Kentucky managed to do a lot of things right in their season opener against Youngstown State, as they defeated the Penguins with a final score of 45-13. However, the true test comes rolling in this coming Saturday as head coach Will Stein will get a true taste of the Southeastern Conference with the Alabama Crimson Tide coming to town.
Alabama won in a very respectable manner this past Saturday in their home opener against the Eastern Carolina Pirates, with a final score of 48-10. The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, held the Pirates to only five first downs the entire game and only two (yes two) rushing yards. This is notable as Kentucky’s running backs, CJ Baxter and Jason Patterson, combined for 126 yards rushing on 20 attempts and had two touchdowns in the first game.
This week head coach Will Stein sat down with the media to discuss the SEC opener this coming Saturday. Have a listen below to hear what he said.
Kentucky has had a lot of memorable crowds at Kroger Field over the years, most memorable from 2010 vs. Auburn, 2007 vs. LSU, 2010 vs. South Carolina, and 2021 vs. Florida, amongst many, many others.
Will Stein wants this week’s game against the Crimson Tide to be the best home-field advantage in Wildcats’ history, saying, “We have to make this the loudest game in the history of Kentucky Football.”
Kentucky is currently a +10.5 underdog according to DraftKings Sportsbook. I feel as though that is a lot more respectable for the Wildcats than in recent seasons. It feels as though the national media is finally on alert regarding this program. What Will Stein has done for this culture over the short time he has been here is outstanding, but he still has to show it out on the field. All the hype, all the noise, all of it doesn’t mean anything unless you can back it up with wins.
From a fan’s perspective, I want so badly in my heart to choose Kentucky to win this Saturday; however, I have to pick with my brain. This is probably the most evenly matched Kentucky has been with Alabama in decades, but I still think we’re a ways away from beating the teams in the top tier of the Southeastern Conference.
I do think that Kentucky will cover the spread set by most sportsbooks. I predict Alabama winning a close one, with a final score of 30-24.
The rest of the Cats Coverage staff predictions are as followed:
Wyatt Huff: 34-24, Alabama. MVP – CJ Baxter
Tim Smith: 41-31, Alabama. MVP – CJ Baxter
Tres Terrell: 45-28, Alabama. MVP – Kenny Darby
Tyler Russell: 23-17, Kentucky. MVP – Kenny Darby
Tanin Smith: 28-24, Alabama. MVP – Willie Rodriguez
Ethan Grantz: 31-24, Kentucky. MVP – CJ Baxter
Nate Unthank: 34-23, Alabama. MVP – Mikkel Skinner
Braden Nevius: 27-20, Kentucky. MVP – Ty Bryant
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