SPECIAL EDITION
kentuckykernel Monday, September 21, 2020
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AT L A S T
Monday, September 21, 2020
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Monday, September 21, 2020
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
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CONTACT Editor-in-chief: Natalie Parks editor@kykernel.com
UK BEGINS RANDOM REQUIRED TESTING
Managing editor: Michael Clubb
The University of Kentucky announced on Friday that it will begin required and random testing among UK students.
News/features editor: Lauren Campbell
The testing regimen will occur only among the student population that is physically coming to campus, said the email sent to students on Friday afternoon.
Asst. news editors: Haley Blackburn
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Emily Girard Sports editor: Braden Ramsey sports@kykernel.com
UK’s Health Corps will notify students that they have been selected for COVD-19 testing.
Opinions editor: Sarah Michels opinions@kykernel.com
“We use what’s called a random number generator to pull a list of students on campus and off campus,” university spokesperson Jay Blanton wrote in an email to the Kernel. “This initial testing round will be about 400 students for the random sample tests.”
Asst. Opinions editor: Gillian Stawiszynski Photo editor: Tori Rogers Designers: Mya LaCLair Ryder Noah From
The first round of random testing is supposed to finish on Wednesday of this week.
Social media manager: Sarah Simon-Patches
“Once a student has been randomly tested, their name will be pulled so they would not be tested again going forward,” Blanton said.
KENTUCKY KERNEL OFFICES 340 McVey Hall University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506
There will be no cost to students, and testing will continue throughout the semester. Students can be tested at the testing location by the 90 and William T. Young Library or at the designated student lane at the community testing site on College Way. “Officials said they believe this initiative will continue to make the campus a safer place to fulfill UK’s missions of education, research, service and care. Data gathered through this process will further inform decisions,” said the email sent to students. This next step in testing follows a visit from Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator.
On the cover:
VISITATION RESTRICTIONS TO CONTINUE IN DORMS Visitation to dorms will continue to be restricted for at least the next two weeks, Acting Dean of Students Trisha Clement-Montgomery announced via an email sent to students on Sunday. “As you know, since the beginning of the semester, we have been operating
under a restricted visitation policy. And we’ve communicated with you that we continue to reevaluate these policies,” the email said. “At this time, based on our ongoing data collection and advice from our public health experts, we have decided to maintain the restricted visitation policy for at least the next two weeks.”
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF UK poses for a photo with the trophy after the Belk Bowl football game between Kentucky and Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. UK won 37-30. Graph data from the Lexington Fayette County Health Department’s daily updates.
This is the second time this semester that UK has extended its restricted visitation policy; the first was on Sept. 6.
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Cats’ eye view: UK’s defense By Eric Decker news@kykernel.com
Defensive Coordinator Brad White is entering his second year in the position; returning with him is over half of his 2019 starting unit, which ranked 21st nationally in total defense and 13th in scoring defense. With the mixture of returning starters, impact transfers and one of the more impressive recruiting classes in the Mark Stoops era, the defensive group could be the most talented roster Stoops and co. have assembled in Lexington. The unit has oozed confidence throughout preseason camp, but also given the public no reason to believe it won’t follow up on last season’s unexpected greatness. “The chip [on your shoulder] never changes, because the hardest thing to do is be consistent and that’s our challenge this year,” said junior cornerback Cedrick Dort Jr. in a post-practice interview on Aug. 20. Dort said that the team’s performance last year gave them a confidence boost. “We really want to step up our game and do everything we did last year, but do it 10x better this year,” Dort said. Some players, including those who didn’t get the chance to contribute in 2019, have been more brash. “What’s the point of sugarcoating if I know what we can do?” said defensive back Kelvin Joseph. “I’m not going to keep it a secret: we not getting the respect that we supposed to be getting.”
MICHAEL CLUBB I STAFF UK’s defense brings down UofL’s quarterback during the University of Kentucky vs. University of Louisville Governor’s Cup football game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
year in passing defense and tied for first in passing touchdowns allowed with Ohio State (9). But the secondary doesn’t feel its fantastic year and potential for 2020 is being recognized loudly enough.
supplement those two both on the outside and in the slot. Each has some experience, with Devonshire suiting up in three games in 2019 and Joseph doing so in 11 games during 2018 with the Tigers.
“Imma just let the people know who are not respecting us that we on our way, and we not playing,” Joseph said.
The starting corners – Dort and Brandin Echols – both return following stellar years. Pro Football Focus had Echols on its Preseason All-SEC Second Team, and the fifth highest rated returning corner in the SEC. Not to be outdone, Dort gave up a D-1 low 30 percent completion rate in 2019, showing elite ability on the outside.
Kentucky was top 25 in the country last
Joseph and M.J. Devonshire look to
The return of Davonte Robinson also adds another dimension to the backend. The slot corner is itching to get back onto the field after tallying four pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries in the Cats’ 10-3 season. After being a popular breakout pick last year, Robinson is being underrated coming into 2020, according to one of his teammates.
Joseph is one of those impact transfers, a former four-star prospect who is now eligible after having to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. The former LSU product hasn’t taken lightly to the perceived disrespect for the secondary he is now part of.
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“If there’s one person I feel like people are sleeping on, it’s D-Rob,” Brandin Echols said. “With all the experience he has and all the talent he’s bringing back to the table, I feel like he’s going to make a big impact.” At safety, the Cats have two PFF preseason All-SEC Third Teamers in Quandre Mosely and Yusuf Corker. Mosely appeared in every game last year and Corker led the entire defense in tackles with 74. A somewhat surprising development See DEFENSE on page 5
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just know that we’re doing everything for 22, honestly.” Davis tallied 32 tackles and appeared in all 13 games in 2019. He said the game was moving a little too fast for him at times, but used the offseason and preseason to dive into the playbook even more to help build confidence after ending the season strong. He also will get help from the man he’ll be lining up next to, Deandre Square. Square has consistently flashed sideline-to-sideline ability during his time making tackles all over the field. With Kash Daniel graduated, he is now the anchor of the inside linebacking core and the coaching staff is really excited about his prospects this year. True freshman Torrance Davis has also received some buzz. On the edge, coach White has put astonishing expectations on Jamar “Boogie” Watson, wanting to see a Josh Allen-esque leap his senior year. “Boogie” is embracing the challenge. “I think I’m one of those guys who has a chance to make it to the next level,” Watson has said. “If I play the way I need to play this year, play the right way and the way I know I can play, I got a better chance at fulfilling my dream.”
MICHAEL CLUBB I STAFF Kentucky Wildcats defensive end T.J. Carter (90) celebrates after knocking down a VT pass during the Belk Bowl football game between Kentucky and Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
DEFENSE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
in the loaded group is a potential role for freshman Vito Tisdale, who has been raved about all summer. “He’s got some of those qualities that attract people. People like being around Vito and he’s got a really good personality in that regard,” Coach White said about the 6’1” safety. “There’s a lot we need to clean up in terms of technique and understanding and play style… but he does some things that are extremely natural and those are the things you can’t teach.” The secondary’s strength will also po-
tentially allow for some leeway in other areas of the defense where players are stepping into bigger roles while being tossed into the fire of SEC competition. This is notably the case at inside linebacker, as Jamin Davis moves into the starting lineup to cement a role while Chris Oats remains away from the program for undisclosed reasons. Whatever battle Oats is going through has given Davis and his teammates something to play for that’s bigger than themselves and even the program. “We just always keep him and his family at the top of our minds,” Davis said earlier in the offseason. “We just do what we can do honor him as best we can and
Watson tallied six and a half sacks last season, good for sixth in the SEC. With his confidence matching the expectations of his coaches, he could be looking at a double-digit sack season. Jordan Wright and J.J. Weaver are the top candidates to split time on the opposite side. Wright has the edge in experience, but Weaver has been turning heads in practice this preseason. The options on the edge have given Josh Paschal the opportunity to move back in the trenches, something he said he feels more comfortable doing because his natural position is at defensive end. Coaches have been impressed his transition back to the spot.
CHASE PHILLIPS | STAFF Kash Daniel and Cedrick Dort Jr. celebrate a sack during the game against Toledo on Saturday, August 31, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky. Dort will return to his role as corner this year; Daniel has graduated, and now Deandre Square will anchor the inside linebackers.
Michigan, was the gem of Kentucky’s 2020 class and expects to fight for time immediately. North Hardin product Octavious Oxendine rounds out the raw and youthful but talented freshman trio. Quinton Bohanna is again set to man the nose tackle position and make life difficult on opposing centers. Both he and Coach White expect a step up in productivity that will impress scouts at the next level.
Defensive tackle is expected to be one of the strongest position groups on Kentucky’s team this year. A mixture of seniority and potential makes up the intriguing core.
“He doesn’t want me to shy away from the fact that we need more out of him,” White told reporters. “I really expect to get more out of him in the pass rush game this year… he doesn’t need to be thought of as just a run guy.”
Phil Hoskins is the veteran of the unit, joined by some of Kentucky’s biggest recruits. Josaih Hayes has been garnering some attention in camp, and everyone’s eyes will be locked onto Justin Rogers. The four-star prospect from Oak Park,
The defense has been the strength of Kentucky football for the past few years, and seems poised to once again in 2020. Just how far it can carry this team against an extremely tough schedule remains to be seen.
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Season predictions from Kernel sports writers By Braden Ramsey and Eric Decker sports@kykernel.com
What will be Kentucky’s 2020 record? Eric: 6-4. This is objectively one of the better teams Mark Stoops has had since he got to Lexington. Kentucky doesn’t have the non-conference warm-up games to pad the record a little this year, though. UK also got dealt a brutal hand on their road schedule having to go to Auburn, Knoxville, Tuscaloosa and Gainesville. I see the Cats losing to Tennessee in a game where they might be looking ahead to Georgia the next week, but beating Florida because this secondary matches up really well against Kyle Trask. Braden: I also see 6-4. As Eric mentioned, the sched-
ule gods weren’t in Kentucky’s favor when the two extra conference opponents were added, as a matchup at Alabama on top of road games at Florida, Tennessee and Auburn isn’t an easy proposition for anyone. If that road slate was more forgiving, I’d be confident in 7 wins. This roster is deep and talented in many areas. The record won’t be a true indication of just how good the team is, but the Cats will take another step in proving they’re no longer a middling program. Where will Kentucky finish in the Eastern Division? Braden: If everything breaks right, the Cats could get second or potentially even win the division. But that’d involve Kentucky beating both the top contenders (Florida and Georgia), knocking off the Vols in Neyland Stadium,
and likely having each of those teams drop another contest or two. That’s obviously a lot that would have to go the Cats way, so I don’t see that happening. I feel like they’ll end up in third, but again, that won’t be a real representation of how good they are. Eric: I think Kentucky can have legitimate expectations to be at least second in the SEC East, with any less than third being considered a disappointment. The Cats would have to lose to all three of Georgia, Florida and Tennessee for that to occur and I don’t particularly see that happening. If Kentucky beats the Gators in the penultimate game of the regular season, I think . So, for the sake of giving a guess, the Cats will finish second in the East behind Georgia. Will Kentucky end the 2020 season as a ranked team? Braden: This should be definite. Even though the Cats are only in the current AP poll because the Big Ten teams that were in the initial one were dropped, they are extremely talented and have been overlooked in some circles. I don’t believe they’ll be top fifteen, but they should end up right around where they are now (23). Eric: Yes. Even with the Big Ten just now announcing a fall football season and populating the AP polls further, this Kentucky team is one of the best 25 teams in the nation. They have the quarterback from their most successful season in memory and have one of the more stacked defenses in the Stoops era. Winning the opening game at Auburn might alone secure a top 25 ranking for the rest of the season. The Cats play five teams this season that are currently in the AP Top 25 (@ No. 8 Auburn, @ No. 15 Tennessee, vs. No. 4 Georgia, @ No. 2 Alabama and @ No. 5 Florida). Which opportunity represents Kentucky’s best chance for an upset?
MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Terry Wilson (3) walks the field before the Belk Bowl football game between Kentucky and Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. UK won 37-30.
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Braden: The Cats have a really good chance to pick up their first win at Tennessee this century. They missed a golden opportunity to do so in 2018, but after the disheartening defeat at Georgia’s hands the week before with the Eastern division on the line, it wasn’t too shocking that they came out a little flat. This time around, Kentucky gets the Vols the week before the Bulldogs come to town. Stoops and co. will be inspired to make that game be as meaningful as possible, and exercise some of the program’s demons in the process.
Monday, September 21, 2020
Eric: There’s a pattern throughout my picks that you might have noticed: I’m not particularly too keen on the Florida Gators this year. If it wasn’t for a Chance Poore missed 35-yard field goal with under a minute left, Kentucky would’ve likely beaten the Gators for a second straight year, with Sawyer Smith at quarterback no less. Florida still has Kyle Trask under center, but lacks other pieces from the team. La’Mical Perine, Van Jefferson and CJ Henderson are all gone into the NFL. I believe this will be one of Kentucky’s more dominant defensive showings this year, especially with it coming at a crucial juncture in the season. Which Cats (one offense, one defense) are poised for a breakout in 2020? Eric: With the Cats returning to a more traditional offense I feel like the answer has to be someone from the pass game. Praise has been tossed around for senior slot man Josh Ali all preseason. The hero from last year’s bowl victory, Ali and the rest of the receiving core finally get the chance to be playmakers more than blockers. But all that time spent blocking is only going to improve their opportunities overall. The whole receiving group has mentioned this camp that their blocking and strength improved last year because of the offensive switch. If Kentucky can begin games by dominating teams with the run, it will eventually create play-action bites by the defense and greater throwing lanes downfield. The shiftiness and knowledge of space on the field will allow Ali to benefit immensely from defensive miscues. The community of Lexington already knows him well, but I believe Jamar “Boogie” Watson is going to break out into national conversation this year. He already finished sixth in the SEC last year in sacks, if he can get that number into double digits it might be enough to help win the Cats an extra game or two. Braden: With Eric stealing my favorite selections for this question, I’ll offer a couple “deep sleeper” candidates. Clevan Thomas was the only person to catch a pass in each of Kentucky’s last nine games against FBS competition, and is the second leading returning wide receiver in terms of receptions. The Cats won’t be running the ball 95% of the time this year, and someone other than Ali has to get targets. There are tons of choices for the number two option, including receivers Bryce Oliver and Allen Dailey and tight ends Justin Rigg and Keaton Upshaw, but I’ll take the guy outside of Ali who had Bowden looking his way no matter who the opponent was. On the defensive side, I’m rolling with Quinton Bohanna. Kentucky’s nose tackle will be surrounded by talent on either side, whether it be Josh Paschal, Justin Rogers, or one of the many options the Cats have in the trenches. I see teams having their guards help block those guys more often than Bohanna, leaving the 6-foot-4, 357-pound senior facing centers on an island. Coach White has talked about the hunger Bohanna has shown to improve in pass rushing. If that work pays off, he could have a decent number of
MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jamar Watson and Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jordan Wright (15) celebrate during the University of Kentucky vs. University of Louisville Governor’s Cup football game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. UK won 45-13.
sacks for someone on the interior. But more importantly, he could have NFL defensive coordinators drooling about what he could do for them next year and beyond. What will Terry Wilson look like this season? Could someone take the starting job from him? Braden: I think Terry will be pretty good. He has a massive chip on his shoulder, and has seemingly stepped up to the challenge of being the leader of the offense like Benny Snell and Lynn Bowden have been the previous two seasons.The biggest gripes from his lone full season were missing some open throws and not pushing the ball down the field effectively. I attribute part of that to the nerves of starting in his first year in the SEC and him not being enabled to read the entire field when throwing. He has had plenty of time to study his tape, get more comfortable with the offensive concepts and just get a better grasp on the mental aspects of the position. Coupled with his motivation to show the nation he’s being overlooked, No.
3 will demonstrate just how good he is, and not relinquish the starting job. Eric: Terry is going to be fine. He’s been a winner his whole tenure, which has to count for something. He has been able to manage games, keep Kentucky competitive and has the ability to tuck the ball down and run, which is borderline vital in this era of college football. It was obvious that Stoops and Eddie Gran wanted to see improvement in the passing game, Against Eastern Michigan and Toledo, the deep ball looked to still be a work in progress. I’m confident that Terry can keep Kentucky ranked, but he needs to produce big plays through the air to have the Wildcats in true SEC title contention. With all that said, nobody is taking Terry’s job this year. The only person who could contend is Joey Gatewood, who may not even be eligible, and by all accounts is behind Terry in the depth chart. Sawyer Smith should not contend to be a guy who gets on the field at any point this season if everybody is eligible/healthy. Beau Allen is a freshman and will most likely redshirt the season.
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Cats’ eye view: UK’s offense By Jordan Barber sports@kykernel.com
As Kentucky football gears to face Auburn on Sept. 26, several questions exist on the offensive side of the ball. The first is perhaps the elephant in the room: Kentucky no longer has Lynn Bowden Jr. as a do-it-all offensive centerpiece. The Paul Hornung Award winner’s 2,272 all-purpose yards from the Cats’ 2019 campaign will be sorely missed. He contributed in every facet of the offensive attack and return game and was uber-talented, making it impossible to replace him with just one player. Instead, Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran will be forced to replace Bowden by committee,
starting on the ground, where Kentucky’s options are far from limited. A backfield rotation that includes senior A.J. Rose and redshirt sophomores Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Kavosiey Smoke is tasked with that duty. The trio is diverse in its talents; Rose had the most touches in 2019 and served as more of a bruising, between-the-tackles runner while Smoke and Rodriguez raced to the boundary and turned up field. Each back showed explosiveness, as they all averaged 5.5 yards per carry – led by Rodriguez with 7.5 yards per tote – and scored six touchdowns apiece. After combining for 1,926 yards last year, the trio is set up to see an expanded role in Kentucky’s offense. In the aerial attack, Josh Ali
is looking to build off a strong season finale. The Cats didn’t have much of a passing game last season, but when they did throw the ball, Ali was the primary benefactor. He is the team’s leading returner in all receiving categories and caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Bowden in the Belk Bowl. Clevan Thomas, Bryce Oliver and Allen Dailey shape up to be solid contributors on the outside with Ali, while Keaton Upshaw and Justin Rigg will serve as the top two options at tight end. After losing Benny Snell Jr. and Lynn Bowden Jr. in successive seasons, the Cats find themselves in a relatively unfamiliar position without a true undisputed alpha dog to lead the offense. Junior quarterback Terry
JORDAN PRATHER | STAFF The Kentucky offense gets in formation during the Belk Bowl against Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kentucky won 37-30.
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Wilson is the consensus pick to fill that role. He’s coming off of a devastating knee injury in 2019, but the team has faith that he has fully recovered and is ready to follow up on the 10-3 season he was under center for the year prior. With Sawyer Smith failing to impress while playing through injury last year, and transfer Joey Gatewood still waiting to have his eligibility ruled upon, the starting job appears squarely in Terry’s hands. He showed good progression from 2018 through his first two games last year, and will bring much needed balance to the Wildcat offense if he can demonstrate that ability once again. The biggest constant on the offense remains in the trenches. Kentucky returned an astounding
four out of their five starters on the offensive line. This same core which paved the way for Bowden Jr. and co. to become the fourthbest ground attack in 2019 is now Pro Football Focus’s top-graded SEC line (returning players), despite Logan Stenberg now being in the NFL. Landon Young and Drake Jackson are ready to anchor the unit once more, providing clear alleyways for the talented Cats’ backfield and plenty of time for Wilson in the pocket. Kentucky has been successful with an essentially run-only attack, but it has not beat the SEC’s best with that strategy. If Wilson can bring that balance to the attack, Kentucky has the talent to compete at the highest level over the course of this tougher, SEC-only slate.
CHASE PHILLIPS | STAFF Kentucky running back AJ Rose runs downfield during the game against Florida on Saturday, September 14, 2019 in Lexington, Ky. Kentucky lost 29-21.
Monday, September 21, 2020
Scouting report: Auburn By Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com
While the season is yet to kickoff for the SEC, Kentucky football already finds itself on the upswing, going from unranked to No. 23 in the latest AP poll. While that’s due in part to Big Ten teams getting dropped because the conference originally wasn’t playing this fall (it announced on Wednesday that it would begin on Oct. 23), the Cats nonetheless have a number next to their name for the first time in nearly two years. Kentucky finished its previous season on a high note, winning their last four games, capped off with a 37-30 victory over Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl. The Cats will look to carry that momentum into 2020. The first opportunity to do just that comes fast, as the Cats head to Jordan-Hare Stadium for a top-25 showdown with No. 8 Auburn. The Tigers were victorious in last meeting between the schools, defeating Kentucky 30-27 in Lexington back in 2015. In fact, Auburn has won 17 of the last 18 games in the series, with the Cats’ last win against them coming on the road 21-14 in 2009. Auburn is led by head coach Gus Malzahn, who is entering his eighth year leading the Tigers. He has compiled a record of 62-31 in that time frame, and just led Auburn to a 9-4 season that ended with a loss to Minnesota in the Outback Bowl. Sophomore Bo Nix is back under center for the Tigers, getting ready to start his second season as the starter. Nix completed 57.6 percent of his passes in 2019, throwing for over 2,500 yards while tossing 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Wide receiver Seth Williams is back for his junior season after hauling in 59 receptions with eight touchdowns, the most of any Auburn receiver last season. The Tigers lost their running back, JaTarvious Whitlow, to the transfer portal during the offseason. Whitlow was starter in each of the past two years, and ran for 763 yards while accumulating 10 touchdowns in 2019. Auburn returns D.J. Williams and Shaun Shivers, who combined
STAFF FILE PHOTO Auburn defeated Kentucky 30-27 at home iduring the two teams’ last match-up. Pictured, Kentucky wide receiver Charles Walker can’t quite catch a pass thrown from quarterback Patrick Towles during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Commonwealth Stadium on Thursday, October 15, 2015 in Lexington, KY.
for 139 carries (17 less than Whitlow) and 686 yards, and adds the fourth-ranked running back from the 2020 class in Tank Bigsby. Despite the overall inexperience from the group, the Tiger head coach sounded confident in their abilities when speaking shortly after Whitlow entered the portal. “I think [running back]’s a position that we’re very deep and we’re very young and talented,” Malzahn said in February, according to the Montgomery Advertiser. “We feel very good about the guys we have.” On defense, Auburn lost five players to
the NFL draft, including its top-two leaders in tackles (Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas) and sacks (top-ten pick Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson). K.J. Britt is now at the helm on that side of the ball for 2020. The senior linebacker made 37 solo tackles in 2019, ranking third on the team, and will step into a bigger role. Seniors’ Tyrone Truesdell and Big Kat Bryant will look to fill the void from Brown and Davidson’s departure. The Tigers ranked sixth in the SEC in both total offense and total defense last season. They scored the third most points and allowed the fourth fewest. Kentucky
has the defense to match up, as the Cats allowed both fewer total yards and fewer points than Auburn. Whichever offense can get going first may provide the difference. While the Cats and their fans are optimistic, the worldwide leader in sports is projecting an Auburn victory. ESPN’s FPI currently gives Auburn an 84.9 percent chance of winning the matchup. Fans can watch UK take on Auburn as they look to start their season with a win over a ranked opponent on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
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Goodbye, tailgating, hello, watch parties: Game day traditions adjust to COVID-19 By Sydney Hill sports@kykernel.com
Things are different in 2020. College football traditions are no exception UK’s football season begins on Saturday with an away game, but all game days are going to look different this year. The traditional “Caturday” – an all-day event for the most dedicated fans – will no longer be an option, given the ban on tailgating. According to UK Athletics, tailgating is not allowed on campus this year. Neither will generators, trailers, tents, grills or cooking be allowed in parking lots. Despite the loss of old traditions, students are still finding ways to celebrate the Wildcats. Students have already begun planning how they will safely spend their Caturdays. Sophomores Allie Guy and Maddie Moore plan on watching the game in their dorm with a few close friends.
Guy and Moore said they will really miss being around people and the atmosphere in the stadium, but they are glad they still get to cheer on their team. Working around social distancing guidelines is one potential barrier to watching UK football with friends. To help students gather safely, several student organizations, including Student Activities Board and Student Government Association, are partnering to host a watch party at Kentucky Proud Park, the baseball stadium. The watch party will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 26 for the game against Auburn. Tickets are available online at the university tickets website. Masks will be required; students must have a valid UK ID and ticket to enter. Some students on campus are taking advantage of the extra time by working more on their homework. Sophomore Andrew Bart says he doesn’t plan on actively participating
in any game day events this year. Instead, he will stay inside to complete his homework and cheer on the Cats from the comfort of his couch. “I will be finishing my homework a lot earlier this year,” Bart said. Another game day tradition that will not be taking place this year is the “Cat-Walk”. The atmosphere booster features the band, dance and cheer programs lining the path for the team to walk into the stadium, oftentimes giving fans a chance to cheer for and interact with the team – but not this season. In the absence of in-person football attendance, other students are seeking to make new traditions. UK sophomore Kylie McDonnell wants to start her own game day tradition by making game day masks with her roommates. McDonnell says this is something that she can do to bring everyone together while cheering on the Cats.
STAFF FILE PHOTO Young fans pose with cheerleaders during Cat Walk before the UK vs Toledo football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. UK won 38-24.
Guidelines for games at Kroger Field By Barkley Truax sports@kykernel.com
Much like the rest of the schools playing college football this fall, Kentucky will limit the number of fans able to attend home games. UK has decided to limit the capacity of Kroger Field to 20 percent, or around 12,000 people. Stadium suites are also limited to 10 per suite. The university says its plan is focused on the recommended health and safety protocols for the well-being of all student-athletes,
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fans and staff. UK Athletics also announced that there will be no tailgating or gatherings of any kind in the parking lot this season as an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 during football games. Anyone who is around the stadium is expected to have a ticket or a credential for the game that day. The Kroger Field parking lot will open three hours prior to kickoff. No RV’s are allowed at the stadium, nor are generators, trailers, tents, grills or cooking of any kind.
The gates will open two hours before kickoff. Mobile ticketing and parking passes will be used to reduce physical contact between staff and fans. Signs encouraging social distancing and hand sanitation stations will be set up throughout the stadium. Enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures will take place inside Kroger Field before and after every game. Masks or face coverings are required at all times except for while sitting in your seat and eating or drinking.
A maximum of three people may use the elevator at one time so physical distancing may take place. Concession stands at the stadium will now feature cashless transactions and bags of any sort are strongly discouraged. Only small, clear bags will be admitted. Single-game ticket options will be available for purchase, but will also be extremely limited. “Priority single-game tickets will be priced to include parking this fall. All fans will receive their tickets and parking passes via mobile delivery and
must scan them on a mobile device for entry at Kroger Field. For more information, visit ukathletics.com/ 2020football.” UK is not offering season tickets for 2020, but is allowing season ticket holders priority single-game tickets as well as options for their previous payments. “Season ticket holders who choose to not attend games this season will be presented with donation, credit and refund options, including the opportunity to convert all or a portion of their season ticket in-
vestment to a charitable gift in support of UK Athletics and the new Ev’ry Wildcat Fund. This new fund will be used to sustain the mission of UK Athletics, serving our student-athletes, during these unprecedented times.” UK Athletics announced. Season ticket holders that decide not to attend home games this fall will still have the opportunity to renew their original seats and parking passes for the 2021 season. Student tickets will also be sold on a single-game basis.
Monday, September 21, 2020
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Monday, September 21, 2020
WHO ARE THE CATS PLAYING? BY BRADEN RAMSEY
NO. 8 AUBURN WHEN: September 26, 12 p.m. ET on SEC Network SERIES RECORD: The Tigers are 26-6-1 all-time versus the Cats. Last meeting: Auburn – 30, Kentucky – 27 (Lexington, 2015) Fun fact: The last time the two schools played in Auburn (2009), the Cats defeated the Tigers 21-14. Not so fun fact: Outside of that meeting, Kentucky has not beaten Auburn since 1966, losing the other 17 matchups in that period.
OLE MISS WHEN: October 3, 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network SERIES RECORD: The Rebels are 27-14-1 alltime against the Cats. Last meeting: Ole Miss – 37, Kentucky – 34 (Lexington, 2017) Fun fact: Ole Miss and Kentucky faced off in Memphis five times early on in their series. Not so fun fact: The Rebels won each of those five meetings and have defeated Kentucky in seven of the last ten games between the two (not including the 2010 game).
MISSISSIPPI STATE WHEN: October 10, Time and Network TBD SERIES RECORD: The Bulldogs are 24-23 alltime versus the Cats. Last meeting: Mississippi State – 28, Kentucky – 13 (Starkville, 2019) Fun fact: Despite being in opposite divisions in the SEC, Mississippi State and Kentucky have faced off on the gridiron every year since 1990. Not so fun fact: The Bulldogs defeated Kentucky seven straight times from 2009-2015, winning by an average of just over 12 points. Now you know: Part of the history above is due to the Bulldogs and Wildcats being deemed “permanent cross division rivals” by the SEC when it reset the football schedule following conference expansion in 2012. This is why Mississippi State is the only Western division team Kentucky has played each season in that period, and will continue to be until at least 2025.
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NO. 15
TENNESSEE WHEN: October 17, Time and Network TBD SERIES RECORD: The Volunteers are 81-25-9 alltime versus the Cats. Last meeting: Tennessee – 17, Kentucky – 13 (Lexington, 2019) Fun fact: Kentucky has finished with an overall record matching or eclipsing Tennessee’s in three of the past four seasons. Not so fun fact: The Vols knocked off the Cats 26 straight times from 1985-2010 (the 12th-longest streak of consecutive wins over one opponent in NCAA football history, and second-longest involving SEC teams) and haven’t lost to Kentucky at Neyland Stadium since 1984.
NO. 4 GEORGIA WHEN: October 24, Time and Network TBD SERIES RECORD: The Bulldogs are 59-12-2 alltime against the Cats. Last meeting: Georgia – 21, Kentucky – 0 (Athens, 2019) Fun fact: The first 54 games between Georgia and Kentucky took place in October, but 14 of the previous 17 have happened in November. Not so fun fact: Kentucky has only beaten Georgia twice since the turn of the century, and have lost the last 10 matchups by an average of 19.5 points.
Monday, September 21, 2020
MISSOURI
VANDERBILT
WHEN: October 31, 12 WHEN: November 14, p.m. ET on SEC Network Time and Network TBD SERIES RECORD: SERIES RECORD: The Kentucky is 7-3 all-time Cats are 46-42-4 all-time against the Tigers. versus the Commodores. Last meeting: Kentucky Last meeting: – 29, Missouri – 7 (Lexing- Kentucky – 38, Vanderbilt ton, 2019) – 14 (Nashville, 2019) Fun fact: The Cats and Ti- Fun fact: The Cats have gers played just two times won the last four meetings before Missouri joined the against the Commodores. SEC in 2012. Not so fun fact: KenNot so fun fact: Missouri tucky did not score a single has been to two SEC foot- point against Vanderbilt the ball championship games first 11 times they played despite being in the confer- one another. ence for only eight seasons, while Kentucky has not Interesting: Three of the been to one in its history. ties between the Cats and Commodores had the score Guess who’s back? C.J. 0-0, including the most reConrad, the tight end who cent one in 1963. caught the last-second game-winning touchdown to beat the Tigers in 2018 (prompting the dramatic locker room video where Mark Stoops punches through the ceiling while crowd surfing) has returned to Kentucky in a coaching capacity.
NO. 2 ALABAMA WHEN: November 21, Time and Network TBD SERIES RECORD: The Crimson Tide are 37-2-1 all-time versus the Cats. Last meeting: Alabama – 34, Kentucky – 6 (Tuscaloosa, 2016) Fun fact: Paul “Bear” Bryant coached at Kentucky for seven seasons before he became possibly the greatest college football coach of all time for Alabama. The Cats went 60-23-5 under him, finishing in the AP Top 25 five times and going 11-1 in 1950 with a Sugar Bowl victory. Not so fun fact: Both of the Cats’ wins over the Crimson Tide (1922 and 1997) came by six points.
NO. 8 FLORIDA
SOUTH CAROLINA
WHEN: November 28, WHEN: December 5, Time Time and Network TBD and Network TBD SERIES RECORD: The Gators are 52-18 all-time SERIES RECORD: The versus the Cats. Gamecocks are 18-12-1 alltime against the Cats. Last meeting: Florida – 29, Kentucky – 21 (LexingLast meeting: South Carton, 2019) olina – 24, Kentucky – 7 Fun fact: The Cats final- (Columbia, 2019) ly ended their 31-game losing streak to the Gators Fun fact: This will be the (the sixth-longest streak of consecutive losses by one latest into a year that Kenteam to another, and longest tucky and South Carolina such streak involving SEC have faced one another. teams) when they defeated They’ve only met in Nothem 27-16 in Gainesville vember one time before, in 2018. which was their first ever Hot Chocolate, anyone? meeting on the sixth of the Kentucky and Florida have month in 1937. only played this deep into fall one time before: No- Not so fun fact: The vember 29, 1917, which was their first game with Gamecocks beat the Cats in 13 of their first 14 matchups one another. in the 2000’s, with KenNot so fun fact: Ken- tucky’s only win over the tucky hasn’t beaten Florida stretch coming in 2010. in Lexington since 1986. Disappointing: The Cats would have a three-game winning streak (which would be tied for their second longest) in the series if they hadn’t blown double-digit fourth quarter leads in both 2017 and 2019. They were outscored a combined 33-3 in the final quarter of the two games.
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Monday, September 21, 2020
MICHAEL CLUBB I STAFF UK athletes, parents, coaches, and supporters hold up signs during the UK women’s basketball team’s social justice march on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.
‘WE ALL WANT THE SAME GOAL.’
Women’s basketball team organizes march, unity fair to speak out against racial injustice By Sarah Michels news@kykernel.com
The Kentucky women’s basketball team spends most of their time in the public eye on the Memorial Coliseum court. But Wednesday morning, they congregated across the street at the Bowman statue, and there was more than a ball game at stake. The players, along with students, community members and other UK athletes, were gathered for a social justice march
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and accompanying unity fair, organized by the team. The idea for the event came four weeks prior, when the women’s basketball team decided to follow in other teams’ footsteps and skip practice. However, the team still showed up at practice time, UK women’s basketball player Olivia Owens said, simply exchanging their typical drills and conditioning for a serious discussion on what they wanted to do as a team to address the social injustices occurring around the world.
More than 100 people attended the march, which began in front of the William T. Young library on UK’s campus. Rhyne Howard and Dre’Una Edwards led the procession toward Memorial Coliseum, cutting down Rose Street and chanting along the way. The attendees included student-athletes from UK’s men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, track and field, cross country and gymnastics teams. “It was great to see that they stand with us and that we’re essentially all one—we
all want the same goal,” Howard said. However, the men’s basketball team was noticeably absent, which sophomore Mercy-Kajo Evanson said disappointed her, since MBB has a large platform. Evanson, a finance sophomore, said she feels that UK allowing the team to host the march means the university is supportive of racial justice. “In what ways and how much I can’t say or determine, but it does make me feel See GOAL on page 15
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GOAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
better about my school,” she said. In contrast, the women’s basketball players said that they personally haven’t heard UK speak out much about racial injustice, which was one reason they felt it was important to speak out. “I would love to hear more about it,” said KeKe McKinney, a member of UK’s women’s basketball team. “I’d love to have seen more statements, seen more things going on about what’s going on in our world today.” Two other participants, freshmen Brittany David and Trinity Bratchett, agreed that an event like this was especially important at a PWI (predominantly white institution) like UK. “You can learn things you didn’t know before, a lot of things to do to expand knowledge of Black Lives Matter,” said Bratchett, a journalism major. David, an accounting major, added that the march was empowering. “It’s comforting because you can see people that look like you,” she said. Vanessa Pryor, a business management junior, said she came to support the women’s basketball players, some of whom she knows. “My thing is, look at the teams— they’re predominantly black,” Pryor said. “You have to think about who you’re supporting. You have to think about who you’re cheering for.” The march ended in the courtyard around the Bowman statue, where information tables were set up for the unity fair. Although the event was originally just going to be a march, the team decided to add this fair afterwards so that participants could learn about how they can help make a tangible change. They set up posters and informational tables, including stations on the background of the Black Lives Matter Movement, mental health awareness and voting. During the fair, UKPD Chief Joe Monroe held a Q&A session with the students. He said that a legitimate police department needs transparency, trust and accountability to function successfully, characteristics he hopes to foster through events like Wednesday’s march. Hearing about Monroe’s recent initia-
MICHAEL CLUBB I STAFF UK athletes, parents, coaches, and supporters march from William T. Young Library during the UK women’s basketball team’s social justice march on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.
tives to create more of an inclusive environment made Owens, who is new to UK and the women’s basketball team this year, feel more comfortable on campus, she said. “We felt like it was im-portant to have a conversation and Q&A with the campus police because what we want to do is to be able to bring together the black community and also police officers to re-establish the relationship and to gain trust,” Owens said. “We just want to make it clear, and to also show that we can work together.” The players said that they thought the unity fair was a success, since they were able to create an environment where people felt comfortable asking questions and educating themselves. “I think everyone came out willing to learn and willing to hear what we had to say, and just be there for us and be sup-
portive of us and what we were trying to accomplish,” Howard said. McKinney added that the positivity created a vibe that felt “like a family cookout, even though they were strangers.” The basketball team’s coaches have shown strong support toward the players, both on and off the court, McKinney said. “They love us not just as players but as people,” she said. “They care about what’s going on in our world and about how we feel about it.” The support isn’t superficial, Owens said. “It’s not just, ‘Okay we might just post a little flyer or whatever and you guys do whatever,’” she said. “They’re out there with us, and they mean it.” Howard has one thing to say to those
who don’t support the team’s efforts to speak out against racial injustices. “They can just see themselves through the door,” she said. Owens added that no matter how hurtful the backlash is, they aren’t going to stop. “We gotta just keep moving on, and we gotta keep putting our foot forward, and we gotta continue to talk about the things that affect us our families and our teammates,” she said. “We just continue to focus on those who do support us.” Owens said that while they are still in the midst of planning, people should be on the look out for future events like Wednesday’s march and unity fair. “We’re not done,” she said. “We’re far from done.”
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Monday, September 21, 2020
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