Kentucky vs Ball State football gameday guide: What to know ahead of Wildcats' 2023 opener
LEXINGTON — J.J. Weaver didn't like what he heard during Kentucky's practice Wednesday.
"This is our last little regular full practice (before gameday), so everybody is just talking and giggling," said Weaver, a fifth-year senior linebacker. "I had to get on everybody. Just like, 'Stop all that laughing.'"
Defensive coordinator Brad White didn't mind his unit cutting up a bit. He wants his players to have fun.
"You don't want them tense. And again, you want them to be confident," White said, "but you don't want them to be cocky. … We need to understand that when we don't execute, big plays can happen."
Ball State, Kentucky's opponent in Saturday's season opener, has an offense that can do just that.
The Cardinals have an experienced quarterback (sixth-year senior Layne Hatcher), a stellar running back (2022 All-MAC first-team performer Marquez Cooper) and one of the nation's most talented tight ends (2022 Freshman All-American Brady Hunt).
"They're extremely efficient in what they do," White said. "(Ball State head) coach (Mike) Neu and his staff, especially offensively — with his background, being from New Orleans — they do a really good job of marrying plays, both run and pass, getting the ball out of the quarterback's hands. (It is) QB friendly."
White likes what he's seen from his group since they convened for preseason camp.
"I think they're dialed in," White said. "But listen: up to this point, it's all talk. It's all sort of speculation. It's hopes. And now's the real thing. Now you've got to go out there and you've got to do it.
"(It is) a big challenge for our guys. We haven't necessarily started the fastest in home openers. … They're a good offensive football team that's going to make plays, both run and pass. I want to see our guys respond, settle in and punch back."
Here's your guide to Kentucky's Week 1 matchup against Ball State.
Kentucky vs. Ball State pregame notes
Kentucky is 90-37-5 all-time in season openers, with a 7-3 record under Mark Stoops, who is in his 11th season guiding the program. The Wildcats are seeking their fifth 1-0 start in as many years.
Kentucky enters Saturday having won 16 consecutive regular-season games against non-conference foes. The Wildcats have won 15 straight home games against non-SEC opponents.
This season is the 50th anniversary of the opening of Kroger Field, formerly known as Commonwealth Stadium. UK owns a 182-141-4 (.563) record at Kroger Field all-time, with a 46-25 (.648) mark since Stoops' first season in 2013. Kentucky has won 13 of its last 17 home games.
This is the second-ever meeting between the Wildcats and Cardinals. Kentucky won the previous matchup, 28-20, on Sept. 8, 2001, in Lexington.
UK vs. Ball State football pregame reading
First look at Saturday's opener: Story lines, key players, odds and more
C.L. Brown: Liam Coen has what it takes to win in NFL. Here's why he chose Kentucky football instead
UK offensive line: The unit has a 'bad taste in our mouth' after 2022. Why there's hope this season
More from Brown: Give credit to Brad White, quietly a model of consistency for UK football's defense
What's in store for the Wildcats: Predicting Kentucky football's 2023 season game by game
COLUMN: Jordan Lovett proved he can hit last year. Now, UK football needs him to be a star
Making the grade: From vets to newcomers, assessing UK position groups heading into 2023 season
Hitting the portal: 3 newcomers who can contribute immediately
Games to watch: 5 contests that could make or break the Wildcats' season
New faces in key roles: Three UK freshmen to watch this season
Kentucky football vs. Ball State odds
Kentucky is a 26 ½-point favorite over Ball State, according to Vegas Insider.
Sports betting is coming to Kentucky: Check out this bonus code ahead of this month's launch
How to watch Kentucky vs. Ball State football game
Who: Ball State (0-0) at Kentucky (0-0)
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Kroger Field; Lexington
TV: SEC Network
Radio: Tom Leach (play-by-play), Jeff Piecoro (analyst) and Dick Gabriel (sideline) will have the UK radio network call on 840 AM in Louisville and both 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington and online at UKAthletics.com. The game also will be carried on satellite radio: Sirius (Channel 138), XM (Channel 190) and the SiriusXM app (Channel 961).
Streaming: SEC Network authenticated subscribers can access SEC Network+ via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com, the WatchESPN app or ESPN+.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: How to watch Kentucky football vs Ball State game, odds, pregame notes
