Earlier this afternoon, Louisville officially released its men’s basketball schedule for 2013-2014, the only year it will play in the newly-formed AAC. Kentucky fans, who are used to defending their school on this very same matter (because of the perceived weak SEC slate), immediately took to Twitter to criticize the Cardinals’ list of opponents. But are they actually right in thinking that the Wildcats have a more difficult schedule, statistically?
Actually, this time around – they are. While UK’s 2013-2014 lineup is far from grueling, it’s considerably better than that of Louisville, if you’re looking at last year’s numbers.
| School | ’12 Opponent Win % | ’12 Opponent Average RPI | Games vs. 2012 NCAA Teams |
| Kentucky | 60% | 107.5 | 10 |
| Louisville | 56% | 133 | 7 |
Of course, no two seasons are the same, so there is a bit of flawed logic in basing this kind of thing on last year’s results. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely inaccurate either.
Six of Louisville’s seven games against 2012 NCAA teams will be against Memphis, Cincinnati and Temple – the seventh is Western Kentucky. There’s also a chance that the Cardinals could play North Carolina.
Kentucky, meanwhile, plays Michigan State, UNC (100%), Boise State, Belmont and …Louisville. Yep, the Cardinals hurt their own cause here. The Wildcats also play three SEC schools that made the 2012 NCAAs – Ole Miss, Missouri and Florida.
But while Kentucky fans may have the last laugh in 2013-2014, things change drastically next year. Louisville’s move to the ACC will see the Cardinals annually play easily one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. Get your chuckles in now, BBN.
Comparing Louisville And Kentucky’s 2013-2014 Schedules, Statistically
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