Yesterday, the Cardinals learned that they are ranked No. 11 in the nation after the AP Polls were released on Monday morning. Louisville basketball fans are disappointed to be left out of the top 10, but the truth is that preseason rankings truly don't mean much.
Louisville will have plenty of opportunities to make a statement and to prove their worth. The Cardinals have a gauntlet of a nonconference schedule as they will face No. 14 Arkansas, No. 18 Tennessee, and No. 19 Kansas in a preseason showdown. They will also face Baylor, Memphis, and Cincinnati, making it clear that this team has numerous opportunities to earn the respect it deserves.
However, the AP Poll has just revealed one glaring truth, and that is that the Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats' showdown on November 11 is a massive game for both teams.
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AP Polls just lit a spark for Louisville basketball against Kentucky
The Wildcats come in ranked just two spots ahead of Louisville at No. 9, while Louisville sits at No. 11. Both teams have two cupcake opponents to open the year, but then on that November 11 date, they will clash and set their seasons up.
The Cardinals are being slightly disrespected and underrated at No. 11, making this game a crucial test for their resume. Last year, Louisville fans saw the Cards being disrespected and seeded No. 8 in the NCAA Tournament. If Louisville can earn a win over Kentucky, they will prove they are the real deal, and they truly didn't duck any smoke.
The AP Poll won't just light a spark in this Cardinals team to grab respect, but it makes this blockbuster showdown worth all the hype it has received over the offseason. Both teams have added multiple 5-star players and will feature many new faces, making this one of the most highly anticipated games in college basketball.
This rivalry is one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports, and the AP Poll sets the showdown up for a heated and intense clash. Louisville has struggled against the Wildcats in the past, but with Mikel Brown Jr., Isaac McKneely, Ryan Conwell, and others, the fans believe this year is different.
A win over Kentucky is a huge milestone, but a win that early in the season, especially over a top-10 team, makes it even more significant. The AP Poll ranking Louisville just outside the top 10 gives the Cardinals a huge opportunity to earn a statement win, and it just so happens their opportunity to show their worth is against their biggest rival and three games in the season.
While many fans dislike seeing this game in early November, Cardinals fans are starting to view it as a blessing in disguise, as they now have the opportunity to send a message to the entire nation.
Related: Louisville's non-conference schedule proves the Kentucky clash is on the perfect date
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.