Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 2

Date: August 29, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones & the KSR crew
Location: Live, Main Street, downtown Lexington

Episode Overview

This episode of KSR airs live from downtown Lexington as Matt Jones and the team preview Kentucky’s upcoming college football season opener against Toledo. The episode offers a unique mixture of live street energy, Kentucky sports news, listener call-ins, and the crew’s signature banter and humor. The hosts share stories, urban trivia, real estate tangents, and in-depth football talk while interacting with fans and passersby downtown.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Downtown Lexington Live Atmosphere

• The team sets up in front of a Starbucks at City Center, soaking in spontaneous street interactions. Familiar faces (including ex-UK player Darius Miller and political candidate Adam Edelen) drive by and are noted by the team.
• The group reminisces about downtown Lexington landmarks and local history, including the Scholars Clock and the former Phoenix Hotel.
  • “That building...when it was built, was the tallest building, I think, west of the Allegheny Mountains.” – A [02:59]

Stories from Lexington’s Past

• Anecdotes include gunfire in a local building and NBA stars attending parties at the site.
• The crew jokes about future retirement jobs as local tour guides.
• Notable moment: Matt Jones points out the surreal juxtaposition of their presence and the indifference from some passersby.

Notable Sports News

Rick Barnes Lifetime Deal at Tennessee

• The hosts discuss Rick Barnes receiving a lifetime contract from Tennessee amid retirement rumors and compare it to UK’s own coaching contracts.
  • “It is odd to give a lifetime contract to someone who's never been to a Final Four...” – Matt Jones [04:47]
  • Callers question the logic; consensus is that Barnes was never in danger of being lured away.

MLB History: Kyle Schwarber’s Four-Homer Night

• Schwarber’s historic night (four home runs in a game) is discussed, with the hosts reflecting on the rarity and local connections.

NFL Trade: Micah Parsons to Green Bay

• Major NFL news breaks: Dallas Cowboys’ star linebacker Micah Parsons is traded to Green Bay Packers.
  • “I think we're going to the Super Bowl. That's what everybody tells me now that we've got them. So let's go.” – Shannon [06:27]
• Hosts analyze Jerry Jones’ management and impact on Dallas sports within 6 months losing both Luka Dončić and Micah Parsons.

UK Football Talk

Caller Questions

• Pace of Play Under New OC Bush Hamdan:
  • Caller Trevor asks if Kentucky will increase offensive tempo. Consensus: Stoops still prefers slow, defense-first games, though Hamdan may introduce some tempo. [10:02–11:06]
  • “Mark Stoops and tempo. I just don't know.” – D [10:51]
• Quarterback Zach Calzada:
  • The team debates where Calzada may rank among recent Kentucky QBs like Levis, Leary, and Vandegrift, expecting solid—though not spectacular—play. [12:22–14:20]
  • “I loved his quote...I know I have to be Clark Kent, and every now and then I need to know when I need to be Superman.” – A [12:22]

Football Fan Sentiment & Optimism

• Jones fields criticism from listeners about show negativity affecting fan optimism. The group pushes back, arguing sentiment comes from UK’s underwhelming recent seasons rather than media tone.
  • “We reflect. We do not lead in terms of fan sentiment.” – Matt Jones [22:15]
• The overall prediction for the season: a cautious optimism with most hosts predicting a 6-win season (a bowl berth). If they reach 6, Matt promises listener-chosen "accountability."

Game & Season Predictions

• Picks for UK–Toledo: consensus is a low-scoring but comfortable UK win, with scores ranging 24–10 to 31–17. [40:39–41:13]
• National college football picks: lively debate over Texas vs. Ohio State, Alabama vs. FSU, LSU vs. Clemson, Notre Dame vs. Miami, and others.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I think maybe once you just move in with me, we could be roomies.” – A, joking to Matt about empty-nesting and loneliness [20:38]
• “Have all Auburn win. Because if Auburn loses this game, their fan base will lose their collective mind.” – Matt Jones [31:18]
• "You want the football team to suck. I want their love to be so big that [the coach] can't coach football anymore." – D, on North Carolina’s coach and Jordan Hudson [30:01]

UK Volleyball Shoutout

• UK volleyball vs. Nebraska—rare regular season game on network TV, a major boost for the program.
  • “This is a huge opportunity to...get some exposure for Craig Skinner’s program.” – A [17:34]
  • Hosts emphasize UK’s volleyball consistent SEC dominance.

Real Estate Anecdotes

• Discussion on Zillow alerts and house-hunting habits erupts into jokes about financial woes and house size.

Honks, Couch Car, and Famous Drive-Bys

• The team is delighted by recognition from passing vehicles and the appearance of unique Lexington vehicles like the "couch car."
• Lighthearted banter as crew members hop on the couch car live near the end of the show.

Heartwarming Update: Freddie Maggard

• The crew updates listeners on UK football favorite Freddie Maggard, who received a lifetime achievement award and is doing well despite health setbacks.
  • “Freddie’s doing really well...he’ll be honest and tell you he’s got good weeks, he’s got bad weeks.” – A [24:32]

Timestamps for Important Topics

• [01:05] Show Intro, street setup, Darius Miller sighting
• [02:23] Stories & history of downtown Lexington
• [03:48] Rick Barnes’ lifetime deal & Tennessee
• [05:30] MLB: Kyle Schwarber’s big night
• [06:13] Micah Parsons trade to Packers
• [07:48] Caller: Rick Barnes lifetime contract logic
• [10:02] Caller: UK football tempo/offensive pace
• [12:22] Calzada’s quote & expectations for the season
• [13:13] Comparing Kentucky quarterbacks
• [16:53] Volleyball on national TV (UK vs. Nebraska)
• [18:36] Real estate alert conversation
• [20:38] Host banter: empty-nesting & moving in
• [22:14] Listener accuses show of creating negative fan sentiment
• [24:20] Update on Freddie Maggard & his award
• [25:57] Game day prep: Bus from KSBar to stadium
• [26:54] Picks for major college football games
• [31:40] “Old Trev” calls for KSR season prediction consequences
• [33:17] Season optimism if UK reaches a bowl game
• [34:47] Couch car passes by, crew jokes about street scene
• [37:53] Caller: Path to six wins & swing games
• [40:39] Final score predictions: UK vs. Toledo

Memorable Quotes

• “It is odd to give a lifetime contract to someone who's never been to a Final Four...”
  — Matt Jones [04:47]

• “Mark Stoops and tempo. I just don't know.”
  — D [10:51]

• “You want the football team to suck. I want their love to be so big that [the coach] can't coach football anymore.”
  — D [30:01]

• “We reflect. We do not lead in terms of fan sentiment.”
  — Matt Jones [22:15]

Episode Tone & Style

• The episode maintains KSR’s relaxed, witty, and interactive style.
• Hosts mix sports analysis with playful ribbing and local color, fueled by the live street environment.
• Listener calls are woven in throughout, moving from technical football questions to good-natured challenges for the hosts.

For New Listeners

If you’re new to KSR or missed this episode, you’ll find:

• A thorough, street-level preview of Kentucky’s season opener
• Rich Lexington local flavor & history
• Unfiltered, honest discussions about UK sports optimism (or lack thereof)
• Strong listener interaction & real-time audience feedback
• National sports context and game picks
• Genuine care for the UK community, including updates on beloved former players

Quick Reference

• Next KSR Pregame Show: 8:30–10:30 AM, at KSBar (with breakfast available at 9:00 AM)
• UK vs. Toledo: Predicted as a low-scoring, solid UK win by all hosts
• UK Volleyball vs. Nebraska: Sunday, network TV (ABC)
• If UK wins six games: Expect Matt Jones to accept some form of listener-imposed “consequence”

End of Summary