The SEC announced kickoff times for the November 1st slate, and Kentucky football drew another night game, their third straight in conference play. The Wildcats will travel to Auburn to face the Tigers at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT) on the SEC Network.
Another night game, another road test
This matchup marks Kentucky's first road trip since being throttled 35-14 at Georgia back on October 4th. It pits two programs against each other that are currently defined by fan frustration and coaching uncertainty. Big Blue Nation's calls for Kentucky to move on from Mark Stoops are growing louder, while Auburn fans are equally restless with Hugh Freeze, who recently felt compelled to ask his Athletic Director for a public vote of confidence. Not sure I have ever seen that.
Fans find humor in the misery
Given the struggles of both teams (Kentucky 2-4, Auburn 3-4), the announcement of a prime-time SEC Network slot was met less with excitement and more with dark humor from weary fans online.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) summed up the mood perfectly, joking, “they should flex this to 6:30 am on Cartoon Network.”
The replies only amplified the gallows humor:
- “How am I gonna watch my rerun of King of the Hill?”
- “We shouldn't be exposing children to Auburn football.”
- “DisneyXD Game of the Week”
- Referring to the recent NFL "Toy Story" broadcast: “3 am on disney plus and only show the Toy Story stream”
Simpsons football reminded me of Ridder throwing a pick six in Toy Story pic.twitter.com/e8Tw2uyfKX
— Nuke (@nukeman82) December 6, 2024
A sad state of affairs
It speaks volumes about the current state of Kentucky football that even a desirable night kickoff slot on the conference network draws more mockery than anticipation. It has undeniably been a sad, frustrating football year in Lexington, where even good news feels tinged with apathy. The Wildcats desperately need a win, not just for bowl eligibility, but to change the narrative surrounding the program.
And so does Auburn. Both teams may be desperate and both may be on the verge of firing their head coach.
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