Moving the UK-UofL Game to Last of the Season Is a Big Mistake

Back in 1994, Howard Schnellenberger and Bill Curry made a great decision.  It was probably the smartest football related decision Bill Curry ever made, but I digress.  The two head coaches, of Louisville and Kentucky respectively, decided to resume a rivalry that had remained dormant for 70 years, and make it the first game of the season.

Most great rivalries are reserved for the final weekend of the season.

Ohio State v. Michigan
Alabama v. Auburn
Florida v. Florida State

Why make Louisville-Kentucky the first game?

Because Schnellenberger and Curry probably looked in the mirror and realized their teams were more likely to have only two wins rather than just two losses, most years.

Does anyone expect an 11-0 vs. 11-0 match-up between the Cardinals and Wildcats?  It's not going to happen.  In the next couple years, due to poor depth, I'm expecting Kentucky to limp into this game, a worn out team, hammered repeatedly by powerhouse teams in the SEC.  Louisville has a bit more depth, but nothing to compare with what Florida and Florida State enjoy, which is why it makes more sense for the two Florida teams to play at the end of the year.

Louisville looks solid today, but they were 4-8 as recently as 2009.  Another bad coaching hire could easily return the Cardinals to that unpleasant neighborhood.  Kentucky finished up 2-10 last year and Coach Stoops has a daunting rebuilding job ahead.

I understand the ACC and SEC hope to capitalize on this rivalry.  Maybe one year out of ten, both teams will enter the game with Bowl aspirations at stake.  But 2-9 vs. 2-9 would surprise me less.

0-0 vs. 0-0 at the start of the year?  The teams and fans can imagine greatness before getting exposed in their tough leagues.  Say goodbye to those days!

Louisville versus Kentucky should be a battle of thoroughbreds.  But next year, going to the game at the end of the year is more likely to resemble a trip to the dog track.