Now that the 2000th victory is in the bag and UK is 13-0 on the season, the talk of an undefeated season is starting to gain momentum. Calipari has even encouraged the talk of perfection, liking the fact that his players dream big. And whether or not you think a perfect 40-0 season is possible, you have to give the Cat’s props for being a third of the way to the goal of ultimate perfection.
It’s still December and UK is only nine wins away from equalling last season’s mark of 22 wins and that got me to taking a look at the Cat’s schedule and seeing what it would take to get of to a 22-0 start. If UK is able to pull this off, they will certainly have passed some key tests in the SEC and would have answered enough questions to be a legitimate title contender.
GAME 14: 12/ 29 – Hartford Hawks (2-9) @ Rupp
The Hawks should not be much of a challenge as their biggest win of the season has been over Marist and Fordham. This is the game before UL, so UK needs to make sure they do not overlook the mighty Hawks.
GAME 15: 1/2 – Louisville Cardinals (8-3) @ Rupp
Hell hath no fury like a bitter rival taken lightly and I have been guilty as well of dismissing the Dirty Cards. The Cards seem to have rebounded from their 3 out of 4 game skid and have healed some injuries. I think that the big difference in this game will be the 24,000 at Rupp and UK should feed off that energy to win a closer than expected game and send Pitino home with a loss.
GAME 16: 1/9 – Georgia Bulldogs (6-4) @ Rupp
For their credit, these don’t appear to be last year’s Bulldogs. New coach Mark Fox has the Bulldogs playing tough ball this season and they have already claimed a big win over Illinois. That said, the Dawgs are not of the talent level to march into Rupp and claim a second straight win.
GAME 17: 1/12 – Florida Gators (8-3) @Gainesville
Being on the road, the Gators have a decent shot at handing UK their first loss of the season. It would also be a huge statement that the SEC East is wide open. But it depends on which Gators will show up: the 8-0 Gators that knocked off Michigan State and FSU …or the 0-3 Gators that lost to Richmond and South Alabama.
GAME 18: 1/16 – Auburn Tigers (6-6) @ Auburn
The Tigers have been inconsistent this season, beating Virginia, playing FSU tough, and getting blown out at home by Sam Houston State. While this game is on the road, Auburn is not going to be an insane SEC environment in which to play and this is a .500 team.
GAME 19: 1/23 – Arkansas Razorbacks – (7-5) @ Rupp
John Pelphery’s Razorbacks are still not at the level to throw a scare into the Wildcats at Rupp but you can tell that is Pelphery is given a chance, he has the Hogs on the right track. Rotnei Clark is a3-point machine, but this is not the “40 minutes of hell” Razorbacks.
GAME 20: 1/26 – South Carolina Gamecocks – (8-3) @ South Carolina
I’m not going to lie. This is a dangerous game for Kentucky. Yet, the Gamecocks are without Dominique Archie who has been lost for the season. The ‘Cocks still have Devan Downey and Wildcat fans don’t have to be reminded of how dangerous he can be. South Carolina does have a head scratching loss to Wofford this season however.
GAME 21: 1/30: – Vanderbilt Commodores – (8-3) @ Rupp
The Commodores are always a tough W and the Commodores will bring a solid, experienced team into Rupp. The ‘Dores have had a brief “team turmoil” period this season and A.J. Ogilivy has been relegated to the bench. UK usually handles the Commodores in Rupp, however.
GAME 22: 2/2 – Mississippi Rebels – (10-2) @ Rupp
If Kentucky is going to match last season’s wins totals of 22 in one incredible undefeated streak, they will earn it with the tough Rebels as the third game of a very tough stretch. The Rebels have great guard play with Chris Warren and Terrico White so it should be a good matchup for Wall and Bledsoe.
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