What To Watch This Weekend

With no Kentucky basketball games to watch this weekend, I figured now would be as good a time to give you all something to do to occupy your weekend.  Never fear, loyal readers, there’s plenty of sport ball to keep your eyes occupied while the non-sports loving people in your life prepare for thanksgiving.

Tonight at 9:30 PM, EST

NCAA Basketball:  Michigan State vs Virginia Tech

Why to watch:  Michigan State is the number one team in the nation, and they looked like it twice out of the past three games.  Was their lackluster performance against Columbia a let down from the emotional high of beating Kentucky?  Or are there still some question marks around Izzo’s team?  Their opponent, the Hokies, lost a bad opening game against USC Upstate, but have won three in a row since including against West Virginia.  VT also just got their junior forward, C.J. Barksdale, back after a three game suspension to start the season.  Will VT be the toughest opponent Michigan State plays in November?  Of course not – but they should provide the Spartans a test.

Tonight at 10:30 PM, EST

Women’s Soccer:  UK vs UCLA

Why to watch:  If Kentucky wins, it will be their programs first trip to the sweet sixteen.  This is only the second time the teams have played each other, with the first being under the exact same circumstances – UK v UCLA with a trip to the sweet sixteen on the line – just last year.  UCLA is ranked number 2, so it will prove to be a tough match up, but Kentucky is playing well.

Additionally, if you don’t follow the UK women’s coach Jon Lipsitz on twitter, you’re really missing out.

Saturday at 12:00 PM, EST

NCAA Basketball: UNC vs Richmond

Why to watch:  It’s noon on a Saturday – you gotta watch something.  Plus, North Carolina seems to be in the middle one of those ‘vastly underwhelming’ seasons that we used to experience back with Tubby, so anything is possible.  Add to that, UNC is coming off a disappointing loss to Belmont… the same team that Richmond beat a few games earlier.  Richmond is pesky, UNC is down, and there is blood in the water in Chapel Hill.

That said, I’ll be pulling for the Tarheels.  The more hype the better heading in to the UK game in a couple weeks.

Saturday at 7:00 PM, EST

NCAA Football: UK vs Georgia

Why to watch:  Goes without saying, I figure.  Kentucky doesn’t have much to lose headed in to this Georgia game (which is another way of saying they don’t have many expectations) but the cats have been playing better, even if they can’t get over the SEC hump.  With suspensions hampering the already thin Kentucky team, it will be interesting to see the level of fight in the football cats.

Still, Kentucky has always played Georgia close, and the defense looked the best it has last week against Vanderbilt.  Kentucky may not be headed in to the game with much momentum, but they have fought hard in every game this year and are desperate for some positive news.  Who knows, by the end of the night, Mark Richt might be getting fired – and that’s worth cheering for.

Saturday at 7:00 PM, EST

NCAA Football:  Vanderbilt vs Tennessee

Why to watch:  Ultimately sets up a big or a BIG game next week for Kentucky.  Tennessee is sitting at 4-6.  If they win this weekend, they play Kentucky for a bowl game – if not, it’s just another rivalry game.  Add to it the  plot lines between Vandy becoming the better SEC team in Tennessee, and it’s a fun rivalry game to keep tabs on.

Sunday at 7:00 PM, EST

Women’s Soccer: Regional Final

Why to watch:  After Kentucky trounces the Bruins tonight, they will play either South Carolina or Stanford on Sunday night.  Kentucky lost the South Carolina in their last game of the regular season 2-1, so this weekend has a ‘revenge tour’ feel to it.

Go Cats.