KSR Today: On to the next one... (Pt. 2)

Well, that wasn’t very fun. Halloween sure is living up to its name this year, because there wasn’t anything more frightening than what Kentucky fans saw in Starkville on Saturday night. Let’s talk about it.

Kentucky was unable to beat Mississippi State, extending its winless drought against the Bulldogs on the road to six. The ‘Cats fell by 14, 31-17, but the contest never truly felt that close. Even when Kentucky was leading early in the first half, momentum was always swinging in MSU’s direction. Some slippery fingers from Chris Rodriguez Jr., poorly thrown balls from Will Levis, and a dud of a defensive performance spelled doom for UK. It was the exact opposite of what fans were hoping for with a chance of going 7-1 on the line.

Let’s not get things too twisted, though; 6-2 is still a very solid record. Kentucky will remain a top 25 team when the updated polls come out later today and the rest of the schedule isn’t all that imposing. Mississippi State might have been the toughest test left. I think we would all take a 10-2 regular season record heading into a big bowl game. But sights are set on Tennessee first, as the Volunteers will travel to Lexington next weekend.

Before we switch gears to the Vols, read up on everything that happened following Saturday’s loss.

UK-MSU Links

Turnovers Doom Kentucky in 31-17 Loss, Sixth Straight at Mississippi State
Kentucky must regroup after consecutive losses, “The world’s not over”
Three Plays: Mississippi State owns Kentucky in turnover battle
BOX SCORE: Mississippi State 31, Kentucky 17
Inefficient defense, turnovers doom Kentucky in Starkville
Stoops: “A very deflating defeat. They kicked our butts.”
Kentucky “getting thin” as football injuries pile up
The free touchdown didn’t help
Wan’Dale Robinson on Will Levis: “We have his back. He knows that.”
Postgame Notes from Kentucky’s 31-17 loss at Mississippi State
WATCH: Mark Stoops, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jacquez Jones after Mississippi State Loss

Adem Bona deciding Monday morning

2022 five-star center Adem Bona is ready to make his college commitment, with Kentucky and UCLA remaining as finalists.

KSR and On3 broke the news of Bona’s commitment date — Monday, November 1 — this past week. Now, we have an official time.

The five-star senior will make his announcement at 10:30 a.m. ET with NBA insider Shams Charania.

Bad injury news for WBB

In the run-up to Saturday night’s football loss, even worse news broke regarding the Women’s Basketball program. Senior guard and Harlan County native Blair Green is expected to miss the entire 2021-22 season.

Green, who has played in 90 games over her first three seasons as a Wildcat, including 25 starts, was injured during a closed scrimmage against Eastern Kentucky University on Saturday. It is being described as a lowe-leg injury.

The timing couldn’t be worse, either, as the team’s lone exhibition game is set for Thursday and the season-opener for Nov. 9. Green was expected to start this season after adding muscle and getting into the best shape of her life over the summer.

Now, the next question is who steps? Head coach Kyra Elzy is now down to just nine scholarship players.

Keep a close eye on Mookie Cook

2023 five-star wing Marquis “Mookie” Cook is on Kentucky’s campus this weekend for an official visit. According to his social media, the 6’7″ 200 lbs. small forward picked up a scholarship offer to take home with him.

blessed to receive an offer from the University Of Kentucky💙🤍 @UKCoachCalipari #BBN pic.twitter.com/1vIf3jbOxL

— Marquis Cook™️ (@marquiscookk) October 30, 2021

Cook is No. 5 in On3’s 2023 recruiting rankings. He plays for Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ), the same school TyTy Washington attended, but is originally from Oregon, starting his high school career at Jefferson High School, Terrence Jones’ alma mater. Chin Coleman is his lead recruiter.

‘Cats in the NFL: Week 8

1:00 (FOX): Panthers (P. Hoskins) @ Falcons
1:00 (CBS): Dolphins @ Bills
1:00 (FOX): 49ers @ Bears (D. Trevathan)
1:00 (CBS): Steelers (B. Snell Jr.) @ Browns
1:00 (FOX): Eagles @ Lions
1:00 (CBS): Titans (B. Dupree, A. Williamson) @ Colts
1:00 (CBS): Bengals @ Jets (B. Echols)
1:00 (FOX): Rams @ Texans (L. Johnson Jr.)
4:05 (CBS): Patriots @ Chargers
4:05 (CBS): Jaguars (J. Allen) @ Seahawks
4:25 (FOX): Washington (J. Davis) @ Broncos
4:25 (FOX): Buccaneers (M. Edwards) @ Saints (L. Young)
8:20 (NBC): Cowboys (Q. Bohanna, K. Joseph) @ Vikings

Monday Night Football
8:15 (ESPN): Giants @ Chiefs

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That’s all I’ve got for you right now. Time for everyone to regroup and hope for a better performance against Tennessee. Or, if you’re like me, let’s just all shift over to basketball season. Who’s with me!?