KSR Today: The latest with 48 hours to kickoff and a special KSR birthday

Good morning, KSR. We’ve officially hit the home stretch — just 48 hours stand between us and Kentucky Football‘s Opening Day at Kroger Field. Talking season is finally behind us, the depth chart is set, and now it’s all about the waiting game before the Toledo Rockets roll into Lexington on Saturday.

Today, we’ll check on the latest pregame updates and news around Big Blue Nation. The betting line won’t stay still, the weather forecast is coming into focus, and fans are counting down the minutes until Football Time In The Bluegrass.

It’s almost time, my friend. Let’s get to Thursday’s headlines as we march toward game day.

Happy Birthday, Matt Jones!

We lead with news of KSR’s founder, Matt Jones, celebrating a birthday. Matt turns [redacted] years old today, so send him a birthday tweet to @KySportsRadio or sing to him if you see him on his nightly walk to Skyline. I’ll say it here on the website he created: Happy Birthday, Matt! Thanks for making KSR so that my colleagues and I have fun jobs.

Stoops on the season premiere of the SEC coaches teleconference

On Wednesday, Mark Stoops honored his weekly five-minute obligation to the SEC Football Coaches Weekly Media Teleconference, which premiered its new season with a round of Week 1 interviews with the league’s sixteen coaches. Stoops was sandwiched between Alabama’s Kalan DeBoer and Mississippi State’s Jeff Lebby on the call, discussing the attitude in Lexington, his first opponent, the nine-game schedule, and what he likes most about his team.

To the latter, Stoops replied, “I just think we’re playing at a better level. I’m seeing more consistency, just less mistakes in practice, cleaner, you know, and great effort, so I like this team’s attitude.”

Traditionally, Stoops would speak briefly after Thursday practices in Lexington to wrap up the week. However, he will not be available for questions today, so we’ve heard from him for the last time before game day.

You can catch up on any of the coaches’ comments this week on KSR’s YouTube channel.

Brad White and the defense spoke after the midweek practice

Also on Wednesday, UK defensive coordinator Brad White fielded questions after the Wildcats’ midweek practice. White and several of his players shared their perspectives as the first game of the year approaches. Watch the video below for post-practice comments from the DC, David Gusta, Ty Bryant, Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, Quay’sheed Scott, and Sam Greene.

Betting line movement

At last check, the point spread for Kentucky-Toledo was at 9.5 points, with a total of 47.5. The spread has been a big mover, opening months ago at Kentucky -12.5, then dropping to as low as -7.5 last week. Now, it’s climbed back up as more money comes in on Kentucky after the early and sharp action on Toledo.

Weekend forecast check

The skies are shaping up for a perfect afternoon in Lexington for Kentucky-Toledo. The current forecast predicts sunny skies over Kroger Field, with a high of 80 and a low of 53. Most of you will want a hoodie if you’re tailgating any earlier than 10 a.m., but it should be around the mid-to-high 70s as you head into the stadium. We’ll certainly take that weather on August 30 in Lexington, or any day.

Season prediction check

Speaking of forecasts and predictions, KSR revealed its 2025 season predictions for the Kentucky Wildcats earlier this week. (Check that out here.) Yesterday, I wrote an explanation of why my 4-8 prediction became 5-7 and then 6-6, and how I’m a liar.

TV/Radio reminder

To save you from scrambling around on Saturday morning, I’ll remind you that the game will air on SEC Network at 12:45 ET, with Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, and Alyssa Lang talking you through it.

• Kickoff: 12:45 ET
• TV: SEC Network (Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Alyssa Lang)
• Local Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Jeff Piecoro, Dick Gabriel)
• AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
• FM: 98.1 WBUL
• Online: iHeart Radio
• Sirius XM: 106 or 190 (UK)

Booth Watch: Kentucky vs. Toledo announcing team includes new Titans play-by-play man

Watch KSR’s Happy Hour presented by Country Boy at its new time

Here’s a recommendation for today: watch KSR’s Happy Hour presented by Country Boy Brewing at its new time slot on Thursdays. The summer tradition you love gave up Monday afternoons to the KSR Football Podcast (seniority). Now you can enjoy the hourlong live stream on Thursdays, beginning today at 4:00 p.m. Find it over on KSR’s YouTube channel. There’s a new 11 Personnel podcast you should catch up on, too.

Kentucky Wildcats on the move in the NFL

The latest news involving former Wildcats on the NFL’s roster carousel:

• Jamon Dumas-Johnson earns practice squad spot with Green Bay Packers
• The Texans brought Eli Cox back to the practice squad
• Mike Edwards returns to Kansas City’s practice squad following release
• Undrafted Zion Childress makes the cut for the Cowboys
• Keidron Smith and Marques Cox waived by Denver Broncos as Devon Key makes 53-man roster

Tune in to KSR at 10 a.m.

Remember, it’s Matt’s birthday.