Coming off their third straight bowl appearance, the University of Kentucky Wildcats have begun to gain some consistency, while still lacking the depth and talent to compete for conference championships. Most Wildcat fans would be pleased just to make a bowl game year in and out. Well evidenced over the years, however, is that mediocrity is alright in the short term, but you must show that you can compete for championships every now and then to keep a head coaching gig in the SEC. Rich Brooks hopes that junior quarterback Mike Hartline got the wake-up call midway through last season when he was benched in favor of a wide receiver-turned-running quarterback Randall Cobb. Cobb has been moved back to wideout and Hartline will get the nod to start the season once again. The Wildcats' passing offense was dreadful last year, finishing 96th in the nation. The offensive line is anchored by three seniors, so that could be a strength if the youngsters come along quickly. After three years of being a backup, Alfonso Smith will finally be the starting running back. Randall Cobb should be a playmaker at wideout, but only as long as Hartline is able to get him the ball enough.
On defense, the Wildcats return one of the nations best defensive backs in senior Trevard Lindley. Lindley will likely be a first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Other than that, the Wildcats return just two other starters, neither of which are impact players. With sack leader Jeremy Jarmon violating a banned substance policy and being ineligible for the 2009-10 season, the defense will have very little depth or experience. Other than Lindley, the defense could be a big liability if some new faces to step up and answer the call.
The Wildcats senior place kicker Lones Seiber has been hot and cold througout his career, more cold as of late. By his senior year, he should be more consistent. Sophomore Ryan Tydlacka will handle the punting duties and could even get a shot at field goals if Seiber continues to struggle.
With a tough schedule, Kentucky will rely on winning some of its easier games at home against teams like Eastern Kentucky and Lousiana-Monore. However, those look like the only two guaranteed wins for the whole season. Out of conference games against Louisville and at Miami (Ohio) are toss ups. Kentucky's conference schedule is no easier with foes like Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee on the schedule. A school record fourth consecutive bowl appearance would be a phenomenal feat for a mediocre Kentucky team with a tricky schedule.
PREDICTIONS:
Realistic Best Case Scenario: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 2-9
X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 4-8 (1-7) 5th place in the SEC East
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