Another gameday is upon us for Kentucky football, which means it’s time for the second edition of editors picks from the Kentucky Kernel sports desk. 

The Wildcats started the season 1-0 with a win over Toledo in week one. 

Here’s how the score shakes out after one week of picks:

Jonathon Bruner: 1-0

Jenna Lifshen: 0-1

Kentucky will open SEC play against No. 20 Ole Miss at Kroger Field in week two. 

Jonathon Bruner: Ole Miss 28, 24 Kentucky

Both programs won last week to open their seasons, but the wins felt very different. Both teams looked like they had total control, but the Rebels were up 17-0 with 7:31 left in the second quarter and the Wildcats did not lead by more than one possession until 9:22 in the fourth.

The Kentucky defense looked really solid throughout the game and are not the cause for concern heading into this game, but the same cannot be said for the offense.

Zach Calzada did not do any favors in silencing the quarterback conversation because he only threw for 86 yards and did not get his receivers involved at all.

On top of that, the safety and interception were both really bad plays that CANNOT happen with SEC games on the line. Kentucky does not have the firepower to account for mistakes like this when the competition increases.

It was nice to see tight ends being incorporated into the offense, but this passing game HAS to undergo a complete turnaround in just seven days, which does not seem likely to happen.

Now, this series has been predicated on tight games filled with drama and often times coming down to the very end. This one is going to keep serve with the recent contests between the two, but where the Wildcats pulled it off last year in Oxford, they will not be so lucky in this contest.

Key to the game: For Kentucky to win, both lines must dominate and wreck the game. If the Big Blue Wall can give Calzada time to make throws or get receivers open, then it could allow the offense to find a rhythm and put points on the board. Not to mention, it can keep the run game going to create a more versatile offensive attack.

However, the defensive line might be even more important for Kentucky in this SEC opener. If the d-line can put pressure on a young Austin Simmons, who will be on the road in the SEC for the first time, it could create the perfect recipe for him to make mistakes and give Kentucky a chance to win the ballgame.

Jenna Lifshen: Ole Miss 34, Kentucky 20

Kentucky has not won at home against an SEC opponent since 2023, and this game will not end the seven-game losing streak.

While Kentucky pulled off the win against Toledo last week, a lot of weaknesses and inconsistencies were exposed. While Head Coach Mark Stoops and the team have an idea of what needs to be worked on, the turnaround time is simply too short for Kentucky to make the changes it needs to overcome the Rebels.

On the offensive side, a strong Big Blue Wall will give Kentucky opportunities to make drives down the field and give the run game a good shot at success. However, Kentucky’s lack of explosive plays has the Wildcats struggling to gain momentum.

Without a single passing touchdown on the books this season and Calzada still looking for a consistent connection to create that deep ball threat, the Wildcats will be unable to overcome and keep up with the fast-paced offense that the Rebels have.

Keys to the game: Kentucky needs to control the clock. In its last showing against Ole Miss, a big part of that upset win was due to the Wildcats having the ball for nearly 40 minutes of the game.

With the fast-paced offense that Ole Miss runs, and especially with the depth of their offensive weapons, limiting the number of times the ball gets into Simmons’ hands will be key.

Ole Miss only has one returner in its defensive line, with three of the players getting drafted to the NFL and one signing as a free agent during the offseason.

The more experienced Big Blue Wall should dominate on the line, giving Kentucky opportunities to run effectively, which is what the Wildcats will need to capitalize on to keep the game within reach.

The Wildcats will try to upset No. 20 Ole Miss at Kroger Field on Saturday, Sept. 6, with kickoff set for 3:30 E.T. The game will air live on ABC.