Beech Tree News Network

Friday could be the best day, worst day or somewhere in between for University of Kentucky fans.

If the Cats beat Louisville in basketball in Rupp Arena — something coach John Calipari’s team is expected to — then UK fans are going to be happy. If the Cats beat Northwestern in Nashville in the Music City Bowl — something coach Mark Stoops’ team is not expected to do — then UK fans will be giddy.

But what if UK wins just one game — or none? That won’t make for a happy day.

I wondered how media members felt about Kentucky’s big day because I thought you would enjoy their answers. Here’s what five state media members who cover both UK basketball and football think about Friday’s matchups.

Question: Who do you think wins the Kentucky-Louisville basketball game and why?

Tom Leach, UK Radio Network/Leach Report: “UK wins because first and foremost, it’s at Rupp. To win here, I think opponents will likely need to have a significant edge in 3-point baskets and I don’t see that happening in this matchup, plus the Cards' defensive rebounding percentage is not good and offensive rebounds are a big part of the Cats’ script for success.”

Alex Risen: “UK could use another big win over a power 5 school. Depending on how UK followed up victory over Virginia Tech versus UCLA, Cats could be perfect in December looking to close out, at home, against UofL before SEC play starts. Tough to beat UK at Rupp; even for an improving UofL bunch that will come in with big chip on shoulder knowing the crowd and environment will be toughest of season. UK beats UofL 76-67.”

Tyler Thompson, Kentucky Sports Radio: “Kentucky wins. David Padgett has done an admirable job after all of the Rick Pitino drama, but it won't matter versus an improving Kentucky team in Rupp Arena. The Cards are even streakier than the Cats from the outside and can't match Kentucky's athleticism and newfound confidence. If this game were at the Yum Center, I might worry, but with a raucous crowd behind them, the Cats will roll.”

Larry Glover, LarryGloverLive on WVLK: “I think UK wins the basketball game. The Cats talent, overall, is better but the difference will be Calipari. David Padgett may well be a great coach at some point but he’s not ready for this moment and this rivalry.”

Ryan Lemond, Kentucky Sports Radio: “Kentucky wins the basketball game because they've got a better coach, better players, it's at Rupp Arena, and I don't like Louisville. Seriously, this is one of the few years where I think Kentucky should win by double digits. It's one of the few meetings in the last 10 years that won't be close.”

Question: Who do you think wins the Kentucky-Northwestern football game and why?

Tom Leach: “Many bowl games are decided by something that’s hard to measure—does it matter significantly more to one team over the other and I don’t yet have a feel for that part of this matchup. I would think the Cats would be highly motivated to re-write the ending to their season. I think a month of healing for players like Stephen Johnson and Quinton Bohanna will be a big plus for Kentucky. I’m predicting UK will win the turnover margin stat and that will be the key to an upset win for the Wildcats.”

Alex Risen: “UK needs a bowl victory to rally fans. Good season full of ‘what if’s’ dampens success. Northwestern might not be the name-brand game fans put value in, but at 9-3 and in top 25, Northwestern could be just what Cats need to put stamp on progress headed into 2018. UK has to stop the run (Northwestern’s Justin Jackson is well decorated and rushed 1,000 plus yards in each of his four seasons). Cats have struggled to be tough on ‘D’ but have the time to prepare and personnel to get it done. With tons of blue in Nashville, Cats beat Northwestern 27-24.”

Tyler Thompson: “All signs point to Northwestern here, but I'm anxious to see how Kentucky plays after a lackluster effort against Louisville in the regular season finale. Benny Snell is obviously Kentucky's catalyst, but Northwestern has the 10th best run defense in the country. If they stop Benny, Kentucky doesn't have a shot.”

Larry Glover: “I think UK is more mentally and physically ready for postseason this time around but Northwestern is likely the better team. That sad, I have a odd feeling that UK finds away to pull it out. Once again, Stephen Johnson finds a way to make enough plays to put Benny Snell and UK in position to grind out an important win.”

Ryan Lemond: “Kentucky wins the football game even though Northwestern is a better team. Northwestern doesn't want to be in Nashville playing in the Music City Bowl. They had their sights on bigger, better bowls. We saw the same thing years ago with Clemson and Florida State. Neither team really wanted to be in Nashville, and it showed. UK is hungry after finishing the season with back to back losses. UK wins in an upset.”

Question: Is it more important for UK to win the football game or the basketball game?

Tom Leach: “I think the ‘important’ part of this discussion is overstated. The basketball team is going to be a lot better in March than it is now so a loss would not keep the Cats from getting where they want to go, although you could make the argument that a home loss might end up costing them a line or two on the bracket come Selection Sunday. As for football, a win would certainly put a better spin on the overall perception of the season but I don’t see it necessarily having a big impact on next season and win or lose, I think fans are always going to lament the one that got away against Florida. I think the Cats would be best served by not thinking about how 'important' the game might be and just play relaxed and see what happens.”

Alex Risen: “Bowl win bigger than early season victory over rival in hoops. Fans hate losing to Louisville, but football program needs a postseason win. Huge jolt in arm headed into 2018 would keep progress in motion. UK could lose tight game to Cards, still show progress and learn (as Cal says) and be fine come league play.”

Tyler Thompson: “It's close, but I say the football game. Whereas we know this basketball team will lose some games this season, the football team is in desperate need of momentum after a disappointing end to the regular season. Last year, it was big enough just to be in a bowl, but for Mark Stoops to continue this program's growth and get the fans back, he needs a big bowl win. Meanwhile, a loss to Louisville in basketball won't sting as much now that Pitino's gone.”

Larry Glover: “A win would be more important to the football program. Strangely, a winning football season has a disappointing feel given the slide down the stretch. UK really needs a strong finish to give the program a boost heading into next season.”

Ryan Lemond: “I think it's more important to win the football bowl game. The football program needs a good win. After letting wins slip away against Florida and Ole Miss, and then getting blown out in their final two games, this team and our fans need a feel-good win. The basketball team and our fans will be fine even if they lose to U of L because I believe this team can make a big run in March. Football needs the win more than basketball.”

As for me, I see a Kentucky basketball win but I just don’t see UK’s passing game being strong enough to win the football game.