KSR Today: No. 18 Kentucky hosts Tennessee at Kroger Field

by:Nick Roush•11/06/21•

RoushKSR

Reeling from two straight losses, the No. 18 Wildcats are ready to bounce back with a big win over a rival when Kentucky hosts Tennessee at Kroger Field. The game will kick off at 7 pm ET on ESPN2. It’s the third straight home sell out for Mark Stoops’ program.

The Kentucky-Tennessee rivalry is as competitive and nasty as ever. The teams have split the last four games, with the previous two at Kroger Field decided in the final minute. These teams do not like each other. As John Schlarman reminded the Cats a year ago, Tennessee does not respect Kentucky. Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor made that perfectly clear earlier this week.

“Every year that we play them it’s personal,” said UK’s Josh Paschal. “You don’t want to say too much. You want to go out there and speak with your pads. That’s what we’re gonna do.”

The message this week from Mark Stoops has been clear. The Wildcats played patty-cake against Mississippi State. It’s time to get back to Kentucky football, mean, nasty, physical football. A season-defining rivalry game, the Wildcats must be right for the fight today.

The Schedule

3:00 — The KSR Pregame Show Kicks Off on 630 WLAP
4:00 — Lextran shuttles begin downtown and outside of KSBar
4:45 — The Cat Walk
7:00 — Kickoff on ESPN2

Vegas, TV, Radio

This line has been all over the place. Kentucky opened as a 5-point favorite. The game got bet down to a pick ’em and now the Vols are one-point favorites. The total is set for 57. Tennessee is 3-5 ATS. Last week was the first time the Wildcats did not cover the spread against an FBS opponent.

Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison and Dawn Davenport are on the call for ESPN2. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm ET. If you’d rather listen to the Voice of the Wildcats, there are multiple ways to hear today’s game.

AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
FM: 98.1 WBUL
Satellite: XM-192 and Sirius-99
Online: iHeart Radio

Time for a Marquan McCall Return?

Big Bully has been absent from the Wildcats’ lineup since he suffered a leg injury in the first quarter of the Florida game. Mark Stoops kept things tight-lipped, always sticking to a “We’ll see,” response when asked about injuries. There was no indication that the nose guard could return, until he shared this Friday afternoon.

Can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow 😌💙💪🏾
— BullyBall Mccall5⃣0⃣ (@MccallMarquan) November 5, 2021

Facing a Tennessee team that ranks 13th in the nation in rushing, now would be a good time to get back a monster in the middle of the Kentucky defense.

Today’s Kentucky Uniforms

Even though the receivers teased a special surprise on Pin it Deep, Kentucky isn’t changing things up drastically. They’ll be wearing all-blue helmets and uniforms against Tennessee, who will be rocking the “orange britches.” Once the proprietors of good mojo, lately they haven’t been as lucky.

HUGE Recruiting Guest List

The final SEC home game of the year is going to feature a star-studded list of recruits. Kiyaunta Goodwin will be making an unofficial visit, just like he has for every previous game at Kroger Field. He’ll be joined by Aamil Wagner, the Dayton offensive tackle that’s deciding soon. Jon Sumrall is also bringing in a few surprises, like Auburn WR commit Ja’Kobi Albert and four-star edge Joshua Josephs. Check out the complete Kentucky football recruiting guest list.

Hall of Fame Weekend

It’s a two-for-one Hall of Fame Weekend in Lexington. COVID-19 delayed the 2020 ceremony, bringing in two classes of UK greats. Wayne Turner, Nazr Mohamed, Larry Warford, Danny Trevathan and Keni Harrison are just a couple of the greats honored this weekend. To celebrate his former players, Rich Brooks made the trip into town. As always, his excursion is accompanied by high quality content.