With several Wildcats returning, can UK football win the SEC East?
By Drew Koch
Is it crazy to think the UK football team could win the SEC East in 2018?
The UK football team is returning a lot of talent to the defensive side of the ball in 2018. Is it crazy to think that the Wildcats could compete for the top spot in the SEC East next season? Kentucky will have the most experienced defense in the SEC, with at least six starters returning for their senior season and 10 of 11 all together.
While the Wildcats’ defense ranked 75th in points per game, returning all four stars of that defense is something for UK football to hang their hat on. Jordan Jones, Mike Edwards, Denzil Ware and Josh Allen all have announced their return to the Wildcats.
The SEC in 2018
Kentucky finished the 2017 season with a 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference. That record was third best in the East behind South Carolina, a team they defeated on the road, and Georgia, the eventual National runners-up.
Kentucky has zero wins against any teams ranked in the AP Top 25 last season, but neither did any other team in the SEC East other than the Georgia Bulldogs. Tennessee went winless in conference-play and the Florida Gators were a sub-.500 team against conference opponents last season. Both programs have moved on from their head coaches. Dan Mullen (Florida) and Jeremy Pruitt (Tennessee) will be charged with changing the culture in Gainesville and Knoxville heading into 2018.
The Cats face a tough SEC schedule next season, with some of their most difficult games on the road. The UK football team is fortunate to be at home for its game against Georgia. However, when they clash with the Gators, Volunteers and Aggies, they will be on the road in some of the most hostile environments in the south. Kentucky also goes head to head with Missouri and Drew Lock on the road as well.
UK’s offense in 2018
The UK football team happens to have the best rusher in the entire Southeastern Conference. Benny Snell will suit up for his junior season in Lexington and after the debacle that saw Snell ejected from the Music City Bowl, one would assume Benny is going to have an even bigger chip on his shoulder. Last season, Snell was second in rushing only to Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson. Snell’s 19 rushing touchdowns led all SEC running backs.
The Cats will also see the return of Dorian Baker in 2018. The 6’3″ senior wide receiver will provide a big target for his new quarterback. Terry Wilson, who transferred from Garden City Community College, is the logical choice to start under center for the Cats.
I think Terry Wilson is the X-factor for the UK football team next season. Wilson was the No. 4 rated JuCo transfer and Mark Stoops was lucky enough to land him in Lexington. There’s still an outside chance that Gunnar Hoak gets the starting nod, but Wilson’s ability as a dual-threat option under center appears too tempting to pass up.
The Cats definitely have an uphill climb to reach the top of the SEC East mountain. But, if you’re going to have a goal, go big or go home. The Wildcats have already proven in back-to-back seasons that they can make it to a bowl game. Now it’s time to prove they can compete with the best teams in the SEC East.