‘The Hatred Is Real’: Wildcats Embrace High Stakes of Kentucky–Louisville Rivalry

Rivalry week is here. It doesn’t matter what’s happened so far this season; everything can change with a win over a rival. That’s especially the case for this Kentucky football team as the Wildcats prepare to take on Louisville in the Governor’s Cup.

“I think that the hatred is real,” said offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan. “I think it’s all fun. That’s what makes the pageantry of college football what it is and what makes college so special.”

No matter the circumstances, this is a big game. It’s one Jager Burton grew up with. Even before he could form lasting memories, this game left a lasting impact on him. During a conversation earlier this week, Jager’s older brother reminded him of a family trip to Louisville for the game, one Kentucky lost.

“I spent the whole time in the car ride home crying, throwing a fit in the car.” Burton has no recollection of that moment, but knows the stakes are especially high with a bowl bid on the line.

“Ever since I can remember, it’s always been a big deal. I know how big of a deal it is to the people in the state for both sides, and that motivates us to want to play and want to win, obviously,” said Burton.

Everybody Knows What This Rivalry Means

The Lexington native has taken it upon himself to ensure that his teammates know the importance of this game. With so many players moving from school to school in the transfer portal era, Burton ensures all of the Wildcats know what this game means to people around the Commonwealth.

“People got to go into work on Monday. Everybody knows which side you’re on, and if you’re on the side that lost, you’re going to hear about it for a week or two, or probably longer, honestly. So I do take pride in letting guys that aren’t from around here, haven’t played here, this is their first year here, whatever it may be, just letting them know how big of a deal it is,” said Burton.

Linebacker Daveren Rayner is an Indianapolis native who spent a couple of years playing at Northern Illinois before transferring to Kentucky. He understands the stakes in Saturday’s game.

“Not only does it mean a lot to everybody in this building, but it means a lot to everybody in this state. You get bragging rights for a year,” he said.

Stakes are High for Kentucky

Louisville currently has bragging rights in the Governor’s Cup. Last year’s loss was an embarrassment. That was the word Brad White used to describe the 41-14 loss.

Kentucky has plenty to play for on Saturday. The Cats got whooped by Vanderbilt the last time they were on the gridiron, snapping a three-game win streak. They can’t let all of that positive momentum erode away. They must get to a bowl game. On top of it all, there’s a chance to deliver retribution for an unforgettably bad performance.

“I’ve watched that game, I don’t know how many times. Yeah, it definitely still stings,” said Burton.

“I talked to Eli (Cox) on the phone the other day, and we started talking about it, just a couple guys from Kentucky. Obviously, wasn’t proud of that game either, so definitely have something to prove on Saturday as a team, just after last week, and it being the big game it is, so I’m excited for the opportunity.”

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