The Cats are huge underdogs against No. 1 Alabama this Saturday. But as coach Herm Edwards notable said, “You play to win the game.” Kentucky’s staff is echoing that sentiment ahead of the clash.

“My message is that we’re going out and we’re going to win the game,” offensive coordinator Eddie Gran said Tuesday evening.

Kentucky racked up one of their best offensive days this season against Vanderbilt last Saturday, accumulating 458 yards – 308 rushing, 150 passing in their 38-35 victory. They were also able to score on six of their first seven possessions, something that hadn’t previously managed to do this year.

Gran credits the bye week for that success; he said being able to get back to the basics, focus on what each player could do well benefit them, and it translated to the game.

But that was against Vanderbilt; the Cats have a completely new beast to focus on this week in a rolling Crimson Tide team.

“It’s all about fundamentals and execution,” Gran said about keeping that momentum. “You have to be darn near perfect [to beat Alabama]… what a great challenge, it’s awesome.”

The Kentucky offense is embracing that underdog role and are excited to compete with such a talented foe.

“When you’re playing the number one team in the country, it’s always a great thing… [it] can push your team to another level,” senior tight end Justin Rigg said. “We know who we’re going up against.”

But how can Kentucky defeat Alabama? Gran says it starts with keeping the chains moving.

“It’s first down efficiency; you’ve got to stay out of third and long,” he said. He mentioned Alabama has many defensive packages that bring pressure from anywhere on the field – something Kentucky must maneuver around come Saturday.

He also believes execution, technique and attitude are the keys for a Kentucky victory, saying, “You have to have a tenacity about you that is second to none.”

While Mac Jones and the Alabama offense get most of the media attention, the Crimson Tide defense has been the unsung hero this season.

“Their front seven are stout; their line-backing crew is as good as we’ve seen this year. And their two corners – they’re the real deal,” Gran said.

Kentucky is a 31-point ‘dog, but that doesn’t seem to deter this offense; rather than acting like they just want to get this game over with, they’re embracing the opportunity and looking forward to the experience.

Kickoff between the Cats and Crimson Tide is set for 4:00 p.m. ET Saturday, and will air on SEC Network.