Georgia Bulldogs vs. Kentucky Wildcats preview: Looking to slay a giant

If there is one game on the schedule that should scare fans of the Georgia Bulldogs, it is the annual battle with the Kentucky Wildcats in the not-so-friendly confines of Rupp Arena. This season, the stakes are even higher than normal for Kentucky, though, as John Calipari’s team enters the night with the sky-high expectations that come with an undefeated record and the number one ranking in the country.

Naturally, this isn’t a game that the Dawgs are supposed to win. Kentucky is listed as a 16-point favorite by Ken Pomeroy, with the point spread in Las Vegas and off-shore generally sitting in that range as well, and expectations for a victory are very slim. Still, UGA has played very well on the hardwood this season, with the recent exception of a 17-point loss to South Carolina, and keeping the game competitive would appear to be a win against this particular opponent.

Unfortunately, the Georgia Bulldogs will be without arguably their best player, as veteran forward Marcus Thornton has been ruled out for the game. That absence is magnified because of Kentucky’s length and athleticism up front, and it would likely take a superhuman effort from the backcourt triumvirate of Kenny Gaines, Charles Mann and J.J. Frazier to really threaten Big Blue Nation here.

Mark Fox’s team is in need of a signature win to really stamp a potential NCAA Tournament resume, but it would certainly be the definition of slaying a giant if the Georgia Bulldogs were able to upend the Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday evening.

Be sure to stay tuned to ATL All Day for updates throughout the day (follow us on twitter @ATLBeatBlog), and check back following the final buzzer for a full recap of the game.

Date: February 3, 2015

Tip-off Time: 7:00 pm ET

TV Channel: ESPNU

Radio: 750 AM, 95.5 FM (Flagship), Full list of Local Affiliates

Live Stream: Watch ESPN (Click here)