KSR Today: Reliving another Kentucky vs. North Carolina classic

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CBS254196 — (Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio)

Almost nothing in the college basketball regular season is better than Kentucky vs. North Carolina in December. The series between two blue bloods has consistently delivered instant classics. Saturday’s meeting in Atlanta was no exception.

We saw a double-digit comeback, some tough shotmaking, a high possession game, and the young team pull out a win late. John Calipari‘s squad logged a very important non-conference victory in the 87-83 victory that included 80-plus possessions. You simply don’t see that kind of pace in college hoops very often.

Kentucky left Saturday evening victorious and is now 8-2 with games against Louisville (Dec. 21) and Illinois State (Dec. 29) before conference play begins on the road against Florida (Jan. 6). KSR Today is going to relive the big win on this beautiful Sunday in the Bluegrass.

Let’s ride.

How Kentucky beat North Carolina

KSR’s crew was hard at work before, during, and after Kentucky’s four-point win over North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic. Need some Sunday reading? We’ve got you covered right here.

Most notably, Kentucky somehow won the rebounding battle (42-32) against the Tar Heels. The Wildcats grabbed 18 offensive rebounds (40.9 offensive rebound percentage) and limited North Carolina to only 6 offensive board (20% offensive rebound percentage). That very likely won Kentucky the game as the Cats extended possessions in a game with a ton of them.

We have much more written content coming your way as there is still a lot to unpack from this big non-conference win.

Relive the win on KSR’s YouTube Channel

Want to see John Calipari’s press conference? We’ve got you covered. Want to watch another KSR Rapid Reaction where the Sources Say crew discusses the big win? We’ve got you covered.

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

A new transfer target emerges for Kentucky football

Jalen Farmer is a name that the Kentucky coaching staff is very familiar with. The Wildcats recruited the class of 2022 prospect out of Covington (Ga.) Eastside with offensive line coach Eric Wolford leading the way. At one point, UK seemed like the favorite to complete a flip for the Florida commit following a coaching change in Gainesville.

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That all changed when Wolford left for Alabama.

Farmer then took an official visit to Alabama and Billy Napier‘s staff made the three-star prospect a priority. The Peach State native ended up signing with the Gators but is now back on the market after entering the transfer portal.

Farmer visited Kentucky and Tennessee over the weekend. A decision could be coming soon. Expect more targets to start leaking out today. We will be covering it all over at KSR+.

KSR+ Signing Day Sale

Our latest sale is still up and running. Sign-up now as we cover all of the transfer portal developments, share intel on targets, and provide scoop leading up to the early signing period that begins on Wednesday.

Take advantage of the KSR+ SIGNING DAY SALE to get bonus coverage of the Cats, including football transfer portal rumblings, basketball game threads, in-depth scouting reports, and the latest recruiting intel. 50% off the annual price or $1 for 1 month.

NFL playoff race heats up

It’s Jake Browning’s world and we’re all just living in it. Can I get a Who Dey?

The NFL has been tracking QB starts since the 1950 season.

Just one QB in that time has 1,000+ passing yards and completed over 75% of his passes in his first four starts.

Jake Browning. pic.twitter.com/cAfMHHtixo
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 17, 2023

In a triple-header on the NFL Network to get the pro football weekend started, Browning threw for 324 yards and led a furious fourth quarter comeback at home as the Bengals erased a 17-3 deficit and knocked off the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 in overtime to stay firmly in the AFC wild card hunt at 8-6.

Elsewhere, the Indianapolis Colts joined the Bengals at 8-6 with a huge home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Detroit Lions got back on track with a home blowout over the Denver Broncos. Two 7-6 AFC teams improved to 8-6 while the Broncos and Steelers dropped to 7-7.

The playoff picture is tight. The NFL Week 15 card is stacked. We’re in for a fun weekend as fantasy playoffs kickoff. I’m sorry for anyone that needed a big game from Ja’Marr Chase.