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

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Ashton Shumpert (32) in the second half of the Orange Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

OCTOBER 24
@ MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS (10-3)

The good news for Dan Mullen and the Bulldogs? Dak Prescott is back. And almost no one else is. Only four starters return on offense for the Bulldogs and they have to replace three key linemen. Leading rusher Josh Robinson is gone as well. Losing this many players on offense is certainly a concern but Prescott is great at making things happen on his own. There is talent here, but the question is how long will it take to gel.

New defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has a similar task as well. Just three starters return and Diaz has his hands full to find depth at almost every position.

You can expect the Bulldogs to take a step or two back this year, although some preseason polls have them in the top 25. That is just on paper, however, as the Bulldogs have a lot of work to do. If this game was in Lexington, I would like Kentucky’s chances a lot better but this is a game to keep an eye on. Depending on how the seasons progress, this could turn into a tossup game or even a Kentucky win. For now, I still like the Bulldogs but this is another opportunity to turn the corner for Kentucky and post a win on the road.

Next: Tennessee Volunteers