We will always have Syracuse.
Two good things University of Louisville basketball fans can still look forward to this season are a couple of games against Syracuse, our very own punching bag.
Rick Pitino’s Louisville teams have defeated Syracuse seven straight games since the 2006-07 season and eight out of the last nine games. U of L owns a decided 13-4 advantage in the overall series.
Funny thing is every time Louisville beats Jim Boeheim’s team, it’s always described as an “upset” as if Syracuse has the superior program. Among the most memorable U of L “upsets” was the 78-68 win over No. 1-ranked Syracuse in the final game in 
Freedom Hall in March 2010, courtesy of Kyle Kuric.
Following U of L’s four-point win at the KFC Yum! Center last season, the Orange Fizz, a Syracuse blog, was led to admit the obvious:
Rick Pitino now owns Jim Boeheim. Pupil has dominated teacher, the Orange has lost seven straight to Louisville, and many have been in embarrassing fashion. Whether it’s Slick Rick’s familiarity with the zone, added motivation in beating his mentor or a perennially bad matchup for SU, Pitino has worn The Per’fesser like another white leisure suit.
Currently, Syracuse is enjoying an undefeated season after 20 games, a near consensus pick for the No. 1 ranking in every national poll. The Orange could well be 27-0 when the teams line up the first of two games in Louisville on Feb. 13th. They’ll close out the regular season at Syracuse, March 3rd.
Like waiting for Christmas. Counting the days.