KSR GAMEDAY: Kentucky Hosts Top-Ranked Georgia

In the sport of college football, you’re only one Saturday away from getting humbled. That’s exactly what happened when Kentucky opened SEC play against South Carolina. Life in the SEC is unforgiving and that’s certainly the case this week as No. 1 Georgia comes to town for a 7:30 pm EST kickoff at Kroger Field.

Kentucky has defeated the top-ranked team in the country three times in 20 attempts. The Wildcats have lost nine straight since the triple-overtime thriller over LSU in 2007. Ending that streak against Georgia will be a tall task.

Kirby Smart has transformed Georgia into a powerhouse. The back-to-back National Champs in 2021-22 are bringing a 41-game regular season win streak to Kroger Field. The Dawgs’ defense has not allowed an opponent to score a touchdown in their last three games.

“They’re a very good team defensively, you know what you are getting there,” Mark Stoops said earlier this week. “You are always getting a great defense with a bunch of guys that have a lot of length, a lot of strength, and that are coached very well and play very well. Going in with Georgia, you have to compliment them because they deserve it. They have done it with consistency for a long time.”

Despite the Dawgs’ success, Kentucky has successfully turned this game into a rock fight on multiple occasions. Up until last year’s 50-Burger in Athens, Kentucky had covered in four straight. The last two games at Kroger Field were decided by 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Last week’s performance against South Carolina demoralized Big Blue Nation. Tonight the Cats will be tested to see if they can respond when backed into a corner.

Wagering Angles for Kentucky vs. Georgia

Kentucky is a 22.5-point underdog against the No. 1 team in the country after the line opened at Georgia -18.5. The total has been set at 44.5. The Dawgs are 1-1 ATS this season after failing to cover a 54.5-point number against an FCS foe.

Kentucky is 4-1 ATS over the last five meetings in this series. UGA has not covered in Lexington since 2018. Kentucky is 4-1-1 ATS as three-possession or more underdog since 2019. Georgia was 0-3 ATS in the regular season last year as a three-possession or more favorite.

Kentucky vs. No. 1 Georgia: How to Watch

• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ABC (Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath)
• 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: 82
• Live Stats: UKAthletics.com

You can also keep up with the game and chat with other fans on our game thread on KSBoard, with Nick Roush, Adam Luckett, and Drew Franklin providing updates from Kroger Field and the rest of us from home.

Kentucky vs. Georgia Hype Video

Opportunity awaits. Let's go. pic.twitter.com/wxzsk9Azkw

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 13, 2024

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Saturday Gameday Schedule

We’re adding something to the pregame slate this weekend. KSR will be broadcasting from the REVELxp tent in the Cat’s Corner, which is located near the Cat Walk. Once you greet the players, come say hey and see what this wonderful tailgate setup is all about.

3:30 — The KSR Pregame Show LIVE from KSBar and Grille
4:30 — LexTran Shuttle Begins
5:30 — Cat Walk
6:00 — KSR Broadcasts from the Cat’s Corner
7:30 — Kickoff on ABC

A Salute to Tim Couch

The most prolific record-breaking quarterback to ever suit up for the Kentucky Wildcats is rightfully receiving a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame. He will be enshrined at a ceremony in December, but today is the day he gets his salute from the National Football Foundation and Big Blue Nation. Prepare a standing ovation following the conclusion of the first quarter.

Couch will become the sixth Kentucky Wildcat to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. The Consensus First Team All-American was SEC Player of the Year in 1998. He concluded his college career with seven NCAA records, 14 SEC records, and 26 school records before he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Fit Check and Weather Report

Hurricane Francine has dumped some water on the Bluegrass to start this weekend. You might see a few showers throughout your tailgate, but once game time arrives things are looking good with clear skies and temperatures in the high 70s.

The Georgia Bulldogs will be wearing white jerseys Saturday night. Kentucky is rocking its gray alternate uniforms with blue helmets, a combination that has not always worked out well for the Wildcats.

College Football Schedule

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