The Cardinals came close to taking it back last year and had a 24-14 lead over the Wildcats late in the third quarter. But UK outscored U of L, 17-7, in the fourth quarter to keep its winning streak alive.

"The minute I got here, I felt that from the fan base," he said. "Once you are in these rivalry games, you get a good feel for it right away. Certainly the intensity is there."Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.