Déjà vu or just a glitch in the Matrix?

The last week of January, 2009 will live in infamy for many of us in Big Blue Nation. Let's just take a stroll down memory lane. Gillispie's Kentucky Wildcats were one of the hottest teams in the SEC and starting to gain some momentum heading into a tough stretch in their schedule. Coming off a tough road win at Alabama the Cats were 16-4 and 5-0 in the SEC. Then that fateful last week of January they headed to Ole Miss for a nationally televised game on Super Tuesday, meanwhile much of the state prepared for a major winter storm. Of course the Cats lost to the Rebels and Old Man Winter bared down on the bluegrass. That following Saturday, amidst the snow and ice, Kentucky had an opportunity to beat a game South Carolina team at Rupp to the right the ship. Of course we all know that the Cats lost that game too and thus began a tail spin of Biblical proportions. The Cats would go on to finish season 8-8 in the SEC and miss the NCAA tournament for the first time in 18 years.

Flash forward to the last week of January 2010...

The Cats are one of the hottest teams in the country heading into South Carolina for a Super Tuesday showdown. Of course we know Kentucky lost their first game of the season against the Gamecocks. Much like last season, the Cats will return home to play a hot team (Vandy, coming off an impressive win against Tennessee in Knoxville) this Saturday in Rupp Arena. A chance for the Cats to make things right and get a big win over a ranked opponent, meanwhile another major winter storm is forecasted to hit much of the state.

Shocking the similarities that each of these weeks have. Still, this team isn't last year's. Nor will Gillispie be the coach on the sideline Saturday. Saturday's game could prove to be one of the biggest games of the season. UK will have a big opportunity to put last night's horrid game behind them and move on with a greater sense of urgency and focus. Of course, if there is a glitch in the Matrix and last night's game was a precursor of things to come, then Saturday's game could prove to be the start of another tail spin.

My opinion? The Cats will rise to the occasion and play inspired basketball Saturday. Unlike last year's team, this team is just too good to spiral out of control. Cal has their ears now and I would be shocked if the Cats drop two in a row. Still, Vandy is capable of coming in and sticking another loss to the Cats. Maybe it's my blue tinted glasses I borrowed from Austin, but I just don't see it happening.