Lexington is getting the full SEC spotlight next weekend.
When Kentucky hosts No. 13 Alabama on Saturday, SEC Network will turn the city into a live-show hub.
SEC Nation is set for a 9 a.m. E.T. broadcast, followed by Marty & McGee from 12-12:45 E.T.
Both shows will air from the William T. Young Library.
The network’s Friday plans are just as busy. Paul Finebaum will bring his weekday show to Lexington from 3-7 p.m. E.T. at the same location.
SEC Nation has a new face at the top this season. Matt Barrie is taking over as host after Laura Rutledge moved on from the role to host NFL Live and work as a sideline reporter for Monday Night Football. Barrie is joined by analyst Chase Daniel, reporter Marion Crowder, and familiar SEC Network names Paul Finebaum, Tim Tebow, and Roman Harper.
For Kentucky, the timing couldn’t be better. The Wildcats get Alabama at home and a 3:30 kickoff on ABC, which gives the game a national stage. The broadcast crew hasn’t been announced yet, but it is expected to be one of ESPN’s top college football teams.
Alabama is coming off a 48-10 win over East Carolina, a game that featured freshman quarterback Keelon Russell putting up 256 passing yards and adding 86 rushing yards and a touchdown. Saturday will be a different test, though, because it will be Russell’s first road start in college.
Kroger Field should be loud for it.
The matchup also comes with plenty of history. Kentucky has not faced Alabama since Week 11 of the 2023 season, when the Crimson Tide won 49-21 in Lexington.
The Wildcats have only two wins in 42 all-time meetings with Alabama, and their last victory came in October 1997, a 40-34 overtime win. Alabama has taken the last eight straight against Kentucky over the past 28 years.
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