Story: Can RP get out of his rivalry rut? He's 3-10 in his last 13 vs. UK

[Smashcat]

Yet even with all that negative history working against Pitino, Kentucky fans might be wise to be a bit nervous about the Dec. 26 throwdown in Rupp Arena.

The reason is not because the Sagarin Ratings would make Louisville a slight favorite. Nor because the RPI essentially had UK (12th) and U of L (13th) dead even through games of Dec. 13.


No, the reasons for Big Blue concern are twofold. One, U of L (7-1) has looked far better this season than many expected. I predicted Louisville was as likely to end up in the NIT as the NCAA Tournament.

Instead, the Cardinals are shooting 51.6 percent and beating foes on the boards by almost 17 rebounds a contest.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article49731260.html#storylink=cpy

 

[wcc31]

It's been a pretty crazy formula to reap that record- having the worse team every time but once.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Even though we are 7-1 with Cal .... when has the game ever been easy? Its a rivalry game where anything can happen but I think with UL climbing up the rankings and no one taking them lightly anymore..... plays into UK's hands even better. Its going to take one awful game by UK to lose IMHO because this is one of those games the fans can carry the team to victory if UK even has a poor shooting day.

 

[WeWant9]

I guess I didn't realize the overall record Pitino has against UK. Even Tubby had him at 4-2. Cal at 7-1, and of course the honorable Billy laid a goose egg 0-2.

These games are always tough, and this will be similar. We need to knock down free throws, if we struggle we will let UL stay in the game. I'm hoping this will be Skals coming out party.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

The short answer is : No.

The long answer is: Hell to the No.

 

[Ugoff]

Kentucky fans might be wise to be a bit nervous about the Dec. 26 throwdown in Rupp Arena.

OK, I'll try if you think it'll help us win. Anything for the cause, Mark.

 

[Xception]

Pitino had visions of rouitinely beating UK and overtaking us as the preeminent program in the state when he became the UL coach , it was the primary part of his plan and the reason he chose to coach at UL because he thought he could do it . He would have done it eventually if it weren't for UK combining with Cal to make for an explosive duo that completely altered the programs trajectory , we have also done it clean while UL is embroiled in one scandal after another .

 

[Roe07]

Pitino had visions of rouitinely beating UK and overtaking us as the preeminent program in the state when he became the UL coach , it was the primary part of his plan and the reason he chose to coach at UL because he thought he could do it . He would have done it eventually if it weren't for UK combining with Cal to make for an explosive duo that completely altered the programs trajectory , we have also done it clean while UL is embroiled in one scandal after another .

Which is exactly why he publicly suggested that UK should hire Pelphrey or Ford after Billy G was fired. He knew he could dominate the big blue with either of those two at the helm. His worst nightmare became true the second Calipari landed in Lexington.

 

[Mojocat]

I guess I didn't realize the overall record Pitino has against UK.

So, RP is 5-11 against UK at UofL, which includes of course the 2-0 mark he had against Clyde. RP was 6-2 against UofL while the UK coach. Put that altogether and in UK/UofL games that Pitino has coached in, UK is 17-7, a winning percentage of 71. No contest. And a marker of sorts in the argument of whether Pitino made UK or UK made Pitino......

 

[blubo]

Kentucky fans might be wise to be a bit nervous about the Dec. 26 throwdown in Rupp Arena.

OK, I'll try if you think it'll help us win. Anything for the cause, Mark.

when are we not nervous?

 

[tmuck]

I can remember listening to Sports talk on 84WHAS after we beat them Rick's first year, all of the linebeard's were calling in and saying he would never lose to UK again. Or he would dominate the series like he did when he was coaching UK against UL.

 

[Blueblood22]

His last two wins against us were against our NIT teams, where they barely won, on their home court, and one team won the National Title and the other was an Elite Eight finisher, and was considered a favorite to win it all that year going into the tournament.

Shall I continue?

 

[wcc31]

Even though we are 7-1 with Cal .... when has the game ever been easy?

2011 season was pretty easy. And besides the '14 S16 game, it's not like there have been any nailbiters, either. Nearly all of Cal's wins have been rather comfortable.

 

[cal=8]

If the Cards play as well as they did against Mich. State, it will be a very difficult game. I look for them to try to get Lee and Skal in foul trouble early.. It'll be interesting to see if we can get anything from Wynard. That could end up being the key.

 

[ukfan79]

2011 season was pretty easy. And besides the '14 S16 game, it's not like there have been any nailbiters, either. Nearly all of Cal's wins have been rather comfortable.

Yeah this is always one of those things that people throw out there without looking at the numbers.

Since 1990 when Pitino arrived at UK, we have won 19 games against UL with an average score of 75.4-63.3....an average win of 11.1 points. UL has won 8 of these meetings by an average score of 79.9-72.3....an average win of 7.6 points.

Of the 27 games, only 9 were decided by 7 points or less, 18 were decided by 8 points or more.

Thank you Jon Scott for making this research rather easy.

 

[The_Answer1313]

Why be nervous?

It's a regular season game.

If UL does win.......they still have an awful record vs UK the past years and Cal still pwns them.

It's not the end of the world.

Looking at their weak schedule, they need the win more than we do lol

 

[Mojocat]

I can remember listening to Sports talk on 84WHAS after we beat them Rick's first year, all of the linebeard's were calling in and saying he would never lose to UK again. Or he would dominate the series like he did when he was coaching UK against UL.

Yep, I recall that too, and those were exact words for some of them. We beat them something like 80-62, and after that, and then especially after the second year, when they beat us by about the same 18 point margin if my memory is right, heard a lot of crowing "they'll never beat him again!". ha!

 

[W_Heisenberg]

Give UK the UL schedule...we are undefeated and average margin of victory is 50. Their only saving grace is playing MSU close (which UF just did btw...and UF is horrible).

They can think all they want and look at any computer ranking out there that shows their team and our team as equals...but in truth they are an average at best team and we are an elite team...period.

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

I want UL fans to have hope that they are going to finally beat us. It will make crushing their souls that much more enjoyable.

UL is playing better than I thought they would but I still want to see them beat a ranked team before we start anointing them a player.

This is the game where I believe Ullis declares his slump from the outside over.

 

[irishcat1965]

Why exactly would it be wise to be nervous? Like UK fans being nervous has absolutely anything to do with the outcome of the game.

 

[caneintally]

Nope . Azzwhooping in store for that team who is sorry despite their record. I have said this is the worst UL team in 10 years I will stand by that . UK 78-UL 61 .

 

[DraftCat]

Louisville chance at beating us was surprising us. Now that the Cats know they are a worthy opponent we won't take them lightly. I predict a 8-10 point win at Rupp.

 

[.S&C.]

Pitino had visions of rouitinely beating UK and overtaking us as the preeminent program in the state when he became the UL coach , it was the primary part of his plan and the reason he chose to coach at UL because he thought he could do it . He would have done it eventually if it weren't for UK combining with Cal to make for an explosive duo that completely altered the programs trajectory , we have also done it clean while UL is embroiled in one scandal after another .

Getting Calipari and all of these NBA studs through the door continues our rein for the long haul and foreseeable future. Landing Cal was essential in that. We could not afford another screw up.

Your post is why I hate Pitino. He wanted to dominate UK. It will never happen and now he knows it.

 

[.S&C.]

Why exactly would it be wise to be nervous? Like UK fans being nervous has absolutely anything to do with the outcome of the game.

No, but when a fan is nervous it just means he cares. Not sure what this post is about.

 

[Zakk Wyldcat]

Not surprising UL is 'better' than expected - RP didn't fall ass backward into the HoF, after all. However, all of his teams at UK and UL have beaten the crap out of inferior foes due to style of play(pressing, 3s, etc). When facing an equal or superior those advantages go away so don't let margin of victory fool you. Will be a close-ish game but Cats will win. IMO

 

[Bkocats]

nervous about this game - but not really thinking about it yet (ok, TRYING not to, lol)
We took a big step forward in the 2nd half of the ASU game; let's see if we can play two halves against OSU this weekend.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

If the gm was in the Yum, Id be concerned.
Its not and I am not concerned.
UK will hammer them.

 

[JohnBlue_]

I believe chance dictates that he wins one every once in a while. Even if he wins this year that doesn't take anything away from how Cal has owned him. He's too far behind at this point.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I believe chance dictates that he wins one every once in a while. Even if he wins this year that doesn't take anything away from how Cal has owned him. He's too far behind at this point.

Not gonna chance into a win at Rupp.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

UL has played a horrendous schedule and has zero good wins with one good loss. If UL fanbase wasn't filled with a bunch of lemmings, I'm sure that they would complain about the pathetic slate, but they never question anything their coaches or athletic director do.

 

[kyjeff1]

nervous about this game - but not really thinking about it yet (ok, TRYING not to, lol)
We took a big step forward in the 2nd half of the ASU game; let's see if we can play two halves against OSU this weekend.

I'm with you, I don't think most people in this thread realize how good Louisville actually is. Lee and Mitchell present challenges that our guys have struggled with.
I hope to see some big leaps forward this Saturday in Brooklyn because if Skal is still MIA and we are still struggling with our outside shooting I won't feel as confident as most others do.
Right now I fully believe UL can come in and win this game but I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Dig Dirkler]

I ain't skeered.

 

[2Adulterers]

ESCORTino is going down like Sypher's panties

 

[2Adulterers]

I'm with you, I don't think most people in this thread realize how good Louisville actually is. Lee and Mitchell present challenges that our guys have struggled with.
I hope to see some big leaps forward this Saturday in Brooklyn because if Skal is still MIA and we are still struggling with our outside shooting I won't feel as confident as most others do.
Right now I fully believe UL can come in and win this game but I hope I'm wrong.

no way that happens....ESCORTINO rear entry tightens up at the sign of UK

 

[The_Answer1313]

I'm with you, I don't think most people in this thread realize how good Louisville actually is. Lee and Mitchell present challenges that our guys have struggled with.
I hope to see some big leaps forward this Saturday in Brooklyn because if Skal is still MIA and we are still struggling with our outside shooting I won't feel as confident as most others do.
Right now I fully believe UL can come in and win this game but I hope I'm wrong.

I agree. I mean they just took MSU on the road to within 4 points. I don't see why they couldn't do that against us at this point. I think we win, but it'll be close.

 

[2Adulterers]

I can remember listening to Sports talk on 84WHAS after we beat them Rick's first year, all of the linebeard's were calling in and saying he would never lose to UK again. Or he would dominate the series like he did when he was coaching UK against UL.

SEXTino is in a final decline of his scummy run at uavel

 

[Aike]

They aren't any more likely to beat us than any other year, and they hardly ever beat us.

Sure, anything is possible. But if you are legitimately "scared" of Louisville coming into Rupp and beating us, then you need a new hobby.

 

[cardinals1970]

UL has played a horrendous schedule and has zero good wins with one good loss. If UL fanbase wasn't filled with a bunch of lemmings, I'm sure that they would complain about the pathetic slate, but they never question anything their coaches or athletic director do.

I can't argue that the OOC part is soft with the exceptions of Uk and Mich St. However once we move in conference we still have Duke twice, Virginia twice, UNC and Miami that are currently in the Top 25. While UK I believe only games the test of the year against the Top 25 is UofL, Kansas and Texas A&M as the polls are right now. So really games vs Top25 over the season will end up pretty much even as far as the two schools go.

 

[marshalfan]

I can't argue that the OOC part is soft with the exceptions of Uk and Mich St. However once we move in conference we still have Duke twice, Virginia twice, UNC and Miami that are currently in the Top 25. While UK I believe only games the test of the year against the Top 25 is UofL, Kansas and Texas A&M as the polls are right now. So really games vs Top25 over the season will end up pretty much even as far as the two schools go.

I think it will be a very tough game. UL has lots of back court experience with 2 fifth year seniors. They also have several big physical players. Their inside players are not extremely skilled but they are physical and could give us fits. Poythress and Lee cannot get in foul trouble.

 

[Aike]

I think it will be a very tough game. UL has lots of back court experience with 2 fifth year seniors. They also have several big physical players. Their inside players are not extremely skilled but they are physical and could give us fits. Poythress and Lee cannot get in foul trouble.

Considering the directive on freedom of movement, I will be surprised if UL gets away with their usual brutality on our home court. Everyone in the country will be paying attention.

If it were at Yum, I might feel a little differently.