## Wildcats Scrimmage, Stewart Fires Up Fans

Kentucky football wrapped up another weekend of training camp with a closed scrimmage at Kroger Field on Saturday. While the full details remain under wraps, KSR reported unofficial observations from inside the stadium. 

Running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan took a load management approach, sitting out to stay healthy. Jason Patterson stepped in as the lead runner and impressed against the defense's front line. Head coach Mark Stoops confirmed the scrimmage focused heavily on situational work, despite several projected starters being absent.  Stoops also noted that the team is healthy heading into Week 3 of preseason camp.

The offensive fireworks came from wide receiver Hardley Gilmore, who made a dazzling one-handed catch in the end zone during the scrimmage. Stoops brought Gilmore back to Lexington after his brief transfer to Nebraska in the spring, recognizing the young player’s potential.  


**Defensive Line Coach Sets Tone**

Kentucky's defensive line coach Anwar Stewart isn't shy about setting expectations high. In a recent interview on WLAP’s Sunday Morning Sports Talk, Stewart dismissed the doubters who predict a 4-8 season for the Wildcats. He declared, "It’s all about us in that building... We don’t listen to the outside voices, man. It ain’t about what they think. It’s about what we go out and do. We’ve got a very competitive team."

Stewart's defensive line is considered one of the strongest units on the team, boasting several talented transfer additions, returning stars, and promising depth. 


**Looking Ahead:**

The focus shifts to coordinators this week. Brad White (defense) and Bush Hamdan (offense) will address the media following practice sessions.  Players from both sides of the ball are also expected to be available for interviews. 



## Wildcats in the NFL: Week 1 Recap

Former Kentucky players saw action across the NFL during Week 1 of the preseason.  

* **Buffalo Bills:** Ray Davis kicked a PAT and rushed for seven yards, while Deone Walker recorded three QB pressures and a batted-down pass on defense. Wan’Dale Robinson caught an 11-yard pass for the New York Giants.
* **Dallas Cowboys:** Zion Childress started at defensive back and made six tackles with one tackle for loss in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. 
* **Cleveland Browns:** Brenden Bates caught two passes for 30 yards in his debut alongside new quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
* **Baltimore Ravens:** Devin Leary struggled in his preseason debut, going 3-for-12 for 43 yards with a red-zone interception.

Other notable performances included Chris Rodriguez rushing six times for 22 yards for Washington, Mike Edwards making a tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, and several former Wildcats contributing on defense for Seattle, Carolina, Denver, and Green Bay.


**“Madden NFL 26” Arrives This Week:**

Josh Hines-Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) is the highest-rated former Wildcat in "Madden NFL 26" with a 90 overall rating.  Za’Darius Smith (Minnesota Vikings) follows with an 82 overall. The game officially releases on Thursday, but deluxe edition pre-orderers can start playing now.





## Wildcats Scrimmage, Stewart Fires Up Fans

Kentucky football wrapped up another weekend of training camp with a closed scrimmage at Kroger Field on Saturday.

KSR Today: Week 3 of camp, NFL debuts, Debbie Downers, and m

KSR Today: Week 3 of camp, NFL debuts, Debbie Downers, and more football talk

## Wildcats Put Basics to Test in First Scrimmage

**Focus on Execution, Injury Report Light**

Kentucky's football team held their first preseason scrimmage at Kroger Field Saturday, a closed event for all but friends and family. While the full picture remains behind closed doors, glimpses into the action reveal a team focused on fundamentals and staying healthy.

"We needed to focus on our operation," quarterback Zach Calzada said after the scrimmage. "That was our first time operating under the 15-second cutoff through the headset, so just making sure we’re lined up, ready to go, and practicing some of our tempo, staying ahead of the sticks, and getting the ball out quick, being tough in the run game."

The Wildcats' coaching staff echoed this sentiment, prioritizing a smooth execution over flashy plays. Mark Stoops noted that while the offense successfully marched down the field and scored during the scrimmage, they need to further refine their operation. 

On the injury front, things look good for Kentucky.  Stoops confirmed a few minor bumps but assured no major injuries occurred during the scrimmage.


**Load Management Prevails**

Star running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan were noticeably absent from the scrimmage, along with other projected starters. Stoops has made it clear his priority is player health, especially after losing Chip Trayanum for most of last season due to a scrimmage injury. 

This cautious approach raises questions about how much these key players will participate in next week's scrimmage.


**Tackling Takes Center Stage**

Despite the positive aspects of the day, Stoops acknowledged concerns with the run defense, calling it "a little leaky" at times. JQ Hardaway, Kentucky's cornerback, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for more consistent tackling and eliminating missed opportunities.

"We have to do better tackling, getting the ball carrier on the ground," Hardaway said. "The first guy needs to get him to the ground. We shouldn’t have to have two, three guys to get him to the ground."

It's important to note that this scrimmage was the team's first live-tackling session since November, a fact that likely contributed to some initial rustiness.


**Kauwe Kicks Goals**

Jacob Kauwe, Kentucky's new kicker, showed promise in his debut. He reportedly made all six field goal attempts during special teams drills prior to the scrimmage and added several more conversions during 11-on-11 play.  

This strong performance from Kauwe comes after Alex Raynor, Kentucky's record-setting kicker, left the program.


**Scoring Success Fuels Optimism**

While the defense struggled at times, the offense proved capable of moving the ball and finding the end zone. They successfully navigated various scenarios during the scrimmage, including converting third-down situations and executing a two-minute drive.



This early success in fall camp offers hope for Kentucky's upcoming season.  


## Wildcats Put Basics to Test in First Scrimmage

**Focus on Execution, Injury Report Light**

Kentucky's football team held their first preseason scrimmage at

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What We Learned from the First Kentucky Football Scrimmage of Fall Camp