Prediction: Breaking down Kentucky basketball's 2023-24 schedule

I've decided to share my schedule prediction for Kentucky basketball.

In parentheses beside each opponent's name is their preseason KenPom rating. For reference, Kentucky is the preseason No. 18 team in the KenPom ratings.

Highlighted in bold are important games, with thoughts about the matchup below.

Vs (178) New Mexico State - W (1-0)

Vs (283) Texas A&M Commerce - W (2-0)

Vs (2) Kansas - L (2-1)

The Wildcats currently don't have any of their three seven-footers available to play, and the possibility of even one of them being ready to play vs Kansas is slim. With an eight-man rotation, UK struggles and loses in Chicago.

Vs (346) Stonehill - W (3-1)

Vs (104) Saint Joseph's - W (4-1)

Vs (162) Marshall - W (5-1)

Vs (45) Miami - W (6-1)

The Hurricanes are absolutely capable of coming into Rupp Arena and upsetting the Wildcats. The U is still very experienced despite losing Isaiah Wong to the NBA. If Kentucky doesn't have better depth in their rotation in this game, it could be ugly.

Vs (148) UNC Wilmington - W (7-1)

Vs (215) Penn - W (8-1)

Vs (17) North Carolina - W (9-1)

The last time these two teams squared off, the Wildcats nearly dropped 100 points on UNC's dome. Guard talent and better shooting gets UK over the hump here.

At (109) Louisville - W (10-1)

While the Cards should be improved this season, they still won't be able to beat Kentucky.

Vs (177) Illinois State - W (11-1)

At (39) Florida - W (12-1, 1-0 SEC)

The Gators are a sleeper team in the SEC this season. This could be a much more difficult game than currently anticipated.

It's safe to assume at least one of Kentucky's big men is back for this one. Possibly two, or all three.

Vs (55) Missouri - W (13-1, 2-0 SEC)

At (24) Texas A&M - L (13-2, 2-1 SEC)

A&M has one of the most experienced teams in the nation. Their lengthy guards and solid frontcourt will give Kentucky problems. This is a tough out regardless of a win or loss prediction.

Vs (27) Mississippi State - W (14-2, 3-1 SEC)

Vs (57) Georgia - W (15-2, 4-1 SEC)

At (66) South Carolina - W (16-2, 5-1 SEC)

At (14) Arkansas - L (16-3, 5-2 SEC)

This may be the most talented team Eric Mussleman has had with the Hogs. This Kentucky team looks completely different than they did a season ago on offense and I wouldn't expect it to be easy to predict another scoring explosion in Bud Walton.

The Razorbacks just beat Purdue in overtime in a scrimmage game.

Vs (39) Florida - W (17-3, 6-2 SEC)

Vs (8) Tennessee - W (18-3, 7-2 SEC)

The Vols are going to be stout on the defensive end once again. Right now, it's hard to see UT winning in Rupp if Kentucky is fully healthy, has all of their big men back, and is also playing decent defensively themselves.

At (79) Vanderbilt - L (18-4, 7-3 SEC)

If Kentucky finds a way to be as good as I'm predicting this season, there will still be a few surprise losses mixed in. This is a young squad that will slip up on the road.

Vanderbilt has had Kentucky's number recently and may end up keeping the streak here.

Vs (5) Gonzaga - W (19-4, 7-3 SEC)

Surprisingly, the Wildcats bounce back and pick up a huge resume-building win at home against the Bulldogs.

Vs (82) Ole Miss - W (20-4, 8-3 SEC)

At (15) Auburn- W (21-4, 9-3 SEC)

At (47) LSU - W (22-4, 10-3 SEC)

Vs (10) Alabama - W (23-4, 11-3 SEC)

At (27) Mississippi State- L (23-5, 11-4 SEC)

Another surprise loss on the road. Any team could bite UK away from Rupp this season.

Vs (14) Arkansas - W (24-5, 12-4 SEC)

Kentucky splits the series against Arkansas and picks up another solid win for the resume.

Vs (79) Vanderbilt - W (25-5, 13-4 SEC)

At (8) Tennessee - L (25-6, 13-5 SEC)

Kentucky loses a close one to finish out the regular season, possibly keeping them out of first place in the SEC tournament.

Final record prediction: 25-6, 13-5 SEC

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