Over the course of the next seven weeks, the SoBros Network will be going team-by-team through the SEC, previewing the 2018 American tackle football season. Up next, the Kentucky Wildcats!
2018 Kentucky Preview
If Mark Stoops is ever going to take this Kentucky program to this next step, this is the year to do it. The Wildcats only have one truly elite SEC juggernaut on the schedule this year (Georgia), and they get ’em at home. That said, there are still plenty of issues for Kentucky to sort out.
If Kentucky is going to surprise the SEC, it’s going to have to start on defense. Last year, they were 12th in the SEC in total defense. Yikes. But, the bright side for Stoops is that he actually has a pretty decent defensive line heading into 2018. Behind them are a ton of question marks, but hey – it’s a start. And, it really, it can’t be much worse than forgetting to cover the ONLY receiver on the field against Florida, right?!
On offense, they’ll have to find a replacement for productive veteran quarterback, Stephen Johnson, who retired from football earlier this year. But, they have a promising offensive line. Plus, the key cog on this team, Benny Snell, Jr., is returning at running back. As long as the run game is healthy and productive, Kentucky’s going to have a chance to sneak up on some people.
2018 Wildcats Schedule
Saturday, 9/1: vs. Central Michigan – It’s better than the stereotypical cupcake, but it should still serve as little more than a tune-up for the greater season.
Saturday, 9/8: @ Florida – Does Florida have wide receivers? If so, Kentucky could be in trouble. But, in all seriousness, this is a winnable game for the Wildcats. It may be better for them to get it over with early in the season before Dan Mullen has a chance to work his gypsy magic.
Saturday, 9/15: vs. Murray State – W. Moving along.
Saturday, 9/22: vs. Mississippi State – I tend to think that we’re all over-inflating the Bulldogs this season, but they should still beat Kentucky here.
Saturday, 9/29: vs. South Carolina – It’s an interesting game against an opponent who may have overachieved last season. The Wildcats probably won’t be favored, but they could win this one.
Saturday, 10/6: @ Texas A&M – The Aggies will be better than people think, and with this being a road game, I could totally see Kentucky losing. Flip a coin. It’s July.
Saturday, 10/13: BYE
Saturday, 10/20: vs. Vanderbilt – On paper, Kentucky looks like the much better team, but I wouldn’t discount the progress Derek Mason has made at Vanderbilt. Ultimately, they’re the better team, but the ‘Dores could keep this competitive.
Saturday, 10/27: at Missouri – I’m high on Drew Lock and think Mizzou could be the real dark horse in the SEC this season. Count this as a loss for the Wildcats.
Saturday, 11/3: vs. Georgia – As improved as they’re hoping to be, I don’t see Kentucky being anywhere remotely near Georgia’s level this season.
Saturday, 11/10: @ Tennessee – On the road, who knows? But, this one’s about trust and who’s proven to me. Kentucky is a safer bet here.
Saturday, 11/17: vs. Middle Tennessee State – They should be able to grind this one out against a quality “mid-major” program. But, if the defense is hurting at this point in the season, the Blue Raiders could make them pay.
Saturday, 11/24: @ Louisville – Like the Texas A&M game, just flip a damn coin, folks. Your guess is as good as mine.
Prediction
The Wildcats are one of the most interesting teams in the SEC this season. I look at this schedule and only see two definite losses. At the same time, I only see two definite wins. This could be the year Stoops has ’em in the thick of the SEC East race into November. It could also be the year that puts him firmly on the hot seat. All things considered, I’d say this is definitely a bowl team that could end up in one of the Florida bowls.
Other 2018 SEC Previews
Alabama Crimson Tide
Arkansas Razorbacks
Auburn Tigers
Florida Gators
Georgia Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats
LSU Tigers
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Missouri Tigers
Ole Miss Rebels
South Carolina Gamecocks
Tennessee Volunteers
Texas A&M Aggies
Vanderbilt Commodores
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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