KSR Today: Football bye week, Blue-White Game in Pikeville

It’s our first weekend without Kentucky football since August, as the Wildcats have their annual bye week — a crucial and necessary time for the break. UK is banged up and bruised across the board, with the bye giving the team two full weeks to heal before taking the field again, this time against No. 3 Tennessee in Knoxville. It’s an opportunity for the majority of the team to get back to full strength leading up to arguably the biggest game of the year for the Wildcats.

That doesn’t mean, though, you’re out of luck regarding things to watch this weekend, specifically with UK sports. In fact, the men’s and women’s basketball teams are set to participate in their annual Blue-White Games, both scheduled for Saturday. Coming off Pro Day and Big Blue Madness in recent weeks, it’s the start of real competition for both teams and the final look at the Wildcats before exhibition play begins against other opponents.

Blue-White Game schedule

The women’s basketball team will get things started Saturday with its annual Fan Day and Blue-White Game starting at 11 a.m. ET inside Memorial Coliseum. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. ET.

The Wildcats will go through player introductions before taking part in practice drills and a Q&A session with the fans. After that, the squad will conduct a scrimmage, followed by an autograph signing with all 15 players and four coaches.

Admission into the event is free, and fans are asked to enter Memorial Coliseum through the Lexington Avenue doors. Parking will be available at no cost at the Joe Craft Center, High Street and Linden Walk / Career Center lots and Parking Structure No. 5.

From there, the men’s team will head to Pikeville for its annual Blue-White Game, which will tip off on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET at Appalachian Wireless Arena. The intrasquad scrimmage will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

In addition to the scrimmage, the Wildcats will travel to Eastern Kentucky for the day and conduct a community service activity for those impacted by the flooding in the area through local organizations to continue the relief efforts. A Fan Fest will be held outside of Appalachian Wireless Arena beginning at 3 p.m. ET and feature the official UK pregame radio show, a Cat Walk for the team, and food and drink vendors.

Tickets are still available to the general public at Appalachian Wireless Arena and Ticketmaster.com. All ticket revenue will go to those affected by the devastating floods through Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief.

Reed Sheppard camp for flood relief

Speaking of flood relief and basketball, future Wildcat Reed Sheppard will be presenting a donation to SOAR’s EKY Student Support Fund that will support students and their families who were affected by flooding in Eastern Kentucky leading up to the Blue-White Game.

The presentation will take place during a youth basketball camp where Sheppard is volunteering for more than 50 kids in grades 1-8 to teach them fundamental basketball skills.

WHO: Reed Sheppard — London, Kentucky native and 2023 University of Kentucky commit
WHEN: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Millard Grade School, 5724 E. Shelbiana Rd., Pikeville, KY, 41501
PARTNERS: Delta Dental of Kentucky, Bob and Carol Griffin, & Midwest Basketball Club

The London, KY native gets it.

DJ Wagner coming soon?

Sticking with future Wildcats, how about an update on a potential Cat in DJ Wagner? John Calipari hinted at his commitment during a UK Basketball Tipoff Luncheon in Louisville on Thursday.

“I may get another kid where I coached his dad,” Calipari said, via Dominique Yates of WLKY. “Now all of a sudden you’re like, ‘I’m coaching kids (of my old players).’”

“Uh oh! Breaking news!” event moderator Kent Taylor of WAVE3 responded.

“No, no, no. Oh, media is here? Great, great,” Calipari said. “That’s just great. Because I’ve said some things I wish I grabbed back a couple of times this last year, so…”

John Calipari hints that he might get "another kid where I coached his dad." pic.twitter.com/PgeJACTbTn
— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) October 20, 2022

Can’t be a bad sign.

Drake rocks Kentucky blue once again

Kentucky basketball superfan Drake is repping his Cats once again.

Tucked in a new Instagram post from the famous rapper was a photo of him decked out in Kentucky blue from head to toe — literally.

From a blue Nike headband to a retro blue jersey, Drake had the whole ensemble down.

You still owe UK students that free concert at Rupp, Drake. We didn’t forget.

Kaden Moorman decommits from Kentucky

Three-star running back and Frankfort native Kaden Moorman is no longer a Wildcat.

After teasing some upcoming news on Thursday — he said late last night he had five official visits to take — the in-state standout made it official early Friday morning.

“Just want to explore my options and be useful of my 5 official visits wisely and make the best decision for me and my family,” Moorman announced.

Respect my decision. pic.twitter.com/rpQQTu51sH
— KINGKD (@kadenmoorman4) October 21, 2022

The Frankfort native originally picked Kentucky over Wisconsin and Toledo, among others.

College football schedule this weekend

There may not be Kentucky football on, but that doesn’t mean there’s no football at all this weekend. There were two games last night, including Jon Sumrall leading Troy to bowl eligibility with a win over South Alabama.

Check out the complete weekend slate:

Thursday