2019 Kentucky Football Predictions
A season ago Mark Stoops and the Wildcats had their best season in 41 years. They capped off the season beating Penn State 27-24 in the Citrus Bowl to finish 10-3. Despite losing both Josh Allen and Benny Snell from last year’s team they return a number of talented players. The question is can the Cats keep the momentum going? Let’s find out with our 2019 Kentucky Football Predictions.
A Tough Opener
Toledo- August 31st- The Rockets are the favorites to win the Mid-American Conference’s West division. In addition, they scored 50 points five times a season ago. This will be a strong test for a totally rebuilt Kentucky secondary. The Cats pull away in the second half for a hard-fought win.
Kentucky 35-24 1-0 0-0 SEC
Another MAC Opponent
Eastern Michigan- September 7th- Originally Kentucky was heading to Ypsilanti for this contest. However, Eastern Michigan let the Wildcats “buy out” the game for a hefty $800,000. Chris Creighton’s club nearly won the western division last season. Kentucky should have a much easier time to start 2-0.
Kentucky 41- 17 2-0 0-0 SEC
Starting A New Streak?
Florida- September 14th- Kentucky finishes a three-game homestand to begin the season with a visit from the Gators. Last season the Wildcats finally broke the 31 game losing streak by winning in Gainesville. The last time the Cats beat Florida in back to back seasons was 1976-1977. In what will probably go down to the wire Dan Mullen’s club wins in a nail biter.
Florida 28-24 2-1 0-1 SEC
Toughest Stretch of the Year
At South Carolina- September 21st– Following the Florida contest, the Cats hit the road for back to back conference games. Kentucky has beaten the Gamecocks five straight years. Never in school history have the Cats won six straight against a conference foe. Will Muschamp’s club is going to treat this one like John Calipari’s basketball Cats are coming to town. With the incessant sounds of “Sandstorm” ringing in everyone’s ears, Carolina finally breaks the streak.
South Carolina- 24- 20 2-2 0-2 SEC
At Mississippi State- September 28th- A year ago the Cats played arguably their best game of the year in a 28-7 blowout. However, traveling to Starkville is never an easy task. It remains to be seen how the offense runs under Keytaon Thompson after Nick Fitzgerald graduated. Behind a strong defense, the Bulldogs win a low scoring game.
Mississippi State 20-13 2-3 0-3 SEC
Easiest Conference Win?
Arkansas- October 12th– After a much-needed bye week Kentucky returns home to face the Razorbacks. Chad Morris’ team went 2-10 last season and have nowhere to go but up. The addition of Ben Hicks at quarterback will certainly help the offense. However, in the end, the Wildcats get their first conference win.
Kentucky 38-17 3-3 1-3 SEC
We are currently halfway through our 2019 Kentucky Schedule Predictions. The Wildcats kick off the second half of the season traveling to the SEC East favorite.
Toughest Game On The Schedule
At Georgia- October 19th- A season ago these two teams met in Lexington for the SEC East title. The Bulldogs won 34-17 on their way to another division title. As the title suggests, a trip to Athens is far and away the toughest game on the 2019 schedule. In the only game the Cats seemingly don’t have a chance, Jake Fromm and the ‘Dawgs win easily.
Georgia 41-20 3-4 1-4 SEC
Trying To Extend Another Streak
Missouri- October 26th– The Tigers won the first three matchups with the Cats when they first joined the SEC. However, Kentucky fought back and has won the last four. Kelly Bryant takes over for Drew Lock under center and the Tigers are expected to score a ton of points. This game comes down to who has the ball last. Kentucky pulls out a huge win late.
Kentucky 38-34 4-4 2-4 SEC
Looking For Revenge
Tennessee- November 9th- After the Cats’ second bye week they play host to the Volunteers. Last season in Knoxville, Kentucky played their worst game of the year. As a result of a 24-7 loss Stoops’ team missed out on a possible Peach Bowl bid. The Vols will be much improved in Jeremy Pruitt’s second season but Kentucky pulls out another close victory.
Kentucky 31-27 5-4 3-4 SEC
Another Tough Road Game
At Vanderbilt- November 16th- Derek Mason’s club boasts one of the best offenses in the SEC. However, Kentucky may be catching them at a good time. Before the Commodores host the Cats they play Missouri, South Carolina, and Florida in successive weeks. A huge throng of True Blue Fans always makes the short trip down I-65 making this a home atmosphere. In yet another close game Kentucky finishes up SEC play with a win and becomes bowl eligible.
Kentucky 27- 23 6-4 4-4 SEC
Easiest Game On The Schedule
Tennessee-Martin- November 23rd- Kentucky hosts the Skyhawks in the traditional playing of an FCS school on the season’s next to last week. This is a game where you get some younger guys some playing time and hope to avoid injury.
Kentucky 52- 14 7-4 4-4 SEC
In-State Battle
Louisville- November 30th- A season ago Kentucky gave the Cardinals their worst loss in the series in nearly 100 years. Scott Satterfield is going to do some great things in Louisville. However, it’s going to take some time. The Wildcats end on a high note by winning the “Battle For The Governor’s Cup” easily. In addition, they defeat the Cardinals at home for the first time since 2009.
Kentucky 42- 20 8-4 4-4 SEC
Which Bowl Game?
So there you have it, we are picking Kentucky to go 8-4 and finish 4-4 in the conference. This would make a fourth straight bowl game for Stoops and the Cats for only the second time in school history.
We are predicting Kentucky to play Virginia in the Belk Bowl on December 31st in Charlotte. It’s the first trip ever to that bowl for Kentucky and the first time these two border schools have played since 1930.
Thanks for checking out our 2019 Kentucky Football Predictions here at Last Word On College Football. Agree or disagree with our picks leave a comment below or on my twitter page.
