Kansas vs. Kentucky: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Champions Classic 2014 Preview

If Kentucky is really as good as everyone thinks, it will get a chance to prove it with a highly anticipated matchup against Kansas.

Head coach John Calipari has yet another great class full of freshmen this season, but the difference is many of his top players from the past two years are still around, giving the Wildcats some rare experience.

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks are also looking to make noise this season with some future NBA stars of their own. The team comes into the year as the No. 5 team in the country, and coach Bill Self knows how to win.

Although some fans complain that college basketball doesn't get exciting until March, the Champions Classic is here to prove them wrong.

Too Much Depth for Kentucky?

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Kentucky comes into the year as the No. 1 team in the country thanks to loads of big-time prospects from the last three classes. In an effort to get everyone enough playing time, Calipari has decided to try a platoon system.

Unfortunately, that might not work out after a slow start against Buffalo, according to Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio:

After trailing 38-33 at halftime, the Wildcats came back strong in the second half to win 71-52. That left questions about how well everyone can get into a rhythm without consistent playing time.

Still, Kyle Tucker of The Courier-Journal quotes Calipari in saying the jury is still out:

If Kentucky plays fast and wears out its opponents, the depth will come in handy. However, a tough matchup like this one could end up causing more problems for a team that lacks continuity.

Who Steps Up for Kansas?

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A year ago, freshmen Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid became Kansas' two best players and got better as the year progressed. While there is talent in the new class between Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre, this group might not be prepared to take over as stars.

ESPN Insider Jeff Goodman noted Oubre's slow start to the year:

Alexander did not play much more, with just 12 minutes, but he did contribute nine points and four rebounds in his limited time on the floor.

As a result, it seems like Kansas will have to rely on some of its older competitors, such as Perry Ellis, Wayne Selden and Frank Mason. Either way, someone will have to take charge and take the big shots down the stretch when the team needs to make a play.

Otherwise, the Jayhawks will not be able to keep up on the scoreboard against top teams.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Prediction

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Despite the offensive ability from both sides, this will likely be a low-scoring battle. Both coaches are big on team defense and have worked hard all preseason to make sure their teams succeed on that end of the court.

Additionally, the younger players could end up struggling a bit from the field on this big stage.

However, the difference will be the experience of Kentucky, a rare quality for this program. Andrew and Aaron Harrison should take big steps in their second years, while players such as Willie Cauley-Stein and Dakari Johnson make big plays down low.

Incoming freshmen Karl-Anthony Towns, Tyler Ulis and others are also more prepared for the upcoming season than Kansas' newcomers.

It will be a close battle, but Kentucky will pull it out down the stretch.

Prediction: Kentucky 67, Kansas 62

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