The Kentucky Wildcats have been absolutely dominant so far this season, outscoring the four Power 5 conference opponents they have faced (Kansas, Texas, North Carolina, UCLA) this year 302-205. It doesn't look like anyone will really be able to challenge Kentucky in a game this year, but here are their four toughest tests remaining on their schedule:
4) January 17 at Alabama
The SEC doesn't have any ranked teams outside of Kentucky, meaning the Wildcats should glide right through conference play. However, that's not to say there aren't good teams in the conference. Alabama is a team on the rise and will be looking for that marquee win to announce that their program has arrived on the national scene. A win over Kentucky would do just that, and they'll be playing inspired basketball in front of a packed house.
3) February 17 at Tennessee
Tennessee has been the third best team in the SEC in recent memory behind Kentucky and Florida, creating a little rivalry between all three programs. The Volunteers have gotten off to a slow start, and are going to need a big resume-boosting win to ensure they return to the NCAA Tournament after making the Sweet 16 last year. There's a good chance they'll be playing desperate basketball in February, and nothing is more dangerous in college basketball than a desperate team.
2) February 7 at Florida
Florida has been the only team that has consistently challenged Kentucky since head coach John Calipari took over in Lexington. Their games are usually close, and I don't expect this one to be different. The Gators probably have their worst team in the past five years, but Michael Frazier, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Chris Walker have enough talent to challenge the Wildcats in Gainesville.
1) December 28 at Louisville
Saturday marks the only game Kentucky has against a team currently ranked left on their schedule, and Louisville is the only team that has a legitimate chance of actually beating the Wildcats (opposed to just getting lucky). The Cardinals will have a massive home-court advantage in this heated in-state rivalry, and head coach Rick Pitino's up-tempo style will give Kentucky's big men trouble. If they can speed the tempo of the game up and get easy baskets in transition, Louisville might just pull the upset.
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