Kentucky coach Will Stein wants Kroger Field to be loud and proud when the Wildcats host No, 12 Alabama on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
"We have to make this the loudest game in the history of Kentucky football," Stein said Tuesday. "That's my goal for our fans. The loudest it has ever been, and we need them to be at their best. Like I want people in the stands for pregame. Let's have 65,000 watching us warm up... When the ball is kicked, everybody in their seats, cheering as loud as they humanly can. I want people's voices hoarse when they leave here. All right, they got to take off work on Monday because they can't talk. That's what. That's how loud I want this place to be."
Stein and the Wildcats (1-0) face a daunting task, considering past history between the two conference foes. Kentucky has won just two games against Alabama, the last of which ended a 75-year losing streak in 1997. Since then, the Crimson Tide have won eight straight over the Wildcats.
While Stein wants a loud crowd, he doesn't want to get tangled up in the emotional aspect of the contest.
"I think emotions get you beat. I think it's about playing each play and being really dialed in and focused. We want our fans to be emotional. We don't want us as players or coaches to be emotional."
Kentucky opened the Stein era with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State and will have a full roster intact in the conference opener.
"Getting a win was huge, but coming out healthy as a team, I thought, was very beneficial as we move forward into conference play," Stein said. "I'm expecting us to be at full strength for this game, which is really exciting as well for us as a team."
One of those players will be defensive back Alex Afari, who has made 31 starts in his career and recently won a court case for a fifth season.
"(We're) planning on ramping up his workload this week and playing him as much as we can," Stein said.
TIES TO THE TIDE
Kentucky offensive lineman Olaus Allen played for the Crimson Tide for three seasons and played in all 15 games, most of which were on special teams. He also split time on the offensive line.
"He's been a great addition to our team," Stein said. "He's a great leader. He's vocal. You know, he's obviously got position flex, which is huge on the offensive line. I thought he played a really good game (in the opener)."
PROVEN PLAYCALLER
Stein is very familiar with the Alabama offense and coach Kalen DeBoer, who "wins everywhere he goes." He's also aware of Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
"is extremely creative," Stein said. "I've stolen a lot of plays from coach Grubb. He does a really good job with that unit. He's been in the NFL. He did an excellent job too at Washington and Fresno State - all those spots."
Grubb coached at Seattle and was on the Seahawks' staff as the team's offensive coordinator before joining DeBoer's staff at Alabama in 2025.
Gametracker: No. 12 Alabama at Kentucky, 2:30 p.m.CT, Saturday. TV: ABC: Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Katie George. UK Radio Network: Tom Leach, Jess Piecoro, Dick Gabriel. Hear it here on 94.7 The Mix and on WiLLiE 102.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein speaks to the media on Monday at Kroger Field. (Keith Taylor/Kentucky Today)
