Kentucky prepares for SEC football opener against Alabama in Lexington

Kentucky hosts Alabama at Kroger Field on Saturday, September 12, marking the first Southeastern Conference game of the season for both programs. Kentucky enters the matchup following a 45-13 opening victory against Youngstown State, while Alabama defeated East Carolina 48-10. The Wildcats seek to address potential roster gaps, as the status of injured starters Malachi Wood, Terhyon Nichols, Hasaan Sykes, and running back Jovantae Barnes remains uncertain. Alabama sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell is scheduled to make his first career road start in front of a capacity crowd. Kentucky holds a 2-39-1 all-time record against the Crimson Tide, with their last victory in the series occurring in 1997. Coach Will Stein leads Kentucky into his first SEC conference game since taking over the program.

• 9:10 AMYahoo Sports — Kentucky vs Alabama storylines, players to watch in SEC opener