Kentucky is 1-2 on the season. The Cats opened with a 31-0 win over Southern Miss, but have since fallen to Southeastern Conference rivals South Carolina and Georgia. Ohio University is 2-1 this year, having lost to Syracuse in the season opener, then winning against South Alabama and Morgan State.

Demie Sumo-Karngbaye was a bright spot in Kentucky's lackluster offensive performance against Georgia last week and a leader on offense in the team's slow start overall. Sumo-Karngbaye has rushed for over 75 yards per game so far. Ohio will look to stop the 6-foot running back despite having an injured linebacker core.