Big Blue Preview: Kentucky vs. Auburn
Info to Know
| Kentucky vs. Auburn | When: Sat., Oct. 26, 7:45 p.m. ET | Where: Kroger Field, Lexington, Ky. | TV: SEC Network | Radio: UK Sports Network |
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Preview
For just the fourth time in the last 15 years, Kentucky and Auburn will meet on the gridiron. Kickoff for Saturday’s contest at Kroger Field is set for 7:45 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on the SEC Network.
Kentucky has dropped two straight games, falling to surging Vanderbilt at home before losing to Florida in the Swamp last Saturday.
Auburn dropped its fourth consecutive game on Saturday, losing at No. 19 Missouri 21-17. Auburn led for most of the game until Missouri scored late to claim the victory.
Cat Scratches: Kentucky Offense Focused on Improving Situational Execution
On Saturday against Florida, the Kentucky offense was again able to move the ball well. However, in critical situations, the Cats did not execute enough to either keep drives going or to score.
Following Tuesday’s practice, offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan addressed the items that his unit is still working to improve.
“For us, third down and six (yards to go) or less and fourth downs, we were something like two of 11 in those situations,” Hamdan said. “At times, I thought we moved the ball extremely well. Two turnovers on third downs and not converting on those fourth downs.”
Echoing head coach Mark Stoops, Hamdan knows that he, his coaches and the players need to get back to work to make improvements…Read More
Kentucky vs. Auburn
The Series
• Kentucky trails the all-time series with Auburn, 27-6-1, and also in games played in Lexington, 13-4, in a series that dates back to 1934.
• The Wildcats have dropped their last three contests to the Tigers, including 2010, 2015 and 2020.
• The Cats last defeated the Tigers in 2009, earning a 21-14 triumph in Auburn.
• The last time Kentucky defeated Auburn on its home field was in 1966.
• Then, UK defeated AU, 17-7, in the second game of the season.
• The last time UK hosted AU was back-to-back home meetings in 2010 and 2015.
• The Wildcats’ largest win against the Tigers was a shutout in 1964, earning a 20-0 triumph.
The Ties
• Kentucky has eight players from the state of Alabama, including defensive backs Kristian Story (Lanett), Jonquis “JQ” Hardaway (Central Phoenix City), Cam Dooley (Valley), Avery Stewart (Montgomery); offensive linemen Koby Keenum (Florence) and Lucas Padgett (Birmingham); defensive linemen Jackson Bunn (Oxford) and Kahlil Saunders (Huntsville).
• There are no players on Auburn’s roster from the state of Kentucky.
What a Win Would Mean for the Wildcats
• It would even the Wildcats’ record at 4-4 heading into the final month of the season.
• It would end a three-game losing streak vs. Auburn and give UK its first win over the Tigers since 2009 and first win over AU since 1966.
• Mark Stoops would extend his school records for total victories (67), home victories (47) and SEC victories (32).
By the Numbers
3
Consecutive wins in the series for Auburn against Kentucky (2010, 2015 and 2020)
4
Of Kentucky’s six all-time wins against Auburn, four of them have come in Lexington
15
Consecutive games with a reception for UK wide receiver Dane Key
54
Career starts for UK offensive tackle Marques Cox, the most on the Kentucky roster
215
Career tackles for UK linebacker D’Eryk Jackson
