KSR Postgame Show: Kentucky Football vs. Toledo (8/30/25)

Hosts: Matt Jones & Billy
Podcast: KSR Postgame (iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 WKRD-AM)
Date: August 30, 2025
Game: Kentucky 24, Toledo 16

Episode Overview

This KSR Postgame Show recaps Kentucky football’s season-opening 24-16 victory over the Toledo Rockets at Kroger Field. Matt Jones and Billy take listeners through key takeaways, positives and negatives from the game, a heated evaluation of the quarterback and offensive coordinator, and address fan observations about both the on-field performance and in-stadium atmosphere. Candid calls from fans and texts add lively, honest perspectives on the team’s prospects as they move forward, especially with a major matchup against Ole Miss looming.

Key Discussion Points

1. Overall Impressions and Setting the Tone

• Kentucky begins the season 1-0, beating a solid MAC opponent.
• The weather was perfect; fan turnout was surprisingly strong given a rocky offseason.

Quote:

"Kentucky football begins their season with a victory at home over Toledo...in a game that couldn't ask for better. Better weather maybe, could have asked for a little better performance, but most importantly, Cats come away with a win."
— Matt (09:13)

2. Defensive Highs and Lows

• Defense controlled the game for three quarters; let up on Toledo's final 95-yard drive.
• The defensive line was a clear strength, especially DE Steven Soles (2 sacks).
• Secondary looked suspect, particularly while playing soft coverage late.

Quotes:

"This defensive line, I think, has a chance to be one of the better ones they've had in the last few years."
— Matt (05:30)

"Alex Afari...13 tackles...He’s the leader I think this team needs on defense."
— Matt (13:26)

3. Run Game: The Bright Spot on Offense

• Kentucky dominated the line of scrimmage, rushing effectively against Toledo.
• Dowdell (129 yds, 79 on one play) and McGowan (78 yds) were tough, physical, and reliable.
• Offensive line play was improved compared to last year.

Quote:

"Our two backs, Dowdell and McGowan, are really good and really different. When they need 4, 5 yards, they get them..."
— Matt (06:29)

4. Passing Game Struggles and QB Concerns

• Quarterback Zach Calzada was 10-for-23, 85 yards, 1 INT, and was responsible for a costly safety.
• Receivers managed only 4 catches for approximately 14 yards in total; no one could separate.
• Most receiving yards came from tight ends, not wideouts (e.g., Cat - 43 yds, Rodriguez - 31 yds).
• Fans and hosts both worried about lack of any vertical threat, accuracy on deep throws, and general off-target passing.

Quotes:

"Calzada 10 for 23, 85 yards, an interception. He also had a safety...Just not a very encouraging performance. A lot of his throws were...way off."
— Matt (08:19)

"This does not look like a receiving core, at least right now, who's going to be able to get separation in the SEC."
— Matt (09:06)

Notable Moment:

• [28:57] Peyton: "Calzada, seventh year, old enough to have children. You gotta hand that off to the running back, not get a safety there."

5. Offensive Coordinator (OC) and Play Calling Debate

• OC Bush Hamdan’s philosophy confused both hosts and fans; too much motion with little payoff.
• Play calling was criticized, especially for abandoning the run when inside field goal range and running a read-option at the goal line that resulted in a safety.
• Some suspected a "50/50" run-pass obsession hurt situational effectiveness.

Quotes:

"I still don't really understand Bush Hamden's play calling philosophy...I'm not even totally sure I understand what Bush Hamden is trying to do in a given situation."
— Matt (10:28)

"That's a Bush Hamdan thing. That's not [on the QB]... You can't put that, that's a Bush Hamdan thing."
— Bluegrass caller (37:53)

"If Calzada can't throw over 15 yards..."
— Big Blue Josh (29:41)

6. Atmosphere and Tradition Controversy

• Many fans complained the in-stadium energy was flat, with one tradition—the fourth-quarter playing of “Grove Street Party”—suddenly missing, leaving crowd baffled and less energized.
• Music selection and crowd engagement have been persistent issues at Kroger Field.

Quotes:

"The one thing we did right... we have no football traditions. They created that one, and then they just stopped."
— Matt (11:25)

"Back in the day, people used to complain about the music being too loud...today it felt like you couldn't really hardly hear it...they got rid of the one tradition that got the stadium jacked up."
— Taylor, caller (21:42)

7. Fan Call-In Highlights

• Concerns about changing the QB too quickly for Cutter Bowley; consensus: Calzada gets at least two more games.
• Displeasure with not putting away a MAC team more convincingly.
• Some blame for poor atmosphere and play calling; but recognition that season lid-lifters vs. MAC schools often bring uneven performances.
• Ongoing debate: Were WRs not open, or was QB not seeing/throwing them open?
• Defense, especially front seven and standout Afari, generally praised.
• General optimism for run game and offensive line, but a wave of concern on passing offense, play design, and ability to hang vs. SEC speed.

Quotes:

"There's no way...a MAC school that finished sixth in their conference should come in and have more yards than the SEC school."
— Hateful Truth, caller (26:23)

"If Calzada can't figure out how to come off of...our run game and be able to put a ball downfield for 20, 25 yards, then that's a problem."
— Cameron, caller (44:14)

8. Looking Ahead to Ole Miss and Beyond

• Ole Miss, who Kentucky defeated last season, comes to Lexington next week.
• Both hosts and callers expressed that Lane Kiffin will seek revenge and put up points; UK's offense will need major improvement to keep up.
• The next two games (Ole Miss, Eastern Michigan) will determine if a QB change conversation becomes necessary.
• Emphasis: Don’t overreact to game one, but the warning signs are real.

Quotes:

"Next week we probably find out...is this going to be a team that's competitive this year or is it not?"
— Matt (14:24)

"If Calzada comes out, looks like dirt against Ole Miss, we've got to make the call to move to Bowley..."
— Jason, caller (56:23)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Defense Praise:

  "Alex Afari...13 tackles...He’s the leader I think this team needs on defense." — Matt [13:26]

• Music/Tradition Outrage:

  "The stadium was dead at the end of the fourth quarter. People already leaving anyways. But then they didn't play the traditional song...It felt like a ghost town." — Taylor caller [22:14]

• QB Struggles:

  "Less than 100 yards passing. That's disappointing. Not even a touchdown. Very disappointing." — Jose, caller [33:12]

• Candid Critique of Play Calling:

  "Why are we calling a read option in the shadow of our own goal post, bruh, get under center and run the ball down between the tackles..." — Luke, caller [54:28]

• Ole Miss Alert:

  "If we do play bad next week, Lane Kiffin will try to put 80 on us." — Peyton, caller [29:14]

• General Wisdom:

  "It’s very important not to overreact to game one either way...these games...not always tied to what ends up happening." — Matt [12:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Defensive Analysis: 04:45 – 07:20
• Run Game Review: 06:29 – 07:11, 34:36 – 35:16
• Passing Offense Concerns: 08:19 – 10:20, 33:07 – 34:41, 45:39 – 46:39
• Play Calling Critique: 10:20 – 11:12, 37:58 – 38:43, 54:28 – 54:54
• Atmosphere/Tradition Discussion: 21:00 – 22:14, 24:10 – 25:07
• Caller Takeaways & Debate: 20:18 – 62:45
• Looking Ahead to Ole Miss: 28:15 – 29:14, 30:59 – 32:05

Tone & Style

• Matt and Billy keep the discussion honest, critical, and at times self-deprecating, blending football analysis with fan emotion.
• Candid, sometimes biting humor; frustration with the offense balances with realism and appreciation for a "W".
• Strong engagement with caller questions and observations, rarely shying from tough truths.

The Bottom Line

Kentucky starts 1-0, but the performance—especially in the passing game and special teams—left fans and the KSR crew with far more questions than answers. The defense and running game look improved, but QB play, receiver separation, and Bush Hamdan’s offense will need significant strides if UK is to compete in SEC play, starting next week against Ole Miss.

Tradition and atmosphere struggles off the field, and play calling puzzles on it, are as much a part of the KSR postgame as the final score—leaving the Big Blue Nation both relieved and restless for more.