KSR Today: Big Blue Madness; FB preps for MSU

Ah, our first double-dip weekend of the season with UK basketball and football. First up, Big Blue Madness on Friday, the official tip-off to Kentucky basketball season. Then, football vs. Mississippi State on Saturday, a crucial SEC matchup as the Wildcats look to avoid losing three consecutive games.

BBM 2022 is finally here

Big Blue Madness 2022 is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena this evening, the official start to 2022-23. It’s our first chance to see the men’s and women’s basketball team in action since the start of fall practice in late September. At minimum, players for both teams are introduced — typically with dance moves — followed by light drills and scrimmages, then a State of the Program speech from John Calipari.

That’s most years, though. Calipari has admitted that Big Blue Madness is an event people should talk about for a month — fans, players, recruits, media, everyone.

“Madness, you gotta be talking about Madness for a month or we didn’t do our job,” he said back in June. “It’s unacceptable.”

That hasn’t been the case, though, in recent years. It’s been a rinse and repeat event with minimal pizazz and replay value. It simply was what it was, a checked box that indicated basketball was here — nothing more, nothing less.

Calipari called it unacceptable. He followed it up by building a second-to-none VIP guest list of recruits, headlined by his most important target in years, five-star guard DJ Wagner.

• DJ Wagner (’23)
• Aaron Bradshaw (’23)
• Justin Edwards (’23)
• Reed Sheppard (’23)
• Ian Jackson (’24)
• Karter Knox (’24)
• Travis Perry (’24)

Would Calipari bring in that list of talent for a product he called ”unacceptable” in recent years? Seems quite unlikely. What does a new-and-improved BBM look like? That’s not yet clear.

What we do know, though, is that it’ll start with “Before The Madness,” an event that includes special guest appearances, video games, food, ticket giveaways, prizes and more. That’s from 2-9 PM ET, lasting through the Madness event.

Come out !! pic.twitter.com/R19quHoEAq

— Sahvir (@sahvir_) October 13, 2022

Beyond that, information is limited. The official festivities start at 7 PM ET at Rupp Arena, with the event also broadcast live on SEC Network.

We’ll see you there, BBN.

Will Levis is expected to play vs. Mississippi State

After a good week of practice, QB1 is back, as Will Levis is expected to start on Saturday against Mississippi State.

Mark Stoops said Wednesday during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference that Levis was likely to take the field against the Bulldogs “barring any setbacks.”

“Right now it seems like he’ll be healthy, barring any setbacks,” he said. “Obviously that brings a lot of energy to our team. … I feel like barring any setbacks, he should be good to go.”

How did things go Thursday?

“Yeah, no setbacks,” Stoops said.

Kentucky fell apart without Levis running the show last week against South Carolina. Now, the standout quarterback is expected to return to game action vs. Mississippi State.

MSU presents real challenge for UK defense

Averaging an impressive 461.3 yards per game, Mississippi State is set to bring a top-30 offense in college football to Lexington on Saturday. Quarterback Will Rogers leads the nation with 2,110 total passing yards on an absurd 22-3 TD-INT rate while completing 202 of 282 passes (71.6%).

Needless to say, the Kentucky defense has its hands full this weekend.

How do the Wildcats plan to stop the Bulldogs?

“That’s a million-dollar question. Have you watched much film of them? People have tried everything, they try it all. It’s hard, you’ve just got to play very well,” Mark Stoops said Thursday. “They have answers. It doesn’t mean they’re perfect, it’s a system that’s proven to be succesful, certainly with Mike and his players. They’re a good team.”

It’s not just the high-octane passing attack giving teams fits, either. Dillon Johnson has rushed for 402 yards and three scores on 67 carries, while Jo’quavious Marks has added 245 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Add in the fact that the defense is playing well too, you’ve got yourself a real challenge.

“A little more committed (running) it this year, I’d say,” Stoops said. “Maybe some difference in it on first and second down, higher percentage of run than we’ve seen. Really good players there. Mike has done what he’s had to do, taken what people have given him. They’re running it effectively.

… They’re very effective in all phases right now, playing good defense and forcing turnovers too. Put all that together and they’re a good football team.”

Mark Stoops previews UK vs. MSU

What else did the Kentucky head coach have to say about the Wildcats’ matchup against the Bulldogs? Check out his entire pre-MSU presser below:

Former KSR writer Dustin Rumbaugh has passed away

It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that former KSR writer Dustin Rumbaugh, who anchored basketball recruiting coverage in the early days of the website, has passed away.

Rumbaugh’s sister, Tera, announced the heartbreaking news on her Facebook page this week.

“On Sunday Dustin Rumbaugh was taken to heaven,” she wrote. “My brother was the smartest person I’ve ever known. He was so kind hearted and the best big brother in the world. I will miss him so much every day. His laughs, his hugs, his unconditional love. I know he will watch over me and Ays.

“For respect for my family during this difficult time, please give us space to grieve.”

Known for his witty updates and detailed big boards, Rumbaugh’s recruiting coverage was exceptional and helped KSR become the brand it is today. He embraced the non-stop grind that comes with covering college basketball’s biggest program at the peak of its success under John Calipari.

It is with a great deal of sadness that I express my condolences to family of Dustin Rumbaugh who has passed away.

Dustin was KSR’s first Basketball Recruiting writer and an important part of our early years. He was a hard worker, wicked smart and a good man. We will miss him pic.twitter.com/vEaTFRrwov

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) October 13, 2022

KSR’s prayers are with Rumbaugh’s closest family and friends during this time.