KSR Today: Sweet Baby Ray's tastes great on Gator

Good morning, Kentucky. It is one of those days where all you want to do is waller in the glory of your riches. All of Big Blue Nation is Scrooge McDuck swan diving into a pool of gold coins while still wearing pajamas, except the treasure, in this case, is alligator tears. Or perhaps it is a big batch of Sweet Baby Ray’s. That’s right. Leap in and make a barbeque sauce angel in the form of Ray Davis. It feels so good.

By the way, can we get the Toast of the Bluegrass an NIL deal with Ken’s Foods, the parent company of Sweet Baby Ray’s? After 280 rushing yards and a four-touchdown performance against the Florida Gators, Davis’s stock has never been higher. Whatever he is selling, I’m buying. Mediocre barbeque sauce or a shirt that simply features his post-game quote, “Thank God and the Big Blue Wall,” my wallet is open.

The Wildcats’ lead running back dragged Kentucky to a 33-14 victory over the filthy Gators at Kroger Field on Saturday, but the defense wasn’t too shabby either. Brad White’s unit employed a stonewall front making play after play, holding the Florida offense in check most of the game.

There is so much positivity to soak in from a terrific afternoon in Lexington, and KSR will keep feeding you all the good vibes all day.

Highlights? You want highlights, right?

Sure, everyone seeks out that deep dive into the Xs and Os that follow a big win, but sometimes it’s fun to just turn the brain off and watch Kentucky dominate the opposition in compact video format…especially when that opposition is a team that has historically given the fanbase nothing but lowlights.

Huge runs, a big-time interception, and an overall intensity that only comes after a head coach calls for an entire city to pound some 7 a.m. beers are all worth reliving. Spare a few minutes and appreciate once again the glory that was Kentucky’s third-straight win over the Gators.

Oh, how about a rapid reaction?

Drew Franklin, Nick Roush, and Adam Luckett were in the press box for Kentucky’s win and stood in front of a bronze statue afterward to tell us all about it. Much like the fans in attendance, KSR’s football analysts were oozing with giddiness.

From stats to records to full-blown glee, these guys summarized this Kentucky victory as well and rapidly as anyone could. There were also several 1951 and Shipwreck Kelly references to be had. Have a watch:

BBNFL Schedule

Why stop on Saturday cheering for Wildcats when you can do so on Sunday (and Monday) too? Wan’Dale Robinson and Lynn Bowden made their NFL season debuts last week and look to expand on their role in Week 4 of the 2023 season. Here is who else is on the slate:

Sunday
9:30 a.m. (ESPN+) in London: Falcons (Ali, Dupree) vs. Jaguars (Fortner, Allen)
1:00 p.m. (CBS): Dolphins (Joseph) @ Bills
1:00 p.m. (CBS): Broncos @ Bears
1:00 p.m. (CBS): Ravens @ Browns (Smith)
1:00 p.m. (CBS): Steelers @ Texans
1:00 p.m. (FOX): Rams @ Colts
1:00 p.m. (FOX): Bengals @ Titans (Levis)
1:00 p.m. (FOX): Buccaneers @ Saints (Bowden, Johnson Jr., Young)
1:00 p.m. (FOX): Commanders (Rodriguez Jr., Davis) @ Eagles
1:00 p.m. (FOX): Vikings @ Panthers
4:05 p.m. (CBS): Raiders @ Chargers
4:25 p.m. (FOX): Patriots @ Cowboys
4:25 p.m (FOX): Cardinals @ 49ers
8:20 p.m. (NBC): Chiefs (Edwards) @ Jets (Cobb, Echols)

Monday
8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC): Seahawks @ Giants (Robinson)

OVO’s Kentucky Line (pretty much) sells out

Unless you want a $68 t-shirt, Drake’s OVO branded merchandise officially sold out in no time. The collection featured a letterman-style jacket (modeled by our very own Coach Calipari), retro gym shorts, a hoodie, a hat, and a t-shirt that flew off the virtual shelves shortly after going on sale.

Kentucky was just one of five college teams featured in the brand’s initial launch (Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, and Memphis were the others), but was the only team in the bunch to have spent time in Drake’s pool. So there’s that.

The only piece of swag left is a $68 t-shirt, and even that only features limited sizes. There is still plenty of Memphis and Alabama gear, though, if that’s your thing.

Regardless of overpriced rapper fashion, this tells me that without question, Kentucky is not only good but cool once again.

October's Very Own has partnered with NCAA Colleges on a limited-edition collection. The collection features the Kentucky Wildcats, Alabama Crimson Tide, North Carolina Tar Heels, Memphis Tigers, and Texas Longhorns.

Available September 29#octobersveryown pic.twitter.com/NVB1aKpoZR

— October's Very Own (@welcomeOVO) September 27, 2023

Rajon Rondo headed to the UK Athletics Hall of Fame

It might be easy to lose sight of amidst the onslaught of football coverage, but Rajon Rondo has been named to the UK Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its 2023 class. Leading up to the ceremony, Rondo announced he was back on campus taking classes and would earn his degree soon. As for what’s next after that, he isn’t quite sure.

“Well, I’m not officially retired (from playing) yet, so I don’t know right now [laughs],” he told KSR. “Right now I’m just enjoying my time with my kids and I’m enrolled back in school, going to finish my degree here soon. That’s what I’m focused on right now.”

Rondo was back on campus taking classes during the spring semester and hanging around the basketball offices. There, sources tell KSR that John Calipari had discussions with the former Wildcat about joining his staff as a student assistant this season — like Tyler Ulis — while he worked toward his degree.

It may not be in an official capacity — this winter, at least. But he does plan to be around the basketball program and work with the Wildcats as much as he can until he figures out what’s next in his career.

Kentucky volleyball and softball are in action today

Speaking of the Crimson Tide, Kentucky’s volleyball team No. 23 ranked volleyball team is in Tuscaloosa to face Alabama. The first serve will commence and 2:00 p.m. and KSR will have the recap for you afterwards. Kentucky is coming off a five-set win over Georgia on Friday and looks to build momentum in SEC play.

Over on the softball diamond, Kentucky’s Lady Bat ‘Cats take on Lipscomb at 1:00 p.m. There are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon so if you’ve got nothing else going on, head on out and support the undefeated softball team.