Well, the time draws nigh, and the bell will soon toll.

At High Noon tomorrow...New Year's Eve 2011...we'll all bare witness to one of the greatest rivalry games in all of sport, Kentucky vs Louisville on the hardwood. This game surpasses the Duke vs North Carolina rivalry, in my opinion, because of the story line. These are two historic programs, 70 miles apart, both residing in the state of Kentucky, both having won titles and been to multiple Final Fours, both with iconic coaches...one of which used to coach the other program and won a title there. The coaches have no love-loss for each other and used to be rivals when both their teams resided in Conference USA. Kentucky comes in ranked #3 with 1 loss to Indiana...Louisville comes in ranked #4 with 1 loss to Georgetown...best combined ranking in the history of the series.

We all know that the hatred between these two fan bases is vehement. All Kentucky fans are dumb toothless inbred hillbillies. All Cardinal fans are linebeard-wearing gold-tooth-displaying inner-city thugs. Those with common sense know this to be false and realize that the fanbases are much alike in their passion for their respective teams, but common sense lacks big when it comes to this rivalry in the state of Kentucky. Think of it like Hatfields vs McCoys, Good vs Evil, Rebels vs Yanks...completely polarizing, based on which side of the court you sit on.

I have never had the money for what tickets go for on the street for this game, nor the good fortune, to attend a UK vs UL basketball game in person. I've always had a party at the house and watched the TV screen intensely, often pacing, always screaming. I've seen some great games, just in my time...games where Cats whipped Cards, games where Cards whipped the Cats...elbows, fights, controversial calls...close games with last second miracles...you name it. I've seen Louisville teams that finished the regular season 12-19 shock Kentucky, and I've seen Kentucky teams rise up from the doldrums and beat the Cards in years when they shouldn't have. Take your best predictions and calculations based on stat lines and starting lineups and throw them out the window. This game comes down to emotion, heart, and luck 9 times out of 10. This game is THAT GAME on the schedule every year for me, as it is for many in this state....when folks say that weddings and special events get planned around it, they're not joking.

This year, lady luck fell my way, thanks to my employer and a relationship we have through advertising at Rupp Arena. Two tickets for lower arena seats fell into my lap. I'm taking my dear ole Dad, who has been on the earth a lot longer than me, yet has also never attended a UK-UL contest. We're pretty fired up, to say the least. My wife is pregnant and due on Wednesday, so she is about ready to pop at any minute....she's not too thrilled that I'm going to be at Rupp for 2 hours without cell service (it's horrible in there)....but I think she's giving me a pass on it. I'm hoping she can lay still and not get excited for those 2 precious hours. LOL

SO, good luck Cat fans....and good luck Card fans....win or lose, it will be fun. Anyone want to make predictions????

I'm hoping to ring in the new year with a Kentucky win, followed by a new baby girl. That would be a pretty dang good start if you ask me.