When Kentucky and Louisville renew their roundball rivalry at the sparking new KFC Yum! Center, there's a good chance an unexpected hero will emerge.  We've seen it happen several times and if it happens tomorrow, Darius Miller might be the guy to fill that role.  He hasn't scored a point in two games against his school's arch rival but Miller played one of his best all-around games last time out.  And the way Louisville figures to focus on guys like Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb, there will be opportunities in transition against the UofL press for a guy like Miller to sink some three's or hit that patented floater in the lane and maybe have something like a 15-point game or better.

 

To me, Kentucky has the edge in overall talent and Louisville's edge in depth has shrunk because of injuries.  The Cardinals have been red-hot at the three-point line but remember that UofL's success this season has come against an incredibly soft and home-laden schedule.

The looks won't come as freely against the long arms of guys like Miller and Deandre Liggins.  In its two losses, Kentucky's defense could not contain Kemba Walker and Tyler Zeller.  I just don't think there's a guy on the UofL side who can hurt the Cats the way those two guys did.

 

Kentucky's biggest fear should be foul trouble for Brandon Knight and having to find a way to attack that press without a floor general.  Unless that happens, I like the Cats' chances to make it two in a row for coach Cal over coach Pitino.

 

(photo by Victoria Graff)

v. Louisville
September 2 / 3:30pm eastern
listen on UK-IMG Sports Network
See full schedule