Is a loss needed?

Gomez here...

There's always been a debate among coaches, players, and fans about whether or not a loss is needed before a winning streak goes on too long. For example, some die hard Kentucky fans believe that if Kentucky hadn't lost to Mississippi State in the 1996 SEC championship game, the Cats might not have won the NCAA tournament in the weeks that followed. In other words, some people thought it was a "good loss", if there is such a thing. Of course, Pitino waved off such claims as being silly, but the Wildcats certainly looked more focused when they rattled off six wins in a row en route to their 6th national title. And if its true that the loss was needed in 1996, what does that say about Kentucky this year? Do we need a loss before the season gets too close to Tourney Time?

Looking down the schedule, it certainly seems that Kentucky will be favored in all the SEC match-ups. Sure, some of the road games will be tricky, but on paper, Kentucky should beat any team in the SEC. Ole Miss is solid, but we have them at home, which helps. Tennessee is also solid, but they might be down four players, including their team leader Tyler Smith, due to off the court issues. Florida had yet another solid start to the season, but has since floated back down to earth with a three game losing streak.

Though many people have laughed off notions of an undefeated season, its not beyond the realm of possibility. With every win, the chances for it increase exponentially. However, if a loss is truly needed before the NCAA tourney, that means with every win, the chances for a national championship might actually be decreasing. Of course, there's no way to really know for sure, so we have to do what Cal and his team are doing... take it one game at a time.

What says you? Do we need a loss? Do we have a shot at going undefeated? Be sure to record your answer in the poll and leave your comments below.