January 2 n Jacksonville, Fla. n TIAA Bank Field 2021 Official Kentucky Football TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Preview Presented ByThank You to Today’s Game Sponsor, Thank You to Today’s Game Sponsor, KFB-02205-UKProgram(8.375X10.875).indd 16/13/19 10:44 AM@UKSportsNetwork 5 CONTENTS 2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl January 2 n TIAA Bank Field n Jacksonville, Fla. UK Game Summary Missouri 36 UK Assistants 24 Bowl Information and Stadium Protocols 6 UK Game Summary Tennessee 37 Kentucky Roster 26 UK’s Blueprint To Victory 8 UK Game Summary Georgia 38 NC State Roster 28 Bowl Event Schedule 9 UK Game Summary Vanderbilt 39 Statistical Leaders UK/NC State 29 Cat Byte Drake Jackson says no teammates will opt out of the game 10 UK Game Summaries Alabama/Florida 40 Two Deep Lineups (Probable) 30 Bowl Talk Coach Stoops discusses the team’s character 12 UK Game Summary South Carolina 42 NC State Wolfpack 32 BBN TV TaxSlayer Bowl is not your normal bowl experience 14 UK in the Bowls and Bowl Records 43 UK Game Summary Auburn 33 TIAA Bank Field Seating Chart/ Ticket Links 16 Cat Calls View from the booth as Tom Leach calls big UK plays. 45 UK Game Summary Ole Miss 34 City of Jacksonville 20 UK Sports Network Radio and TV 46 UK Game Summary Mississippi State 35 Mark Stoops Head Coach 22 2021 Kentucky Football TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Preview is published by the University of Kentucky Athletics Department. University of Kentucky Athletics Director: Mitch Barnhart Communications and Public Relations: Susan Lax, Matt May, Tony Neely 546 East Main Street First Floor Lexington, Ky 40508 859-226-4328 UK Sports Marketing Powered by JMI Sports Brandon Baker, TJ Beisner, Seth Boyle, Curtis Burch, Randy Carter, Adair Mattingly, Seth Poteat, Kim Ramsay, Lance Reed, Brian Sayre, Kim Shelton, Brad Tucker, Erin Vaughn Design & Publishing Managing Editor Jai Giffin Creative Director Jamie Barker Production Assistance Laura Doolittle, Adam Peterson, Lisa Roberts, Bob Slater /UKAthletics @UKAthletics On the Cover (Top L-R): Josh Ali, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Keaton Upshaw, Jamin Davis, Luke Fortner, Yusuf Corker, DeAndre Square, Darian Kinnard, Justin Rigg, Joshua Paschal, Jordan Wright2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Information Game Day Activities January 2, 2021 TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Fla. Kickoff: Noon Kentucky (4-6 SEC) will meet North Carolina State (8-3,7-3 ACC) in the 76th Annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. This will be the third meeting between the Wildcats and Wolfpack and the first since 1970. The series is tied 1-1. 6 @UKFootball@UKSportsNetwork 7 Stadium Protocols TIAA Bank Field TIAA Bank Field is a world-class multi-purpose stadium located on the banks of the St. Johns River in downtown Jack- sonville. Recently undergoing renovations in both 2014 and 2016, the stadium expe- rience at TIAA Bank Field has been rated among the best in major sporting events. Updated Stadium Protocols The excitement of the game will be the same, but many aspects of a gameday expe- rience in-stadium at TIAA Bank Field will re- flect new practices to keep everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandem- ic. Your health and safety, along with that of our players, coaches, and personnel, is – and always has been – priority number one. New protocols are in place to help min- imize the risk of contracting COVID-19 when coming to our stadiums and enjoying a seamless experience – from the parking lot and turnstiles, to the concourses and ul- timately, your seats. However, like each player on a football team, you play a key role. Because these protocols require everyone’s cooperation and teamwork, we’ve set out these guide- lines to help make this a championship sea- son for all. In order to stay up-to-date on all the lat- est information regarding game day at TIAA Bank Field, access your digital tickets, and place mobile pickup orders at concession stands. Fan Health You should NOT come to the stadium if you: n Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days n Have reason to believe you have COVID-19 n Have reasonable to believe that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days n Have been in close contact (i.e., with- in 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days n Have taken any medication to reduce a fever within the last 2 days n Are currently experiencing, or have experienced in the last 14 days, COVID-19 symptoms, including a cough, fever, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nasal con- gestion, shortness of breath, unexplained headache, body aches or pains, diarrhea, or other symptoms of illness, or have otherwise felt unwell in the last 24 hours n Have traveled internationally in the last 14 days; or n Have had close contact with someone who has traveled internationally in the last 14 days. n Have COVID-19, are experiencing or have within the last 48 hours experi- enced symptoms of COVID-19 such as fe- ver, cough or shortness of breath, or know you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. Follow CDC Guidelines Those that are most vulnerable to COVID-19 should exercise extra caution. to review conditions that put peo- ple at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 as outlined by the CDC.Scroll down to review the Fan Health Promise. Face Coverings Face coverings that completely cover your mouth and nose are required at TIAA Bank Field and strongly encouraged in all parking lots. You will be required to wear face coverings upon entry and throughout the stadium except when eating and drink- ing, which you may only do while sitting or standing at a bar-height table (i.e., not while walking). The sole exception to this policy is that if a guest presents a note signed by a physician stating that the guest is unable to wear a mask due to medical reasons, that guest will be permitted to enter if they wear a face shield while at the stadium. Guests failing to adhere to this policy will be sub- ject to disciplinary measures as outlined in the Fan Code of Conduct. Physical Distancing Maintain physical distancing at least six feet apart beginning in the parking lot, at the entry gates and as you move about the stadium. When exiting your seats for con- cessions, restrooms or following the game, please wait for aisles to clear to avoid con- gestion.8 @UKFootball KENTUCKY’S2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Game Week Events TaxSlayer Gator Bowl New Year’s Eve Run (in-person and virtual) December 31, 2020 2:00 PM The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl 5K New Year’s Eve Run begins at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at 2 p.m. Due to the current Covid crisis, race entries will be limited social distancing guidelines will be in place. There will also be a virtual option if you can’t attend in person. Jacksonville Beach Deck the Chairs Nightly through January 1, 2021 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM There’s magic in a chair! Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs is a lighted sculptural exhibit using lifeguard chairs. The exhibit is located at Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion and is free and open to the City of Jacksonville New Year’s Eve Fireworks December 31, 2020 Midnight Say goodbye to 2020 and ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over the St. John’s River. Make your way to the waterfront with friends or family to snag a great seat for the festivities. Fireworks will begin exactly at midnight. SPAR Music on Main featuring Mama Blue January 1, 2021 5:30 PM-8:30 PM Bring a blanket and enjoy some favorite local food vendors. The event will be held at Sesquicentennial Park-Springfield. Food and drink purchases start at 5:30 p.m. and Mama Blue will begin at 6 p.m. Social distance squares will be marked for safe viewing and enjoyment. TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Pre-game Show January 2, 2021 11:30 AM • TIAA Bank Field Come to the stadium early on gameday and enjoy the bands just prior to kickoff. 76th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Kickoff January 2, 2021 Noon • TIAA Bank Field Kickoff of the 76th Annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl between the Kentucky Wildcats and North Carolina State Wolfpack. @UKSportsNetwork 9Next >