Kentucky vs. NC State game thread and pregame reading

The Kentucky Wildcats (4-6) take on the No. 23 NC State Wolfpack (8-3) down in Jacksonville for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at 12 pm EST on ESPN. You can steam the game online at WatchESPN or with a free trial of fuboTV.

This Kentucky team has been through a lot this season. It started with the pandemic, moved toward social justice, then there was the Chris Oats medical emergency, and tragically, John Schlarman passed away following his battle with cancer.

The fact that the Cats are not only playing in this game, but only one player has opted out, is an extremely impressive feat. It shows that this team is unified through all of the struggle.

As for the game itself, this should be a good one. NC State is a scrappy team that have found ways to win games this year and be ranked inside the top 25 coming into this game.

Hopefully the Cats can come out and start 2021 off right with a victory. I’m sure Terry Wilson will start, but it’d be nice to see Joey Gatewood and Beau Allen out there at some point.

Get hyped for the game with some related articles and podcasts:

• Kentucky vs. NC State preview, viewing info & more
• Will Darian Kinnard enter the NFL Draft or return to UK?
• Joey Gatewood impressing in bowl game practices
• Josh Ali talks upcoming decision on returning to UK or going pro
• Kentucky Football recruiting in the 2021 class
• Examining Eddie Gran’s tenure and where UK’s offense goes from here
• Mark Stoops hopes to see young quarterbacks play in Gator Bowl
• Kentucky Wildcats close to 100% healthy heading into Gator Bowl
• Kentucky vs. Mississippi State game glance and early prediction
• Who wins the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl?

Now, let’s get this party started!

Go Cats!