Kentucky v Louisville Pregame

(01/05/2008)

2:03

We're two hours away from tipoff today of the historic rivalry between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals. Has the rivalry lost some luster, with both teams being unranked? Maybe, but it'll be hard to convince UK and UL fans who see this game as the biggest game of the regular season.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:03

2:05

Preliminary reports indicate that UK will have DeAndre Liggins, the 6'6 versatile point guard at the game. Liggins' Findlay Prep team was in Lexington for a tournament this week, and teammate Clarence Trent, a top 6'8 power forward in the class of 2009 that UK is recruiting, is expected to be at the game as well.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:05

2:07

Interesting rumors out of Louisville the last 24 hours. Rumor has it that Earl Clark was suspended yesterday for a violation of team rules. Today the rumor is that his suspension is a "he will not start" suspension instead. Wouldn't be a game against Louisville without some sort of off-court drama, would it?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:07

2:13

Louisville team spokesman Kenny Klein says that Earl Clark will not play today, according to a Courier-Journal article this afternoon.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:13

2:20

[Comment From CoryCory: ]

Starting Lineups for Uk been announced yet? If not whats your guess?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:20 Cory

2:22

Starting lineups have not been announced yet. Typically they don't come out until just before gametime. The only thing we can say with any certainty is that for Louisville, Earl Clark won't start. Unless they change their mind. For UK, my guess is that we'll see Bradley, Meeks, Jasper, Coury and Patterson start, but that's just a guess.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:22

2:22

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

What kind of Keg is this?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:22 Mike

2:23

For me today, diet coke and fritos. KSR virtual tailgate is always BYOB

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:23

2:24

[Comment From BrandonBrandon: ]

Was there a pre-game practice today? If so, any word on how they looked? Meeks & Jasper?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:24 Brandon

2:25

Brandon, I'm assuming there was a pre-game practice today, but I'm guessing it was more limited than it has been. From several accounts, they have been scaled back just a bit. Have not had any word yet on who was there, and/or the condition of Jasper and Meeks, although earlier in the week they had no ill effects from the Florida International game, which was a good sign.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:25

2:25

[Comment From CoastGuardWildcatCoastGuardWildcat: ]

Is #22 in the house?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:25 CoastGuardWildcat

2:27

For those that don't know, # 22 was the young lady at Lonnie's Western Room in Nashville. She wore a Rafael Little jersey while she entertained the crowd with her singing. Pictures are on the KSR premium website, but they are closely guarded. We certainly thought she wore the jersey as well--or better--than Raffy prior to the Music City Bowl, and we love Raffy.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:27

2:27

[Comment From NavyensNavyens: ]

Is there going to be a football team siting at halftime today?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:27 Navyens

2:28

I would expect to see something related to football today--possibly Coach Brooks, the Music City Bowl--something. Waiting on Larry Vaught and/or Keith Taylor to let us know something as we get a little closer to gametime on things like this. Can you imagine the cheers they will receive?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:28

2:31

One thing to keep in mind on the starting lineup question asked earlier -- despite some teeth-gnashing over guys like Coury or Ramon Harris starting, typically Coach Gillispie has been playing what we believe are UK's best players the most minutes....if healthy.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:31

2:34

Informal anonymous poll asked on the KSR premium forum yesterday, where there are few, if any, "rival" fans to taint the poll--"Will Kentucky beat Louisville?" I was surprised that over 70% of the responses said that UK will win.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:34

2:38

[Comment From NavyensNavyens: ]

I think coach has a plan and this is where the up swing starts. This is the turning point. I think CBG has had this game circled on his calander since he got hired. It will be a different team today.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:38 Navyens

2:38

[Comment From CoryCory: ]

I think the reason he may bring our better players off the bench is to create a illusion that we are deep with talent because if we bring our players in fresh and the other teams best players are tired is creates an advantage if the starters do their job and hold their own

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:38 Cory

2:40

Navyens, you may be right. UK sure looked better against Fla. International, didn't we?

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:40

2:42

Could be, Cory. I like having some scoring punch off the bench. It does not bother me to bring Crawford off the bench especially, since if there is some place we have depth it's at the wing positions.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:42

2:42

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

I will believe Clark is not going to play when I see it. he will play today

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:42 Tyler

2:43

Well, that's what I thought, too, Tyler--but a Louisville spokesman is on record saying he is not going to play today, according to the C-J article. Could be a psychological ploy--it's been a heavy topic on the internet message boards since the rumor popped up yesterday.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:43

2:43

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

I would love to see a lineup of Meeks, Jasper, Bradley, Stewart and Patterson with Crawford coming off the bench.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:43 Tyler

2:45

I'm good with that starting lineup. It's pretty imposing to bring your leading scorer off the bench, but I think we can do it at Crawford's position. Plus we're so small with that lineup.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:45

2:48

While we have a moment, congratulations are in order for several Kentucky football members. Of course, congratulations to the entire UK team for the Music City Bowl win over FSU, but Jacob Tamme was announced yesterday as the national Bobby Bowden Award winner given by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. And Keenan Burton was named to ESPN's "All-Mayday" team, for players who played despite overcoming injuries and obstacles. Lot of heart in that UK senior class.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:48

2:51

And while we're on football, an unsolicited commercial advertisement for the special Music City Bowl commemorative KSR Magazine we will be publishing next month. An additional sixteen color pages of print have been ordered to accomodate the photographs and material we will have from the Music City Bowl victory over Florida State. Stan Jones did an incredible job of capturing the victory in photographs from the sidelines and postgame, and his photos will be specially featured.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:51

2:53

And of course, KSR magazines may be picked up on newstands and stores throughout the Commonwealth. They are also available free with an annual premium membership or a three-month subscription.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:53

2:55

Back to basketball. I'm wondering if comments made by Jay Bilas this morning may cause a stir among UK fans and maybe the players. Bilas reportedly said that Coach Tubby Smith was a better coach than Coach Billy Gillispie, but that Gillispie would do fine at UK once his system is in place. I'm guessing those comments will not go over well.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:55

2:57

Wildcats have not taken the floor today yet for pregame warmups. That's a bit unusual for it to be this late.

Saturday January 5, 2008 2:57

3:00

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

Does anybody know if Earl is dressed. I could see Pitino not playing him in the 1st half and then dropping him in the lineup in the second half when they really need him.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:00 Tyler

3:01

My understanding is that he did not even make the trip. I'll doublecheck on that.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:01

3:04

I'm gonna backtrack on that--understand the Louisville radio team is saying that Clark will be at the game with the team. But they are also confirming his one game suspension.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:04

3:05

[Comment From RainmanRainman: ]

Uk is in desperate need of its first 'signature' win. UL could provide that, though people will point to the fact they are struggling, too. Still, the Cats need this one pretty bad.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:05 Rainman

3:06

Louisville is 9-4, with no signature wins. Kentucky is 6-6, with no signature wins. It's almost a shame that this game will be a "signature win" for either team, but you're exactly right that both teams need it badly.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:06

3:09

Special note to a "new" KSR premium poster, who made his first post a few minutes ago on the KSR premium message board. JD, aka "mode1," welcome to the KSR posting world. Was a pleasure to meet you in Nashville for the Music City Bowl game, and glad to have you with us. Nice to see some good UK football fans making their way to the premium posting world. Welcome.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:09

3:13

In the "for entertainment purposes only" category, Louisville is listed at a 1-1/2 point favorite in this game, basically a toss-up. And that was before Earl Clark was (apparently) suspended for the game. You never know if that kind of thing will rally a team, or if they will falter, but it would impact the point spread line.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:13

3:15

Trivia question -- when is the last time someone can remember Kentucky playing Louisville, when neither team was ranked in the RPI Top 100? I don't know, but today's contest has UL (# 105) vs UK (# 241) in that ranking. Ouch.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:15

3:20

Keys to the game for UK? Well, UK is 6-0 this season when holding their opponent to less than 60 points, and 0-6 when opponents score more than that number. (No opponent has scored between 60-70, though--either under 60, or over 70). But defense clearly appears to be a key. Others include rebounding--UK is 6-1 when outrebounding its opponent, but 0-5 when being outrebounded; and taking care of the ball--UK is 4-1 when committing fewer turnovers than our opponent, and 2-5 otherwise.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:20

3:22

Larry Vaught suggested yesterday that Billy Gillispie appeared more relaxed at his pregame press conference, and speculated that he is comfortable with how his team practiced this week. Could be, with two regular starters becoming healthy, Jodie Meeks and Derrick Jasper.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:22

3:26

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

If Clark is out, as he appears to be, I would expect Bradley and Jasper to switch back and forth, guarding Williams and Sosa. Do you think Bradley is big enough to effectively guard Williams? Do you think Jasper is fast enough to guard Sosa? I would expect Crawford to guard Williams too and that he would be adequate doing so, but it may happen that someone like Crawford will have to guard someone much taller, like Palacios, at times. Do you think that UK's relative lack of height amongst it's most talented five will be the bigger problem, defensively, or will it be Pitino's typically unifaceted run-and-gun that will be most difficult to defend?

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:26 Krank

3:30

Terrance Williams is usually Terrance Williams worst enemy, on whether he'll play within himself or not. Bradley is not big enough to guard him completely, but enough to bother him. Whether Jasper is quick enough to guard Sosa or not may depend on how much he has recovered. Even without Earl Clark, UL will have a bigger lineup, but without him, the mismatch is not so pronounced.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:30

3:31

Pitino's run-and-gun has been much more walk and no talk lately. In Louisville's four losses, they have also shot the "3" horribly, going 22-92 in those four losses.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:31

3:31

[Comment From NavyensNavyens: ]

I read Larry's comments also. This is why I think the tear down has ended and the build up is starting. I've seen it many times in the military. In officer Candidate school I never saw my Drill instructor smile for 2 months. That is when the beat downs slowed and the build up started!

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:31 Navyens

3:31

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

I predicted on the public board that UK would win 71-59, but would still be outrebounded (by 4) and would have more turnovers (by 3 or 4). Trends are created to be broken, IMO, and there is nothing like a big rivalry game for such trends to fall.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:31 Krank

3:33

From my limited perspective, it appears some of the players are buying in now, too, Navyens. Joe Crawford has played two games since a one-half game suspension, and both times seems to be playing within a team concept much more, looking for pass/assist more than shooting. Could be partially due to the build up process you mention.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:33

3:33

[Comment From NavyensNavyens: ]

Jasper might not be fast enough but hopefully his length helps.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:33 Navyens

3:33

[Comment From MostWinsAlltimeMostWinsAlltime: ]

Let's "Krank" it up.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:33 MostWinsAlltime

3:33

Krank sorta "kranks it up" himself, doesn't he, MostWins

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:33

3:34

[Comment From BradyBrady: ]

I dont know if Jasper can keep up with sosa not in his face anyways without him getting by him

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:34 Brady

3:34

[Comment From WCarnesWCarnes: ]

how much is the return of d jasper will help the wildcats

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:34 WCarnes

3:35

Jasper is a real key. Keith Bays had an article on Jasper this morning on the KSR front page, calling him the straw that stirs the drink. I would not dispute that.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:35

3:35

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

It's interesting to me because I don't think Ramel gets the credit he deserves as one of UK's best defenders over the last ten years. He is clearly the best defender over the last two years for UK and I feel like he can give up some height in many cases. Jasper is more of a mystery to me, defensively. On the one hand, his height gives him great advantage over smaller men trying to shoot from outside. On the other, he seemed to be consistently burned in SEC play last year by smaller quicker guards, including when he was being defended by them.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:35 Krank

3:36

Good points on both players, Krank.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:36

3:36

[Comment From WCarnesWCarnes: ]

give us your prediction for the game

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:36 WCarnes

3:37

Hard to say what a suspension to a player like Earl Clark will do to a team, WCarnes. Before the suspension, I felt Louisville presented more matchup difficulties to Kentucky than Kentucky did for Louisville. Even with the game in Rupp Arena, that made it tough. Plus any intangibles, I felt, belonged to Louisville. Now, with the suspension--who knows? It's a rivalry game.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:37

3:37

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

LOL, Most wins and Darrell

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:37 Krank

3:38

We're enjoying your comments and observations, Krank. Don't let us slow ya down.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:38

3:38

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

U of L will "choose to lose" for greater long-term "success as a choice".

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:38 Krank

3:38

[Comment From freshshavafreshshava: ]

If you guys remember it was Jasper last year that had a key steal from Sosa which led to a dunk. That kinda sparked a UK run toward the end of the 1st half. I like Jasper on Sosa very much.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:38 freshshava

3:39

Good memory, freshshava. Do you think that Jasper is healthy enough today to be as good defensively as he was then? I'm not prepared to say that yet, although he looked good earlier this week.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:39

3:40

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

Sosa is not playing up to hopes this year either and now Jasper seems much improved over last year already. I like that mojo

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:40 Krank

3:41

Sosa played well against Billy Gillispie last year, if not Kentucky, although Texas A&M won that game. Kentucky fans must feel good about Gillispie being 1-0 vs Pitino, by the way.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:41

3:41

[Comment From freshshavafreshshava: ]

Jasper's health is the big key here. With a healthy Jasper, I now feel like PG is our strength in this game as I'm not too scared of Sosa or McGee.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:41 freshshava

3:42

[Comment From freshshavafreshshava: ]

D, what's the atmospehere like over there today? I would imagine that the crowd will be pumped up today as they know we are starving for that 'signature win'.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:42 freshshava

3:43

Big rivalry game, and Kentucky's home crowds have been excellent this year. Students apparently did not pick up their entire allotment of tickets, though, and some were released to the general public through ticketmaster yesterday, I understand. I don't think that will impact the fervor of the crowd any, though. Should be a raucous environment today.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:43

3:43

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

The BIG question for Coach BiG and the prognosis for this game is who will help Patterson on the boards and on offense? I predict good blue collar help from Coury (not big stats, just hustle plays and fouls to give, i.e. toughness) and for Stevenson to not only "get mad" but STAY mad throughout the game, blocking shots and (hopefully) holding onto his rebounds and not getting pushed around down low so that he can get his shots to stay down.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:43 Krank

3:45

Haven't seen it yet, but understand that t-shirts were being given out to the lower arena today for the ballgame.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:45

3:46

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

I hope the shirts say "Beat NITino AGAIN" on the back of them.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:46 Krank

3:46

Word has it that it will spell out "Cats" on one side and "Go UK" on the other, in white against a blue background.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:46

3:48

[Comment From NavyensNavyens: ]

I hope the old folks wear them

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:48 Navyens

3:48

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

Nice and simple design for TV. Cool. Any classic UK star sightings in the crowd beyond Macy and Bowie?

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:48 Krank

3:49

Not from this seat. Would like to see Ashley Judd in attendance. Actually, would like to see Ashley Judd anytime, come to think of it.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:49

3:49

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

The shirts would not clash with the old folks' blue hair, navyens, LOL

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:49 Krank

3:50

[Comment From freshshavafreshshava: ]

Back to Terrance Williams - I'm not a big fan, yeah I'm biased, but still... He has a hoible jump shot, but is extremely athletic. Stopping his dribble penetration will be key, as long as we have good help D, I think we could really see our best game yet.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:50 freshshava

3:51

Terrance Williams gets in trouble when he lingers outside the 3 point line and launches them. Frustrate his dribble, and force him outside, and you have him. Against UK, dribble penetration containment is a real key.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:51

3:52

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

Fun fact. I know Ashley. She's cool. I get tired of the tongue-wagging about her (meaning comments lacking in taste... not what you said Darrell). She was actually far more attractive before she got into "Hollywood shape", IMO, when we were in school together.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:52 Krank

3:53

I am no Rick Majerus. ;)

Don't have his bank account, either...or his girth, yet at least.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:53

3:53

[Comment From freshshavafreshshava: ]

Almost time for tip-off, I'm taking the Cats by 7. Patterson is held in check, but the eniors beat UL in style and finish with an unblemished record against the Cards. Go CATS!

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:53 freshshava

3:53

OK--time for everybody's last minute pregame predictions. Freshshava started it off--give me your score predictions.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:53

3:55

Good point about the seniors being 3-0 vs Louisville, too. I did not independently research this, but was told that only one UK player has gone 4-0 versus Louisville in his career....Gimel Martinez.

Where are those predictions, anyway?

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:55

3:55

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

solid prediction, fresh. I will stay with my "out-on-a-limb" prediction of UK by 12, UK 71 UL 59... UK makes free throws at the end to extend a 7 point lead with 5 minutes to go.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:55 Krank

3:55

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

Crawford 18 pts., MVP, Bradley 14 pts., Patterson 14 pts, Meeks 10 pts., Jasper 6 assts.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:55 Krank

3:57

Probably should've asked this about 30 minutes ago when there were more here. Now we're pushing tip-off, and everybody is getting ready for the game.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:57

3:57

[Comment From KrankKrank: ]

Everyone knows you can't stop Gimel Martinez, you can only hope to contain him.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:57 Krank

3:58

Push comes to shove--I'll give my score prediction as well.

Kentucky 62
Louisville 57

Guys, thanks for joining the KSR pregame blog and virtual tailgate party. Now let's go enjoy the game. See you on the message boards.

Saturday January 5, 2008 3:58

3:59

This Live Blog has now ended.