Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 1 – November 18, 2025
Podcast: KSR
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Shannon The Dude, (Ryan Lemond joins later)
Date: November 18, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode covers all things Kentucky sports on a crucial game day: the Champions Classic pitching Kentucky against Michigan State. The KSR crew dives into basketball analysis, the emotional temperature of the UK fanbase following a tough loss, and personal stories from recent road trips, with plenty of banter and signature KSR humor throughout. Off-court topics include the radio broadcast logistics, SEC coaching speculation, and locker room awkwardness. The team takes calls from fans, and discusses memorable Kentucky-Michigan State matchups.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Road Trip Recap & The Champions Classic Hype
- The crew just returned from a road trip to Buffalo, reflecting on how coming home always feels longer than heading out.
- Matt expresses excitement for tonight’s Champions Classic game, noting the “non-stop” feeling of UK basketball this time of year.
- Discussion on the logistics of attending the Champions Classic in New York City, comparisons to previous trips, and why the crew stayed in Lexington.
Quote:
“This is the time of year where it feels like there is a Kentucky game every day… And tonight it’s a big one against Michigan State. You feeling – are you feeling confident?” – Matt Jones (04:08)
2. Kentucky Basketball vs. Michigan State: Key Game Preview
- Kentucky enters as a slight favorite; gambling lines are fluctuating (3.5 to 5.5 point favorites).
- Drew and Matt highlight Michigan State’s physicality as a concern but note their poor shooting and Kentucky’s potential to win if they make shots and push tempo.
- The game’s significance is discussed—especially for fan morale after a rattling loss to Louisville.
Quote:
“They need to bounce back from Louisville. They need to bounce back from New York last year where they got completely waxed by Ohio State right before Christmas. Michigan State’s physicality worries me…but Michigan State can’t shoot the ball very well. So if Kentucky’s shooting and playing with some pace, they’ll be okay.” – Drew Franklin (06:43)
- The hosts reflect on past Champions Classic/Kentucky-Michigan State matchups, recalling the Tyrese Maxey breakout, historic wins, and personal anecdotes associated with those nights.
Memorable moment:
“The last time we played Michigan State in New York was the famous Tyrese Maxey game…that was a huge night in Kentucky. At least in my personal Kentucky experience that all happened the same evening.” – Matt Jones (07:10)
3. Fan Reaction and the Louisville Loss
- Matt analyzes why the Louisville loss has hit Kentucky fans so hard:
- It was the first marquee game and a first true test
- Kentucky was behind most of the game
- Louisville had the clear best player on the court, reversing traditional roles
- Loss amplified by injury uncertainty (e.g., “low” – likely referring to a key player's status)
- Drew comments on the rarity and pain of losing to Louisville, especially as UK fans are accustomed to dominance.
Quote:
“I feel like the fans have taken the Louisville loss harder than they should have…If we had lost to Louisville in December, I don’t think you get this reaction.” – Matt Jones (08:30)
4. Potential Scenarios Post-Game
- If Kentucky wins and key injured player may return: Fans will be excited and hopeful.
- If Kentucky loses and player is out for the year: Fanbase could turn negative, amplifying pressure on both coach and team.
Quote:
“If you lose and then in the postgame Pope says [the player is] not going to play this year, that’s going to be an ugly scene around here.” – Drew Franklin (12:15)
5. Outlook on Schedule & Non-Conference Fears
- Kentucky faces an extremely tough non-conference stretch, with no 'easy' games left against ranked opponents like Gonzaga, North Carolina, and Indiana.
- Gonzaga, in particular, is called a “juggernaut” after recent blowout wins.
Quote:
“Our six non-conference games are against six teams that are all ranked.” – Matt Jones (13:55)
6. Logistical, Travel, and Fan Banter
- Banter about road tolls, ignoring tickets, and travel mishaps.
- Callers discuss parking strategies for Madison Square Garden and reminisce about past UK-MSU games.
Memorable moment:
“We had to work on the side of the road because between us we had no cash. And we were like, ‘they’re like, all right, move these rocks and we’ll let you go.’” – Matt Jones (16:40)
7. Listener Feedback & Mood Check
- Some texts accuse the crew of being doom and gloom, which Matt and Drew vehemently deny, maintaining that they’re optimistic and excited for the game.
Quote:
“Part of the problem is you are all doom and gloom. I love your show, but your glass isn’t half full, it’s empty. Get some rest and come back tomorrow with a better attitude.” – Listener Text (19:47)
8. Locker Room Interviews & NFL Storytime
- Matt and the crew share awkward, funny stories about post-game NFL locker rooms and interview challenges related to nudity and identifying players.
- Ryan recalls NFL locker room etiquette: “the big fat linemen” are least modest; Drew points out viral moments of nude backgrounds during interviews.
Quote:
“There are too many abs, Shannon. And there are too many accessories. And I just…I probably was uncomfortable.” – Matt Jones (23:38)
9. SEC & College Football Coaching Carousel
- The crew discusses James Franklin’s buyout deal to leave Penn State for Virginia Tech and what it implies.
- Lane Kiffin’s rumored interest in LSU and Florida and the resulting drama at Ole Miss are dissected, including the ultimatum given by Ole Miss regarding his future before the Egg Bowl.
- Debate over whether a coach should be allowed to finish out a potential playoff campaign if he's already accepted another job.
Quote:
“If I’m Ole Miss... I wouldn’t be giving him that ultimatum. I mean, the guy...has a chance to win a championship and you’re going to say, you got to give us an answer now.” – Shannon (48:28)
10. Paul Finebaum’s Possible Senate Run
- Caller “Sparky” asks what would happen to the SEC Network Radio landscape if Paul Finebaum runs for Senate.
- Matt speculates Marty & McGee or Cole Cubelic & Greg McElroy as possible successors.
Quote:
“To me, the obvious successor for him would be to do Marty and McGee…They have a connection with those folks and honestly probably would be a good refresh to that show.” – Matt Jones (35:45)
Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp
- Excitement for Champions Classic:
“Are you feeling confident?” – Matt Jones (04:08) - Analysis on Michigan State matchup:
“Michigan State’s physicality worries me...But Michigan State can’t shoot the ball very well.” – Drew Franklin (06:46) - Fan reaction to Louisville loss:
“I feel like the fans have taken the Louisville loss harder than they should have.” – Matt Jones (08:30) - Locker room discomfort:
“There are too many abs, Shannon. And there are too many accessories. And I just…I probably was uncomfortable.” – Matt Jones (23:38) - SEC coaching rumors:
“If I’m Ole Miss... I wouldn’t be giving him that ultimatum...” – Shannon (48:28) - Listener text on show’s mood:
“Part of the problem is you are all doom and gloom...get some rest and come back tomorrow with a better attitude.” – Listener Text (19:47) - Caller Sparky on Finebaum:
“I’ve heard you talk a lot about veggie trays and locker room nudity, but I want to switch topics...your comments on Paul Feinbaum potentially running for Senate...” – Sparky (34:15)
Timestamp Guide to Key Segments
- KSR Crew Returns from Buffalo, Champions Classic Preview: (02:48–06:43)
- Michigan State Threat Analysis, Game Predictions, Louisville Loss Fallout: (06:43–13:55)
- Non-Conference Schedule Reality & Gonzaga Fear: (13:55–15:22)
- Road Trips & Toll Mishaps Storytime: (15:22–17:11)
- Listener Reactions and Mood Check: (19:47–22:12)
- Ryan Joins, NFL Locker Room Interview Funny Stories: (22:13–26:31)
- Callers Reminisce on Past Kentucky-MSU Games: (26:31–27:54)
- Awkwardness of Locker Room Media, Alan Cutler Nudity Stories: (28:08–30:02)
- Almost Getting Fired and KSR Career Risks: (30:02–31:16)
- Callers: NYC Parking and Champions Classic Logistics: (31:16–34:15)
- Paul Finebaum Senate Run Rumors & Radio Successor Discussion: (34:15–37:30)
- SEC Coaching Carousel: Franklin, Kiffin, Playoff Scenarios: (44:05–49:56)
Overall Tone & Style
As always, KSR maintains its laid-back, irreverent, and deeply Kentucky tone, mixing passionate sports analysis with Southern wit, personal anecdotes, and plenty of banter. The co-hosts display warmth and camaraderie, open to ribbing each other and their listeners alike, reinforcing the community vibe that makes KSR appointment listening for UK fans.
This summary covers all essential conversations, lively debates, memorable moments, and the sports journalism-meets-comedy style that defines Kentucky Sports Radio's first hour on November 18, 2025.