KSR Gameday: Kentucky Seeks Fourth Straight Governor's Cup Win over Louisville

On3 imageby:Nick Roush11/26/22

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Kentucky has the chance to end an underwhelming season on a high note, by beating Louisville for the fourth straight time. The Cards dodged a Covid bullet in 2020, last claiming a Governor’s Cup victory in 2017. Coming in at No. 25 in this week’s CFB Playoff Rankings, momentum is on UofL’s side when the in-state rivals return to Kroger Field at 3 pm on the SEC Network.

The Cards are winners in five of their last six games, with the lone loss coming at Clemson. Once winners with offense, Scott Satterfield’s recent success is defined by defense. Louisville leads the nation in sacks (41) and ranks 11th in tackles for loss (81).

“I really think that they’re doing a really good job of kind of attacking and mixing things up and creating some pressure. And that’s an area where we’ve struggled at times this year,” Mark Stoops said this week. “We’ve got to make sure we really buckle down and continue to improve even through this last week.”

Kentucky can combat the pressure by letting Will Levis rip it on first down and leaning on Chris Rodriguez, who averages 9.84 yards per carry against the Cards over the last two seasons. The heated rivalry has been all Cats of late. That needs to continue Saturday afternoon against Louisville. The 2022 season has not lived up to the lofty expectations, but the BBN can still jubilantly rejoice when they see the Wildcats hoist the 110-pound Governor’s Cup to keep the trophy in Lexington for the fifth straight year.

Kentucky vs. Louisville: TV, Radio and Point Spread

The Wildcats opened as 4-point favorites over the Cards but that numbers has creeped on down to Kentucky -3. The total is 43. Both teams are 7-4 against the spread (ATS) this season. The under is 10-1 in Kentucky games and 7-4 in Louisville games. UofL has two outright upsets as a road dog this season. UK is 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite against power conference foes. Mark Stoops is 5-2-1 ATS in this series. Scott Satterfield is 5-6-1 ATS as a road dog at Louisville with three outright wins.

Dave Neal, Deuce McAlister and Andraya Carter will be on the call for the 3 pm kickoff on the SEC Network. If you can’t attend the game or stream the Cats, you can always listen to the Voice of the Wildcats, Tom Leach, and Jeff Piecoro.

  • AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
  • FM: 98.1 WBUL
  • Satellite: Sirius 133/190, SXM app 961

Kentucky Football Game Day Schedule

  • 11:00 — The KSR Pregame Show on 630 WLAP
  • 12:00 — Lextran Shuttle Kicks Off
  • 12:45 — The Cat Walk
  • 2:40 — Senior Day ceremonies at Kroger Field
  • 3:00 — Kickoff on SEC Network

29 Kentucky Wildcats Honored on Senior Day

Today marks the final time you will see many Wildcats wearing a Kentucky uniform at Kroger Field. DeAndre Square is one tackle away from the 300 Club, Chris Rodriguez is No. 3 on UK’s all-time rushing list and Will Levis is suiting up one final time before embarking on the NFL Draft. Even though a bowl game lies ahead, his participation is in question.

“I don’t know,” the quarterback replied. “It’s something that I haven’t even thought about. I want to get through the season, then sit down with my family and talk to coach (Mark) Stoops about all that.I know people are wondering about that, but I really have no idea. I haven’t paid too much mind to it.”

Will Levis should not play in a bowl game for the Wildcats. Enjoy his final performance in a Kentucky uniform. Hopefully it’s another four-touchdown masterpiece.

Injury Report

DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones have each been stuck on 299 career tackles for a couple of weeks. While there’s no indication Jones will be back, it feels like Square will be good to go against Louisville. On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Mark Stoops was optimistic about Kenneth Horsey‘s prognosis, but it was unclear if that was long term or pointing him toward playing today. Scott Satterfield said Louisville will have physical running back Tiyon Evans back in the fold. Malik Cunningham may be a go, but the Cards’ head coach was unwilling to tip his hand early in the week.

Today’s Kentucky Football Uniforms

For the first time all season, Kentucky did not announce what uniforms it will be wearing Friday afternoon. Does that mean they’re bringing out something special for the rivalry? Louisville will be wearing all-white uniforms with red chrome helmets. Kentucky could go all blue and maybe sprinkle in a little chrome, or completely shake things up. Prepare for any outcome Saturday afternoon.

Kentucky Bowl Equation is Complicated

Obviously, everyone in the BBN is focused on a Wildcat win over Louisville. If you want to look beyond to the bowl game, forecasting postseason play is difficult. Mississippi State did not help matters by upsetting Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, knocking the Rebels down a notch, out of Citrus Bowl contention. In similar fashion, Tennessee could get knocked down the pecking order by Vanderbilt this afternoon. The Commodores are seeking bowl eligibility, something Mizzou earned in a rivalry win Friday afternoon over Arkansas. Florida had an opportunity to comeback and win at Florida State, but came up short to finish the season 6-6. Rivalry week chaos is here. A look at the slate:

  • Noon: #3 Michigan at #2 Ohio State on Fox
  • Noon: Georgia Tech at #1 Georgia on ESPN
  • Noon: South Carolina at #8 Clemson on ABC
  • Noon: West Virginia at Oklahoma State on ESPN2
  • 3:30: Auburn at #7 Alabama on CBS
  • 3:30: #9 Oregon at #21 Oregon State on ABC
  • 3:30: Minnesota at Wisconsin on ESPN
  • 7:00: #5 LSU at Texas A&M on ESPN
  • 7:30: #15 Notre Dame at #6 USC on ABC
  • 7:30: #10 Tennessee at Vanderbilt on SEC Network
  • 8:00: Kansas at Kansas State on Fox
  • 10:30: #13 Washington at Washington State on ESPN

Outstanding Finish in the Kroger KSR Game of the Week

Ballard pulled a Josh Allen. All they needed to do was successfully snap the ball from their own 1-yard line to secure a spot in the 6A State Championship. Instead, the ball bounced back to Male in a thrilling finish.

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2024-03-28