When it comes to college football, the University of Alabama is one of the most dominant teams in the sport. The Crimson Tide have won 18 National Championships and have produced countless NFL stars. However, part of what makes Alabama such a great program is its willingness to schedule tough out of conference opponents. One such opponent is the University of Kentucky Wildcats, often referred to as UKT. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Alabama's games against UKT and what we can expect from future matchups.

History of Alabama vs UKT

The first matchup between Alabama and UKT took place in 1917, with Alabama winning 20-0. Since then, the two teams have faced off a total of 40 times, with Alabama winning 37 of those contests. However, the games have not always been blowouts. In fact, UKT has come close to upsetting Alabama on multiple occasions, including a 7-6 loss in 1922 and a 17-14 loss in 2008.

Despite the lopsided nature of the series, Alabama and UKT have developed a bit of a rivalry over the years. This is in part due to the fact that the two teams are located in neighboring states and share a border. Additionally, UKT has a strong football tradition of its own, with two National Championships and multiple conference titles to its name.

Recent Matchups

In recent years, Alabama has continued to schedule games against UKT. The two teams last faced off in 2016, with Alabama winning 34-6. While the game was not particularly close, UKT did show some promise on the defensive side of the ball, holding Alabama to just 10 points in the first half.

Looking ahead, Alabama and UKT are set to face off again in 2023 and 2024. These games should provide an interesting test for both teams. Alabama will be looking to continue its dominance over UKT, while UKT will be looking to pull off an upset and establish itself as a legitimate contender in the SEC.

The Importance of Out of Conference Games

So why does Alabama continue to schedule tough out of conference opponents like UKT? There are a few reasons. First, playing tough opponents helps prepare the team for the rigors of conference play. The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college football, and Alabama needs to be prepared to face the best teams in the conference every week.

Additionally, scheduling tough opponents can help boost Alabama's strength of schedule, which is a key factor in determining which teams make it to the College Football Playoff. By playing and beating tough non-conference opponents, Alabama can improve its chances of making it to the playoff even if it loses a game or two in conference play.

Conclusion

When it comes to college football, Alabama is a dominant force. However, part of what makes the Crimson Tide so successful is their willingness to schedule tough out of conference opponents like UKT. While Alabama has dominated the series between the two teams, UKT has shown that it can compete with the best teams in the country. As the two teams prepare to face off again in 2023 and 2024, fans can expect an exciting matchup between two talented squads.

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