Another reason to distrust polls.
A Bluegrass Poll published on Oct. 8 indicated that 51% of the respondents across the state believed the University of Kentucky would win this year’s rivalry game against the University of Louisville, compared to 27% who thought UofL would win.
The poll was divided into four regions, with only the Louisville metropolitan area picking UofL to win, 44% to 36%.
The poll is commissioned by the Herald-Leader and WKYT-TV in Lexington, and the Courier-Journal and WHAS-TV in Louisville. The fact that the question would be included in the poll is curious, especially during an election year. Obviously, a superficial attempt to stir up the fans.
At the time, Kentucky was 4-1, with “signature” wins over Vanderbilt and South Carolina. UofL was 5-1, with a disappointing loss at Virginia. The two teams have gone in opposite directions since then, with Kentucky losing five straight games and Uofl winning three out of five.
But Saturday is a rivalry game, evoking deeply felt emotions. Kentucky is still in contention for a bowl bid while UofL has its eye on a possible invitation to the Orange Bowl.
UK fans outnumber UofL fans by 5-1 across the state. Does anyone doubt the results would not be the same if the same respondents were asked the question again this week?