Last week Kentucky had two big games, with the first one coming on Tuesday as they faced the #8 Tennessee Volunteers on the road in Knoxville. Kentucky looked very impressive as they walked away with that win, their third straight there. A crazy 18-point performance by Koby Brea and a 17-point performance from Jaxson Robinson helped lead the way to the result.

Then Kentucky had another important game this past Saturday night back home in Rupp Arena, facing the Arkansas Razorbacks that are led by former Wildcat coach, John Calipari. This would be the first time that Calipari had returned to Rupp Arena since his departure from Lexington back last April. This matchup was highly anticipated as you had students even going as far as to campout the night before to secure their place in the student ticket line.

Kentucky just did not look like the same team in this game as the one that just beat a top-10 team on the road just four days prior. They struggled defensively and offensively the majority of the second half, losing by double-digits after only trailing by one point at the halftime break. Arkansas won 89-79 handing Kentucky their sixth loss of the season, led by a combined 52 points from the 3 former ‘Cats on that roster.

Kentucky now makes another road trip this evening as they will head to Oxford, Mississippi to take on the 25th ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Ole Miss has done an excellent job this season while playing at home. The Rebels are 10-2 on the season with their sole losses coming to Texas A&M and the No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers.

Ole Miss on average is one of the smaller teams in the Southeastern Conference. This should be to Kentucky’s benefit in regards to rebounding, as well as, being without starting point guard Lamont Butler. Kentucky likely will not be able to stop Ole Miss guard Sean Pedulla from getting his points, however, the key will be limiting others from going off with him.

On paper, Kentucky is the better team, but with all of the injuries and streaky shooting issues I have a hard time picking Kentucky to win at this point in the season. Also, with it being on the road it only makes it that much more difficult to earn a win. With that being said, this still is a crucial game for Kentucky to try to find some more victories in the SEC for their resume, so they need to get this one at all cost. Especially when you host South Carolina (who you should beat) this Saturday and Tennessee (who you already beat in Knoxville) next Tuesday night.

I think Kentucky does ultimately win, but it’s going to be another nail-biter of a game. Give me Kentucky winning 81-78 with Otega Oweh as the MVP. Some other predictions from Cats Coverage staff include:

Tim Smith: 88-83, Ole Miss. MVP – Jaxson Robinson

Tres Terrell: 79-70, Kentucky. MVP – Jaxson Robinson

Jacob Childers: 82-80, Kentucky. MVP – Jaxson Robinson

Nate Unthank: 88-84, Kentucky. MVP – Amari Williams

Tanin Smith: 87-79, Kentucky. MVP – Jaxson Robinson

John Michael Frey: 91-86, Kentucky. MVP – Koby Brea

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