Kentucky has a rich tradition of basketball and with a new head coach, they look to keep it going.  Being a blue blood means you have a tough schedule.

All of the games you play in a season determine what seed you get in March so it is important that you win the big games.

These are the Wildcats’ must-win games.

5. Kentucky vs. Duke

This game would be much higher, but it is too early in the season. With a win, Kentucky could show the world they are back, but a loss doesn’t hurt them too bad with the whole season ahead. It is also a rivalry game with the long history of these teams meeting in the tournament and both of them being blue bloods.

4. Kentucky @ Clemson

The Clemson game is another pretty early season game, but a little more important. It is the Wildcats’ first true road game and it is in a tough environment. The Tigers made it to the Elite 8 last year and with many players returning, they should be just as good. This game is another opportunity for Kentucky to show the college basketball world they mean business.

3. Kentucky vs. Louisville

One of the biggest rivalries in college basketball history is bound to be a great game this season. Louisville has reloaded just like Kentucky and they also have a first-year head coach, former coach of Charleston, Pat Kelsey. It’s looking as if this will very likely be a game where both teams are ranked in the top 25. This game is very important to Big Blue Nation just like it is every year, and a win would extend our streak of beating the Cards.  

2. Kentucky vs. Alabama

This game will be a tough battle for both teams. They both have talent everywhere with Kentucky having a guy like Jaxson Robinson while Bama has a National Player of the Year candidate in Mark Sears. The Crimson Tide will be out for revenge since last year, the Wildcats sent them home with a 22-point loss. With a win in this game, the Wildcats can boost their seed in March big time since Alabama is projected as a top 5 team in the nation.  

1. Kentucky vs. Tennessee

When these two meet, it is always a dogfight. This has become one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball over recent years. The Vols will be a good team this year, even though they lost their best player, Dalton Knecht. When this game comes around, almost everyone who watches college basketball will turn this game on. This is the biggest game of the season for Kentucky not just for the tournament seed, but their pride as well.