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Three Things To Watch and TV Info for in Kentucky vs. Missouri

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UK Athletics

Coming off a blowout loss at No. 1 Tennessee, Kentucky is looking to avoid a losing streak on the road against a frisky Missouri team.

Missouri coming off a very good win at No. 25 South Carolina, and the momentum on their side. The Tigers are looking to continue it with a win against a Kentucky team who has had their number for the most part since Stoops arrived at Kentucky, winning 6 out of the last 7 against the Tigers.

This year, however, the stats of these teams are very similar showing two teams with solid defenses and struggling offenses. They are both averaging 23.9 points per game while giving up about 20 points per game.

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Both defenses give up an average of 310 yards per game, with the bulk of that coming through the air. Contrary to that, both offenses have leaned toward the passing game, but are capable of running the ball as well.

Given their similarities, let’s look at some things to watch for and could decide the game on Saturday.

Can the defense play through injuries?

Giving up 44 points to an explosive Tennessee offense, it is fair to say the defense struggled last week, despite only giving up 7 in the first quarter.

This week, Kentucky will have to be able to stop the run, but that becomes more challenging as they will likely be without their two senior starting linebackers Jacquez Jones and Deandre Square.

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Without the two captains of the defense, Kentucky might struggle, especially early in the game. If sophomore Trevin Wallace can step in and contribute in Square’s place on Saturday, in what should be a low-scoring game, that would be big for the Wildcats.

The biggest question will be if Kentucky can get off the field on third down after struggling to do last week, allowing the Volunteers to convert on five of their twelve opportunities.

Can Kentucky move the ball?

Kentucky is coming off their worst offensive performance of the season, scoring just 6 points on a total of 205 yards against one of the worst defenses in the country.

This week, Kentucky must improve and move the ball downfield.

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Kentucky has the playmakers at wide receiver to be able to move the ball, but they have not been effective in the passing game since early in the season. With that said, the offensive line needs to be able to protect Levis long enough to be able to maintain a downfield passing game.

Running the ball effectively would certainly help the passing game by allowing the Wildcats to create opportunities for Levis and the receivers. However, Rodriguez’s status for Saturday is TBD determined after Stoops confirmed he suffered an injury in last weekend’s loss.

The biggest question for the offense in recent weeks has been the play calling of Scangarello and the conservative nature of it. Will Scangarello and Stoops open up the playbook and allow Levis to throw the ball downfield?

If Levis can get going in this game it will help build some much-needed momentum.

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Can Kentucky limit the special teams mistakes?

Despite not being an area to typically focus on, Kentucky has been killed in the kicking game this season whether it be bad snaps, bad kicks, or just bad luck.

Leaving a number amount of points on the field this season due to special teams errors is not a recipe for success and could be attributed to the Ole Miss loss. In a game where points may be at a premium, the Wildcats will need every point they can get.


With a likely loss to Georgia, this game will decide if Kentucky can still finish 8-4 in the regular season.

TV Info

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Time/Date: 12:00 pm ET on Saturday, November 5th, 2022
Location: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri
TV Channel: SEC Network
Online Stream: WatchESPNESPN+, or the ESPN app
Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro have the UK radio network call on 630AM, 98.1 FM in Lexington, and the UK Sports Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | Mizzou
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REPORT: Liam Coen Leaving Kentucky for NFL Offensive Coordinator Position

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UK Athletics

On the eve of a huge recruiting weekend for Kentucky football, the program has received some bad news. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen is leaving for the NFL again, this time taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator position.

When Coen returned to Kentucky last offseason from the Los Angeles Rams, for his second stint as offensive coordinator, he talked about Lexington being a place that he and his wife had missed. In his return press conference, on January 12, 2023, he went as far as saying he wanted to be somewhere for a “few years”, at least.

“I want to go somewhere, make a real impact. Plant some roots for a little bit. Be somewhere for a few years — at least — that you feel really good about. I’m excited about being back in Lexington… I’m not in a rush to go anywhere.”

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That “few years” was just a year, but to be honest, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. After many games last season, Coen talked to the media with frustration about fundamental things such as lack of discipline and dropped passes. Even then, it always felt he was holding his words back. With his name circulating around multiple NFL jobs, it was clear this was the direction it was heading.

Now for Kentucky, it’s about getting the next hire right. In a time where offense is becoming the premium in college football, going through five offensive coordinators in ten seasons is not ideal. Paying $1.8 million to Coen, they have shown they will pay amongst the top in the country. Now, go get someone who keeps this core of offensive talent, can recruit, and brings much-needed consistency.

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A Piece of Will Levis’ Historic NFL Debut Displayed in NFL Hall of Fame

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Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis after his NFL debut.
© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

During last year’s NFL Draft, Will Levis was one of the last players left in the green room after dropping to the second round. That moment fueled Levis, and he’s since earned the starting quarterback spot with the Tennessee Titans, appearing to have a bright future with the team.

Entering the season with no shortage of motivation, Levis entered the franchise as QB3 and wasn’t even on the active roster for the first six weeks of the season, being deemed the “emergency quarterback.” However, following an ankle injury to Ryan Tannehill in Week 6, the Titans gave their rookie quarterback an opportunity.

Levis certainly capitalized and had one of the best debuts in NFL History, throwing for 238 yards (19/29 passing) and four touchdowns. From the game, Levis has been put in the Hall of Fame. Well, at least his Houston Oiler throwback helmet from the performance has been placed on display in the Hall of Fame’s “Pro Football Today Gallery.”

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Levis started his career with a bang and had his moments. The former Kentucky Wildcat will look to build on his rookie campaign, going into a year where he should be the starter under new head coach Brian Callahan.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

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Cutter Boley Opens up on Playing for Kentucky, “This Is Where My Heart’s Always Been”

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Four-star quarterback prospect Cutter Boley signing with Kentucky football.
© Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

With the early National Signing Day for the class of 2024 being over, Kentucky’s newest signed quarterback Cutter Boley discusses why he committed to play at Kentucky.

“Just growing up in the state, you know, I’ve grown up a fan I feel like this is where my heart’s always been, and just the offense that Liam Coen runs and the job coach (Mark) Stoops does as head coach is phenomenal and I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else,” Boley tells Kentucky Insider.

Kentucky needed to get some quarterbacks after three players either graduated or transferred with Devin Leary graduating, Destin Wade transferring to Colorado, and Kaiya Sheron electing to transfer as well.

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Kentucky was able to load up in the quarterback room by landing the Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff, Georgia Southern transfer Beau Allen, and then signing Boley in the class of 2024. Boley is ready to compete against them and he recognizes their talent.

“I couldn’t be any more excited to learn from them. They’re two really good quarterbacks, like I said, and they’ll have countless things to teach me from the places they’ve been and the offense that they’ve been in,” Boley tells us. “I just can’t wait to learn the things they know and just be able to work and get to work with them.”

One of the reasons why Boley committed to Kentucky is due to him having a connection since he has lived here his whole life.

“Just growing up in the state, you know, I’ve grown up a fan I feel like this is where my heart’s always been, and just the offense that Liam Coen runs and the job coach (Mark) Stoops does as head coach is phenomenal and I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else,” said Boley.

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As for finally signing his National Letter of Intent, Boley feels relieved to have it finished.

“It’s definitely a relief to finally put the pen to paper and make it official,” said Boley. “It’s been a long time coming so I couldn’t be any more excited about my decision and where I’m going to be for the next four years.”

What Boley is most focused on is how the offense is run, as at this time he feels like his play style is made to play professionally.

“I’m really hoping to develop into that pro-style quarterback, but I feel like I’m definitely a pro-style quarterback right now, but really develop into just being able to play in that offense at a very high level and get really comfortable in the offense, and I just want to develop all parts of my game and really be a quarterback that the NFL looks for and that type of quarterback they want to have,” Boley tells us.

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With Kentucky having a chance to develop within instead of the transfer route, fans will have a chance to see a quarterback finally develop into potentially starting in the future.

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