For the first time since 2013, the Wildcats take the field without Mark Stoops as their head coach, beginning a new chapter under Will Stein. After months of offseason anticipation, Kentucky football is officially back.
Kroger Field will be rocking Saturday afternoon as Kentucky hosts No. 7 FCS-ranked Youngstown State in Stein’s first game as the Wildcats’ head coach. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on SEC Network+, with Big Blue Nation expected to pack the stadium for a whiteout. If you’re going to the game, please remember: WEAR WHITE!
There has been plenty of anticipation surrounding this season. A new coaching staff, a revamped roster and a new-look offense have given Kentucky fans plenty to talk about throughout the offseason.
Now, none of that matters once the ball is kicked off and the season officially begins.
Beau Brungard Presents an Early Challenge
While the atmosphere inside Kroger Field will be about celebrating the beginning of a new era, Youngstown State is coming to Lexington with a legitimate football team.
The Penguins will enter Saturday ranked No. 7 in the FCS and opened the season with a dominant 43-10 victory over Mercyhurst. Youngstown State scored on its first five possessions: four touchdowns and one field goal. The Penguins finished with 484 total yards, including 252 rushing yards.
The biggest challenge for Kentucky will be quarterback Beau Brungard.
The reigning Walter Payton Award winner is one of the most dynamic players in the FCS and showed why in the season opener. Brungard completed 20 of 29 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns while adding 119 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. He accounted for five of Youngstown State’s six touchdowns.
Kentucky cannot afford to lose track of Brungard. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs can create problems quickly if the Wildcats are not fully locked in from the opening kick. .
The defense will need to execute its game plan, tackle well and force Brungard to make difficult decisions throughout the afternoon. If Kentucky can limit his ability to extend plays and create explosive runs, the Wildcats should put themselves in a good position to control the game.
My Prediction: Kentucky 45, Youngstown State 13
Don’t be shocked if the first quarter has obvious nerves and overall odd plays.
This is a new coaching staff, a new offense and a new season; with that, I expect Kentucky to need some time to settle into the game. Youngstown State also has enough talent to make the Wildcats work for it, especially with Brungard running the offense.
Once they get settled in, Kentucky’s talent, size and athleticism should eventually take over.
New quarterback Kenny Minchey should settle in, the offensive line controls the line of scrimmage and CJ Baxter gives Kentucky a great presence in the running game. I also expect one or two of Kentucky’s talented receivers to make a statement; the staff is still awaiting for one or multiple of them to separate themselves and become “dudes.” It’s a big question mark in that room, with a lot of talent but not a lot of proven production. Guys need to step up and show out.
On the other side of the ball, Kentucky will contain Brungard better as the game progresses and force Youngstown State to put together long, sustained drives instead of allowing explosive plays.
By the second half, Kentucky should pull away and Kroger Field gets to enjoy the beginning of a new era.
Offensive MVP Prediction: CJ Baxter
Kentucky will want to establish the running game early, and Baxter, as the lead back, should get plenty of carries, especially with expected No. 2 running back Javontae Barnes out for Saturday’s game. Expect Jason Patterson and Martels Carter IV to get some opportunities as well.
If the offensive line performs the way many expect, Baxter will have a very productive afternoon while helping take pressure off Minchey.
Defensive MVP: Mi’Quese Humphrey-Grace
The Wildcats will need their front seven to make plays against Brungard and the Youngstown State rushing attack. I expect Humphrey-Grace to be active throughout the game and make an impact as Kentucky tries to keep Brungard from getting comfortable.
He was a really good player last year, but he’s looking to improve this year.
The wait is over.
The offseason is officially behind us. The new coaching staff has been installed, the roster has been rebuilt and all of the talk surrounding Will Stein’s first season at Kentucky finally gets a chance to become reality. Is this the start we’ve all been waiting for to potentially see the Kentucky football program climb the ranks for years to come and compete in the upper half of the SEC? Well, let’s see how the horse jumps out of the starting gate.
For more Kentucky news and coverage, follow me on X @DrewByousBBN.