Kentucky Basketball: Ranking the Biggest Games Left on Wildcats' Schedule

Kentucky has easily lived up to preseason expectations so far in the 2014-15 season. Step one of completing the perfect season is conference play. The Wildcats have a chance to check off their first task of winning yet another SEC regular-season title.

While the SEC isn't the highest-regarded basketball conference, that isn't to say there won't be challenges along the way. Take, for instance, the close calls against Ole Miss or on the road at Texas A&M. The fact is other schools in the conference are constantly looking at Kentucky and circling that game on their schedules.

This slideshow will take a look at the biggest games remaining on Kentucky's schedule if it wants to win its 47th SEC regular-season crown.

February 10: At LSU

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A one-time popular pick to upset Kentucky, the Tigers have inexplicably lost to Auburn and Mississippi State. However, there's still plenty of talent on LSU to make this a big game for Kentucky.

The Tigers are led by Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, two frontcourt players who have NBA talent and combine as one of the best duos in the country. If a player like Keith Hornsby or Josh Gray gets hot from outside during this game, the Tigers can give Kentucky a run.

This trip should be a hostile environment as well, with LSU fans expected to pack the arena. While this isn't unusual for Kentucky games, the atmosphere should be rowdier than normal for the marquee Tuesday night game.

February 28: Vs. Arkansas

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Arkansas can finally break the trend and get into the NCAA tournament. This is thanks in large part to the duo of Bobby Portis and Michael Qualls—the same Michael Qualls who beat Kentucky on a tip-in dunk last year in Fayetteville.

While Arkansas has notoriously struggled on the road, the Razorbacks did come into Rupp Arena and sweep the Wildcats last season. This is a game that's circled on Kentucky's schedule, since Arkansas is the second-best team in the conference and will want some retribution from the sweep.

This is the only time this season the two teams will play, so expect an intense game from the tip. The sophomore Portis will be looking to improve his NBA draft stock with a good game against a dominating Kentucky defense.

March 3: At Georgia

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Georgia was without its best player Marcus Thornton when the Bulldogs lost at Rupp Arena by 11 earlier this week. It should be a different story when Kentucky goes to Athens in the penultimate game of the regular season.

Georgia has solidified itself as a top team in the SEC and is a balanced team, according to KenPom.com's rankings. The Bulldogs rank in the top 55 both offensively and defensively in the country, with Georgia head coach Mark Fox focusing on the defensive side of the ball.

With Thornton back in the lineup, it will allow Georgia to handle Kentucky's defense with an upperclassman and provide a valuable scoring threat. While Kentucky will still be favored to win this game, don't be surprised to see it closer than 11 points.

March 7: Vs. Florida

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There's a real chance that history could be made in Rupp Arena on March 7. This is a game where Kentucky can finish off an undefeated regular season. Doing it against its conference rival will make the game even bigger.

This isn't a typical Florida team in the sense that it isn't talented. The Gators are currently 12-10 on the year and 5-4 in conference play, but you better believe head coach Billy Donovan would love to ruin the perfect season.

On top of all that, it's senior night, which most people think is a joke due to Kentucky's one-and-done players. However, those guys at the end of the bench this year get a chance to walk out onto Rupp Arena's floor with their families and be honored.