Reed Sheppard believes Louisville can beat Kentucky: "We've got to fight."

Don’t expect Kentucky to come out sluggish against in-state rival Louisville this week. The players know exactly what this game means and how hungry the Cards are to pull off the upset, certainly at home.

Reed Sheppard has seen it time and time again growing up in Kentucky and following this series closely. Favorites and season records matter zero when that ball is tipped. It’s going to come down to who wants it more, and he wants to make sure that’s the Wildcats.

“It means a lot. Growing up, I’ve always watched Louisville vs. Kentucky. It’s always been a big game,” Sheppard said Wednesday. “It’s always been a fun game to watch, the crowd is into it, both teams play really hard. You’ve got to respect the game because it’s such a big, big rival.

“I’m looking forward to going up, especially at Louisville. Fans will be into it, they’re going to be playing good, everyone’s going to be fighting to win. It’s gonna be a really fun game and atmosphere.”

His parents both played in the rivalry for the men’s and women’s teams in Lexington. He hasn’t talked about individual matchups or the history with Jeff and Stacey, but he doesn’t need to. Sheppard has it in his blood. He’s lived it.

“We haven’t talked about it, but we know. We know how big the rivalry is and what it means for the state,” the standout freshman said. “It’s a really, really big game. I’m excited and they’re excited to go to Louisville and play against Louisville. It should be a fun game.”

And he hasn’t needed to convey the message of this game’s importance to his teammates, either. Sheppard may have always lived here and experienced it, but it’s not just a local thing. Kentucky vs. Louisville is a national brand and rivalry. They grew up watching this game, too.

And they’re just as amped.

“I mean, they know. They know what it is. It’s Kentucky vs. Louisville. Anyone knows that’s a big rival,” Sheppard added. “So they know it’s a big game and they know Louisville is gonna play good.”

Make no mistake about it, the Cardinals can win this game. They’re desperate for a signature win and this is the perfect opportunity.

It’s on the Cats to crush those dreams.

“Louisville has a chance to beat us, they’re a good team,” Sheppard said. “They went down to the wire with Texas. We’ve got to come out and play hard, we’ve got to fight. It’s our first true road game. The crowd will be rocking, everyone will be excited for us to play against each other.

“I think it’s our first time playing at the Yum! Center in three years or something like that, so it’ll be a good crowd, good atmosphere. So we’ve got to come out and fight.”