KSR Today: Mark Pope’s first Big Blue Madness as head coach

Step aside, Michael and Bruce Buffer. Iiiiiiiiiiittttttt’s tiiiiiiiiiiimmmmeee to get ready to roundball — their words, not mine — with Mark Pope. Big Blue Madness is here, scheduled for 7 PM ET tonight inside Rupp Arena. It’s a chance to meet the Wildcats for the first time and officially tip off Kentucky basketball season to begin a new era in Lexington. Exciting right?

And that’s just the start of a busy weekend, Fall Meet continuing at Keeneland while the football Cats take on Vanderbilt inside Kroger Field at 7:45 PM ET. If you’ve ever wanted to pull off the basketball, football and track triple-header, this is the time to do it — then you can use Sunday to celebrate with NFL games all day at KSBar & Grille.

Let’s get it all rolling on this beautiful Friday morning, shall we?

What you need to know about BBM

UK Athletics encourages Big Blue Nation to arrive early to avoid traffic issues with a sell-out crowd and Fall Meet running at Keeneland, Rupp Arena parking now available to purchase online and guarantee a spot for $27 here . Doors open at 5:30 PM ET ahead of the 7 PM ET event.

BBM will include strobe and flashing lights, so be aware of that, as well. Elsewhere, Rupp remains cashless, meaning only cards — American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay — will be accepted. Same rules apply with the clear bag policy at all games.

As always, the event will be broadcast live on SEC Network, so folks not in attendance will be able to enjoy the start of Kentucky basketball season from their couches.

How will Mark Pope introduce himself to BBN for the first time — beyond his debut press conference? Will he dance? Will the players dance? Any special guests? All we know at this point is the ASB GlassFloor will be one of the main attractions.

We’ll learn everything else starting at 7 o’clock sharp.

Mark Stoops previews Vanderbilt

We know about Big Blue Madness, but what about Kentucky football’s matchup against Vanderbilt on Saturday? Coach Stoops spoke to the media to preview the game on Thursday.

In short, it was a good week of practice and they know the challenge ahead taking on a team coming off an upset over No. 1 Alabama.

“I’m ready for a big game here Saturday night. We’ve had a really solid week of practice with beautiful weather this week,” Stoops said. “The guys have been energized and enthusiastic after the bye. We know we have a great challenge ahead of us with the way Vandy played in their last game. Looking forward to getting out here and the opportunity we have Saturday.”

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Kentucky’s injury report

Who will (and won’t) be available for the Cats on Saturday? They’ll be without two defensive backs, including star corner Maxwell Hairston. Running back Chip Trayanum also remains sidelined while wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV and offensive lineman Courtland Ford are expected to make their season debuts, both listed as probable.

• Chip Trayanum | RB | Out
• Maxwell Hairston | DB | Out
• Darrion Henry-Young | DL | Out
• Josaih Hayes | DL | Out
• Tavion Gadson | DL | Out
• Jacob Kauwe | K | Out
• Terhyon Nichols | DB | Out
• Keeshawn Silver | DL | Probable
• Brock Vandagriff | QB | Probable
• Hardley Gilmore IV | WR | Probable
• Courtland Ford | OL | Probable

Prepare for a blackout at Kroger Field

Heading out to Kroger Field on Saturday? Wear black.

The Wildcats will be debuting black uniforms and cleats with blue helmets and pants and are encouraging BBN to do the same, putting together a blackout for the night kickoff.

You’d prefer the announcement come more than 48 hours away to help with word of mouth — certainly against a team whose primary color is black — and give fans a chance to find or buy black gear to wear Saturday night, but what do I know? I’m a sucker for black uniforms, so I won’t be complaining.

Spread the word and wear black as the Cats take down the Dores.

Did you see the Northern Lights?

If you happened to look up at the sky last night across Kentucky, you may have caught a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis — also known as the Northern Lights — flashing its brilliance.

It was on full display here at the Pilgrim household in Shelbyville, shining reds and greens in admittedly breathtaking fashion.

Not a bad way to get a massive weekend in Kentucky rolling.

Go Cats. Go Big Blue Madness. Beat Vandy.

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