so, since yalls are quick to judge and mock, let me give you data... when i said most anticipated, did i restrict it to UK fans only? there is another team playing and another fanbase and i doubt any U of L fans cared about Cal's first game so throw that argument out. Any tournament games mentioned could only be anticipated for a week at most so an elite 8 meeting you only had days to anticipate so those don't compare in any way shape or form as not enough time to anticipate. anticipation requires buildip. a week compared to 6 months? then let's throw in social media which didn't really exist for any of the games mentioned by anyone. then throw in the MM battle made front page news on most sports sites with ESPNs specifically saying Pope beat out his rival. then add in MM is almost one of the highest paid athletes in history and if Pope hadn;t signed him the fanbase will be calling for his head immediately. and UK beat out it's rival to get him and essentially save MP's job. UK will see dec 12 as a day Pope proves himself to get another year, because if the cats lose at home with MM having paid him $6MM, and the cards win, then the fanbse will be calling for Pope's head. Outside of the Dream game in 83, this is the most important rivialry game and will be antiicipated by boths side meaning more people will be into it than at any other time on the games history. Louisville fans haven;t anticip;ated much in decades as they not had a chance to win most years whereas now they feel they have the upper hand. Thus, Most anticipated means you count both teams anticipation, not just how UK feels. Louisville will want to prove they didn't need MM and UK has to prove the investment was worth it. If the Cats lose at home for the 2nd straight year to a Pat Kelsey team, how are you going to feel? this game is the most important game on the calendar until march madness. if the Cats lose on Dec 12th, how will Coach Pope be treated? And Cardinal fans will be laughing their arses off if they win. So find me a more important game in the last 40 years between the two teams where both sides had jsut as much riding ont he game combine dwith the amount of time to think about and anticipate the game. Social media, circumstance and timing make it the most anticipated game in 40 years.