An early game by game look at the Kentucky Wildcats football season

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Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

NOVEMBER 28
LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (9-4)

Perhaps no team has been hit harder by players leaving than Louisville. The Cardinals lost 15 starters and five All ACC performers. Granted, there is still talent on this team but I would rather see this game in early September. However, the talent level could be pretty even in this one and you could not have said that for a while. Plus, this game is at Commonwealth.

The Cardinals will have to almost totally rebuild on offense. Three starters on the offensive line and most of the receiving corps are gone. In addition, there will be a quarterback battle as well. There are players to compete for every position, but it is going to take some doing to get this offense anywhere near last years level.

Same goes for the defense. All four starters in the defensive secondary are gone, but Bobby Petrino was savvy in getting Georgia transfers Shaq Wiggins and Josh-Harvery Clemons should step right in and start. Todd Grantham has three spots to fill in the line and LB corps as well. They should find starters but depth may be an issue this year.

Last year, Kentucky gave the Cardinals all they wanted in a 44-40 loss at PJCS. This year, you have to think that the Wildcats could have an advantage at Commonwealth. Louisville may have a bit more talent, but that disparity has been almost eliminated. If Kentucky progresses like I think they will, you will see that in this game.

Granted, a record of 6-6 may not seem like a lot of improvement for season three, but it is following the same path that Tennessee took. Plus, there are a few games that I picked Kentucky to lose that could be tossups. South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State are all games that Kentucky could find themselves with a chance to win.

Getting to a bowl will be a nice reward for season three for this team. And I think it happens.

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