Kentucky opens the season as a 7.5-point underdog at Auburn. The Wildcats don’t mind being overlooked.

“All these teams want to keep their high ranking in the eyes of the media. Well, to the media, we’re crap,” UK offensive lineman Landon Young told reporters Tuesday night when asked about being underdogs.

The betting line is set by oddsmakers to reflect the public perception of the two teams, trying to have bets made equally on each team. Media coverage certainly plays a large part in public perception.

Earlier this month, Mark Stoops noted that Young doesn’t get the national recognition he deserves:

“I don’t think Landon has been getting the recognition that he deserves,” Stoops said. “Certainly, Darian (Kinnard) deserves the accolades and the attention he’s been getting because he is very, very steady and such a talented and good football player. And Landon is as well.”

While Young and the Cats may be flying under the national radar, the SEC Network is showing some love. During the offseason, Cole Cubelic named Young and Kinnard to his top five tackles in the conference. More recently, Chris Doering stated that UK’s offensive linemen will “impose their will” against Auburn.

Young and the rest of the Stoops Troops should get some attention from the national media if they can knock off No. 8 Auburn this Saturday night on The Plains.