By Keith Taylor
Special to NKyTribune
A rivalry game is all about bragging rights. Kentucky’s regular-season finale against Louisville Saturday goes beyond the normal circumstances.
The Wildcats (5-6) can claim bowl eligibility with a win over the Cardinals and reach the postseason for the first time in five years. The stakes are equally high for Louisville (6-5), which will be looking to solidify its postseason standing in a season that began with three straight losses. The Cardinals have won the past four meetings between the two instate rivals, including a 44-40 triumph a year ago in Louisville.
Although Kentucky coach Mark Stoops won’t have to say much to motivate his squad, he plans to remind the Wildcats the importance of getting six victories this week. It’s a milestone that hasn’t been achieved since Joker Phillips guided the Wildcats to a half dozen wins in the first of his three seasons as coach five years ago.
“Our players know that, we are not afraid to mention it and we will,” Stoops said. “It is important for us to get that sixth win and important for us to beat Louisville and end the season on a much more positive note.”
Stoops added that reaching the postseason would be a boost in his third season at the helm and said the players are ready for the task at hand.
“We are a program that is growing and getting better and we are working to become better and this is another great opportunity for that,” Stoops said. “The motivation will be there. Our players care and have been preparing the right way the past couple of weeks. In any rivalry game, there is going to be more emotions involved and we have to be able to handle that.”
Kentucky ended a five-game losing streak with a 58-10 rout of Charlotte last week, giving the Wildcats a dose of momentum going into the final week of the season. The Wildcats rushed for a season-high 415 yards as two running backs — Stanley “Boom” Williams and Jojo Kemp — each eclipsed the 100-yard mark. Redshirt freshman Drew Barker threw for 129 yards in his first collegiate start and will get the call against the Cardinals.
“I thought the offensive line did a really good job,” Stoops said. “We were much physical at the point of attack and our backs hit the hole. Overall, (it was) much better and something to build on.”
Louisville had a five-game win streak snapped in a 45-34 loss to Pittsburgh last week. The Cardinals surrendered 42 points in the opening half but gave up just a field goal in the second half following the slow start.
Despite the first-half showing against the Panthers last week, Stoops said Louisville’s defense is as good as advertised, especially in the trenches.
“This team is a good football team on defense,” Stoops said. “They are a good defense and good up front.”
Although not as explosive as in the past, Stoops said Louisville’s offense will be a concern although the Cardinals have struggled at the quarterback position. No matter who gets the call under center this week, Stoops said Bobby Petrino’s offensive schemes provide a challenge on the defensive side of the ball.
“They do a lot anyway,” Stoops said. “They have a lot of offense and you have to prepare for a bunch in general. With our preparation, it really doesn’t change our prep much. They have all played quite a bit and are really good players in their own right. They do some very good things. We will have to be prepared for all of their quarterbacks.”
Game tracker: Louisville at Kentucky, noon, Saturday. TV/Radio: SEC Network, 98.1 FM WBUL
Keith Taylor is a columnist and senior sports writer who covers University of Kentucky athletics for KyForward.com