Recently, Zach took a look at progress made thus far by coaches in their third season as head coach. In most peoples opinion, by a coach's third season, he's playing with enough of "his guys" to merit judgement. Regarding Mark Stoops at Kentucky, Zach noted that while the on-field talent and performance is unquestionably better, the wins column isn't necessarily reflective of those gains.
So, what is a program to do about this? Well, one way to enhance the number of victories is to schedule "wisely".
Apparently, UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart recognizes this as well. As Jon Hale reports, in June, Barnhart negotiated a contract with New Mexico State which will bring NMSU to Lexington for a September 2016 matchup. In the last four years, New Mexico State has only beaten two FBS opponents, Idaho and Georgia State. That's about as "guaranteed" of a victory over an FBS opponent as Kentucky could arrange...and arrange they did, to the tune of a whole lot of cheese.
The contract calls for a payment of $1.3 million to NMSU. That is a lot; but not the largest we've ever heard of. However, we're not done yet, my friends. In addition to the $1.3 million payment for the game, UK had to agree to bring New Mexico State's basketball team to Kentucky for a game at Rupp Arena. Oh, and get this, UK has to pay NMSU another $120,000 related to that game as well. Son, apparently NMSU understands supply and demand. $1.4 million +, and two "TV games" is a pretty good haul for New Mexico State, and will certainly cover a good bit of the annual cost of operating New Mexico State athletics.
While I have no doubt Kentucky will record the victory on the field in September, I actually don't think there are any losers in this deal.