LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — For a program used to the SEC meat-grinder, the name “Toledo” on the schedule isn’t going to elicit much fear. But Kentucky coach Mark Stoops says it better draw some respect for his players.
The Wildcats should have plenty of motivation. Nobody is expecting much of this UK team. SEC coaches picked the Wildcats to finish 15th in the 16-team league. Oddsmakers had Kentucky a 7.5-point favorite against a MAC team that was the No. 35 vote-getter in the Associated Press preseason poll – more points than Auburn, Florida State or Colorado.
“If we want to change the narrative,” Stoops said, “then we have to go play well.”
That narrative? That Kentucky underperforms in early-season matchups. That it gets tripped up by teams it’s favored to beat. That it starts slow. And