The third year is generally considered a “make or break” for coaches. By year three they have their most of their own recruits and have fully implemented their system.
Mark Stoops’ predecessor Joker Phillips didn’t make it through year three before being fired. In no way do I think Stoops is in any jeopardy unless the Cats go 0-12. There is too much excitement around this program and he and his staff are bringing in some SEC quality talent. The Cats have some tough early games this year. With that being said let’s take a look at how I think the first half of the season will go.
Predicting the Kentucky Football Season
Louisiana-Lafayette (September 5th, 7:00 ET, ESPNU)
Make no mistake about it, the Ragin’ Cajuns will not be an easy game. Mark Hudspeth’s team went 9-4 last season and beat Nevada in the New Orleans Bowl. Stopping running back Elijah McGuire will be the key for the Kentucky defense. I see this one as a close game in the first half with the Cats pulling away late.
Kentucky 34-20 UK 1-0 0-0 SEC
At South Carolina (September 12 7:30 SEC Network)
Stoops got his first signature win last season when Kentucky beat the Gamecocks 45-38. This season Steve Spurrier will start an untested quarterback in Connor Mitch but will have plenty of weapons at the other positions. I think the revenge factor alone will get Carolina a win in this one.
South Carolina 28-17 UK 1-1 0-1 SEC
Florida (September 19 7:30 SEC Network)
The Cats went into Gainesville last season and outplayed the Gators for most of the game only to lose it in triple overtime. A blown call on fourth down delay of game call and a blown coverage on the next play certainly didn’t help.
I think Kentucky breaks the streak and gets its first win since 1986 against Florida.
Kentucky 31-21 UK 2-1 1-1 SEC
Missouri (September 26)
To put it mildly, the Tigers have dominated Kentucky ever since joining the SEC back in 2012. Missouri looks to be a contender for the SEC East once again and while I think the Cats play them close, the Tigers will go to 4-0 against UK.
Missouri 35-23 UK 2-2 1-2 SEC
Eastern Kentucky (October 3)
It is always an interesting game when these two schools separated by 25 miles get together. This year’s game will have some extra incentive. An off season altercation at a bar in Richmond between members of both squads has both teams circling this one. I think once the tempers calm, Kentucky wins this one easily.
Kentucky 41-14 UK 3-2 1-2 SEC
Auburn (Thursday October 15 7:30 ESPN)
The first Thursday night home game in Kentucky history will be the start of one of the biggest weekends in Wildcat sports.
The Tigers are picked by many to win the SEC this season and contend for the National Championship. I see this one going down to the wire much like the last time the Tigers played in Commonwealth but Auburn escapes with a win.
Auburn 38-31 UK 3-3 1-3 SEC
That is how I see the first half of the season playing out, the second half of the Kentucky schedule is a little more favorable. I will have my picks for the second half of the season soon. Thanks for reading.
