The excitement of being a UK fan was unmatched in 1976. After a 25-year drought of not attending a bowl game, UK went 7 and 4 in 1976 to attend the Peach Bowl. They ultimately beat North Carolina 21 to nothing, and overall had an inspiring season being led by coach Bear Bryant.
Mike Martin, a linebacker, was the defensive star in the 1976 Peach Bowl for UK. As just a junior, he was named Outstanding Defensive player of the game. Having grown up in Central Florida, Martin had originally signed to play at Miami as a senior in high school under coach Fran Curci. Three weeks later in December, Curci took a new job at Kentucky. Thankfully for Martin, Curci flew all nine of the Miami recruits to Kentucky, and all nine of them signed for UK. Martin explained how he was never all that excited to go to Miami. He was pressured by his high school coach, other college coaches, and his best friend who all wanted him to attend Miami. Martin explained how he was not happy with that decision, but it was what it was. So, when Curci offered Martin to play at UK, he jumped at the opportunity. Martin recalls how all nine recruits were taken to a UK basketball game, and after feeling the energy of the fans, they were bought in to the program.
Martin recants how UK had to beat Tennessee to make it into the Peach Bowl – something UK hadn’t done in 12 years. But UK prevailed and were able to advance to the Peach Bowl. Mike Martin talked some about his amazing performance in the Peach Bowl in 1976. He gives all the credit to the defensive coordinator for the team at the time, Charlie Bailey. Martin explained how Bailey worked hard with the defense to make sure they were prepared for any scenario. Martin also explained how occasionally he will go on YouTube and watch clips of the game and is still amazed at how many guys were around the running back or receiver when running the ball.
Overall, the 1976 season for University of Kentucky was successful. While they went 7-4 on the regular season, those four losses were all to ranked programs, other than Mississippi State. However, after the season Mississippi State would be put on probation for recruiting violations, so that win would go back to UK, making them 8-3 on the season; one of the best years they’d had in a long time.
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