Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 Date Released: January 14, 2025

Host: Matt Jones
Show: Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR)
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

1. Introduction and Game Preview

KSR opens Hour 2 with Matt Jones welcoming listeners back and providing an update on the upcoming Kentucky vs. Texas A&M game.

• Matt Jones [00:05]: "Kentucky is a six-point favorite going up against the number one offensive rebounding team in the country. That's a pretty big deal."

Discussion Points:

• Analysis of Kentucky's standing as a favorite in the game.
• Emphasis on Texas A&M's strength in offensive rebounding.

2. Local Business Closure Impact

A heartfelt discussion about Brown Foreman's decision to shut down its Louisville barrel-making plant, resulting in over 200 job losses.

• Matt Jones [12:30]: "It's a very unfortunate thing... giving my prayers to the families that deal with that because that'll be, you know, that's just a. It's a very unfortunate thing."

Key Insights:

• The impact of Brown Foreman's closure on the Louisville community.
• Critique of the company's decision to relocate despite previously securing state tax benefits.
• Concerns about the broader implications for Kentucky's bourbon industry amidst potential federal tariffs.

3. Team Uniforms and Branding

The crew speculates about Kentucky's potential release of denim uniforms, drawing parallels to past uniform changes.

• Caller [18:45]: "Mark Pope suggests last night that yesterday the team got to look at alternative uniforms."

• Matt Jones [19:10]: "I think there's a decent little argument... tomorrow the denim."

Discussion Points:

• Hints dropped by Mark Pope regarding new denim uniforms.
• Anticipation of the uniforms debuting against Arkansas on February 1st.
• Potential merchandise opportunities, including limited edition jerseys.

4. Controversy Surrounding Sydney Thomas

An engaging debate on Sydney Thomas, the ring card girl from the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, and the implications of an SEC coach sliding into her DMs.

• Caller [24:48]: "But last night, I guess she took a picture somewhere with Nick Saban..."

• Matt Jones [25:15]: "What an amazing tweet by Lane Kiffin, like acknowledging that everyone thinks it's him..."

Key Takeaways:

• Initial speculations pointing towards Lane Kiffin as the SEC coach involved.
• Lane Kiffin's retort deflecting the assumption to Nick Saban, adding intrigue.
• Analysis of Kiffin's tactics and his relationship with other coaches like Mark Stoops.

5. Fan Engagement: Team Song and Player Picks

Listeners share their thoughts on team traditions and favorite Kentucky players from history and modern times.

• Matt Jones [32:50]: "You have to believe, no, I'm g. I'm g."

• Caller (Joe) [34:20]: "It's a beautiful song in my mind."

Highlights:

• Discussion about creating a team anthem, with suggestions like "Pope's Mama Deers."
• Ed's selection of six all-time Kentucky players: Tony Delk, Kyle Macy, Dan Issel, Anthony Davis, Kenny Walker, and Jamal Mashburn.
• Comparative analysis of historical players versus current team dynamics.

6. Recruitment and Team Strategy

In-depth conversation about Kentucky's recruitment strategy, emphasizing the acquisition of proven talents from FCS and other strong programs.

• Caller [45:30]: "They got the guy from Wyoming gust Augusta from Washington State..."

• Matt Jones [46:15]: "What makes it different is we're taking guys that have crushed it on the field."

Insights:

• Kirby Smart's focused recruitment of standout players from lower-tier programs.
• Evaluations of new defensive and offensive line additions.
• Concerns about quarterback performance and the need for improvement.

7. Financial Aspects: Coach Salaries and Endorsements

An exploration of the financial structures behind coach salaries, highlighting base salaries versus endorsements and media obligations.

• Matt Jones [60:50]: "Mark makes 400,000 a year base salary and his 4.6 million comes from JMI."

Key Points:

• Breakdown of head coach Mark Pope's compensation: base salary versus additional income streams.
• Comparison with other SEC coaches like Danny Hurley, debunking misinformation about their earnings.
• Discussion on how public schools structure coaching contracts to maximize visibility and earnings.

8. Upcoming SEC Games and Predictions

Final discussions revolve around the upcoming SEC slate, strategic importance of games, and fan betting sentiments.

• Caller [70:05]: "I just don't bet any more than the money line."

• Matt Jones [72:20]: "Tonight, those another night. It's going to be cold tonight."

Highlights:

• Breakdown of key upcoming games: A&M vs. USC Mississippi State vs. Auburn, Ole Miss vs. Alabama, and Arkansas vs. LSU.
• Importance of home advantage and performance under pressure for season standings.
• Listener sentiments on betting strategies, favoring moneyline over spread bets to enhance enjoyment.

9. Closing Remarks

Matt Jones wraps up the hour with a shout-out to the football team, emphasizing recent player acquisitions and future expectations.

• Matt Jones [80:45]: "But the way he works, it's the same at UK. The quote unquote base salary is a small amount..."

Final Thoughts:

• Encouragement for continued support of the Kentucky football team despite challenges.
• Optimism regarding new player integrations and strategic planning for the upcoming season.
• Acknowledgment of listener contributions and engagement throughout the show.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [12:30]: "It's a very unfortunate thing... giving my prayers to the families that deal with that because that'll be, you know, that's just a. It's a very unfortunate thing."

• Matt Jones [24:48]: "What an amazing tweet by Lane Kiffin, like acknowledging that everyone thinks it's him..."

• Matt Jones [46:15]: "What makes it different is we're taking guys that have crushed it on the field."

Conclusion

In this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio, Matt Jones and the KSR crew delve deep into the latest developments surrounding the University of Kentucky's sports teams. From game previews and significant local business closures to intriguing recruitment strategies and financial insights into coach salaries, the show offers a comprehensive overview for sports enthusiasts. Engaging listener calls add a personal touch, fostering a community of informed and passionate fans eager to support their teams.