Kentucky Football Countdown: 82 Days till Kickoff

It’s the hottest day of the year across the Commonwealth. We’ve officially entered the dog days of summer. There are 82 long days between now and the start of the Kentucky football season. It feels like a long way away right now, but cold beers in the Kroger Field parking lot on Labor Day weekend will be here before you know it.

To mark the 82-day milestone, let’s talk about the recent No. 82s to grace Mark Stoops’ program. You probably remember T.V. Williams, only for the wide receiver’s unique first name. You probably did not remember Josh Ali began his career as No. 82. Donning the double-digit number in his first two seasons, Ali caught 13 passes for 124 yards and one touchdown. The switch to No. 6 turned out to be a wise one.

Ali ended his first season as No. 6 by catching the game-winning touchdown in the Belk Bowl. He led the Wildcats in receiving in 2020, then returned for a fifth year to catch 41 passes for 601 yards. Ali ranks No. 12 in school history in receiving yards (1,447) and No. 10 in receptions (131).

When Ali ditched No. 82, Tae Tae Crumes snatched up the jersey. A 6-foot-1 junior wide receiver, the Louisville Butler High School product brings speed to Scott Woodward’s position group. A top 10 player from the Commonwealth in the class of 2019, Crumes has knocked on the door, yet never completely cracked the rotation. Last season the redshirt sophomore played in four games, reeling in his first career reception in the season-opener vs. ULM, a 10-yard gain.

82 more days. Go Cats.