KSR Pregame: UK Football at Georgia

Date: October 4, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin
Podcast: KSR (iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790, WKRD-AM)
Purpose: Pre-game discussion and analysis ahead of Kentucky vs. Georgia, plus in-depth UK football conversation and listener call-ins.

Episode Overview

In this KSR pregame episode, Matt Jones and the crew (Ryan Lemond and Drew Franklin) preview Kentucky’s daunting road matchup against Georgia. The conversation weaves through realistic expectations for the game, behind-the-scenes drama regarding Coach Mark Stoops' job security and contract, fan engagement issues, and even some fun moments about endorsements and dog toys. The listener calls add authentic fan perspectives and concerns about the future of the UK football program.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pregame Mood and Georgia Matchup

• Underdog Role: Kentucky is a 19-point underdog at Georgia. The mood is a mix of dry optimism and realism; the crew jokes about Kentucky's only advantage being special teams.
  • "If there's anything to get excited about, it's going to get ready for a 2 and 2 Kentucky team on the road against Georgia as 19 point underdogs. How pumped up are you?" [00:46, Matt Jones]
  • Kentucky’s best chance may be in the kicking game: "We've got a better punter...I would say a better kicker. He's not missed in his career." [02:06, Ryan Lemond]
  • Recap of Kentucky’s recent history of covering the spread vs Georgia, despite not winning: "They've been one of the best teams in college football the last five years, but Kentucky's played them close every time but once..." [02:57, Drew Franklin]

2. Mark Stoops' Contract Drama and Job Security

• Cut Man Jimmy's Report: Rumors swirling after a local sports reporter claimed Stoops asked for a buyout last season.
  • Matt clarifies: Stoops didn’t actively seek to quit, but did discuss with AD Mitch Barnhart what to do if UK wanted a change, seeking financial security if pushed out.
    • “Do I think Mark Stoops and Mitch Barnhart had a conversation about their future? Yes. ... Mark wanted, if not all of his money, the vast majority of his money. I don’t think it was ‘I want out.’” [08:09]
  • Differing takes on how close Stoops brought the program to the brink. Some panelists see nuance, others trust the report’s stronger hints Stoops wanted to leave.
  • Sympathetic discussion on why any coach (or anyone with a contract) would want their full buyout: "Why should he take a pay cut? They sat down at the table and shook hands and made an agreement..." [12:27, Drew Franklin]
  • Fan feelings described as “relationship heartbreak”: “It makes me just feel like I’ve lost my best friend in a relationship type of thing.” [14:12, Ryan Lemond]

3. Endorsement Hijinks: The Dog Toy Payoff

• Ryan’s recent national endorsement for alarm.com led only to doggie toys and a $200 gift card, despite widespread ad placement on social media and TV.
  • "They sent your payment for being the face of a national endorsement campaign was a box of doggy toys." [05:22, Matt Jones]
  • "This is like Leonardo DiCaprio doing a Scorsese movie for free just because he likes him. You left so much money on the table." [07:22, Drew Franklin]
• The segment is a running joke throughout the show and provides comic relief.

4. UK Football Fan Experience & Engagement

• Caller Discussions Highlight Disconnection:
  • Long-time fans express disconnect from the program due to rising costs, lost traditions (like fan days, clinics), and underwhelming results.
    • “UK took away some of the basic elements that these loyal diehard football fans that have been coming to games when we stunk… Those fans have not forgiven them.” [29:52, Ryan Lemond]
  • Matt asserts administration is out of touch with the regular fan and warns, "When you stop winning, and then it’s not affordable, and it’s not accessible...you better win.”* [28:25]
  • Multiple callers share their willingness to drop season tickets after decades.
• Comparison to Basketball Program:
  • Mark Pope’s early success building goodwill despite tournament losses shows the importance of player/fan connection outside of just on-field success.

5. The Stoops Question: Fire or Retain?

• Calls for change grow among the fanbase, but the hosts agree midseason firings rarely benefit college programs.
  • If UK did move on from Stoops midseason, defensive coordinator Brad White would be interim — but hiring him long-term isn’t seen as energizing.
  • “I think you owe Mark Stoops to give him that shot [to finish the year].” [39:18, Matt Jones]
  • Possible OC change discussed as a halfway measure. Former OC Eddie Gran’s name is floated if staff changes are made.

6. Quick Hits: Game Analysis & Recruiting News

• Game Expectations: The consensus is Kentucky will compete but not truly threaten to win, with special teams potentially being the lone highlight.
• Tyron Stokes Recruiting News:
  • Kentucky is the favorite to land the #1 basketball recruit, a huge coup for Mark Pope’s staff. The news brings rare upbeat energy.
  • “If he comes to Kentucky, [he’ll be a] superstar here. Superstar.” [26:05, Matt Jones]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "We've got a better punter...I would say better kicker. He's not missed in his career." — Ryan Lemond [02:06]
• "This is like Leonardo DiCaprio doing a Scorsese movie for free just because he likes him. You left so much money on the table." — Drew Franklin [07:22]
• "If you want to fire me, don’t let it be that it’s just the money. If you want me out…we can talk about a way.” — Matt Jones, paraphrasing Stoops [11:42]
• "UK took away some of the basic elements... Those fans have not forgiven them." — Ryan Lemond [29:52]
• “You cannot tell me what the fans think. …We are more connected to the fans than the administration.” — Matt Jones [31:19]
• “I just feel like I’ve lost my best friend in a relationship type of thing.” — Ryan Lemond [14:12]
• “I think you owe Mark Stoops to give him that shot [to finish the year].” — Matt Jones [39:18]
• “If he comes to Kentucky, superstar here. Superstar. If he goes to Oregon, see you in the draft, we won’t even know you played.” — Matt Jones [26:05]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:46-04:00 — Banter on Kentucky as big underdogs; “We own them… Kind of.”
• 04:00-07:00 — Alarm.com dog toy endorsement saga.
• 08:00-13:00 — In-depth Mark Stoops buyout conversation and rumors.
• 14:12 — Ryan’s “lost my best friend” moment.
• 17:37-18:06 — Expected game script: competitive but not a real chance.
• 28:05-32:40 — Critical analysis of UK’s shift from “mom and pop” enjoyment to expensive, less fan-friendly experiences.
• 34:00-36:00 — Question about potential coaching changes if Stoops were fired.
• 39:05-39:57 — Discussion about fair treatment: let Stoops finish the year.
• 41:22 — Can former OC Eddie Gran be brought back to call plays?
• 24:02-25:42 — Recruiting news: Tyron Stokes trending Kentucky’s way (basketball)
• 43:03-45:00 — Game predictions. Hosts all pick Georgia to win comfortably, with kicker or running back as MVP.

Tone and Language

The conversation is candid, direct, and full of dry wit and sarcasm, matching the typical KSR tone. Matt anchors the discussion with reasoned analysis, Drew often adds a sharp edge of cynicism, and Ryan keeps things relatable and humorous with self-deprecation and nostalgic UK tropes. There’s a continuous, approachable rapport, and callers’ voices ground the episode in authentic Kentucky fandom.

Conclusion

This pregame episode is less focused on X’s and O’s and more on the ethos and future of UK Football, making it resonate with the core KSR audience. The crew’s honest, sometimes biting conversations dissect why fan discontent is growing, how tradition and accessibility have been eroded, and what the Stoops era’s uncertain endpoint might look like. Interspersed are light-hearted riffs (dog toy endorsement), hope for basketball recruiting, and the real emotional stakes of fandom — making this a must-listen for the Big Blue Nation.

For listeners:

• Skip to [08:00] for the Stoops buyout discussion.
• For fun, check out the alarm.com dog toy segment at [04:00].
• Insightful fan perspective and UK Athletics criticism start at [28:05].
• Recruiting news and a rare bit of optimism at [24:02].
• Game pick and MVPs at [43:03].