Kentucky Wildcats Football: My look at the 2013 season and predictions

Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports

MISSOURI TIGERS
11/9/2013 – TIME TBA
LEXINGTON, KY

The Tigers much hyped first season in the SEC ended with a 5-7 disaster and just further perpetuating the myth that a solid Big 12 team would be pedestrian in the SEC. Last year, the Tigers won less than seven games and were out of bowl contention for the first time since 2004. The Tigers were also outscored for the first time since 2001. Much of this has to do with injuries and as a result, a ton of Missouri players got much-needed experience. So I am not one of those looking to bury the Tigers this year, but Gary Pinkel has a ton of holes to fill.

James Franklin will be back and should have a very solid year as most of his receivers return. The glaring question on offense is at RB where Henry Josey looks to rebound from a horrible injury. If Josey can rebound, he can be one of the top backs in the country. That’s a big if, but Missouri has lots of talent at this position. The key to this team in addition to staying healthy is rebuilding the decimated defensive line and a couple of standout linebackers in Zaviar Gooden and Will Ebner.

The Tigers are perhaps the biggest question mark on UK’s schedule this year and mark this one as another upset opportunity for Kentucky, especially at home. I do think however that the Tigers have a good bit more talent on their roster and Pinkel is too good a coach for them not to gel. It will be close but lets call it Missouri 31 Kentucky 28.

Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

VANDERBILT COMMODORES
11/16/2013 – TIME TBA
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Perhaps the biggest slap in the face for Kentucky football has been that tradition doormat Vandy has not only surpassed the Wildcats, but owned them recently. Vanderbilt has outscored UK 78-8 over the past two seasons and Vandy is a sweetheart top 25 pick this year. That may a bit too lofty goal as Vandy has some serious departures to deal with. Jordan Rogers is gone but Austyn Carta-Samuels has a pair of NFL potential wideouts in Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd to ease the transition. Zac Stacy is gone as well, but Wesley Tate was a consistent backup last year.

James Franklin will have a challenge rebuilding the front seven on defense, but it’s not like the Commodores lack replacements. The big question will be how deep they can go at the defensive line as opposing teams may be able to run the ball against Vandy, but it will be hard to pass against them. I know that UK fans won’t want to deal with this reality and also due to the fact this game is in Nashville, but Vandy should be able to handle the Cats once again, but Kentucky will definitely make it closer. Vanderbilt 31 Kentucky 20

Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

GEORGIA BULLDOGS
11/23/2013 – TIME TBA
ATHENS, GEORGIA

Like Alabama, Georgia has no apparent weaknesses. Aaron Murray and Todd Gurley make up one of the most complete backfield tandems in the nation and while Georgia has to sort out its WR rotation, there is no shortage of talent. Mark Richt did a great job on getting new talent to campus as the Bulldogs had 13 players enroll early and Richt has a ton of new JUCO talent to fill the gaps.

Georgia will be a national title contender and will be clicking on all cylinders when Kentucky travels to Athens. Nothing against UK, bit a lot of teams will get destroyed between the hedges this year. Georgia 38 Kentucky 10.

In the end, it all boils down to Tennessee as to whether Kentucky will get a win in the SEC. In most preseason polls, I think the Vols are vastly overrated as they have a murderous schedule as well and almost as many holes to fill as Kentucky. First the positives. Tennessee should have the best offensive line in the SEC and will have a very solid running attack. Tennessee will be moving back to a 4-3 defense as well and have a pretty solid front seven.

The rest of Tennessee is a huge question mark. Justin Worley should be the starting QB, but Jones and company recruited Joshua Dobbs and he is a contender. The WR position is wide open as no returning player had more than 13 receptions. And the defensive secondary was a mess last year. I know that some pundits keep touting Tennessee as the most improved program in the nation, but that tag has been tossed around the last few years. Tennessee has a huge road back and lost to Vanderbilt 41-18 last year. In reality, the Vols are much closer in talent to Kentucky than even Ole Miss. Will Tennessee be disinterested in the season at this point? Kentucky won’t be. Kentucky 28 Tennessee 21.