KSR Gameday: Kentucky Hosts Miami in the ACC/SEC Challenge
Tonight Kentucky will have the honor of doing something never done before. The inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge tips off at Rupp Arena when the Miami Hurricanes take on the Kentucky Wildcats.
Miami had never been to an Elite Eight in program history. Jim Larranaga took them to one in 2022, then won another game the following year to take the Canes to the Final Four in Houston. Miami returns most of its talented backcourt from that team. Led by Nijel Pack, all five starters average double figures in scoring. The Hurricanes rank 10th nationally in points per game (89.0) and 11th in adjusted offensive efficiency.
If you’re thinking it’s setting up to be an entertaining, high-scoring affair, you’re probably correct. Cal’s electric offensive attack ranks third in scoring and is No. 6 in KenPom, thanks to a balanced attack anchored by Antonio Reeves, who is surrounded by a slew of sensational freshmen.
The last time we saw this Kentucky basketball team at Rupp Arena, they scored a Calipari era record 118 points. They may not be able to match that effort, but these two teams should produce on exciting basketball game in front of a Rowdy Rupp arena crowd Tuesday night at 7:30 pm EST.
Kentucky vs. Miami: How to Watch, Listen
Kentucky gets one heck of a lead-in. The final Tuesday night reveal of the CFB Playoff Rankings will be at 7 pm. Once the college football world reacts ahead of championship weekend, Rece Davis will pass the mic to Dave O’Brien for the ESPN broadcast of Kentucky vs. Miami.
- TV: ESPN (Dave O’Brien, Jay Bilas, Kris Budden)
- Streaming: Fubo (Try for free) Fubo’s holiday offer just kicked off – For a limited time, new subscribers can save $40 on Fubo’s Pro, Elite, and Premier plans ($20 off the first and second months)
- Local Radio: 630 WLAP, UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Jack Givens)
- Online Radio: iHeart
- Satellite Radio: Sirius 81
- Live Stats: Statbroadcast
Vegas on Kentucky vs. Miami
Kentucky is a 5.5-point favorite over Miami on FanDuel, with a total of 164.5. The Cats are 3-3 against the spread (ATS) this year, while the over has hit in four straight contests. The Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS, with the over cashing four times this fall.
The Cats and the Canes have faced off four times and not once over the last 15 years. Kentucky is 3-1 in the series, only dropping the most recent matchup back when Billy Gillispie was on the sideline in 2008.
Kentucky vs. Miami: By the Numbers
Latest on Kentucky Big Man Aaron Bradshaw
We will not see the seven-footer Tuesday night, but the projected first round pick is inching closer to his Wildcat debut. After revealing on Instagram Live that he’s “like a week” away from hitting the hardwood, John Calipari went on the record.
“We’ve had two good days of practice,” Calipari said on Monday night’s call-in show. “Today, Aaron (Bradshaw) practiced, so that’s the first time in terms of going (full-contact). He did a little bit of everything. Now, he’s not ready to play tomorrow. … (But) he did good, looks fine. Practiced today and he’s dying to get in there. It’s good, it’s good stuff.”
Calipari also commented on the other big guys on the bench. Big Z is still dealing with illness as he transitions to life in the Bluegrass. Ugonna Onyenso is moving around, “running and jumping.” That sounds, promising?
Mark Stoops Speaks on his Call-In Show
It was a wild weekend for Kentucky football fans as Mark Stoops entertained the opportunity to take his talents to Texas A&M. After sharing his intention to stay in Lexington, he spoke to Kentucky fans on Monday night’s call-in show.
“My concentration was on the Louisville game, as evidence by the way we played. It was extremely important to end that way,” said Stoops. “And (it was) simply a great conversation that night. Yeah, I was pursued by another opportunity, and I am right where I want to be, with a great team, a bunch of players, administration and a bunch of people that are aligned, to do the right things and to win. I’m very happy.”
That statement seemingly closed the book on an eventful weekend. The KSR Football Podcast crew convened Monday night to discuss the chaos, the Kentucky victory over Louisville and much more.
Ray Davis Declares for the NFL Draft
Ray Davis is ready to take the next step. The talented running back set a single-season school record on Saturday by scoring his 20th touchdown from scrimmage. His three-touchdown performance against Louisville will be his last in a Kentucky uniform.
A two-time transfer via Temple and Vanderbilt, Davis could have one more year of eligibility. Instead, he decided it’s time to move on to the NFL Draft after back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the SEC.
“To the coaches and staff at Kentucky, thank you for allowing me to fine tune my skills and grow as a young man… This has always been a dream of mine and is a challenge I’m ready to take on. Forever the underdog,” Davis shared on social media.
Transfer Portal Window Narrowly Opens
The first Kentucky Wildcat has made the move to the transfer portal. Although it does not officially open until Monday, Dec. 4, grad transfers and FCS players get a one-week start on the rest of college football. Kentucky defensive back Jalen Geiger is pursuing options elsewhere to conclude his college career. Meanwhile, Will Howard and Will Rogers because the first big quarterbacks to throw their name into the ring.
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