Brad White admits Toledo receiving more AP Poll votes than Kentucky is deserved

One of the most under the radar games in all of college football’s opening weekend could very well possibly be the clash at Kroger Field between Kentucky and Group of 5 standout Toledo on Aug. 30. The Wildcats enter the game as a +7.5 point favorite (BetMGM), but the Rockets actually received 13 votes in the preseason AP Poll and are ranked No. 36 in the country.

Toledo, widely projected to be in the running for the group of five spot in the College Football Playoff this season, downed both Mississippi State and Pittsburgh in its two lone games against power-four competition last season. Many around the country would call this an upset if Toledo were to win, but in the mind of the Rockets, they should win this game.

Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White discussed dealing with the Toledo offense on Thursday. Along with complimenting their offensive unit, he brought up the fact that the Rockets were placed ahead of them in the preseason AP Poll and ‘deservedly’ should be thought of higher than the Wildcats heading into the season.

“The primary shift now is heavily Toledo,” White said. “That’s where the eyes are focused. We know that the big challenge is coming in with a good offense, an experience quarterback, a really talented wideout and two running backs that can really get it done. An O-line that’s got experience coming back plus adding some newcomers. That’s been the focus for the last couple of days in terms.”

Brad White brings up Toledo’s AP Poll votes

The Rockets return starting quarterback Tucker Gleason, who passed for 2,793 yards, 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions last season. They also brought in former Kentucky running back Chip Trayanum and return their leading rusher from last season Connor Walendzak.

“Zero worry about the focus (of our players),” White said. “They understand the challenge that’s coming in here and I could be wrong, but I believe they’ve got votes in the AP Poll and we don’t. To say that you’re gonna overlook a team that is thought of maybe more highly than you, and deservedly so. What they do against, especially their P-4 opponents when they get to play them, it’s impressive.

“Specifically impressively, even looking at them historically with how well they’ve played under Coach (Jason) Candle, they move the ball and give people a bunch of fits. We know and we’ve seen them in 2019 and how well they played in that game. A turnover to start the second half really changed the game but no we understand what’s coming in here and we’re gonna have to be prepared and dialed in.”

Kick-off for the season opener is scheduled for 12:45 on Aug. 30. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network.