As much as March Madness is in full swing, we have to talk about football. Kentucky football's spring practice begins this morning, with 15 field practices culminating in the spring game on April 13th. The first practice will be held this morning at the Joe Craft Training Center.
Across campus, at another Joe Craft Center, the Kentucky basketball team prepares for a trip to the NCAA Tournament, with tonight's tournament deciding the First Four. After one more practice in Lexington, the Cats will head to Pittsburgh to face No. 14 seed Oakland on Thursday night. Back across campus, the Kentucky baseball team hosts Evansville tonight.
There's so much going on at British Athletics, but so little time. We'll cover everything, but first a message from our friends at Louisville City and Racing Louisville.
Kentucky Sports Radio is partnering with Louisville City and Racing Louisville to offer discounted tickets in 2024. Both clubs play at the beautiful Lynn Family Stadium. A great place to spend the night while there are no Cats games. RuCity celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and Racing is the city's only top-level professional sports team, with the addition of British Hall of Famer Arin (Gillian) Wright.
Mark Stoops begins spring practice
We haven't heard from Mark Stoops in an official capacity since Kentucky's loss to Clemson in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 29. Stoops is scheduled to meet with reporters today after Kentucky's first spring practice.I'm sure people will ask about hiring Bush Hamdan as offensive coordinator and how a new quarterback will be used. Brock Vandagriff I am adjusting to a new school and system. Also, Eric Wolford returns as offensive line coach and Dykiel Short joins as wide receivers coach.
Yesterday, Nick Roush was already in Lexington to preview spring practice and bring you the latest updates. Updates will begin after a few hours of practice. While you wait, check out his spring practice preview on Kentucky First Down yesterday.
On-campus 3-star OL Isaac Sowells
One very important visitor will be attending Kentucky's first spring practice.three star offensive lineman Isaac “Spike” Sowells He is the first of more than a dozen prospects expected to join the program in the coming weeks. 6 feet 2 inches, 290 pounds. The standout from Louisville is considered his fourth-best recruit in the state and the class of 2025, and is one of Kentucky's top targets in the class and has already been named several times. are also visiting campus. I hope he's enjoying his day in Lexington.
Will there be any changes to the starting lineup?
The Kentucky basketball team leaves for Pittsburgh tonight. Will there be a different starting lineup for Thursday's game against Oakland? John Calipari hasn't ruled it out completely. On his radio show last night, Calipari downplayed the importance of the starting lineup in the Kentucky-Texas A&M game, despite starting the game in an 8-1 hole, but making changes for teams with more games played. You said you're going to consider a zone like…Auckland.
“We have to get off to a better start,” he said. “Hopefully, if I make any changes, it's because we need to get a better start against the zone. Let's see.”
Calipari didn't directly address the Cats' opponent in his starting lineup comments, but he did talk about the Golden Grizzlies' unique zone and how Kentucky will have to counter with its offensive style of play. Ta. He also said he spoke with one of his players about possible changes to the starting lineup, and that the players trust Calipari with whatever decision he makes. Hmm…
“Confident” and “brave” cats
Cal spent most of the rest of the show talking about how he is encouraging his team to eliminate the “mess” and “narrative” that is out there following their early exit from the SEC Tournament. We've heard stories like that a million times this past month, so instead, this week he's telling his team to live by two words he's telling his team to live by: “Confidence” and “Courage.” ” I would like to focus on. He said Cal wants his players to be relaxed and happy in the tournament and be ready for a March moment if the opportunity arises.
“If you're going to hit a game winner, don't be afraid to miss it. If it goes in, it goes in; if it doesn't go in, it doesn't go in. But don't be afraid to miss. That's courage.”
I don't know about you, but I need a Rob Dillingham or Reed Shepherd March moment. The whole country is like that.
Let the game begin!
Do people still use channel numbers? If so, it's time to remember which one is truTV. Because the 2024 NCAA Tournament officially begins tonight with the first two of the first four teams. Wagner will play Howard for the No. 16 seed in the West Region at 6:40 p.m. ET, followed by Colorado State vs. Virginia for the No. 10 seed in the Midwest Region.
Here are the latest odds from FanDuel and the complete First Four schedule.
Tuesday, March 19th
- (16) Wagner vs. (16) Howard [-3.5] | 6:40pm | True TV
- (10) Colorado [-2.5] vs. (10) Virginia | 9:10pm | True TV
Wednesday, March 20th
- (16) Grambling vs. (16) Montana State University [-3.5] | 6:40pm | True TV
- (10) Colorado [-2.5] vs. (10) Boise State | 9:10pm | True TV
On Monday, the NCAA Tournament announced the courts for the 2024 tournament. The Phoenix one is pretty sweet.
Kentucky Baseball hosts Evansville
After a big win over Georgia State, Kentucky Baseball (17-3, 3-0 SEC) returns to non-conference play tonight as they host the Evansville Purple Aces at Kentucky Proud Park. This is the final homestead game in a long stretch for the Cats, who will play their first SEC road series this weekend in Columbia, Missouri. The University of Kentucky currently ranks 21st in the NCBWA rankings and 12th in the NCAA RPI. Evansville (9-10, 0-0 MVC) is coming off a 1-2 weekend on the road at Michigan State.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:30pm ET. If you can't be there in person, it will be broadcast on SEC Network+ and UK Sports Network. Daniel Hager will give a full preview later.
KSR's NCAA Tournament Preview Show
How does the KSR staff believe Kentucky can do well in a make-or-break postseason for Calipari? Tune in tonight to the KSR YouTube channel to find out. At 8 p.m. ET, our staff will share their thoughts on upset picks, Final Four picks, national champions, and what will happen to the Cats if Kentucky isn't one of them. Subscribe to our channel to get notified when we're live. Last night, Jack Pilgrim and Sean Smith shared their thoughts on Kentucky's postseason chances on a new episode of Source Say.
Former President Barack Obama saw Kentucky advance to the national championship game before losing to UW.
In this scenario, let's hope for a different ending than the last title game against the Huskies.
Any thoughts? Continue the conversation on KSBoard, the KSR bulletin board. New members can try one month for $1.
