What we know heading into Miami (Ohio) vs. Kentucky

We’ve finally reached gameday. The wait for Kentucky football is officially over.

Tonight at Kroger Field, Chuck Martin will bring his ninth Miami (Ohio) squad on the field as a double-digit underdog. The MAC contenders have high expectations entering in 2022, but so does Mark Stoops and his 10th Kentucky football team.

KSR has dove into the matchup all week, but there are still a few unknowns due to it being the first game of the season for both schools. There will be surprising developments on Saturday, but the knowns should also show up under the lights.

Let’s dive into those knowns where Kentucky is facing a Group of Five school that could give this SEC program some challenges.

Two good quarterbacks

The Will Levis hype has been off the charts throughout the offseason, and most of it is for good reason. The redshirt senior played very well in the last five games of the season and it is feasible to expect the second-year starter to take a leap under new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.

All signs point to Levis emerging as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC and a potential first-round quarterback. Kentucky will lean on QB1 to be a playmaker early in the season.

Miami (Ohio) also feels very good about their quarterback situation.

Redshirt junior Brett Gabbert is a four-year starter that has played some high-level football for the RedHawks. The pocket passer likes to take vertical shots down the field and does a good job of taking care of the football. With some solid skill talent depth, the RedHawks will push the ball down the field in the passing game and trust their quarterback to make plays.

Both Kentucky and Miami (Ohio) will turn their quarterbacks loose on Saturday night. That could lead to some exciting football in this matchup.

Miami (Ohio) is small, inexperienced on the defensive front

Nose tackle Austin Ertl (6-2, 290) returns for Miami (Ohio) and has started 17 games over his first three seasons on campus in Oxford. He will be a good challenge for Kentucky redshirt center Eli Cox as a zero-technique.

Unfortunately, that is the only unproven piece for Miami (Ohio) after their defensive front was gutted by graduation and the transfer portal following the 2022 season.

The RedHawks will be breaking in some new starters along the front with no other player weighing more than 270 pounds. At defensive end, sophomore Caiden Woullard (6-5, 249) and Indiana transfer Ty Wise (6-2, 235) are somewhat light in the britches.

Miami (Ohio) also added transfers from Iowa State and Rutgers to contribute, but this will be one of the smallest defensive fronts that Kentucky will see all season. The RedHawks will stunt their line of scrimmage personnel and attempt to shoot gaps, but there will be a physical mismatch at times playing against the Kentucky offensive line.

Transfer portal additions will play pivotal role in secondary

At Kentucky, rebuilding the secondary through the transfer portal was a must for the coaching staff following the 2021 season. After spring ball, the Cats added three transfers to the secondary and Keidron Smith (Ole Miss) is getting the start at cornerback in Week 1.

Miami (Ohio) had a similar need.

The RedHawks added three new players to the secondary, and Yahsyn McKee (Mercer) will open the year as a starter at cornerback. Former Michigan State defensive back Michael Dowell will also play a big role at traditional safety and nickel.

Each defense is relying on new players in the secondary. Expect each offense to challenge the new-look pass defense on both sides.

There will be a heavy tailback rotation

Without Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the lineup, redshirt senior Kavosiey Smoke is earning the second start of his career. However, this position battle was close as Ramon Jefferson and JuTahn McClain are also expected to contribute on Saturday.

Kentucky will likely use an active rotation. Miami (Ohio) will do the same.

Jaylon Bester and Tyre Shelton return after spending time out of the lineup with injuries last year. The duo has combined to record over 1,900 rushing yards. But they’re not the only backs that are capable on the Miami (Ohio) roster. Both Keyon Mozee and Kenny Tracy flashed for the RedHawks last season.

A committee approach at tailback from both squads is coming.