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

Apr 18, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Gimel President (42) at the line of scrimmage during the spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

OCTOBER 15
AUBURN TIGERS (8-5)

The new Commonwealth Stadium will be on a national stage as Kentucky hosts the Tigers in a rare Thursday night game on ESPN. Even though Auburn stumbled a bit last year, this is still a very solid team and they will be a contender in the SEC West and for a national title.

There are lots of new faces for the Tigers. QB Jeremy Johnson is poised for a breakout year and the skill positions have to be restocked, but Gus Malzahn will have this offense clicking by the time it gets to Lexington. The big challenge is on defense, which was the Tiger’s Achille heel last season, giving up 32.8 points per SEC contest. Enter Will Muschamp and you should see immediate improvement here. It also helps to have defensive end Carl Lawson back from injury.

Bottom line, this is probably Kentucky’s toughest game this year as they do not seem to match up well with the Tigers. Anything is possible and a jam-packed Commonwealth Stadium for the Thursday night game should be electric. Kentucky has a chance if Muschamp’s defense has not gelled yet, but I don’t see Auburn struggling too much here.

Next: Mississippi State Bulldogs