On September 7, 2013, Mark Stoops earned victory #1 as Kentucky’s head football coach with a 41-7 victory over Miami (Ohio).

Ten seasons later, Stoops can match the legendary Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant for the most head coaching wins in UK history (60) if his Wildcats are able to take care of the RedHawks on Saturday. night at Kroger Field.

The 2022 season opener brings with it high expectations for Kentucky. After going 10-3 and winning a fourth straight bowl game last season, starting quarterback Will Levis and veteran linebacker DeAndre Square said the Wildcats’ goal is to reach the Southern Conference championship game -Is for the first time in the history of the program.

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“I came back to win,” Square, a super senior, said at SEC Media Days in July. “I really want that SEC Championship. A lot of guys do too. That’s the goal. We have player-run meetings all the time, and I always say, ‘If your mind isn’t on the SEC Championship, don’t. even come to practice. It’s the norm.”

UK will enter the pitch in Week 1 without two of their captains: senior running back Chris Rodriguez, who pleaded guilty in July to driving a motor vehicle under the influence, and super senior linebacker Jordan Wright.

On Monday, Stoops said Rodriguez and Wright would not be available for the season opener, but did not confirm whether they were among the players he expects to have “multi-game suspensions.” The head coach also declined to comment on whether Rodriguez’s absence was related to the DUI arrest or some other issue.

With Rodriguez unavailable, Kentucky will look to senior Kavosiey Smoke and FCS transfer Ramon Jefferson at the tail end. In addition to Jefferson, other newcomers to watch include: freshman Dane Key and Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson to the sidelines; new starting left tackle David Wohlabaugh Jr. and Ole Miss trade Keidron Smith to cornerback.

The stage is set. Here’s how you can watch and/or listen to Kentucky vs. Miami, Ohio, and catch live updates from Lexington below. Once the game is launched, come back to see the best video moments from all the best games.

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Kentucky football kicker Matt Ruffolo ties his career with a 50-yard field goal against Miami, Ohio

The Wildcats took a 30-13 lead over the RedHawks in the closing minutes of the third quarter when senior kicker Matt Ruffolo scored a field goal from 50 yards, tying his career-best yardage.

Will Levis connects Chauncey Magwood for TD pass to extend Kentucky football lead

Thanks to a forced fumble by Tyrell Ajian and recovered by Keidron Smith, Kentucky’s offense got the upper hand inside Miami’s 10-yard line early in the third quarter and made quick work of the RedHawks. After struggling in the red zone in the first half, Levis connected with sophomore Chauncey Magwood on the second play of practice for an 8-yard touchdown, the first of Magwood’s college career.

The Wildcats took a 27-10 lead on the score and the ensuing extra point.

Kentucky’s Barion Brown returns the 2nd half opening kickoff 100 yards for TD

Kentucky started the second half with a bang when rookie Barion Brown returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The score was the first UK kickoff return touchdown since Derrick Locke escaped against Louisville on September 19, 2009. The ensuing extra point gave the Wildcats a 20-10 lead.

Manuel alum Eli Blakey selects Will Levis to end Kentucky football’s goal threat

Looking to take the lead in the second quarter, Kentucky’s offense reached Miami’s 4-yard line but failed to score. On fourth and second, the Wildcats elected not to score a field goal, and Manuel graduate Eli Blakey picked up a pass from Lévis who was knocked down by tight end Keaton Upshaw.

Kentucky’s first touchdown of the 2022 season: Will Levis tight end Brenden Bates

Down 7-0, Kentucky’s offense took the field for the first time in the 2022 season and covered for 79 yards in just five plays and 2:03 minutes. The player included a reception of 45 meters from Robinson and was capped off with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Levis to tight end Brenden Bates.

Miami (Ohio) strikes first against Kentucky with long scoring streak

On the first drive of the game, the RedHawks offense covered 75 yards in 13 plays and 5:21 minutes and took a 7-0 lead on a 22-yard run from Tire Shelton and the ensuing extra run. The Kentucky defense forced a fourth and short, but Miami was able to convert to keep their drive alive.

How to watch Kentucky football vs. Miami (Ohio) live, plus radio broadcast info

Game time: 7 p.m. Saturday, September 3

Location: Kroger Field (Lexington)

Live stream online: ESPN.com/watch (SEC Network+, ESPN+)

Anyone with a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network can stream Saturday’s game for free via WatchESPN. Those without a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network will need to subscribe to ESPN+ to watch.

Earthly a radio show: 8:40 a.m. in Louisville; 630-AM, 98.1-FM in Lexington

Online broadcasting:UKAthletics.com

Satellite radio broadcasting: Sirius 135/190; 951 on the SXM app

Kentucky vs. Miami, Ohio Football Spread Betting Odds

Tipico has a spread set at Kentucky -14.5 and an over/under at 54.5. Click here for more betting odds.

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Contact scouting and trending sportswriter Brooks Holton at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.