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Following their Senior Day win at Kroger Field, the Kentucky Wildcats still have one last regular season game to play in 2018. On Saturday, head coach Mark Stoops & co. will make the short trip for their annual matchup with the Louisville Cardinals for the Governor’s Cup.
Saturday’s winner will gain the head-to-head edge in the series, which is currently tied at 15 games. In recent history, the Cardinals have had more success by winning six of the last seven.
Kentucky’s lone win during that span came just two short years ago at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. The Wildcats upset a then-ranked 11th Cardinals team, 41-38.
Following the departure of former Cardinal Lamar Jackson, 2018 has certainly reflected his absence. Louisville sits at 2-9 on the year with their only two wins coming narrowly against non-conference foes Indiana State & Western Kentucky.
In relation to the program’s underwhelming season, Louisville fired head coach Bobby Petrino two weeks ago.
While Petrino is known for his offensive scheming, the main problem for the Cardinals has been the defense. Louisville’s unit ranks as the third-worst in the nation, allowing 43 PPG.
In sync with their defense, the Cardinals haven’t been much better on offense either. They rank just 103rd in total offense. However, despite a lack of rhythm scoring the football, Kentucky’s defense will need an improvement from their game against Middle Tennessee.
Overall, Louisville has had a nightmare season. However, rivalry games always bring out the best in teams (regardless of how their season is going).
Kentucky Wildcats at Louisville Cardinals
Where: Cardinal Stadium Louisville, Kentucky
Game time: 7:00 pm EST on Nov. 24
TV Channel: ESPN2
Online Stream: Watch ESPN, the Watch ESPN app
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings)
Radio: Tom Leach will have the UK radio network call on 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington. You can listen to an online radio stream via UK Athletics.
Odds: Kentucky opened as an 18.5-point favorite, but remember, they’re 0-5 against the spread when favored this season.
Prediction: ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Kentucky nearly an 89% chance to win. TeamRankings gives the Wildcats over a 93% chance. OddsShark has a final score of Kentucky 35, Louisville 9. TeamRankings went with a 42-12 Kentucky win.