The Battle of the Bluegrass has been a Blowout—and the numbers back it up
Rivalries are supposed to be unpredictable. That’s what makes them great. But in the last decade-plus, the Battle of the Bluegrass has felt less like a feud and more like a formality.
Since 2013, Kentucky has won 11 of the last 13 meetings against Louisville, including blowouts, buzzer-beaters, and everything in between. The Wildcats have owned the rivalry, regardless of venue, coach, or roster makeup. 14-3 since 2010. The only two Cardinal wins in that span came in 2016 (a three-point squeakers in 2012 and 2016 and the COVID-limited 2020 season.
Since then? All Cats.
The latest chapter—set to be written by Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey—enters with a familiar vibe. Pope, heading into his second season in Lexington, is reloading with NBA-ready talent and momentum. Kelsey, entering year two in Louisville, is tasked with resurrecting a program that bottomed out under Kenny Payne, finishing 12-57 over two seasons before his arrival…