Welcome to rivalry weekend and the Governor’s Cup pitting Kentucky football against in-state rival Louisville, a pair of teams heading in opposite directions but bragging rights are on the line as are postseason destinations.
The host Wildcats (6-5) had a lot of preseason hype hoping to win the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division, and after a 4-0 start that included beating Florida and moving into a top 10 ranking, UK has lost five of the seven games that followed.
Louisville (7-4), on the other hand, started poorly losing 3 of its first 5 games and coach Scott Satterfield was on the coaching hot seat. The Cardinals suddenly flipped that and have now won 5 of their last 6 games and are now ranked No. 25.
Both are bowl eligible although Kentucky’s hopes for a New Year’s bowl game were squelched several games ago including an embarrassing loss to Vanderbilt.
But today is rivalry weekend with plenty to play for on the closing weekend of the college regular season — bragging rights over your rival.
Get up it's Governor's Cup Gameday, #BBN! pic.twitter.com/00OzjUmRuN
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 26, 2022
Kentucky has kept the Governor’s Cup trophy in Lexington for the past three years and four of the past five. Louisville had it for five straight years prior to that and UK the four before that. You get the picture. Overall the Wildcats hold the edge 18-15.
Also on the line today is Kentucky’s 19-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents which is the longest of any FBS school.
Brad White’s Kentucky defense is ranked 19th in the nation in scoring defense and total defense. The group is led by linebacker D’Eryk Jackson 61 stops tackles.
It’s also Senior Day for 28 Kentucky players who will play their final game at Kroger field and for 12 players who hail from Louisville it’s also a very big game to brag about for the next year.
"“It’s going to be about composure. And that’s, whether it’s Senior Day, whether it’s rivalry, the team that can stay composed, stay focused on the job at hand and not let their emotions get the best of them, they can let those emotions fuel them but not overtake them.”"
Quarterback Will Levis may be playing his final game as a Wildcat and needs just 55 yards to move into sixth place in all-time passing yards going past Patrick Towles.
An even bigger record that eyes are fixed on is the all-time rushing mark at Kentucky. Chris Rodriguez needs 350 more this season to become the all-time leading rusher with only Benny Snell in his way. He will need to put up some huge numbers in this game and the bowl game, but don’t count him out.
Kentucky football vs Louisville Weather
The weather in Lexington will be a stark contrast to the cold temperatures a week ago. For the tailgaters look for sunny skies and highs in the upper 40s to give way to clouds rolling in by noon and temperatures moving into the 50s quickly. As the 3:00 PM kickoff nears the clouds should remain with temperatures around 58 degrees.
Look for temperatures to stay in the lower 50s as the game hits the fourth quarter.
Kentucky football vs Louisville Odds and Betting Pick Week 12
Current odds have Kentucky as a slight 2.5-point favorite on Fanduel today a line that has only waivered by a point this past week. The matchup has an over/under of 43.5 points. The Moneyline has Kentucky -156 and Louisville +130.
So what are our staff predictions?
Eric Thorne – Kentucky 21, Louisville 20
Tyler Reed – Kentucky 27, Louisville 20
Delonte Smith – Kentucky 24, Louisville 17
What Channel is the Kentucky Football Game On Week 12
The Kentucky game today will be broadcast on the SEC Network
The kickoff is set for 3:00 pm EST.
Play-by-Play: Dave Neal
Analyst: Deuce McAllister
Kentucky versus Louisville Live Stream
FuboTV is an excellent option for fans in need of streaming options. And if it is your first time trying FuboTV, you are in luck, as they are currently offering a seven-day free trial for new users.
Kentucky over the airwaves
For the radio enthusiasts, our stellar team of Tom Leach (play-by-play), Jeff Piecoro (analyst), and Dick Gabriel (sideline) will have the UK radio network call that can be heard at 840 AM around Louisville and in the Lexington area at both 630 AM and 98.1 FM. If you are outside these areas check your local stations or you can always listen online at www.UKAthletics.com.
Kentucky’s Next Game and Schedule
This is all folks. We have reached the end of the regular season and now we wait for the bowl sites and the SEC to determine the Wildcats’ fate for a bowl spot.