The Big Blue Lowdown

The two winningest programs in the history of the sport collide today in a titanic matchup that represents what is unquestionably a young Kentucky team’s biggest test of the early season. For UNC, it’s a chance to prove they can contend for another national title.

A number of story lines will be on display at Rupp Arena Saturday in what should be an electric, NCAA tournament-like atmosphere. But we’ll focus on a few of the major themes and keys to the game.

John Wall - The BBL thinks today is the day when America learns the truth about this kid. He’s a freak and legit national player of the year candidate. He’ll have a lot of opportunities to penetrate and score today as UNC loves to match up man to man. Though Marcus Ginyard is a good defender who will likely draw JW for most of the game, we love Wall’s chances here.

Battle in the Lowpost - You might remember that we picked UNC and UK as the top two frontcourts in college basketball this preseason. Now we get to see them face up on the hardwood. Carolina’s fleet of aircraft carriers features Deon Thompson, Ed Davis, Tyler Zeller, John Henson and the freshmen Wear twins. Kentucky will counter with its own skyline of Patrick Patterson, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, Josh Harrellson and Perry Stevenson. Tough to say who has the edge, but one thing is clear, foul trouble could play a big role. DeMarcus Cousins will need to keep his cool and play intelligent basketball, something we aren’t entirely confident he can do yet. If he has a big game, it will probably mean UK has a chance to win.

Sideline Strategy - In games this early in the year, coaches tend to focus on big picture issues that will make them a better team over the long haul. Xs and Os typically play less of a role. But if today’s clash gets tight, it will be interesting to see what buttons Calipari and Roy Williams decide to push. Keep an eye especially on the substitution patterns of each team. They are both deep and talented, so the players on the floor in the waning moments will go a long way toward deciding where the coaches have the most confidence.

Tornado in a Volcano - Kentucky is a wild, turnover proned team. They play fast and loose, but often too loose. They’ll need to reign it in vs. a more discipline team. Both teams like to push it, which could lead to a highly entertaining game. But if the score gets tight, don’t be surprised to see this one grind into a halfcourt steel cage match.

Who Gets Rattled? - According to many of the experts, not only does Carolina have a slew of players who played important roles in the national title run last season, but they’ve also played much better teams already this season. So, of course, UNC is the team more prepared for this caliber of matchup, right? Not so fast, my friend. Rupp Arena will be shaking from its foundations. The Big Blue Nation has been waiting for this game for a long, long time. Coach Cal has coached big games before. And while the roster has young talent, guys like Patterson, Ramon Harris and Perry Stevenson have seen many wars over the years. And don’t forget the way this Kentucky team has looked in late game crunch time situations earlier this year. Do NOT be surprised if UNC ends up looking like the younger, more confused team.

Major Keys - Wall and Eric Bledsoe will need to use their speed and quickness advantage and get to the rack to execute the dribble drive motion. They’ll need to keep the turnovers down, too. Darius Miller and Darnell Dodson will need to knock down threes to counter those launched up by Dexter Strickland and Ginyard. They’ll need to defend well on the perimeter, too. The Cats will need to play well and score a lot of points early. A comeback won’t be as easy as it was against Miami of Ohio.