The SEC schedule is starting to take shape, and for Kentucky basketball fans, two key rivalries are at the center of the early confirmations.
First, some good news for those who like a little extra drama: Kentucky and Florida are back to playing twice a year. After last season’s 106-100 overtime thriller in Gainesville — a game that had fans across both fanbases begging for more — the SEC has listened. SEC official Garth Glassman said last year they had "missed the mark" and that the league would explore the possibility of restoring the home-and-home series.
Now, it’s official. The Wildcats and Gators will face off twice annually once again, rekindling a series that has delivered countless memorable moments over the years.
While one rivalry adds a chapter, another remains a single showdown.
John Calipari made his emotional return to Rupp Arena last season, leading Arkansas to a statement victory that still stings for Big Blue Nation. This time around, Mark Pope and his Wildcats will head to Fayetteville for the lone regular-season meeting between the two programs. It's a matchup that will no doubt have plenty of storylines, but for now, the SEC is keeping it to just one game — at least until the postseason potentially offers a sequel.
Will Mark Pope and the newly formed Cats get a little revenge by taking over Bud Walton? Will College Gameday actually show up for that game? We won't have to wait too much longer to find out.
As the conference continues to adjust its scheduling under the new SEC format, the debate among fans is as lively as ever: Should both of these rivalries be played twice each year? Or does the once-a-year format keep them more special?
What say you, Big Blue Nation? Would you rather see both of these games be home-and-home or should the be reserved for once a year moments?