Definite Wins
New Mexico State
Austin Peay
We’d really have to suffer some kind of complete meltdown to lose these. Chance of a loss is under 1%.
Likely Wins
Southern Miss
Season opener. They had a good season, so this one’s not a gimme. Chance of a loss is ~30%, which to me is still unacceptably high.
Complete Toss-Ups
South Carolina
Vanderbilt
Missouri
Like it or not, these programs are UK’s “peers” in the SEC at the moment. For the Wildcats to make strides, we need to consistently beat all three, or at least 2 each year. I see these as true 50/50 games.
Likely Losses
Mississippi State
Louisville
It pains me to put Louisville in this category, but until we beat them again, that’s where they should stay. Same goes for MSU. MSU was formerly in the “peer” category, but has since surpassed us. They could take a step back without Dak, of course. We shall see. ~30% chance of a win against each.
Definite Losses
Alabama
Tennessee
Florida
Georgia
The talent gap from top to bottom between us and these programs is significant. Yes, some of these teams have had issues, but they are all trending upwards now. A surprise upset here would be very important. ~10% chance of a win against one of these teams, except Bama.
Keys to a Successful Season
· Play fundamentally sound (minimal penalties, players execute their assignments)
· No game management brainfarts from the coaching staff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
· Noticeable player development
· Improved special teams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summary
Best case scenario is 7-5, sweep the gimmes and toss-ups, and beat one of UofL/MSU. I just don’t see a higher ceiling than that right now. 6-6 would still be a definite step forward given the circumstances. Most likely outcomes in my opinion are 4-8 or 5-7, though, which won’t make the fans happy, and Stoops’ seat will get deservedly hot. Really, 2015 was so disappointing because the schedule was set up very favorably for UK to gain some momentum, but in-game mismanagement cost us a victory or two, and that’s on the staff. Players performing poorly likely cost us another. Here’s hoping the staff rights the ship for 2016; it’s only gonna get tougher. GBB!