So much has already been written or said about today’s eagerly awaited UK-UL matchup that there isn’t too much left to do but sit down and watch the game.

We all know the story lines–in-state rivalry, Pitino vs. Calipari, UK’s undefeated record on the line, and Louisville going for three straight over UK. You get the idea.

In spite of the grand spectacle of it all, we think it will actually be a very competitive game that could either way. Here are the things to watch:

Pitino’s Gameplan: We have a feeling Pitino has been working on the right gameplan for this one since early October. We can’t be entirely sure of what the Cards will do, but we have some guesses. Look for UL to run a lot of zone and attempt to squeeze the driving lanes and force UK to hit contested perimeter jumpshots. Expect a very physical halfcourt game with Louisville’s more experienced lineup attempting to push the Cats around a bit.

Post Play: Louisville’s Samardo Samuels and Terrence Jennings are big bodies with good hands and solid overall athleticism. But today they may be facing their toughest test of the year. Kentucky’s cadre of big men will alter and reject shots, score on the low block and, on occasion, bring their defenders outside the paint, opening driving lanes or knocking down face up jumpers. Rebounding will be key today, and we think the Cats should have a huge advantage.

The Insanity of Rupp: There has perhaps never been a “battle of the bluegrass” with more on the line than this year’s. The colorful personalities of the two opposing coaches, the gravity of the game from a national perspective and, most importantly, the skill of these teams’ personnel should combine to create an excitement level rarely seen on the collegiate level. Rupp Arena will be one fantastic scene today, and it will be interesting to see not just how it affects the visiting Cardinals but also the young Kentucky squad. Don’t be surprised if there are a lot of butterflies in the early going.

Outside Shooting: This one is pretty obvious. Pitino has always said that if his teams shoot 34% from three land, then they can consistently beat opposing teams that shoot 50% from two. Seeing as how defending the three has been one of Kentucky’s scarce weaknesses, expect that philosophy to be put to the test today. On the other side of the ball, can UK continue its torrid shooting pace? The Cats are shooting nearly 43% from behind the arc, a fact which has surprised most commentators, the BBL included.

An Underrated Opponent: Da ‘Ville is better than their record of 10-3. The puzzling losses to Western Carolina and Charlotte had more to do with injuries and early season chemistry issues than with the quality of this team. UL is led by strong, athletic and experienced guards Jerry Smith and Preston Knowles. They will press all game long and try to force UK into turnovers. Also, you cannot underestimate the motivation of a program that was taken off their perch of state supremacy before a game was played, all due to the hiring of Calipari.

BBL Take: No prediction today. But we think this will be a rugged, tight battle that goes right down to the wire. Kentucky will need to knock down open jump shots, make free throws and get solid contributions off the bench. If the Cats pull this one off, expect the spotlight to intensify heading into conference play.

With comparisons between this year’s roster and the ‘95-’96 team sure to be made, we thought we’d take a few short moments to recognize the uncanny talents of Rick Pitino’s national title winning squad of 13 years ago.

This montage reminds you of what Kentucky is trying to get back to.

Don’t be mistaken. The BBL is not attempting to make our own comparison between Coach Cal’s Cats and the team dubbed the “Untouchables.” There is a long way to go before this year’s group can come anywhere close to that.

But at the very least, it’s a welcome sight to have the talent level back to where it was in the Ricky P era.