3. Louisville looking for revenge
This can be an early-season statement game for Louisville basketball. This team has immense hype and will need to show this fanbase that they can beat Kentucky. This is more than a game; this is a year-long worth of bragging rights. The Cardinals are 2-8 in their last 10 games against the Wildcats, including a close loss last season.
This game is scheduled much earlier than it usually is. The game is scheduled to take place on November 11. This could have significant implications. The Cardinals have multiple players who are new to the program with projected big-time roles. They could still be figuring things out going into the Kentucky game. Luckily for them, they will already be battle-tested once, with an opening game against the Kansas Jayhawks.
Louisville basketball not only believes it can go a long way in the postseason, but it also believes it can and will beat Kentucky. This game can be one that they look back on later in the season and point to as the starting point, saying this is where the fire began. The Cardinals will be seeking sweet revenge on the Wildcats after three straight losses in the last three seasons.
Related: Louisville's non-conference schedule proves the Kentucky clash is on the perfect date