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What other games do Kentucky basketball fans need to watch Saturday?

ByDrew Holbrook|
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes talks to Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Norfolk State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes talks to Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Norfolk State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The SEC season tips off with a bang as the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats host the No. 6 Florida Gators at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN. This matchup not only sets the stage for an intense conference slate but also gives Big Blue Nation an early glimpse at Kentucky’s potential against a top-tier opponent. The Wildcats (11-2) will look to their explosive offense, ranked No. 3 nationally at 89 points per game, to overpower a balanced Florida squad that ranks just behind at 87.4 points per game.

But the action doesn’t stop with Kentucky vs. Florida. Here are other key games that Wildcats fans should keep an eye on to get a better sense of the competition across the SEC and beyond:

Other Games to Watch

  • No. 24 Ole Miss vs. Georgia (12 PM ET, SEC Network)- Both teams are off to strong starts, with Ole Miss eager to prove they belong in the Top 25. Georgia’s disciplined defense will be a test for the Rebels’ versatile offense. With both teams hunting for relevance in the SEC, this early game could have big implications for their momentum in the conference.
  • No. 23 Arkansas vs. No. 1 Tennessee (1 PM ET, ESPN)- This one pits two SEC heavyweights against each other. Former Kentucky head coach John Calipari now leads the Razorbacks, and a victory over Rick Barnes’ top-ranked Volunteers would make a statement. Tennessee has one of the SEC’s best defenses, and Arkansas will need to be sharp to pull off the upset.
  • No. 19 Gonzaga vs. LMU (6 PM ET, ESPN+)- While this isn’t an SEC matchup, it’s a key game for Kentucky fans to follow. The Wildcats’ win over Gonzaga earlier this season will look even better come March if the Zags continue to dominate the WCC.
  • No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 12 Oklahoma (6 PM ET, SEC Network)This battle of ranked teams is a must-watch for fans wanting a preview of SEC play later this season. Kentucky faces both Alabama and Oklahoma in the coming weeks, making this matchup a valuable scouting opportunity for all you Bennies.

Why It Matters for BBN

As the SEC season begins, these games not only impact conference standings but also offer Kentucky a chance to gauge the competition. With Kentucky eyeing a strong March run, early wins in the SEC and watching rivals like Gonzaga and Alabama succeed could shape their tournament seeding.

Set your reminders, Wildcats fans. It’s going to be a busy day of basketball.

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