As a new season of Kentucky football is just hours away, it’s time for a new series from the Kentucky Kernel sports editors. 

In the series, both editors will be making their pick for that week of Kentucky football action. 

The Wildcats begin the season with a clash against Toledo. 

Jonathon Bruner: Kentucky 28, Toledo 27

Most publications have Kentucky on upset watch, and it is 100% justified, but they are going to edge out the Rockets by a slim margin. 

There is such an unknown when it comes to whether or not Kentucky is going to be any good this year and I don’t think this game will answer many of those questions. 

Kentucky teams under Mark Stoops are NOTORIOUS for slow starts to open the season and that will continue, which will set the stage for the possible upset. 

Another key factor leading the upset argument is that Kentucky has a huge game against No. 21 Ole Miss just seven days after its clash with Toledo, which could lead to the Wildcats overlooking the MAC powerhouse.

Toledo is a very good team and are going to give Kentucky a fight compared to most non-conference teams just like it did the last time these two teams faced off in 2019. 

However, at the end of the day Kentucky is going to find a way to merely escape the upset and start the season 1-0.

Key to the game: The redzone battle will decide this game and whichever team can leave with seven points as opposed to three, that is who’s going to leave Lexington with the win. The score prediction is based on four touchdowns for the Wildcats and three touchdowns paired with two field goals for the Rockets.

Jenna Lifshen: Kentucky 28, Toledo 31

With more than 50 newcomers on Kentucky’s roster this season, truth be told, you could have all the statistics, ball knowledge and experience in the world and still have absolutely no idea how to project the outcome.

Until this team steps onto the field in a real game setting, anyone’s guess is as good as mine.

Last year’s transfer-heavy class didn’t deliver the results Mark Stoops and the Wildcats were hoping for, which makes it even harder to know what to expect this time around.

While the idea of a “motivated Mark Stoops” sounds promising, the veteran experience of this Toledo team gives the Rockets the edge.

Toledo returns 12 starters, including its veteran quarterback-receiver duo of Tucker Gleason and Junior Vandeross III, both preseason All-MAC picks, with Gleason also on the conference MVP watch list.

The Rockets are coming off a six-overtime bowl win over Pitt, outranked Kentucky in several major offensive categories last year and even received more AP poll votes entering this season.

With No. 21 Ole Miss looming next week, there’s a good chance Kentucky will unintentionally overlook Toledo. 

Taking into consideration Toledo’s experience, Kentucky’s uncertainty and the Rockets’ proven ability to play with power five programs, it seems like the perfect recipe for a week one upset. 

Key to the game: Kentucky’s offensive line versus Toledo’s defensive front. If the Wildcats can protect their new quarterback and open lanes for the run game, they should be able to control the pace. Kentucky’s rushing attack has the potential to outmatch a Toledo linebacker group and defensive line that lacks starting experience.

Kentucky and Toledo will kick off from Kroger Field on Saturday, Aug 30 at 12:45 ET. The game will air live on SEC Network.