The first big test of the Will Stein era is already here. On Saturday, the Kentucky Wildcats will welcome the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide into Kroger Field, led by five-star freshman quarterback Keelon Russell. Kentucky will be tested in all areas and will face one of the toughest teams in the nation.
Ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, head coach Will Stein spoke with the media to preview the game. He started by discussing what to expect from an Alabama team looking to return to its long history as a college football powerhouse.
“They’re very creative. They attack on all fronts. They’ve got a good run game, good pass game, drop-back play-action. They have a mobile quarterback (Keelon Russell). We recruited him late in the process. He’s kind of a late bloomer in terms of how much of a priority he became throughout his high school career. He obviously ended up an extremely talented and heavily recruited player. Towards the end of it (his recruitment), we were never really in it, but yeah, he’s a really good player, really talented player. He can run it, he can throw it.”
Aside from the star of the offense, Keelon Russell, Stein also praised Alabama’s defense when asked who stands out on that side of the ball.
“Their edge is really good (Yhonzae Pierre); their corner (Dijon Lee) is really good. Their boundary safety (Bray Hubbard), they have really good players, and It’ll be a definite challenge for us. Not only do they have good players, they have really good coaches, but yeah, there’s plenty of guys on that side of the ball.”
On Saturday, It’s going to take a lot of juice, not just from the players, but the fans, too. Will Stein had a message for Big Blue Nation during his press conference on Tuesday. He wants a record-setting loud environment.
“We have to make this the loudest game in the history of Kentucky football. That’s my goal for our fans. The loudest it has ever been, and we need them to be at their best. I want people in the stands for pregame. Let’s have 65,000 watching us warm up,” Stein said. “I love to tailgate too, but get in there, be loud, make it disruptive for them as they get here, and then for sure when the ball is kicked, everybody in their seats, everybody in their seats, cheering as loud as they humanly can. I want people’s voices hoarse when they leave here. They’ve got to take off work on Monday because they can’t talk. That’s how loud I want this place to be.”
Okay, Big Blue Nation. Will Stein has sent out the challenge. Will you answer the call? Will you do your part to make this the rowdiest atmosphere in Kentucky football history?
If so, another thing that is asked of you is to help complete the ‘Stripe Out.’ So, plan before you go, check what section you’re in, and wear white or blue, accordingly.
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