KSR Postgame Summary: Kentucky Football at South Carolina (09/28/25)

Podcast: KSR Postgame Show

Hosts: Drew Franklin & Billy Rutledge
Episode Date: September 28, 2025
Game: Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Final Score: South Carolina 35, Kentucky 13

Episode Overview

This postgame episode features Drew Franklin (filling in for Matt Jones) and Billy Rutledge breaking down Kentucky Football’s demoralizing 35-13 loss to South Carolina. It’s Drew’s first time hosting a postgame show, and unfortunately, it’s amidst growing fan unrest about head coach Mark Stoops and the trajectory of the football program. The show focuses on Kentucky's on-field struggles, Stoops' job security, poor offensive execution, and a palpable sense of apathy among fans. Listener callers add emotion and perspective from across Big Blue Nation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Disastrous Night in Columbia

• Fast Start, Rapid Collapse:
  Kentucky opened with a 65-yard touchdown drive (Seth McGowan with a 20-yard TD run), but four turnovers in the second quarter (including back-to-back defensive touchdowns for South Carolina) led to a quick unraveling.
  • “It all went downhill from there. Four turnovers in the second quarter, including back-to-back defensive scores. A complete meltdown.” – Drew Franklin (04:03)
• Offensive Woes:
  Kentucky managed only three points over the final three quarters. Freshman QB Cutter Bowley struggled in his first career road start (2 INTs, 2 fumbles, sacked six times), but O-line issues and questionable playcalling shared the blame.

2. Stoops Under Fire

• Fan Apathy and Buyout Complications:
  Multiple callers and hosts discuss the increasingly unfavorable view of Mark Stoops, referencing long SEC losing streaks (now 14 of 16) and a massive buyout (approx. $38 million).
  • “We've got to fire him. He's got to go ... He's done awesome things, but we've got to fire him.” – Caller Zane (11:33)
  • “It is not a one-year blip. We're all seeing that.” – Drew Franklin (20:05)
• Contrast to Previous Stoops Era:
  Fans recall when UK football had momentum, but there’s consensus the program has stagnated.
  • “Something changed in this program ... when Liam Cohen left, something changed.” – Caller Jerry (45:31)

3. Symptoms of a Broken Program

• Poorest in the SEC:
  Hosts and callers note Kentucky’s four-game losing skid to South Carolina and an inability to win any SEC games, suggesting UK now sits at (or near) the bottom of the conference.
  • “We can now say Kentucky is unequivocally 16th in the conference.” – Drew Franklin (07:26)
• Playcalling & Personnel Criticisms:
  Offensive struggles extend beyond the QB.
  • Questionable reverses, lack of run commitment, and failure to maximize RB Seth McGowan (a bright spot; 112 yards, 2 TDs) are highlighted as playcalling blunders.
  • Offensive line struggles persist, with Jager Burton and others singled out for errors.

4. The Apathy Dilemma

• Shifting Focus to Basketball:
  The show notes that fan “apathy” is setting in; few believe Stoops will (or can) right the ship, and there's a sense that Big Blue Nation will turn its attention to basketball earlier than usual.
  • “It feels like people are going to start turning the page to basketball here pretty soon.” – Billy Rutledge (20:34)
• Program Parallels With Basketball:
  One caller compares UK football’s malaise to the latter Calipari years.

5. Callers’ Judgments: Solutions & Sarcasm

• Solutions Offered:
  Various listeners suggest drastic measures: fire Stoops now, promote Brad White to interim, bring back Eddie Gran, or (jokingly) pursue John Gruden.
  • “If I’m Mitch Barnhart, I don’t let Mark Stoops get on that plane ... make Brad White the interim coach.” – Caller Dale (29:21)
• Financial Reality Check:
  Callers discuss whether UK can actually afford the $38M buyout, especially when juxtaposed with plans for stadium renovations.
  • “Why do we have money for a $34 million renovation if we can't afford his buyout?” – Caller Austin (36:26)

6. Notable/Bizarre Moments

• Game Ball Drama:
  After McGowan’s touchdown, he threw the ball toward a South Carolina fan—reportedly hitting the QB’s grandfather.
  • “Of all people to hit ... I don't feel like we should be hitting people's grandparents.” – Drew Franklin (25:08)
• Comic Relief:
  Tom Hart’s broadcast quirks (shout-outs to KSR, “Pump and Shop”, safari jokes, “You can’t do that!” penalty calls) provided levity during the blowout.
  • “Tom’s notes were to text and ask ... maybe.” – Billy Rutledge (27:41)
• Pillow Fight Interrupts Game:
  The TV broadcast switched to professional pillow fighting, drawing laughs and jokes from the hosts.

7. A Night of Gloom, Few Glimmers

• Positives:
  Seth McGowan’s performance and Kentucky’s typically strong special teams were minor silver linings.
• Overall Tone:
  The hosts and callers repeatedly reference a funereal mood and describe the show as a “group therapy” session.
  • “Group therapy for Big Blue Nation ... as we’re all up late after Kentucky loses 35 to 13.” – Drew Franklin (26:08)
  • “Are me and you the band that's still playing as it's going down?” – Drew Franklin (48:46)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Drew Franklin (recapping the disaster):
  “35 to 10 could go wrong and I have a feeling a lot of people are going to want to talk about the future of the program.” (02:51)
• Billy Rutledge (summing up the collapse):
  “Two touchdowns in 45 seconds for the Gamecocks … four complete turnovers in the second quarter for Kentucky. If you count the fumble at the end. It was a disaster.” (05:52)
• Caller Zane (representing the fed-up fans):
  “I've lost all hope in this program... we've got to fire him.” (11:32)
• Host/Caller Interaction:
  “It is not a one year blip. We're all seeing that.” – Drew (20:05)
• Comical relief:
  “The TV broadcast switched to pillow fighting on ESPN News. I happen to think that was more competitive than the game that we saw in South Carolina tonight.” – Billy Rutledge (28:08)
• Metaphor for the program:
  “We're on the Titanic. We're going down the ship.” – Caller Cody (47:24)
• Summing up the show:
  “Group therapy for Big Blue Nation … very somber tonight, and it’s 1am.” – Drew Franklin (51:10)

Noteworthy Timestamps

• Game Recap & Mood Setting:
  (02:51 – 08:40)
• Discussion of Stoops’ Future:
  (09:56 – 20:05, 35:17 – 37:46)
• Callers Fire Off:
  (11:14 – 51:23, interspersed with host analysis and reactions)
• Comedy and Broadcast Antics:
  (26:17 – 28:08)
• “Group Therapy” and Wrap-up:
  (43:31 – 54:20)

Summary for New Listeners

This episode captures the low point (so far) of the 2025 Kentucky football season: a lopsided loss that inflames fan anger and resignation about the trajectory under Mark Stoops. Hosts Drew Franklin and Billy Rutledge balance grim statistical recaps and venting with moments of black humor, much of it courtesy of KSR’s lively callers and even the game’s television broadcast. The narrative is one of a program stuck, leaders under fire, and a fanbase losing hope—with most believing a coaching change is necessary but logistically (and financially) daunting. If you missed the episode, expect a raw, honest, and sometimes darkly amusing look at a fanbase in turmoil after a season-defining defeat.

Tone:
Somber, sarcastic, frustrated, occasionally irreverent—true “group therapy” for Kentucky fans.