The way it is

As far back as I can remember, the worst day of my sports year was the Louisville game. No matter the discrepancy between the two teams, any mention of this game and my stomach would drop. Louisville has always been the most feared of all our opponents, and, for the first time in my lifetime, they are not. Unfortunately, that is a bad, bad thing.

Whenever I would cross friends who were Louisville fans, I would often wonder as to why they were so confident and unnerved at the prospect of playing us. Finally, this year, I realized why. With an underachieving team in a transition year struggling with injuries, I do not expect us to beat Louisville. I don't really expect us to beat anyone, but that's another story. Beating Louisville this year would be simply a silver-lining to a season stuffed with disappointment. However, Louisville (and their fans) also finds themselves in an unfamiliar position.

Before Louisville fans (well, the two that are confirmed to have read this site) begin gloating, allow me to qualify my fear for your oft-crappy team. It is not borne in the realization that you can beat us. Instead, it is fearfully spawned from the terror of what will happen IF you beat us. For, you are never supposed to beat us. Despite your recent attempts at a "dynasty" with our leftovers (has he started smelling yet?), we will always be Kentucky. Unfortunately, for our little brother's, you will never be us. Ever. WE are Kentucky; you are not. Don't feel bad, though; no one is.

Perhaps then, this year's team will surprise us. Would you expect anything less from a Kentucky team? Maybe Ramon Harris loses the "she looked 18" confusion in his eyes and plays like a formidable wing; maybe Meeks and Jasper are the stars that we need; hell, maybe Joe and Ramel play like the seniors with swagger who have yet to lose the these Cards. Whatever the formula is, it will be discovered soon despite the coaches and players on the floor. We are Kentucky; I feel like our recent failings have caused too many people to forget that. Starting today, we can remind people. It does not matter who is in the blue and white, Kentucky is bigger than any coach on the sidelines or player on the floor.

Regardless of what happens today, feel confident in knowing that we will be back. We are Kentucky. We always come back. It may not be the immediate turnaround that people expected when Gillispie was hired, but it will come in due time. No matter what any UL fan says to you if they do win today, remember that they are not as good as us. They will never be.