Kentucky vs. Murray State: Preview, Injury Report, Point Spread, How To Watch, and More

by:Drew Franklin•about 9 hours•

DrewFranklinKSR

kentucky-murray-state-preview — Sep 7, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform at Cat Walk before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Kentucky returns to Kroger Field for its first home game in three weeks and the second-to-last home game on the 2024 schedule today. The Murray State Racers made the trip from out west in Kentucky to play the Wildcats in a non-conference game in Lexington. Murray State is Kentucky’s final FCS opponent on the schedule, and the matchup comes at a great time because Kentucky is desperate for a win of any kind at this stage of the season. Murray State is 1-9 on its season, allowing 49 points per game.

Let’s talk more about today’s game, shall we?

How To Watch/Listen

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network+ (Richard Cross, Charles Arbuckle)
Watch college football games live – try Fubo for free! Click HERE NOW.
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: 102 or 111
Live Stats: StatBroadcast

Join The Discussion over at KSBoard

Consider joining the conversation on KSBoard if you want to interact with the KSR crew during the game. A live discussion can be found in the game thread, plus several other topics and conversations about the Wildcats and more.

Team Records/Results

Kentucky (3-6, 1-6)

vs Southern Miss – W (31-0)
vs South Carolina – L (31-6)
vs #1 Georgia – L (13-12)
vs Ohio – W (41-6)
@ Ole Miss – W (20-17)
vs Vanderbilt – L (20-13)
@ Florida – L (48-20)
vs Auburn – L (24-10)
@ 7 Tennessee – L (28-18)
vs Murray State

Murray State (1-9, 0-7)

@ 11 Missouri – L (51-0)
vs Butler – L (19-17)
vs Miss Valley State – W (59-8)
@ North Dakota – L (72-35)
vs South Dakota – L (59-0)
@ Indiana State – L (31-27)
vs Illinois State – L (40-32)
vs North Dakota St – L (59-6)
@ South Dakota St – L (52-6)
vs Missouri St – L (59-31)
@ Kentucky

Final Official Injury/Availability Reports

No official injury report this week because it is not an SEC game. However, the big injury news is Brock Vandagriff will start at QB after suffering a head injury in Knoxville. Additionally, star cornerback Max Hairston is expected from his long absence.

Week 10 Depth Charts

KENTUCKY

MURRAY STATE

Five Pregame Storylines

Points expected: Kentucky’s offense has been among the worst in college football this year, but Murray State’s defense has been even worse. Six teams already scored 50+ points against the Racers, including North Dakota’s 72-pointer. Kentucky should light up the scoreboard despite struggling all year.
Cutter Boley expected: Though Vandagriff will likely start for Kentucky, freshman Cutter Boley is expected to see significant playing time. Murray State provides a good opportunity for Boley to see what he can do at the collegiate level and for Kentucky to see what it has for the future.
Bounce-back game for the Cats: It has not been a good season for Kentucky, but Saturday’s game should be one to regain some confidence in some areas or find confidence that never existed in others before the final two weeks of the season. Then, it’s off to Texas followed by the Governor’s Cup.
Dean Hood revenge game: Kentucky’s Director of Player Development, Dean Hood, spent the past four years as the head coach at Murray State until he stepped down at the end of last season. Hood was also on Mark Stoops’ staff from 2017-19 before taking the head coaching job in Murray.
Heroes’ Day at Kroger Field: UK Athletics salutes heroes and veterans at today’s game with discounted tickets for military, law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and government employees. Learn more.