Could This Be THE Year?

[SPECT imaging]

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?

Depends on which positions we are discussing. Joe Burrow was taken #1 in the draft, so I am not prepared to comp Will Levis. But Levis is making fast progress and may be capable of leading a team ranked higher than Kentucky was ranked last year. Side note: Levis way impressed me in the Citrus Bowl.

I do not know yet if our offensive line is on that level, but it might be. We have great running backs. But our receivers are not even in the same ball park until proven otherwise.

Both of our kickers are back.

We have a chance for a great defense if a couple of new players come through. Our linebackers are high caliber and I have high hopes for our defensive line. Getting Ajian back helps. Cornerbacks? WWS.

 

[southindycat]

Do you know that "if" is the middle word in "life"?

 

[why_not_kentucky]

Without CRod

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Without CRod

Is that official yet? Obviously that would change the season's outlook immensely IMO. I do not think we had much of a chance of winning the SEC East over UGA regardless, but not having him makes it tougher.

 

[UKat1]

No

 

[why_not_kentucky]

Is that official yet? Obviously that would change the season's outlook immensely IMO. I do not think we had much of a chance of winning the SEC East over UGA regardless, but not having him makes it tougher.

At least 4 games he will sit. Can we pick em.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

Untested , unproven reciver corps, New O Coordinator, our all SEC back possibly suspended for the trip to Gainseville, and we lost 3 of our 4 starting o linemen to NFL on defensive side of ball untested secondary. No way to pick us to win SEC with all those questions. Not trying to be negative but that's an awful lot of question marks to be predicting a shot to the moon. We could be a contender but ask me after we go to Gainesville, alot of those questions will be answered there.

 

[GADAWGinIraq]

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...

You just described LOTS of CFB players, especially Ohio State QBs. Does it even matter if a player is a product of talent around himself if he's successful and his team is winning?
This year Bennett may have the best TEs and the best OL in the country. I don't care if he's a pro or not, I just want him to take care of business at UGA. This is also his first year in Athens of going through Spring and Summer as the number one guy so he's getting more prepared with the one's.

He was top 3 in QBR and YPA last year and still gets no respect. It's somewhat comical.

 

[The-Hack]

He was top 3 in QBR and YPA last year and still gets no respect. It's somewhat comical.

He has a nice ring, too.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

He has a nice ring, too.

That thing looks like a glove on him.

 

[The-Hack]

That thing looks like a glove on him.

You sayin' he could wear it on his neck?

 

[JoeSwag]

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.

That 2019 LSU team is arguably the greatest team of all-time (1995 Nebraska, 2001 Miami being at the top). I don't think we could ever reach that level but I'd dream of a legit NY6 Bowl appearance for the best rated bowl outside of the CFP.

I just don't think we ever make that level.

 

[The-Hack]

That 2019 LSU team is arguably the greatest team of all-time (1995 Nebraska, 2001 Miami being at the top).

I guess. Their defense ended up 33rd nationally.

They were the AP 25th ranked team, preseason 2018. A 10-3 team coming into '18, with less 4-5 Star talent than Bama and Georgia, depending on an unproven 3-Star transfer who couldn't earn a starting sniff at his prior Big Ten School.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

You sayin' he could wear it on his neck?

Neck, waist or thigh, it's a huge ring. Even looks big on Jordan Davis.