Ranking Kentucky Football’s 2023 Home Games
I recently purchased my tickets for the 2023 Kentucky Football season. I annually get four plus a parking pass. I get one free for being a letter winner, for which I am grateful. Season tickets are a family tradition. My dad started it in the 1970s by purchasing season tickets to give to family members. My folks greatly enjoy tailgating and Kentucky Football. We’ve done this during the good years and the bad ones; there have been both.
I perused the Cats’ home schedule this morning and thought I’d give you my ranking for each contest that will take place at Kroger Field this fall. Let’s get started.
No. 1: Tennessee (October 28)
Many would go with Bama here, but not me. I grew up near the Tennessee border and had to endure the overly vocal Orange fans my whole life. There aren’t many things that are more annoying than “Rocky Top” playing on a loop when the Vols are in town. Josh Heupel has proven to be an excellent hire. Life after Hendon Hooker could give the Wildcats an opportunity to beat their heated rival.
I’d like this game to be earlier in the season, but it is what it is. There’s just something special about Lexington when the Wildcats host the Volunteers regardless of sport. I would say it’s fun, but I’d be lying; for me, that weekend is extremely stressful.
Keeneland should still be running on that Saturday. If this one is at night, Kroger Field should be rocking. Additionally, Kentucky will be coming off a bye week. I’m not so sure that’s a good thing given UK’s recent wobbly performances coming off a weekend off.
No. 2: Alabama (November 11)
It’s Alabama. Enough said.
No. 3: Florida (September 30)
Kentucky has defeated the once-unbeatable Florida Gators three out of the last five times they’ve played including two consecutive in 2021 and 2022. The Big Blue Nation had to suffer through the embarrassing Florida losing streak for far too long. Last year’s victory at the Swamp was the best version of the Cats that we saw that season. Can Kentucky make it three in a row? I’d like to say yes, but I need to see how UK plays in early September before I make that claim official.
This game is pivotal for Mark Stoops. UK had risen up the SEC East’s ladder before a disappointing 7-6 season in 2022. Based on recent happenings, Kentucky appears to have surpassed Florida in the standings. A win here would go miles for that cause. All SEC East games are must-wins. This one feels ultra-important.
No. 4: Missouri (October 14)
Growing up in the coal fields of southeastern Kentucky I would have never imagined that Missouri would one day be a football rival. Thanks to conference realignment, that’s where we are in 2023. The Tigers are an enemy in Lexington. This matchup has really heated up recently. Mizzou fans think they should beat Kentucky annually. Wildcat fans think they should beat Missouri every year. See where I’m going here?
I’ve always said that for Kentucky to have a successful season, it must win the Battle of the Columbias (South Carolina and Mizzou). 2023 is no different. Got to get the W here.
No. 5: EKU (September 9)
Before we make this game out to be a feel-good, in-state story, I’d ask that to remember that EKU made the short trip to Lexington a few years ago and nearly beat the Cats. I recall that game clearly because I was on the radio call with Tom Leach in the booth. I was nearly speechless, which is not good while on the Network, when the visitors took it to the Wildcats. That game wasn’t fluky. The Colonels were the more physical team and simply outplayed the Wildcats. Truthfully, Eastern Kentucky should have won the game.
This one marks a reunion of sorts for EKU head coach Walt Wells. The Colonels’ leader was on Stoops’ staff and is a beloved figure within the Joe Craft Football Training Center. This is a game that the Cats should win, but Wells will have his team ready for the occasion.
No. 6: Ball State (September 2)
I may have messed this list up, my bad. The opener should be ranked higher, but I’m just being honest. Ball State is a good, not great, opening game opponent. MAC teams are physical in nature and well-coached. Expect the Cats to be tested early during its week-one matchup.
All eyes will be on Devin Leary and the Wildcats’ offense in this one. Liam Coen’s return will get a bunch of media play during fall camp and the days leading up to the opener. In the end, the Cats should overwhelm the visitors to go 1-0.
No. 7: Akron (September 16)
This one has “computer game” and a sluggish, hot, noon kickoff written all over it. Akron is not very good at the football game. Just being honest. Former Mississippi State head coach Joe Moorhead now leads the Zips so an impending improvement is likely but that shouldn’t matter.
Kentucky should roll. The Cats get on the road after this one in order to take on Vanderbilt in Nashville. Payback should be in mind following last season’s embarrassing home loss to the visiting Commodores.
What Does All This Mean?
Being a season ticket holder is a balancing act. Some years feature several quality games, others not so much. 2023 is a solid season to be a season ticket holder or just to buy individual passes for games that are interesting. Kentucky’s four-game SEC slate should be fun and heated. The Cats have developed rivalries against Florida and Missouri. Tennessee is an annual hate-fest and a Top-5 Bama team rolls into Lex.
Can’t wait.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard