There are no lofty expectations set for Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, who embarks on his 13th season as coach of the Wildcats.
A year ago, Kentucky shut out Southern Mississippi to open the season, but a disappointing loss to South Carolina in the Southeastern Conference opener led to a 4-8 finish, including a 1-7 record in the league.
This year, a tough schedule awaits the Wildcats, which includes six games against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. A revamped roster filled with transfers, mixed with a handful of returnees and freshmen, will attempt to rebound from last year’s downfall that ended a unprecedented run of eight straight postseason appearances.
The only way for Kentucky to go is up, and barring an upset here and there, and the Wildcats can break even at 6-6. Here’s the forecast based on this writer’s analytical view of the schedule.
Aug. 30: Toledo
The Rockets are soaring going into the season after defeating Mississippi State and Pitt last year. Toledo is favored to win the MAC. I expect Kentucky to open the season with a fight, but still come away with a win.
Kentucky 28, Toledo 25.
Sept. 7: Ole Miss
Kentucky stunned the Rebels after losing its first two conference games last year. Prior to the loss, Ole Miss had won three in a row in the series. Much like, Kentucky, Ole Miss is rebuilding and the holdovers remember their last outing against the Wildcats.
Ole Miss 34, Kentucky 21
Sept. 13: Eastern Michigan
Kentucky is 2-0 against Eastern Michigan and defeated the Eagles 28-17 in the last meeting between the two teams in 2019. Eastern Michigan isn’t as strong as Toledo, and won’t provide as much of a threat as the Rockets.
Kentucky 34, Eastern Michigan 17
Sept. 27: at South Carolina
Behind Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have won two straight over the Wildcats, including last year’s unexpected blowout at Kroger Field. South Carolina returns its starting quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, and defensive end Dylan Stewart.
USC 30, Kentucky 17
Oct. 4: at Georgia
Kentucky hasn’t beaten the Bulldogs since 2009 and came close with a 13-12 loss to Georgia last year in Lexington. The Bulldogs are hard to beat at home, and UK’s last win against Georgia was in Athens 16 years ago.
Georgia 24, Kentucky 17
Oct. 18: Texas
After two straight road encounters against SEC foes and an open date, Kentucky will face the top-ranked Longhorns, who will be making their first visit to Lexington.
Texas 42, Kentucky 28
Oct. 25: Tennessee
The Volunteers have won four in a row over the Wildcats, but following three straight losses, Kentucky gets back on track against Tennessee at home.
Kentucky 27, Tennessee 21
Nov. 1: Auburn
The Tigers are back on the mend, and Hugh Freeze will be a tough foe to overcome for the Wildcats. Auburn is seeking a breakthrough after putting together successful recruiting classes in back-to-back fashion.
Auburn 30, Kentucky 27
Nov. 8: Florida
Kentucky has won three of the past four games in the series and wants to erase memories of last year’s 48-20 loss in Gainesville.
Kentucky 24, Florida 21
Nov. 15: Tennessee Tech
The Eagles are in their last season in the OVC, and Kentucky shouldn’t have any issues closing the home schedule with a win.
Kentucky 42, Tennessee Tech 10
Nov. 22: at Vanderbilt
The Commodores ended a two-game losing skid to the Wildcats last year in Lexington, and Kentucky will close out the league slate with a win.
Kentucky 24, Vandy 22
Nov. 29: at Louisville
Prior to last season, the Wildcats had won the previous five encounters against the Cardinals, but it will be tougher this time around.
Louisville 29, Kentucky 24
