Brooks HoltonLouisville Courier Journal
On Sept. 7, 2013, Mark Stoops earned win No. 1 as Kentucky's head football coach with a 41-7 victory against Miami (Ohio).
Ten seasons later, Stoops tied the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant for most head-coaching victories in UK history (60) after his Wildcats took care of the RedHawks 37-13 on Saturday night at Kroger Field.
The 2022 season opener brings with it high expectations for Kentucky. After finishing 10-3 and winning a fourth consecutive bowl game last season, both starting quarterback Will Levis and veteran linebacker DeAndre Square said the Wildcats' goal is to reach the Southeastern Conference championship game for the first time in program history.
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"I came back to win," said Square, a super-senior, at SEC Media Days in July. "I really want this SEC championship. A lot of the guys do, too. That’s the focus. We have player-led meetings all the time, and I always say, 'If your mind is not on the SEC championship, don’t even come to practice.' That’s the standard."
UK took the field in Week 1 without two of its captains: senior running back Chris Rodriguez, who in July pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and super-senior linebacker Jordan Wright.
On Monday, Stoops said both Rodriguez and Wright would be unavailable for the season opener but did not confirm if they were some of the players he expects to have "multiple-game suspensions." The head coach also declined to say whether Rodriguez's absence is related to the DUI arrest or another other issue.
With Rodriguez unavailable, Kentucky turned to seniors Kavosiey Smoke and Ramon Jefferson, an FCS transfer, at tailback. In addition to Jefferson, other newcomers to watch included: freshman Dane Key and Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson at wideout; new starting left tackle David Wohlabaugh Jr. and Ole Miss transfer Keidron Smith at cornerback.
The stage is set. Here's how you can watch and/or listen to Kentucky vs. Miami (Ohio), and follow along with live updates from Lexington below. Once the game starts, check back in for video highlights of all the top plays.
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Watch Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops's postgame news conference following win
Kentucky's Twitter account has the live postgame press conference with head coach Mark Stoops.
Dane Key scores first collegiate touchdown in Kentucky football debut
Lexington native Dane Key was among the Wildcats' newcomers with impressive showings in the season opener. The Frederick Douglass High School grad caught a 1-yard touchdown pass with 7:46 left in the game to give UK a 37-13 lead. Key finished the game second on the team with four receptions and 53 yards. You can read more about the top recruit in the state from the 2022 class here.
Kentucky football kicker Matt Ruffolo ties career long with 50-yard field goal vs. Miami (Ohio)
The Wildcats took a 30-13 lead over the RedHawks during the final minutes of the third quarter when senior kicker Matt Ruffolo drilled a 50-yard field goal, tying his career-best distance.
Will Levis connects with Chauncey Magwood for TD pass to extend Kentucky football's lead
Thanks to a fumble forced by Tyrell Ajian and recovered by Keidron Smith, Kentucky's offense took over inside Miami's 10-yard line early in the third quarter and made quick work of the RedHawks. After struggling in the red zone in the first half, Levis connected with sophom*ore wideout Chauncey Magwood on the second play of the drive for an 8-yard touchdown, the first of Magwood's college career. The Wildcats took a 27-10 lead on the score and ensuing extra point.
Kentucky's Barion Brown returns opening kickoff of 2nd half 100 yards for TD
Kentucky started off the second half with a bang when freshman Barion Brown returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The score was UK's first kickoff return touchdown since Derrick Locke got loose against Louisville on Sept. 19, 2009. The ensuing extra point gave the Wildcats a 20-10 lead.
Manual alum Eli Blakey picks off Will Levis to end Kentucky football's scoring threat
Looking to take the lead in the second quarter, Kentucky's offense reached Miami's 4-yard line but failed to put points on the board. On fourth and 2, the Wildcats opted against kicking a field goal, and Manual grad Eli Blakey picked off a pass from Levis that was underthrown to tight end Keaton Upshaw.
Kentucky's first touchdown of the 2022 season: Will Levis to tight end Brenden Bates
Down 7-0, Kentucky's offense took the field for the first time in the 2022 season and covered 79 yards in just five plays and 2:03 minutes. The drive included a 45-yard reception from Robinson and was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown pass from Levis to tight end Brenden Bates.
Miami (Ohio) strikes first vs. Kentucky with lengthy scoring drive
On the first drive of the game, the RedHawks' offense covered 75 yards in 13 plays and 5:21 minutes and took a 7-0 lead on a 22-yard run from Tyre Shelton and the ensuing extra point. Kentucky's defense forced a fourth-and-short, but Miami was able to convert to keep its drive alive.
How to watch Kentucky football vs. Miami (Ohio) on livestream, plus radio broadcast information
Game time: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3
Location: Kroger Field (Lexington)
Online livestream: ESPN.com/watch (SEC Network+, ESPN+)
Anyone with a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network can stream Saturday's game for free through WatchESPN. Those who do not have a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network will need to subscribe to ESPN+ to watch.
Terrestrial radio broadcast: 840-AM in Louisville; 630-AM, 98.1-FM in Lexington
Online radio broadcast: UKAthletics.com
Satellite radio broadcast: Sirius 135/190; 951 on the SXM app
Kentucky football vs. Miami (Ohio) spread, betting odds
Tipico has the spread set at Kentucky -14.5 and the over/under at 54.5. Click here for more betting odds.
Kentucky football vs. Miami (Ohio): Live score updates
Reach recruiting and trending sports reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.