By Dalton Ray–
Louisville and Kentucky football teams will be meeting for the 28th time this Saturday. Since the renewal of the series in 1994, U of L is ahead 13-8. The 2015 match-up will see 6-5 Louisville travel to 5-6 Kentucky.
Louisville has been able to pull out four straight wins against their in-state rival. Last year’s outing was the Devante Parker show as the Ballard product had six catches for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Kyle Bolin came in as relief last year and led the Cards to a win.
Before the four game winning streak, Kentucky ripped off four straight wins of their own. This is the only time since the renewed series Kentucky has had more than two consecutive wins.
This year’s match-up will also be the first time since 2011 neither team is ranked in the top 25. Since 2002, seven of the 13 games have had one ranked team, all U of L.
Both teams have had their fair share of disappointment this year. U of L started out zero and three and lost by a total of 13 points in those games. Kentucky started the year 4-1 but dropped the next five.
Louisville won six of the last eight games but it hasn’t been against the best competition. NC State is the team’s best win on the year and the rest of the wins came against teams without winning records.
While Louisville has been able to beat teams as the favorite, the Cardinals haven’t made noise in the underdog role. Kentucky hasn’t been extremely impressive in their wins but they’ve gotten the job done.
Against Louisiana-Lafayette and EKU, UK needed a comeback to win. Versus South Carolina and Mizzou, they had to fight off a late rally. When playing Vanderbilt, Florida and Auburn, they would have their shot late but couldn’t come out with the win.
When it comes to offense, neither team will blow you away or wow you. Both have caused way more frustration than excitement. Louisville ranks 63rd in total offensive yards and 78th in points. Kentucky comes in at 99th in total yards and 108th in points.
Both teams are better at defense than the stats show. The teams have quality players on that side of the ball but they haven’t had much help. Both offenses have put their defenses in bad positions that have allowed in short fields and easy scores.
It may not be the most exciting match-up in recent years but doesn’t detract from the rivalry. For Louisville they have a chance to win their fifth straight Governor’s Cup, which would be the longest streak in the modern era. For Kentucky if they win they can qualify for their first bowl since 2010.
