After an ugly, hard fought win over a scrappy Tennessee team at Rupp, Kentucky heads out on the road Saturday to take on the Tigers of Auburn. The road hasn't been friendly to the Cats so far this season, posting a 1-2 record in true road games thus far. It goes without saying that if it weren't for an uncalled shot lock violation, Kentucky very well could be 0-3.
Auburn has a record of 8-8 (2-1) so far this season, part of that 8-8 record was thanks in large part to a four game skid to teams like Dayton, Boston College, Road Island and DePaul.
For those curious about the history of the Auburn, here's some of the highlights.....
EST: 1856
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Former names: East Alabama Male College (1856-1872), Agricultral and Mechanical College of Alabama (1872-1899)
Battle Cry: War Eagle
Colors: Burnt Orange/Navy Blue
Nickname: Tigers
Mascot: Aubie the Tiger (costumed), Nova (live eagle)
Notable Alumni: Bo Jackson (1985 Heisman winner, NFL, MLB)
Charles Barkley (NBA)
Josh Hopkins (UK super fan, actor Cougar Town)
Lionel Richie (singer, song writer, Grammy winner)
If this game wasn't on the road I'd say Kentucky would win this one fairly easily, but considering it's at Auburn, anything could happen. Here's a numbers comparison between the Cats and Tigers...
Auburn Cats
PPG: 69 77
RPG: 36 39
APG: 14 16
SPG: 8 7
BPG: 4 8
TPG: 14 13
FG%: 43 48
FT%: 68 64
3P%: 35 35
Once you look at the numbers, you can see there isn't much that separates these two teams. This no doubt will be a battle like every other game the Cats have had thus far. Calipari, in his press conference after the Tennessee game said "I came to this conclusion: In the last seven, eight years, I have coached teams that have absolutely whomped people, and this ain't one of them, and every game we are going to be in is going to be a dog fight, and instead of going crazy about it, how about just accept it, and coach that way." He went on to say, " I can't imagine this team being up 20 on anybody". As bad as I hate to say it, I can't see it either. It's time we accept this team for what they are, a very young, talented team that could beat anyone on a givin night, but could also lose to anyone as well.
Time will tell what type of season these kids will have, but until then, will they be able to come together as a team and make a strong run towards March? Who knows... It could start with Auburn...hopefully.
TPG: 14 13
FG%: 43 48
FT%: 68 64
3P%: 35 35
Once you look at the numbers, you can see there isn't much that separates these two teams. This no doubt will be a battle like every other game the Cats have had thus far. Calipari, in his press conference after the Tennessee game said "I came to this conclusion: In the last seven, eight years, I have coached teams that have absolutely whomped people, and this ain't one of them, and every game we are going to be in is going to be a dog fight, and instead of going crazy about it, how about just accept it, and coach that way." He went on to say, " I can't imagine this team being up 20 on anybody". As bad as I hate to say it, I can't see it either. It's time we accept this team for what they are, a very young, talented team that could beat anyone on a givin night, but could also lose to anyone as well.
Time will tell what type of season these kids will have, but until then, will they be able to come together as a team and make a strong run towards March? Who knows... It could start with Auburn...hopefully.
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