UK vs. UL... important game for Cats

Gomez here... For the first time in several seasons, Kentucky is the overwhelming favorite in the big match-up of the in-state rivals, known across the Bluegrass as The Governor's Cup. The Cats are coming off a dominating performance over Miami of Ohio, while the Cardinals somewhat struggled with Indiana State, only managing a modest 20 point victory over a very mediocre team. The Cardinals mainly struggled on offense, only converting 1 out of 9 third down conversions while turning the ball over twice.

However, this could be a trap game for Kentucky. Coming off a lofty victory over a pretty bad Miami of Ohio team, could find some inflated heads on the Kentucky sideline, especially while everyone picks them to beat the overmatched Cardinals by double-digits. Yet, the Cardinals have something to prove, and you know they haven't forgotten the 27 to 2 beating they took last year at Papa John's. Look for the Dirty Birds to be hungry and focused coming into Commonwealth Stadium tomorrow, and for the game to be competitive throughout.

As if the stakes for the rivalry game were not high enough, there are a number of big recruits for both the football and basketball programs expected to be at the game tomorrow. A big win for the Cats in front of a rocking Commonwealth crowd and a national audience watching on ESPNU from home would be a nice way to sell UK athletics to the young prospects in attendance. A loss to Louisville, however, would certainly put a damper on the weekend recruits' festivities.

Another reason this game is so important for the Gridiron Cats is because this is one of the wins that Kentucky has to have if they hope to go bowling for a fourth year in a row. After this week, the grueling SEC season begins, and the victories will only be harder to come by moving forward. Six wins is the magic number, and a Louisville win certainly makes that seem more likely.