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Could This Be THE Year?

The-Hack

All-American
Oct 1, 2016
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It has become a relevant question.

Could Kentucky catch fire and win a conference title, and go to the playoffs?

Most football indicators say no. Only one playoff/BCS team got a slot without 50 percent (or better) recruiting of 4 or 5 Star players over a 4 year time period . . . Cincinnati last year.

And (without doing a detailed accounting) we will have about 30 former 4/5 Star players on the roster next season: not the magic number of 43, but far ahead of the 2019 Citrus Bowl 10-3 squad (about 18 then).

But considering that we have several top-notch, key, mature players who were three stars that militate against our “mathematical chances,” it makes it interesting. Will Levis was just a 3 Star Rivals player, and is pretty close to a consensus pick to be a 1st draftee. Crod was a three star, but if healthy, will again lead the SEC in rushing. Cox was an unknown three-star and will anchor our offensive line. D’Erick Jackson and Marquez Jones were three stars coming out of high school. Who in the SEC would you prefer at their linebacker spots?

Is this the year that a magical Kentucky QB and Top 15 defense shocks the world?

Are we really that far away from the total mix of talent that carried Joe Burrow’s LSU team to a title 3 years ago?

It is a question unanswered, but relevant nationally.
 
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It has become a relevant question.

Could Kentucky catch fire and win a conference title, and go to the playoffs?

Most football indicators say no. Only one playoff/BCS team got a slot without 50 percent (or better) recruiting of 4 or 5 Star players over a 4 year time period . . . Cincinnati last year.

And (without doing a detailed accounting) we will have about 30 former 4/5 Star players on the roster next season: not the magic number of 43, but far ahead of the 2019 Citrus Bowl 10-3 squad (about 18 then).

But considering that we have several top-notch, key, mature players who were three stars that militate against our “mathematical chances,” it makes it interesting. Will Levis was just a 3 Star Rivals player, and is pretty close to a consensus pick to be a lottery draftee. Crod was a three star, but if healthy, will again lead the SEC in rushing. Cox was an unknown three-star and will anchor our offensive line. D’Erick Jackson and Marquez Jones were three stars coming out of high school. Who in the SEC would you prefer at their linebacker spots?

Is this the year that a magical Kentucky QB and Top 15 defense shocks the world?

Are we really that far away from the total mix of talent that carried Joe Burrow’s LSU team to a title 3 years ago?

It is a question unanswered, but relevant nationally.
I like this post! Thanks, JC
 
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Unless Georgia and Alabama left the SEC for the NFL it's unlikely. It could happen though, not a 0% thing.
Sure, they are tough hurdles, but we get Georgia at home, and if we face Bama, we’ve already shocked the world.

Beating Georgia and/or Bama will take some freaky Burrow/Manziel type plays, but we might just have the freak to get it done.
 
UF, UT, and OM, win two of those and the UGA game at home will probably decide who goes to Atlanta; it could happen with two losses but not likely. Lots of variables at this point with UT looking stronger, could end up being three teams at the top with 6-2 conference records. All this preseason speculation is what makes college football fun though and it’s nice to be able to throw in the Cats as a viable contender.
 
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UF, UT, and OM, win two of those and the UGA game at home will probably decide who goes to Atlanta; it could happen with two losses but not likely. Lots of variables at this point with UT looking stronger, could end up being three teams at the top with 6-2 conference records. All this preseason speculation is what makes college football fun though and it’s nice to be able to throw in the Cats as a viable contender.
Look at UT’s schedule not going to end up 6-2
 
It has become a relevant question.

Could Kentucky catch fire and win a conference title, and go to the playoffs?

Most football indicators say no. Only one playoff/BCS team got a slot without 50 percent (or better) recruiting of 4 or 5 Star players over a 4 year time period . . . Cincinnati last year.

And (without doing a detailed accounting) we will have about 30 former 4/5 Star players on the roster next season: not the magic number of 43, but far ahead of the 2019 Citrus Bowl 10-3 squad (about 18 then).

But considering that we have several top-notch, key, mature players who were three stars that militate against our “mathematical chances,” it makes it interesting. Will Levis was just a 3 Star Rivals player, and is pretty close to a consensus pick to be a lottery draftee. Crod was a three star, but if healthy, will again lead the SEC in rushing. Cox was an unknown three-star and will anchor our offensive line. D’Erick Jackson and Marquez Jones were three stars coming out of high school. Who in the SEC would you prefer at their linebacker spots?

Is this the year that a magical Kentucky QB and Top 15 defense shocks the world?

Are we really that far away from the total mix of talent that carried Joe Burrow’s LSU team to a title 3 years ago?

It is a question unanswered, but relevant nationally.

Um, yes, we are really that far away from the Joe Burrow team. That is one of the greatest college football teams of all time. I'm a UK fan, but geez...
 
I can see us getting to Atlanta at 6-2 including a win at home over UGA. UGA’s losing a lot and I can see them dropping 2 conference games. Not saying it’s likely, but in the realm of possibility. Doubt we win the SECCG if we make it, so highly doubt we make the playoff. I will hope like hell for even more, but I’d honestly be thrilled just to getting to Atlanta. This result would probably be or 3rd best season EVER. Hard to complain about that.
 
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Personally, another 10-win season, a bowl victory and top 15 finish - I'm good. We don't recruit on the level of Bama, GA, A&M, LSU so my expectations are, most years, we're not going to beat those teams. We do have a strong team coming back this year and I would hope/expect that we'll be in the race for the SECE again this year. It COULD be THE year but I think we're still behind GA in the East and Bama (maybe another 1 or 2) in the West. But, a UK football program that consistently wins 8+ games, goes bowling, finishes in top 25 - I'm on board. With that scenario, I would think every 3-4 years we'd have a team that seriously challenges the big dogs and gets to 10 wins or more.
 
I think everyone is a bit 2 high imo, good to be positive but until the new OC shows to be a winner who the heck knows what we have. Also remember our secondary was so bad it hurts.
 
If the ball bounces our way and we win our 50/50 games and the games we have been giving away (EwwTee). AND some balls bounce Ga's opponents way, we COULD get to ATL with a loss to UGA. They would need to have 2 obviously. I don't think it will happen, hope is not a plan, but s&*( happens. Just ask the BB team...

and its fun to have hope.
 
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UK, UT, USC, UF and UGA all feel good about getting to Atlanta in Dec. Clearly 4 fanbases going to be disappointed. All 5 have reason to be optimistic, all return
QBs with starting experience. UF will have a QB they want to compare to Cam Newton, we will have to see about that, they lost a good bit defensively too but have worked the portal. Carolina has worked the portal hard and had success, they improved over the year and are excited about the season. UT returns alot of production, have brought in some former 5* and will be a threat to score alot of points. UK has brought in some portal help, have arguably their best RB ever returning, the most successful
QB in 20, is that fair? But have a little concern with secondary. UGA will take a step backwards defensively, but takes a big step forward offensively
 
We're all just trying to catch up to SEC Media darling, South Carolina. They're going to be the best team in the history of the SEC East, if you talk to any media member and USCjr fan. They're beyond delusional. They still think as UK as an automatic win even tho we've been kicking their ass for years now.

I think they are a little high on themselves. They were hammered by CU and ATM and caught AU and UF after they quit. But Rattler is a big upgrade at QB and their TE room is good, Josh Vann is a good WR and they have a nice stable of RB. I think their ceiling is 7 wins with losses to CU, ATM, UGA, UT, UK. UF could go either way. I don't know who their other west foe is.

I just think their LOS is not up to snuff on either side of the ball. But I also think Stetson Bennett has turned out better than I thought he could ever be.
 
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What can allow a team with really good talent to upset a team with elite talent is the QB position. Unfortunately even if Levis has an awesome year he would only be marginally better than Young. So getting over the Bama hurdle would still be a tall mountain to climb. OTOH UGA will have talent but there is no way you will ever make me believe a team can lose 14 guys to the NFL and come back just as good the next year, and the CATS will be better.

We have a great shot to win the East IMO, but beyond that it gets a bit dicey.
 
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It has become a relevant question.

Could Kentucky catch fire and win a conference title, and go to the playoffs?

Most football indicators say no. Only one playoff/BCS team got a slot without 50 percent (or better) recruiting of 4 or 5 Star players over a 4 year time period . . . Cincinnati last year.

And (without doing a detailed accounting) we will have about 30 former 4/5 Star players on the roster next season: not the magic number of 43, but far ahead of the 2019 Citrus Bowl 10-3 squad (about 18 then).

But considering that we have several top-notch, key, mature players who were three stars that militate against our “mathematical chances,” it makes it interesting. Will Levis was just a 3 Star Rivals player, and is pretty close to a consensus pick to be a lottery draftee. Crod was a three star, but if healthy, will again lead the SEC in rushing. Cox was an unknown three-star and will anchor our offensive line. D’Erick Jackson and Marquez Jones were three stars coming out of high school. Who in the SEC would you prefer at their linebacker spots?

Is this the year that a magical Kentucky QB and Top 15 defense shocks the world?

Are we really that far away from the total mix of talent that carried Joe Burrow’s LSU team to a title 3 years ago?

It is a question unanswered, but relevant nationally.
That LSU team had 14 draft picks..... The WR were Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall. It's extremely "out there" to compare this Kentucky team to arguably one of the greatest teams in the last 40 years.
 
Look at UT’s schedule not going to end up 6-2
Yeah, would be tough but I’m giving them a win in Baton Rouge (sorry FTR). They more than likely end up 5-3 but they’re going to move the ball against a lot of teams.
 
It has become a relevant question.

Could Kentucky catch fire and win a conference title, and go to the playoffs?

Most football indicators say no. Only one playoff/BCS team got a slot without 50 percent (or better) recruiting of 4 or 5 Star players over a 4 year time period . . . Cincinnati last year.

And (without doing a detailed accounting) we will have about 30 former 4/5 Star players on the roster next season: not the magic number of 43, but far ahead of the 2019 Citrus Bowl 10-3 squad (about 18 then).

But considering that we have several top-notch, key, mature players who were three stars that militate against our “mathematical chances,” it makes it interesting. Will Levis was just a 3 Star Rivals player, and is pretty close to a consensus pick to be a lottery draftee. Crod was a three star, but if healthy, will again lead the SEC in rushing. Cox was an unknown three-star and will anchor our offensive line. D’Erick Jackson and Marquez Jones were three stars coming out of high school. Who in the SEC would you prefer at their linebacker spots?

Is this the year that a magical Kentucky QB and Top 15 defense shocks the world?

Are we really that far away from the total mix of talent that carried Joe Burrow’s LSU team to a title 3 years ago?

It is a question unanswered, but relevant nationally.
It takes patience and faith to be a fan of a rebuilding SEC football program. Kentucky has come such a long way since Stoops took the job in 2013. Beating Iowa in the bowl, with so many Wildcat starters missing, was a big deal. Our guys have a will to win, and Levis is becoming a big time leader. Most people commenting on this website probably never believed Stoops would make it to multiple 10 win seasons and big time bowl wins like this.

Georgia is the defending national champion. We get the Bulldogs at home this year. The Bulldogs lost the heart of their great defense in the draft. But Kentucky also lost a lot. We are replacing both offensive tackles, our starting center, our receivers, our starting defensive line, and most of our secondary. These are big changes.

All the new starters may need some time. Playing Florida, in Gainesville, will be telling. All these changes that Stoops must make will be in the process of settling when the Cats travel to Gainesville. If we struggle in that game, then this could be another team like last year that develops gradually until November. But if the cream rises to the top and we handle the Gators on their field, then this could be a team with early momentum needed for a special season. There will be other traps along the way. Traveling to Ole Miss and Tennessee will be a couple of real bears this year. By the time we play Georgia, all those holes I can see in their lineup now will be filled by all those top 5 recruiting classes Smart has signed. SEC football is the best.
 
Unless Georgia and Alabama left the SEC for the NFL it's unlikely. It could happen though, not a 0% thing.
I know we haven't been prepared to challenge the likes of UGA for the east, but we literally played them for the SEC Eastern Division crown in 2018. And was close to doing the same last year.

UGA had 6 players from their Defense selected on the First day of the NFL draft. I don't care how good the replacements are, you don't lose that much talent and not take a step back defensively. On the flip side, our Offense is poised to take a huge step forward. Our QB's stock is suddenly soaring through the roof. I'm not conceding things to UGA just yet. We are closer to them than we've been in many many years, to the point I think that game on Nov. 19th in Lexington, could be the biggest game in this programs history. Did anybody think we had a shot against LSU in 2007? Upsets happen, and If this season plays out like we hope, us Beating UGA won't really be all that huge of an upset. We've come that far as a program.

And honestly, I don't care if we make the SEC championship and get shellacked 54-10 by Bama. The fact we are in the SEC championship alone is monumental for the program.
 
It takes patience and faith to be a fan of a rebuilding SEC football program. Kentucky has come such a long way since Stoops took the job in 2013. Beating Iowa in the bowl, with so many Wildcat starters missing, was a big deal. Our guys have a will to win, and Levis is becoming a big time leader. Most people commenting on this website probably never believed Stoops would make it to multiple 10 win seasons and big time bowl wins like this.

Georgia is the defending national champion. We get the Bulldogs at home this year. The Bulldogs lost the heart of their great defense in the draft. But Kentucky also lost a lot. We are replacing both offensive tackles, our starting center, our receivers, our starting defensive line, and most of our secondary. These are big changes.

All the new starters may need some time. Playing Florida, in Gainesville, will be telling. All these changes that Stoops must make will be in the process of settling when the Cats travel to Gainesville. If we struggle in that game, then this could be another team like last year that develops gradually until November. But if the cream rises to the top and we handle the Gators on their field, then this could be a team with early momentum needed for a special season. There will be other traps along the way. Traveling to Ole Miss and Tennessee will be a couple of real bears this year. By the time we play Georgia, all those holes I can see in their lineup now will be filled by all those top 5 recruiting classes Smart has signed. SEC football is the best.

As Defeeense stated UGA lost 15 guys to the draft and 4 guys to the portal. That is a lot of talent gone, but its not like there isnt any left, at least 6 on the 22 defense will get drafted, barring injury of course. Dont expext the nimber 1 defense. But would be surprised if no a top 10-15 range. I think the offense will be elite in 22, it was in 31 when Kirby wanted it to be. But he shut things down by middle of 3rd most games. No one respects Bennett, not even alot of our fans, they should check out last year's stats.
 
As Defeeense stated UGA lost 15 guys to the draft and 4 guys to the portal. That is a lot of talent gone, but its not like there isnt any left, at least 6 on the 22 defense will get drafted, barring injury of course. Dont expext the nimber 1 defense. But would be surprised if no a top 10-15 range. I think the offense will be elite in 22, it was in 31 when Kirby wanted it to be. But he shut things down by middle of 3rd most games. No one respects Bennett, not even alot of our fans, they should check out last year's stats.
Bennett is a product of elite talent around him. If he were as good as his numbers suggest he'd get drafted in the first few rounds. He likely won't get drafted. You put him on Kentucky or Tennessee's roster and he wouldn't start for either team...
 
It has become a relevant question.

Could Kentucky catch fire and win a conference title, and go to the playoffs?

Most football indicators say no. Only one playoff/BCS team got a slot without 50 percent (or better) recruiting of 4 or 5 Star players over a 4 year time period . . . Cincinnati last year.

And (without doing a detailed accounting) we will have about 30 former 4/5 Star players on the roster next season: not the magic number of 43, but far ahead of the 2019 Citrus Bowl 10-3 squad (about 18 then).

But considering that we have several top-notch, key, mature players who were three stars that militate against our “mathematical chances,” it makes it interesting. Will Levis was just a 3 Star Rivals player, and is pretty close to a consensus pick to be a lottery draftee. Crod was a three star, but if healthy, will again lead the SEC in rushing. Cox was an unknown three-star and will anchor our offensive line. D’Erick Jackson and Marquez Jones were three stars coming out of high school. Who in the SEC would you prefer at their linebacker spots?

Is this the year that a magical Kentucky QB and Top 15 defense shocks the world?

Are we really that far away from the total mix of talent that carried Joe Burrow’s LSU team to a title 3 years ago?

It is a question unanswered, but relevant nationally.
We don’t have anywhere near the talent of that LSU team. Come on lol. As far as Georgia until we get within a single possession of them I’m not picking us to win that game.
 
Bennett is a product of elite talent around him. If he were as good as his numbers suggest he'd get drafted in the first few rounds. He likely won't get drafted. You put him on Kentucky or Tennessee's roster and he wouldn't start for either team...
Bennett is a sort of a poor man's Jason White, for those that remember him, he was the Oklahoma, Heisman winner that never even got drafted. They are both exceptionally good game managers but aren't the kind of players who can carry a team on their shoulders so to speak.
 
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Bennett is a product of elite talent around him. If he were as good as his numbers suggest he'd get drafted in the first few rounds. He likely won't get drafted. You put him on Kentucky or Tennessee's roster and he wouldn't start for either team...

I thought that too, but he still has to make the reads and the throws. He ran for numerous 1st downs and was money on 3rd down. What more is he suppose to do? And he did it without his top 2 WR, that excuse is suppose to work for Bama. We had 1 elite receiver last year and he was a TE. It wasn't like he was throwing to all SEC receivers. His numbers don't lie, he has been a good college QB. Defense will take step back, but barring injuries 7 will likely be drafted and 3 have a shot of going in the first round. Of course UK has a chance to beat us, several on the schedule do, but this team is kirbys most talented offensive team, and may have to be.
 
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I know we haven't been prepared to challenge the likes of UGA for the east, but we literally played them for the SEC Eastern Division crown in 2018. And was close to doing the same last year.

UGA had 6 players from their Defense selected on the First day of the NFL draft. I don't care how good the replacements are, you don't lose that much talent and not take a step back defensively. On the flip side, our Offense is poised to take a huge step forward. Our QB's stock is suddenly soaring through the roof. I'm not conceding things to UGA just yet. We are closer to them than we've been in many many years, to the point I think that game on Nov. 19th in Lexington, could be the biggest game in this programs history. Did anybody think we had a shot against LSU in 2007? Upsets happen, and If this season plays out like we hope, us Beating UGA won't really be all that huge of an upset. We've come that far as a program.

And honestly, I don't care if we make the SEC championship and get shellacked 54-10 by Bama. The fact we are in the SEC championship alone is monumental for the program.
Played them for the East last year also played them better than the rest of the east last year
 
Our program is a better place now than it’s ever been in my lifetime, so there is a lot to be excited about. I’m just not sure we’re all the way there yet to compete for a conference title and playoff spot though.

To start with, we’re returning a good team, but not a flawless one. We’re replacing a lot of production on both lines, our secondary is a big question mark, and we may suddenly have some instability in the backfield depending on how the C-Rod stuff plays out. I like our recruiting in most of those areas, but there’s very little room for growing pains when you’re trying to run the table in the SEC.

The other part of the equation is that I don’t see our schedule as all that favorable this year. While I’m thrilled that we’re now legitimately competing with Florida and Tennessee, we aren’t beating them regularly yet, and in fact still haven’t managed to beat both of them in the same year. Those are both road games. We’re also playing what should be a very good Ole Miss team on the road and probably shouldn’t even take Missouri for granted given that we’ve struggled a bit the last couple of times we played there. South Carolina and Mississippi State probably won’t be world beaters, but also shouldn’t be doormats like they haven’t been at times in recent years. We have to get through all of that to even worry about Georgia, who I honestly think some here are underrating. Yes, they probably won’t be quite as good as last year, but them and Bama have basically been operating at a different level than the rest of the sport for several years now. They can take a step down from “arguably the best college defense of the modern era” and still be better than most everyone else. I doubt we’ll be favored in that game as it stands now.

None of this is to say that I think we’ll have a bad year or that we can’t keep improving our program, but for this year I’ll be happy to get 8-10 wins and a solid bowl game.
 
No because Saban is a freaking punk and Ridriguez cat behave himself. If it wasn't for these late developments then yes we had a chance!! Nick Saban is the biggest turd in sports!!
 
That LSU team had 14 draft picks..... The WR were Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall. It's extremely "out there" to compare this Kentucky team to arguably one of the greatest teams in the last 40 years.
Potato, Justin Jefferson had a lower ranking coming out of high school than any U.K. receiver, a 5.2 two Star ranking. I can’t find Jamar Chase in the Rivals database. Marshall was a 5 Star.

Yeah, that LSU team turned out to be special. But there were those, preseason, who had them ranked below our ranking coming into 2022: (AP 25th!!)


That LSU team was picked to finish second or third (and even 4th) in the West, was coming off a 10-3 record, and led by a former Three Star QB who got nary a sniff at starting at a Big Ten school.

Sure, I get it, Potato, but show me a preseason prognosticator that picked “one of the greatest teams in the last 40 years” to win their division that year.

The AP picked LSU to finish 4th in the West, and 25th nationally, preseason, 2018/19.

The 2018/19 LSU total team defense ended ranked 33rd, well below Kentucky’s ranking that year (14th) or any other [non-Covid] season’s UK ranking since 2018.

The greatness of that LSU team was not balanced: it was heavily tilted to Burrow’s ungodly, record-setting 79.9 percent completion rate (yes, great receivers who blossomed helped a lot).

Let Levis get close, say 72%, to 74%, and we’ll be in a similar position as we were in mid-season in 2018 and 2021: in the thick of the SEC East race, and top 12ish, being openly talked about for a NYD6 Bowl or more.

It might all get de-railed: Crod’s situation is concerning.

But it is hardly laughable that a team that will be preseason ranked 22nd, or so, could not replicate what the 2018 preseason ranked 25th team accomplished.

It will take QB magic.

And I think we have the magician in place.
 
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