The dreaded offseason has finally run its course and the masses are ready to celebrate the return of American football across the United States.
The University of Kentucky Wildcats will kick off their 2022 season under the lights of Kroger Field on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Cats will take on the Miami-Ohio RedHawks, a favorite group to win their division at the MAC.
The rare nightly premiere can only be viewed online via the SEC Network+ channel, on WatchESPN and on ESPN+.
If you plan to listen on the radio, you can listen to Tom Leach on the call live from the press box by listening to WLAP630 on the UK radio network.
Mark Stoops’ team will enter this season with unprecedentedly high expectations that rely heavily on a budding star at center. To give you an idea of this, every season prediction here on A Sea of Blue and on KSR has Kentucky finishing no worse than 9-3.
Will Levis will enter his second year as quarterback for the UK as much more than a transfer portal question mark. He is now a nationally known player with rumors of the first round of the NFL Draft all over the media.
After throwing for 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, most expect Levis to make a big leap working with first-year offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.
The absence of star running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could create a scenario where Levis and company air the ball a bit on Saturday night. Star outside linebacker Jordan Wright is also expected to be suspended for this game.
Whether the Cats are throwing the ball a lot or not, one important thing to watch out for will be the UK’s new core of wide receivers. Tayvion Robinson, Dane Key, Dekel Crowdus and Barion Brown are some of the guys who will replace Wan’Dale Robinson’s crazy use.
For Kentucky’s opener, expect to see a bevy of offensive weapons given a chance to shine, including a tight end room, highlighted by Izayah Cummings, who has received rave reviews this summer. Other names to watch for in this position include seniors Brenden Bates and Keaton Upshaw, as well as promising freshman Jordan Dingle.
Do you want to bet on this game? Then check out the DraftKings Sportsbook!
Defensively, Kentucky will compete against one of the best quarterbacks in the MAC this week. Brett Gabbert, whose brother is longtime NFL QB Blaine Gabbert, threw for 26 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 10 games. Along with many of his top receiving options in the fold, he expects the junior signal-caller to maintain his footing in what will be a vibrant environment inside Kroger Field.
Among the other top offensive skills players returning from the RedHawks are:
- RB Keyon Mozee (556 rushing yards and four touchdowns at a 4.6 average in 2021).
- WR Mac Hippenhammer (786 receiving yards and five touchdowns at a 16.4 average).
- RB Kevin Davis (342 rushing yards and three touchdowns at a 5.5 average).
- WR Jalen Walker (398 receiving yards and four touchdowns at a 12.8 average).
- TE Jack Coldiron (293 receiving yards and a touchdown with an average of 18.3).
Fortunately, Kentucky has plenty of firepower on the defensive end of the ball led by pass-rusher JJ Weaver at the rim and possible All-SEC pick Octavious Oxendine at defensive tackle.
And we can’t forget what should be one of the best linebacker units in the SEC, with Citrus Bowl hero Deandre Square and super senior Jacquez Jones, while second-year backup Trevin Wallace appears to be ready for a great season.
While Kentucky usually plays a lot of cupcake teams in non-conference time, these RedHawks are not to be played and they can cause the Kroger Field crowd to break a sweat if the home team doesn’t bring their ‘A’ game. We’ve seen plenty of examples of this over the years, most recently last year’s squeaker against FCS Chattanooga.
But if Mark Stoops’ group is ready to play, they are likely to post a double-digit win heading into next week’s Gainesville clash with the Florida Gators.
It’s officially football time at the Bluegrass!
Game time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Date: September 3, 2022
Location: Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
Television channel: This will be a more complicated game for fans to watch as it will be online only through the SEC Network + channel.
live streaming online: Catch the game online using Watch ESPNESPN+ and the espn app. You can also catch the game with a free trial of fubo.tv.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro will have the UK Radio Network Call at 6:30 AM, 98.1 FM in Lexington, and on the UK Sports Network.
Repetition: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings for playback schedule).
lists: United Kingdom | MU
Odds: Kentucky opened as a 19-point favorite, and the line has since narrowed to 17 via DraftKings Sportsbook. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Cats a 93.3% chance of victory.
Score projections: team rankings he has the Cats winning 35-18.
