UK football fans share their hopes and fears for the Cats’ SEC opener vs. Ole Miss
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky fans express mixed emotions ahead of SEC opener vs. No. 20 Ole Miss
- Concerns focus on quarterback performance and offensive consistency
- Revenge narrative looms after Kentucky upset Ole Miss in 2024 matchup
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Preview: Ole Miss at Kentucky football
Click below to read more of the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com’s preview coverage ahead of Saturday’s Kentucky-Ole Miss game at Kroger Field.
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On my social media accounts, I asked Kentucky football fans to share their hopes and fears about the Wildcats 2025 SEC opener against No. 20 Mississippi.
The game will kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Kroger Field.
A season ago, Kentucky upset then-No. 6 Ole Miss 20-17 in Oxford, a result that likely knocked Lane Kiffin’s Rebels out of the College Football Playoff.
Among UK backers who replied to my prompt, that historical context created divergent opinions. Some Kentucky fans draw confidence from last year’s outcome; others fear a revenge-minded Kiffin.
Hopes for UK football success vs. Ole Miss
• From @tclaymason on X: “Hope the D-Line creates havoc and offense completes 22 passes.”
Mark’s comment: Based on what we saw last week, I would say there’s a much better chance of the first part of your comment happening than the second.
• From @brow_down on X: “Can Mark Stoops’ coaching be both (a hope and a fear)?”
Mark’s comment: Yes, I think so.
• From @Dickyleefrazier on X: “I just hope we get solid (quarterback) play. The rest of the team looked good enough (vs. Toledo) to compete with anyone.”
Mark’s comment: I would say the wide receiver play needs to take a giant step upward, too.
• From @JohnCar75900962 on X: “We run the ball all day long and throw in the flats. Eating up clock. Rock fight. UK 17, Ole Miss 10.”
Mark’s comment: That sounds like the recipe it would require for UK to upset Ole Miss again.
• From @Brown75317737 on X: “The offense has to open up some and be less predictable. Give the QB a better chance to be successful.”
Mark’s comment: After the struggles in the passing game last week, it would behoove Kentucky to call plays in such a way as to get Zach Calzada off to a fast start this week.
• From @DonnieLThompso2 on X: “My hope is that Calzada plays great.”
Mark’s comment: The Kentucky quarterback almost has to play better than he did last week, no?
• From @kemios on X: “(My hope is Kentucky won’t) be afraid to gamble. That’s what won in Oxford last season. No risk, no reward. SEC Football is not for the faint of heart.”
Mark’s comment: That fourth-down gamble by Mark Stoops and UK last season in Oxford was an all-timer. I still can’t believe it worked.
• From @jeffomiller on X: “This sets up as a Stoops special. They’ll play bully ball and beat the Rebels.”
Mark’s comment: If UK wins, one would guess it will be by “shortening the game” with the rushing attack and by the Kentucky defensive front harrying an Ole Miss quarterback, Austin Simmons, starting his first road game.
• From Albert AB Burks on Facebook: ”Commonwealth Stadium will be rocking! Cats by 10.”
Mark’s comment: I think Kentucky has some chance to win the game. I’d be stunned if UK can score enough to win by double digits.
• From bowe_adam on Threads: “I want us to show that we are for real this year. We don’t have to win but a tough defense, competent offense, and an engaged crowd will show the fans and the league that we are on our way back to being the Kentucky football program we got used to being.”
Mark’s comment: Given how poorly UK played in the second half of 2024, it is important that Kentucky play better in 2025 regardless of game outcomes. But, given the expected overall difficulty of the middle of the schedule, the Wildcats really need to win Saturday.
Fears of UK football defeat vs. Ole Miss
• From @PanamaIce on X: “For first time in 75 years, I have neither hopes or fears for (UK football).”
Mark’s comment: If you have followed Kentucky football for 75 years, there have been worse years than 2024’s 4-8. What finally pushed you over the edge last year?
• From @mattmoore449 on X: Our kryptonite is a mobile qb and can we get (off) on 4th down without him scrambling?”
Mark’s comment: Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons ran seven times for 17 yards in the Rebels’ 63-7 opening win over Georgia State.
• From @rgmayfie67 on X: “My hope is that we have the ball driving to win the game. My fear is that we get shut out, and they score 35 points.”
Mark’s comment: In the past two meetings between Kentucky and Mississippi, UK has held the Rebels to 22 and 17 points, respectively.
• From @UKSportsTonight on X: “Hope to win a home SEC game but fear we will get smashed in a revenge game from last year.”
Mark’s comment: At 2-11 in its past 13 SEC contests at Kroger Field, Kentucky desperately needs to start winning some league home games.
• From @TBSavage on X: “My hope is we won’t get blown out. My fear is we will.”
Mark’s comment: Unless the Kentucky offense helps Ole Miss by turning the ball over, I think UK defense will keep the Cats in the game.
• From @tmccoy1298 on X: “After UK cost him a spot in the College Football Playoff last year, I’m afraid Lane is going to open up a can of whoop a-- similar to Steve Spurrier in the 1990s.”
Mark’s comment: Given the recent history between the two teams — margin of victory has been three, one, three and three points in the past four UK-Ole Miss games, respectively — I’d be surprised if this isn’t a relatively close game.
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
