Five things to know before September 4th

Elliott Hess | UK Athletics

We are now almost one month away from the beginning of football season here in the Bluegrass.

The football ‘Cats are set to take on the UL-Monroe Warhawks at Kroger Field on September 4th to a stadium full of fans for the first time since the 2019 season.

This week marks 34 days until kickoff and at KSR we have compiled a list of five things you need to know before the long-awaited season begins.

1. Quarterback showdown: With the arrival of Penn State transfer Will Levis to the program, the conversation surrounding the starting quarterback job has gotten a little more interesting. With ‘Cats Joey Gatewood and Beau Allen also up for the job, it has been a long summer in Lexington for these three guys. KSR’s very own Scoop Lemond has reported that Levis will be in the top spot come September 4th, but there has been no official word from Stoops and the Gang. Plus, facts are optional here.

2. Wan’Dale Robinson: Nebraska junior transfer Wan’Dale Robinson has added to the ongoing buzz surrounding this season. Robinson was recently named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given annually to the most versatile player in college football. This is Robinson’s third season on the watch list for the award, and with three seasons of eligibility remaining, it is safe to say that it may not be his last. The wide receiver led Nebraska in catches and yards last season despite only playing in eight games.

3. “For the Team”: After a season of tragedy and loss, the ‘Cats have a new motto heading into 2021. Late offensive line coach John Schlarman repeatedly used the words “for the team” to describe his grit and determination to continue coaching throughout his diagnosis and treatment. These words have stuck with the team and those who knew Schlarman. The ‘Cats are striving to honor both Schlarman and former linebacker Chris Oats, who suffered a season-ending and debilitating injury in 2020 with their “For the Team” motto.

4. Additions to the SEC: Not directly applicable to the 2021 season, but something to keep an eye out for in the future: the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners will soon (pun intended) be making their way into the SEC. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops welcomed the programs this week after the announcement, citing his brother, Bob Stoops’, successes at Oklahoma, who is the all-time winningest football coach at OU, and brother Mike being the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the program. Family rivalry, anyone?

Congratulations to Oklahoma and Texas as they join the @SEC. Through my brothers, I am familiar with the OU program and both schools have an outstanding tradition. Our incredible league continues to get better, just another reason for great players to join @UKfootball!

— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) July 30, 2021

5. Getting the band back together: It’s been a season of reunification, from Randall Cobb rejoining the Packers with Aaron Rogers to all of us getting our butts into seats at Kroger Field. That’s right, we are all going to be welcome this season in the stadium to cheer on the ‘Cats. After a long year of sitting in our living rooms and watching the game from afar, we can finally reunite as one Big Blue Nation. If that isn’t something to look forward to, I don’t know what is. So get your tickets, and we will see each other on September 4th!