KSR Today: Cats in NYC, WBB vs. Belmont, FB commitments and CFB Playoff

I feel like Macaulay Culkin the morning his family was set to fly to Florida for Christmas in Home Alone 2, only this time I know the lot in advance and I’m doing it all intentionally. There is chaos in the Pilgrim household doing last-minute packing and getting the baby and dog ready for the grandparents while the wife gets ready for work. Meanwhile, I’ve got Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree on repeat in my head as I prepare my Kentucky gear for New York City to watch the Cats take on the Buckeyes in the CBS Sports Classic and explore the Big Apple with Duncan’s Toy Chest, The Plaza Hotel and the creepy bird lady in Central Park.

My flight leaves here in a couple of hours and I’m counting down the minutes. Honestly, I’m writing these words to pass the time until I get to see all of those Christmas lights this afternoon. KSR videographer Steven Peake is on his way there now and I’m right behind with my I <3 NY t-shirt and Statue of Liberty crown hat, ready to pump out content from the Rockefeller Tree, Jack Demsey’s and Bryant Park — probably with ice skates on. The world is our oyster in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there is truly nothing we can’t do.

Prepare to see a lot of us in the next couple of days. Until then, let’s get to some news and today’s schedule.

Mark Pope previews Ohio State

We’ll have some fun while we’re up there — the Cats are already having a blast, starting with a trip to see Hamilton on Thursday — but it’s a business trip first and foremost. Kentucky will take on Ohio State on Saturday in what Mark Pope is calling a ‘really, really good challenge’ and ‘an epic clash in Madison Square Garden for Christmas,’ adding ‘it’s what you live for’ as a basketball coach and team.

“Terrific team, they shoot the ball at an unbelievable clip. I think as a team they’re shooting 41 percent from the 3-point line,” Pope said of the Buckeyes. “They play fast, they play hard, it’s a great coaching staff. They’re a formidable opponent. It’s a really, really good team.”

Cats explore NYC

It hasn’t taken long for the Cats to get used to the bright lights in the big city. Pope took the gang to see Hamilton on Thursday while exploring Times Square.

Kentucky WBB takes on Belmont

Need an appetizer for the CBS Sports Classic? Head over to Historic Memorial Coliseum this evening to check out Kenny Brooks and No. 16 Kentucky host Belmont at 6 p.m. ET. If you’re in NYC or can’t make it in person, you can also catch the game live on SEC Network+ with Jeff Piecoro and Christi Thomas on the call.

The Cats are coming off a dominant 30-point road win at Purdue, the largest nonconference road win since 2013. Kentucky leads the all-time series vs. Belmont 5-1 with four straight wins dating back to 1988, the last coming on Nov. 29, 2020.

It’s also the program’s annual holiday game featuring festive music, games and an appearance from Big Blue Santa — who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

Check out KSR’s preview of the matchup with just two games remaining until conference play.

College Football Playoff kicks off

The Cats’ matchup against the Bruins will be followed immediately by the start of the 12-team College Football Playoff, the first game of four this weekend to debut the expanded version of the prestigious event. Up first? The battle of the Hoosier state.

Friday, Dec. 20

• No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame – 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)

Saturday, Dec. 21

• No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State – 12 p.m. ET (TNT/MAX)
• No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas – 4 p.m. (TNT/Max)
• No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State – 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)

Mark Stoops finds QB1 (among other commitments)

Welcome to the show, Zach Calzada. Entering his seventh year of college football, the Incarnate Word quarterback announced his commitment to Kentucky on Thursday coming off a year he was named Southland Conference Player of the Year after completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,791 yards (No. 5 in FCS), 35 touchdowns (No. 2 in FCS), and 9 interceptions. He also had 540 non-sack rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Elsewhere, the Wildcats also picked up a commitment from Illinois tight end Henry Boyer, who heads to Lexington with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Check out the full list of incoming transfers thus far:

• OG Josh Braun
• OT Alex Wollschlaeger
• OL Wallace Unamba
• LB Landyn Watson
• EDGE Sam Greene
• WR J.J. Hester
• QB Zach Calzada
• TE Henry Boyer

The pieces are coming together in Kentucky’s roster overhaul going into 2025.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. I’m gonna finish packing and hopefully get to New York in one piece. Whatever happens from there is fair game.

Go Cats. Beat the Bruins and the Buckeyes. I <3 NY.