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson has been able to beat Kentucky coach Rich Brooks just one time in five meetings. However, Johnson's respect for Brooks developed before the UK-Vanderbilt rivalry started and he's not surprised by the success UK has had under Brooks.
The Vanderbilt coach shared his thoughts on Brooks during the Southeastern Conference Media Days here Wednesday.
Question: Has the success Rich Brooks has had the last two years at Kentucky with eight-win seasons and back-to-back bowl victories surprised you?
Johnson: "I knew coach Brooks from back when he was with the Atlanta Falcons (as defensive coordinator) and I was (head coach) at Furman. I knew he was an outstanding coach.
"Kentucky has a lot of fan base and some resources. I knew it was just a matter of time for somebody to go in there and really get that program started. I think he has shown Kentucky can certainly be a force in SEC football, and not just SEC basketball.
