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

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As we enter Mark Stoops’ third season as the head coach of Kentucky Wildcats football, there is some pressure on him to have a winning season. Part of that stems from the fact that his team was in a good position to get to a bowl last year, but lost their last six games. The success in Louisville has something to do with the pressure. Also, the fact that a Tennessee program that was in disarray in the past made a bowl in just Butch Jones’ second season. Throw in the three best back-to- back seasons of Kentucky Wildcats football recruiting ever and you see why there is pressure for Mark Stoops to win this season.

A lot of schools make a big jump in their third season with a new head coach and the Kentucky Wildcats football team appears to be on that same path. Even though missing a bowl was disappointing, this team had a few chances to become bowl eligible. And that can be blamed on the youth.

Kentucky had Florida right where they wanted them but could not put them away and lost 36-30 in triple overtime at the Swamp. The Wildcats played toe-to-toe against then #1 Mississippi State before falling 45-31. And Kentucky lost their season finale on the road to Louisville 44-40. Hopefully with another year of experience, this team has learned how to win those close games and has turned the corner.

This is a good schedule for Kentucky. However, don’t expect a 5-1 start like last year. There is a good mix of winnable games early, followed by the usual SEC gauntlet and for a change, the Wildcats finish with three winnable games which can push them to bowl eligibility. The important thing is not to lose faith with this team even if they drop to a losing record. This schedule is designed for Kentucky to finish strong and make a bowl.

With that said, let’s look at the Kentucky Wildcats football schedule.

Next: Louisiana-Lafayette Rajun Cajuns

Dec 20, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns defensive lineman Christian Ringo (9) celebrates after a sack with teammates defensive lineman Justin Hamilton (6) and defensive tackle Jacoby Briscoe (90) during the second half of the New Orleans Bowl against the Nevada Wolf Pack at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Louisiana-Lafayette defeated Neveda 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

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LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE RAJUN CAJUNS (9-4)

You would think that the Kentucky Wildcats are at a point they can get cocky about facing a Sun Belt team but the memories of back to back losses to Western Kentucky linger and still burn. And as fate would have it, the Wildcats face one of the best Sun Belt teams in the Rajun Cajuns, who are going for their fifth straight nine win season and looking for their fifth bowl win in a row.

However, this is still a game that Kentucky should win without a lot of trouble. The Rajun Cajuns are looking for a new quarterback after Terrance Broadway graduated and the defense lost seven starters. In addition, the offensive line lost their starting right guard and center. There are a lot of holes to fill but Mark Hudspeth has recruited well and has talent, but game one is the time to face this team.

The Rajun Cajun offense will still be solid as Sun Belt Player of the Year Elijah McGuire returns. Kentucky’s offense should put up huge numbers against the Rajun Cajuns. There is too much at stake for Mark Stoops and company to stumble out of the gate against a team they are expected to beat. Look for the Wildcats to open the “new” Commonwealth Stadium in style.

Next: South Carolina Gamecocks

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