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Kentucky's defensive plan centers on containing Youngstown State quarterback Beau Brungard, whom Will Stein called an elite player who can run, throw, break tackles, and avoid being caught in the open field.
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Brungard opened with 232 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 119 rushing yards, and two rushing scores against Mercyhurst after a 2025 season with 3,230 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 1,468 rushing yards.
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This is Kentucky's first test under new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman against a dangerous dual-threat quarterback.
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Stein said Kentucky must create third-and-medium or third-and-long because Youngstown State avoids long-yardage downs and treats many third-and-short situations as two-down opportunities.
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Kentucky's edge group of Sam Greene, CJ Works, and Lorenzo Cowan was identified as the key position to watch in keeping Brungard contained.