Here is everything you need to know as the Kentucky Wildcats host the Toledo Rockets in a crucial season-opening matchup at Kroger Field.
The stage is set for a pivotal season opener at Kroger Field as Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats take on a formidable Toledo Rockets team. With Stoops telling his team to "change the narrative," this game carries extra weight. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash.
Game day info
- Kickoff: Saturday, August 30th at 12:45 PM EST
- Location: Kroger Field, Lexington, KY
- TV/Announcers: SEC Network. Announcers have not yet been released. Updates can be found on ESPN's press site.
- Radio: UK Sports Network: For those who prefer the radio experience:
Online: Stream live at wsgs.com or through iHeartRadio's WLAP station.
FM Radio Stations:
Lexington, KY: 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP
London, KY: 103.9 FM WWEL
Louisville, KY: 840 AM WHAS
Madisonville, KY: 93.9 FM WKTG
Hazard/Pikeville, KY: 101.1 WSGS
Weather forecast
It's shaping up to be a perfect day for football. Temperatures will be in the mid-to-upper 60s at kickoff and rise to around 75 degrees by the final whistle. There is less than a 5% chance of rain, with light winds around 8 mph.
Betting line & upset alert
The betting markets are telling a fascinating story. Kentucky opened as a 9.5-point favorite, but that line has since dropped to Kentucky -7.5 at Fanduel. The movement is a direct result of Toledo receiving votes in the preseason AP Poll and several national analysts flagging this game as a potential upset. The pressure is on the Wildcats to prove the doubters wrong at home.
Injury Report
- Toledo: The Rockets enter the game with no significant injuries to report.
- Kentucky: The Wildcats have three offensive players whose status is uncertain:Seth McGowan (RB): Questionable (Undisclosed)Kendrick Law (WR): Questionable (Undisclosed)DJ Miller (WR): Questionable (Undisclosed)
Series History: A Look Back at 2019
These two teams last met in 2019, a game Kentucky won 38-24. It was a tight contest early, tied 14-14 at halftime, before the Wildcats pulled away in the second half. Quarterback Terry Wilson led the charge for UK, throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Toledo found success on the ground, with two rushers topping 70 yards, but their inability to move the ball through the air (just 166 passing yards) ultimately sealed their fate. Kentucky will be hoping for a similar result, while Toledo will be looking for revenge.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion