KSR (Kentucky Sports Radio) – Hour 1

Date: September 4, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew, Ryan
Location: The Mint at DraftKings Sportsbook, Bowling Green, KY

Episode Overview

The KSR crew broadcasts live from Bowling Green ahead of the first NFL game of the season (Eagles vs. Cowboys). While centered around the Kentucky Wildcats’ upcoming football matchup against Ole Miss, the first hour also explores game day logistics, college basketball video game licensing drama, food talk (notably Indian cuisine in Bowling Green), and engaging stories from both hosts and callers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kentucky Football vs. Ole Miss: Anticipation, Matchups, and Mind Games

Timestamps: 06:48–17:38, 25:00–27:40

• Lane Kiffin’s Comments on Kentucky:

  • Kiffin made a jab comparing Kentucky’s QB Zach Calzada to NFL veteran Joe Flacco, highlighting how long Calzada has been in college football but noting "he won't lose the game for you"—implying Ole Miss wants to force him into tough throws.
    • “He’s been playing for like 14 years… The thing about him is, he won’t beat you. Or, excuse me, he won’t lose the game for you.” (Matt quoting Kiffin, 09:14)
  • Kiffin downplayed Kentucky’s Toledo game performance but gave credit:
    • “With a Mark Stoops team, you can never judge them based on what they did the week before... They’ll have one style one week and then a different style the next week.” (Matt, 10:28)

• Ole Miss Has Been Laser-Focused on Kentucky:

  • Kiffin reportedly told media they've “prepared for this game all summer” and “are more prepared for this game than we've been for a game in a long time.” (12:18)
  • The panel agrees that's a little intimidating, suggesting Ole Miss is eager for revenge after last year’s upset.

• Kentucky’s Defensive Upside; Offensive Concerns:

  • Optimism around Kentucky's defense keeping them competitive. Concerns remain about the lack of a downfield passing game.
    • “That defense gave me a lot of hope last week.” (Drew, 14:34)
    • “We really saw nothing from the Toledo game that gives you any confidence Kentucky can... throw the ball downfield.” (Ryan, 10:05)
  • Discussion of weather possibly helping Kentucky, with hopes that rain could slow down Ole Miss's high-tempo offense. (15:00–15:54)

• Fan Base Stakes and Upcoming Schedule Crunch:

  • The panel stresses the importance of performing well—not necessarily needing a win, but Kentucky can’t afford to be embarrassed before heading into a tough SEC stretch (South Carolina, Georgia, Texas).* (26:30–27:30)*
    • “If they get their ass handed to them... then I’m like, oh, that’s kind of where I am for this week.” (Matt, 25:00)

2. Basketball Video Game Drama: EA vs. 2K

Timestamps: 22:10–23:51

• UK Among Holdouts Delaying the NCAA Basketball Video Game:
  • Some schools—including Kentucky—insist EA Sports not make the next college basketball game, favoring 2K instead. The panel explains the backstory and fan reactions (with generational divides over which brand is better).
    • “Apparently UK was one of the schools... and you can’t really do the basketball video game without UK, Duke, etc.” (Matt, 23:17)
    • “This delay stinks, but it’ll be better for the game that 2K is making it.” (Drew, 23:31)

3. Bowling Green Stories, Food Talk, and Show Location Banter

Timestamps: 05:13–06:43, 20:11–21:53

• The hosts recall past visits to Bowling Green locations, with nostalgic stories (like sweating through an early show at a local golf course).
• Several mentions of local restaurants—including a segment on the “India Oven” Indian restaurant, which garners praise from callers and hosts alike.
  • “I've actually heard that... Not everybody likes Indian food. I do.” (Matt, 21:14)

4. Kentucky Basketball: Early Speculation on the Fifth Starter

Timestamps: 29:40–36:15

• Discussion based on Mark Story’s Article:

  • The panel discusses possible options for UK’s fifth starting spot, assuming four starters: Jalen Lowe, Otega Oweh, Muhammad Diabate, and Garrison (possibly replaced later by a healthy Acquaintance).
  • Contenders: Jasper Johnson, Denzel Aberdeen, Colin Chandler, Cam Williams, and even Jan Vide (Yellow Vich).
    • Drew leans Aberdeen for experience; Chandler and Johnson closely follow.
    • Ryan makes the bold pick of Yellow Vich.
    • Matt sides with Aberdeen based on "vibes I'm hearing from practice."
  • Historical context: If starters are all seniors (no freshmen), it could be the first time ever under Calipari (now Pope) that no freshmen start.

• On Roster Culture:

  • Pope is recruiting "good kids that work hard." Panel agrees this may become the recurring theme of his teams.
    • “That’s all you hear from people out of Lexington is this group of kids is awesome and they work insanely hard.” (Matt, 36:05)

5. Fan and Caller Q&A

Timestamps: 24:21–49:52

• Callers offer takes on everything from the chances at Ole Miss, to Bowling Green food recommendations, to the culture surrounding UK football.
• Several fun exchanges about weather, parking near Matt’s house, and more.
• Interesting question about whether preseason praise of Cutter Bowley at QB was genuine or politically motivated to keep him from transferring. (45:38–47:58)
  • Drew theorizes staff wants to keep Bowley invested for the future.
• Discussion of the possibility of a QB switch if Zach Calzada struggles, and what that would mean for program direction.
  • “If Calzada is not better than what we saw at Toledo, then yes, we should make the change.” (Matt, 47:19)
• Other personal stories: Matt prepping for his South African safari with “10 women, all named Gemma.” (41:22–44:09)

6. Quick Notes – Promotions and Local Happenings

Timestamps: Scattered

• Game watch parties at KS Bar in Lexington and at The Mint in Bowling Green. Drink specials and giveaways.
• Shout-outs to Comedy Off Broadway shows and information on upcoming comedians.
• Local crowd observations—Blue always shows up in Bowling Green even if it’s “tough Topper land.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Kiffin’s digs at Kentucky's QB:
  • “He’s been playing for like 14 years… The thing about him is, he won’t lose the game for you. We have to make him make plays.” (Matt referencing Lane Kiffin, 09:14)
• On weather as a possible advantage:
  • “Kentucky probably wants a hurricane every Saturday to just slow it up. But this one, especially against Ole Miss... we would want the worst weather.” (Drew, 15:34)
• On Calzada’s first game:
  • “I’m gonna give him a chance to be better than that. But I do think, like, if that’s the max, then yeah, I think you make a change. I don’t know why you wouldn’t, honestly.” (Matt, 47:19)
• On local Bowling Green cuisine:
  • “The best Indian restaurant in the state is in Bowling Green—India Oven. I’ve actually heard that.” (Matt, 21:00)
• On Kentucky’s basketball roster culture:
  • “These are good kids that work hard, Drew, because first of all, I think that’s who [Pope] is going to recruit.” (Matt, 36:05)
• On possible impact of a bad loss to Ole Miss:
  • “If they get their ass handed to them... then I’m like, oh, that’s kind of where I am for this week.” (Matt, 25:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:02–04:14 | Show open, location banter, Bowling Green ’blue’ fan prevalence | | 06:48–17:38 | Main Ole Miss matchup breakdown, Kiffin’s comments, weather factors | | 22:10–23:51 | NCAA Basketball video game dispute (EA vs 2K) | | 20:11–21:53 | Bowling Green stories, food talk, India Oven recommendations | | 29:40–36:15 | UK basketball preseason: fifth starter debate | | 24:21–27:30 | Caller segment: reaction to first football game, importance of Ole Miss/South Carolina stretch | | 45:38–47:58 | Cutter Bowley/Calsada QB discussion and succession intrigue | | 41:22–44:09 | Matt’s safari group story—humorous personal touches |

Overall Tone & Language

The conversation is casual, humorous, and slightly irreverent—reflecting the friendly banter and Kentucky-specific flavor that KSR fans expect. Quotes have been attributed verbatim where impactful.

Useful for those who haven’t listened:

• The episode balances serious SEC football preview, lighthearted food/locale talk, and fan-centric interaction.
• Listeners get insight into both depth-chart speculation and changing basketball team culture—plus peek behind the scenes of how KSR operates in the community (and in Matt’s personal life).

[End of Hour 1 Summary]