Why Kentucky football is being overlooked. Now I’m not here to tell you Kentucky football is going 8-4 or even 6-6, I’m just here to say they deserve more credit than they are getting. Realistically they could go 4-8 again but I believe they will have a better culture and will be more competitive, with Kentucky's schedule anything over 6 wins after last year should be considered a major success in my opinion.
Now you may say well didn’t they go 4-8 last year and not win a home SEC game. Yes this is true, but we have a completely different roster. Kentucky was able to haul in the number 10 Transfer class in the country ahead of conference foes like Texas A&M, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Many of the people brought in are experienced Vets looking to prove themselves on the biggest stage in College football in the SEC. Some of the vets include Zach Calzada who started as a freshman at TexasA&M and notoriously beat Alabama with Nick Saban at the helm. Kendrick Law is another big name from Alabama who didn’t record many receptions at Alabama but played many snaps.
After a 4-8 season it is very important to bring in a solid transfer class but it is also important to keep your young guys who can develop and I believe Kentucky did a good job with this. Most importantly Cutter Boley is back who was a highly regarded 4 Star out of Lexington. Cutter had his good and bad moments last year but the word has been he’s looked excellent in preseason scrimmages and training camp and I firmly believe he could be the starter by the end of the season. Other big names on the offense include running backs Jason Patterson and Jamarion Wilcox are both back for their sophomore seasons. Wilcox was put into a bigger role than expected last year due to injuries. But Dontae Dowdell and Seth McGowan both look like they’ll be 1A and 1B right now but expect to see Patterson and Wilcox get touches. Mr. Gilmore is back after transferring to Nebraska but then back to UK. Gilmore didn’t record a lot of catches last year but had his good moments but look for him to be on the field more this upcoming season.
Big aspects will also include the Offensive line and the defense to the team's success this year. The offensive line will be more experienced led by Senior Jaguar Burton at center, Junior Jalen Farmer, and transfers Shiyazh Pete, and Joshua Braun. Bush Hamden has given high praise to the offensive line this offseason along with head coach Mark Stoops but we’ve heard this many times before. Defensive coordinator Brad white believes his defense will play at a high level, also saying that the current sophomore class can still be Kentucky's best defensive class under white.
Now you can talk all you want but you really don’t know until you see the product on the field. But I believe Kentucky did a really good job with changing their roster and getting rid of some questionable pieces. I believe the culture has shifted back to what it needs to be. Stoops is at his best when people are counting him out and doubting him.