It’s being billed online as The Winner Has to Keep Their Coach Bowl. Saturday night's SEC clash between Kentucky (2-5, 0-5 SEC) and Auburn (4-4, 1-4 SEC) pits two programs, two fanbases, and two head coaches desperately searching for positive momentum.
Both Mark Stoops and Hugh Freeze are under immense pressure, making this a fascinating, if potentially painful, matchup down on the Plains.
Game info and how to watch
- Matchup: Kentucky Wildcats 2-5 (0-5) vs. Auburn Tigers 4-4 (1-4)
- Date: Saturday, November 1st
- Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn, Alabama
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming Services: You can stream the game on services that carry local channels, including: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV (Orange Plan)
- ESPN+: The game will also be available to stream via ESPN's digital platforms for authenticated subscribers.
How to listen
For those who prefer the call from the Voice of the Wildcats, Tom Leach, you can listen on the UK Sports Network.
- Online: Stream live at UKAthletics.com or on iHeartRadio via WLAP 630.
- Local FM/AM Stations:
- Lexington: 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP
- Louisville: 840 AM WHAS
- London: 103.9 FM WWEL
- Hazard/Pikeville: 101.1 WSGS
- Madisonville: 93.9 FM WKTG
Odds, weather, history, and announcer pairing
According to FanDuel, Auburn is a 10.5-point favorite (-108 odds). The over/under is set at 44.5 points. The moneyline favors Auburn (-430) over Kentucky (+330).
Expect perfect fall football weather Saturday night with temperatures around 60°F at kickoff with clear skies and minimal wind.
Auburn dominates the all-time series 28-6-1 and has won four straight against Kentucky, including a 24-10 victory in Lexington last year. UK's last trip to Auburn was a 29-13 loss in the 2020 season opener.
The familiar SEC Network crew of Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, and Cole Cubelic will be on the call.
The unspoken stakes
While both coaches need a win for bowl eligibility hopes, the underlying narrative revolves around job security. Both fanbases are largely ready for change. But one team will get a win to get closer to bowl eligible, but it also means a win more for a coach neither fanbase believes in anymore.
Which team will get the victory that, ironically, neither fanbase might truly want right now?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion