Don't be afraid to raise expectations

[UKErik]

A few thoughts on why UK football fans should consider raising expectations this fall;

1. Schedule...a lot of coaches have said expectations should be centered around the schedule. If that's true, UK could surprise a lot of people. The Cats have eight games in Lexington. Only one of the four road opponents is likely to be ranked in the preseason top 25. Looking at the home opponents, four are OOC schools that Kentucky will likely be favored to beat (U of L game could be the possible exception). Of the four home SEC opponents, only Auburn looks to be a potential powerhouse. So overall, this schedule is probably as friendly as any in recent memory.

2. IMO, to have a breakout season in the SEC, you need to have a dominant offensive or defensive unit. UK's offense could make that happen. I haven't been this excited about the o-skill positions since 2007. I don't know that I've ever been more excited about an offensive coordinator (just have a feeling Dawson is going to be tremendous). The biggest question mark for me is the same as is it for many of you. What are we going to get from the offensive line? I'm confident we'll get better play than we saw last season, but will it be enough to get to 450 yards and 30+ ppg? Time will tell.

3. Another necessity is to have at least a formidable unit on the other side. Can UK's defense be formidable? Part of that is what you have from a talent perspective. Another part of it is who you're playing. Who knows how things will play out, but this could be one of those years in which the UK defense doesn't have to face many elite level offenses. The Cats face a number of schools that have significant question marks on the offensive side of the football. With improvement at cornerback (and that's a big if), UK's defense would likely take a significant step toward becoming a respectable unit. IMO, corner play is the biggest question mark on the entire team.

There are a lot of "keys" for UK to have a breakout season (8+ wins). We all know about the OL question marks. The corner question marks. Depth issues at a lot of spots. Beyond that, two things jump out at me;

1. Making plays at "winning time." Last years team was mostly a failure in this area. UK did make winning plays against South Carolina, but they failed in EVERY other close game. The dropped interception at Florida (and the 4th down conversion). The special teams failure against Mississippi State when UK had pulled within 38-31. The dropped interception at Louisville. UK even hung with Missouri but couldn't make a play on offense. Since UK isn't going to drill many people, they MUST take advantage of opportunities in close games. Last years team, which wasn't very deep or talented, could have gone 7-5 had they simply made routine plays against the Gators and Cards.

2. Injuries. Like a lot of you, I laughed when I heard Badet and Boom were hurt almost immediately. Talk about UK's non-existent luck. Well, both injuries appear to be minor. Maybe the luck is changing??? Most teams aren't able to withstand a flurry of injuries, but teams like UK are especially affected. Can UK catch a break with the injury bug?

Since 2010, UK's "window" for potential wins has mostly been between 2-7. This season, I think it's more like 5-9. That's certainly a step in the right direction for Mark Stoops, and with a couple of breaks here and there, could lead to a much improved record come seasons end.

GBB!!!

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

Good post, but you know many UK fans are scared to death to raise their expectations after having been hurt so often over the years. Start the year 3-1 against that schedule and I think people will believe.

 

[Beatle Bum]

Dawson says there are guys lining up on the outside that are making plays every day. But he would not name them. He has no problem telling us that Juice is doing well in the slot or wherever he lines up, but does not want to reveal the playmakers on the outside. I find that interesting.

 

[GridCats]

As fan's we have had a lot of hard losses over the years. Staying in the game the 4th quarter has been a real problem. I like to think now that we have a team that is deep enough and in good condition to stay strong in the last quarter and finish now. So, I like to think we have at least seven win's.

 

[vhcat70]

The problem isn't raised expectations, it's the reactions when they're not met.

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

#1 great to see back Erik. I was waiting to see what you thought about this years team.
#2 the schedule is night and day compared to last year. We've got byes and a thursday night game sandwiched in just the right places, 8 home games against 1 elite team and 7 beatable teams. and some winnable road games.
#3 agreed on offense potentially being dominant and the encouraging signs from the oline point to this being a breakout year on offense
#4 defense should be improved, there's no doubt about it. Depth across the defense is better than it's been and there's a ton of experience with all of the seniors and juniors, plus talented young guys trying to break into the 2 deep.

Consistency, injuries, and making the ROUTINE plays when we need to will determine whether it's a 6 win season or a 8 or 9 win season. I said awhile back that if we were able to have a top 25 offense and top 40 defense this could be a very special year. Both are attainable, maybe offense a little more than defense but Stoops does have a proven track record in turning around defenses.

I just hope that the fans don't turn on the staff if we only get 5 or 6 wins. 5 wins is hard for me to see because of the 8 home games but if we catch some bad breaks or injuries start to pile up it is certainly possible.

Looking forward to seeing your season predictions!

 

[rmattox]

My "expectations" or beliefs that something should be a certain way almost like an entitlement, relative to Ky Football are as follows:
1 The team should always be prepared for its opponent;
2 The team should always have a hunger to defeat the opponent;
3 The team should be competitive with every team it plays...no matter if it's Bama, Auburn, UGA or even if lesser schools like osu, we are in the SEC with SEC caliber players;
4 We should be able to beat Vandy 9/10 meetings; MSU, Ole Miss, ul at least 6/10; USC, Mizzou, Ark, 5/10 meetings. As for other 3 OOC opponents, we should go 3-0 every year.

As for our record this year, I see no reason for them not to win at least 4 games. Hoping they can snag at least two more but won't be surprised if they don't. We're still very, very young.

 

[JHB4UK]

Wish I could like Erik's post 50 times

Unlike 2007 I feel we have a coach & a coordinator who won't be afraid to let the offense cut loose. The gameplan won't be play passive conservative/safe/field position offense for the first 3 quarters, then let the incredibly talented QB/RBs/WRs make a comeback and overcome a deficit in the 4th quarter.

special teams dont get talked about, but we might have one of the best placekicker/punter combos in the conference if not country. those young men can effect if not win close games for us with their feet.

the slogan says it all: Why pick Kentucky to win 7+ games in 2015 - #WhyNot?

 

[devils58]

UKErik!!! He's back (in my Arnold voice). I now officially feel that its football time in the Bluegrass.

I totally agree that it's safe to raise expectations. I actually have UK picked to win 8 games this year and go bowling. Many folks have the view that UK's defense will take a step back with the loss of Dupree and Smith. However, I feel like UK's defense with be better overall due to the other 9 positions being better. I love that Forrest has added weight. The freshmen corners are going to push the vets for playing time. Don't be shocked to see Kengera Daniel on the field early in the season. I also expect a big year from Ryan Flannigan, AJ Stamps, and Melvin Lewis. UK's defense will be serviceable.

Offensively, I'm drinking the Shannon Dawson Kool-Aid. This guy has all the bravado that an offensive coordinator should have. He's almost a Cajun version of Steve Spurrier, and I have no doubt Dawson is going to be a head coach within the next 3 years. Patrick Towles will be attacking down the field more often and that'll keep defensive coordinators honest. Then you have playmakers like Juice Johnson, Ryan Timmons, Boom Williams, and Jojo Kemp. Thats nasty folks. Straight nasty. Throw in big recievers like Blake Bone and Dorian Baker and a real pass catching tight end like CJ Conrad and you have a recipe for a potent offense. The main ingredient for success on offense will be the development of the offensive line. Let's be honest, last year the o-line sucked in SEC play. IF the o-line is serviceable in SEC play, I look for UK to do some serious damage.

I coach youth football here in Owensboro, so the likelihood of me attending a game is slim to none this year. However, I beg all you folks that can attend games this year, to do so. Pack Commonwealth guys because this train is gaining speed and is about to be a force to reckon with in the SEC. UK fans need to get in there and pack the house to show Barnhart and the administration that their efforts for facilities are for not. Bottom line, if UK fans don't sell out Commonwealth, then don't expect them to continue to pump $$ into the football program.

Be optimistic, raise expectations, and save some money cause we're fixin' to go bowling this year. Go Cats!

 

[Deeeefense]

Excellent points Erik - agree 100%

Just like the crowd can get the team juiced up at a game, the fan base needs to display optimist and confidence in our players and coaches to propel them into the season in the right frame of mind. If fans display a lack of confidence that does not help the team.
I have noticed too many people here worry about unfulfilled expectations. I think they need to put a lid on it and start sending the message to our team that we believe in them and expect them to do exceptionally well this year. Quit worrying about negative things that may never happen and start enjoying what's possible. The future looks bright for UK football.

 

[WildCard]

Excellent post Erik but I call attention to vhcat's observation about expectations. [winking]

Peace

 

[ulismyman]

Love UkErik

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

Erik, I admit it's tough to raise expectations when you've followed UK sports for 50 years. So many times we've been let down. Not this time though I believe. So while I'm a bit tentative about doing it my expectations for this season are up. Anything less than 6 wins just isn't acceptable, and honestly I think a 7 is realistic possibility. We should expect that. More importantly so should the team. I suppose if every single thing fell our way in every game we could win 8-9. But we all know that's not going to happen.

 

[gamalielkid]

My "expectations" or beliefs that something should be a certain way almost like an entitlement, relative to Ky Football are as follows:
1 The team should always be prepared for its opponent;
2 The team should always have a hunger to defeat the opponent;
3 The team should be competitive with every team it plays...no matter if it's Bama, Auburn, UGA or even if lesser schools like osu, we are in the SEC with SEC caliber players;
4 We should be able to beat Vandy 9/10 meetings; MSU, Ole Miss, ul at least 6/10; USC, Mizzou, Ark, 5/10 meetings. As for other 3 OOC opponents, we should go 3-0 every year.

As for our record this year, I see no reason for them not to win at least 4 games. Hoping they can snag at least two more but won't be surprised if they don't. We're still very, very young.

Ram here is a huge difference between being young and being young - TALENT - this is not a Joker inexperienced team, this is, for the first time really, a Stoops inexperienced team. Everyone needs to recognize we have some talent now! Coach Cal came to Kentucky with the worst group of returning players possibly in UK's history. He takes us to the Elite Eight and we had a great year his first season here - why? TALENT! You listen to him speak and he constantly says he will take talent over experience. He has proven his theory pretty well wouldn't you say?

Well, the difference in football and basketball is the huge numbers required to build a talented football team. Whereas 4 great basketball players can change the team, it takes at least 50 to change a football team - guess what - we now have those 50! Coach Stoops believes in the time honored and proven principle of red shirting football players. So, most of those first two years classes were redshirted. Now we have a team full of red shirt freshmen and sophmores. Add to that group some good experienced kids and a few freshmen ready to play we have TALENT! If the receiver is player than the other teams defensive back, talent will win out! If the Tight end is 6'5" and has equal speed talent will win out over the defensive back. Etc, etc., etc. - this team CAN win a lot of games because of TALENT! As I have posted - this is the best schedule for
UK football in many years and is the best schedule it will have for the next 5 years as well. If not this year - then win? We will have a better team next year in my opinion, from a talent and experience standpoint, but the schedule will make winning harder because the teams we will be playing will also be better and our away games will be even tougher.

Go Big Blue!

 

[ulismyman]

I realize im in the minority here but tell me with this schedule and the numerous and i mean numerous offensive weapons why 10-12 wins is not achievable?? I realize that on the surface is not likely, but i honestly am not ruling it out. This offense is gonna put up at least 30 a game, often times 40 plus. I believe this could be a very special season....thoughts?

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I realize im in the minority here but tell me with this schedule and the numerous and i mean numerous offensive weapons why 10-12 wins is not achievable?? I realize that on the surface is not likely, but i honestly am not ruling it out. This offense is gonna put up at least 30 a game, often times 40 plus. I believe this could be a very special season....thoughts?

It certainly looks like the O could be significantly improved, and put up some fairly big numbers. The D however is in question. I think the Cat's may have to win a few games by outscoring the opponent so an avg. in the 30's doesn't seem unreasonable.

I don't really think 11-12 wins are achievable. Yet. I will say this though, there are really only 2 games on our schedule I have absolutely no hope UK can win. Auburn and at Georgia. Just don't think we're talented and deep enough this year.

 

[Pike 96]

Excellent post Erik but I call attention to vhcat's observation about expectations. [winking]

Peace

WildCard..although you are a knowledgable poster from a football standpoint. I have a hard time believing you truly pull for UK. I read the UL premium boards and you have a much different tone and often times are derogatory towards typical "delusional" UK fans.

Your comment in this post seems to speak to more of the same. The standard theme from most UL fans right now is that things haven't and will never change at Kentucky in the SEC. My belief is that most UL fans(and coaches for that matter) wouldn't admit it but they are worried about what Stoops and a consistently competitive Kentucky could mean to UL. Regardless of how you slice it, getting dominated for in state and Ohio talent by your in state rival makes things much more difficult.
True Kentucky football fans that have followed the nuances of our program for decades see the historical shift taking place with Stoops. I think you are a worthwhile poster on this board. But I think you are very much in the UL camp hoping the "changes" taking place are still just misplaced optimism and more of the same.

 

[C1180]

Do I for real think UK will win 11 or 12 football games this season? Well no but I sure hope our team thinks they can and I will have hope until they lose more than that. MY prediction is 7-5 with a chance at 8 wins. That would be a good improvement and keep the recruiting on track to build at a shot at the SEC East title in 2 or 3 years. I think year 5 or 6 of Stoops tenure that UK will have a good shot at a SEC east title.

 

[ulismyman]

Well last i checked every game begins at 0-0 so yes i think they have a chance at all of them

 

[uofkFTW18]

I've never been a sunshine pumper by any means, but the more I read about the team and all the positive vibes coming from the camp the more I feel inclined to predict a 7-5 regular season. We have a real opportunity to surprise people if things pan out.

 

[ulismyman]

Surprise??? What does that really mean??? Florida, Missouri, at Miss State. Those are games we could and should win, those are not surprises, well maybe State on the road.

 

[uofkFTW18]

^If that was directed at me, then I'm mainly talking about people outside of the program/those who don't follow it as closely as we do. I don't think very many people outside KY think UK will beat Mizzou, Miss St., USC, etc.

Winning those may not be a surprise to those closer to the program, but it will definitely turn the heads of those outside the program.

 

[Kattopper]

WildCard..although you are a knowledgable poster from a football standpoint. I have a hard time believing you truly pull for UK. I read the UL premium boards and you have a much different tone and often times are derogatory towards typical "delusional" UK fans.

Your comment in this post seems to speak to more of the same. The standard theme from most UL fans right now is that things haven't and will never change at Kentucky in the SEC. My belief is that most UL fans(and coaches for that matter) wouldn't admit it but they are worried about what Stoops and a consistently competitive Kentucky could mean to UL. Regardless of how you slice it, getting dominated for in state and Ohio talent by your in state rival makes things much more difficult.
True Kentucky football fans that have followed the nuances of our program for decades see the historical shift taking place with Stoops. I think you are a worthwhile poster on this board. But I think you are very much in the UL camp hoping the "changes" taking place are still just misplaced optimism and more of the same.

Wildcard is the king of the trolls. He gives more backhanded comments on this board than anyone. He in no way shape or form a UK fan. Any positive posts/threads about certain aspects of UK football he will be sure to post in to spread his hate. I would rather he be more hostile in his approach and not try to be so "nice" about it. The only reason he doesn't is so he wont get banned,which would end the true meaning of his life of being a UK hater that posts routinely on a UK message board.

 

[wildcatbd21]

Welcome back UKErik. I agree this team is ready for raised expectations. We have been saying it for so long (Ryan Parker even made a song of it back in the Brooks era), but, next year is finally here. I'm tired of waiting for next year. Time to make it a reality. This is the team to put UK back on the football map.

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

Surprise??? What does that really mean??? Florida, Missouri, at Miss State. Those are games we could and should win, those are not surprises, well maybe State on the road.

Well until we beat Florida then it is a surprise. The other games I agree. Miss St lost quite a bit and if they have a few injuries by the time we play them, that is one I could see getting moved into the win column. But that's the thing about this year. I would not be surprised if we beat any or all of those teams. We FINALLY have a team that is capable of playing with just about anyone on our schedule this year.

I would love nothing more than for us to go into that Thursday night game with Auburn playing for 6-0 and a 4-0 SEC start. Now that would be a surprise!

 

[JasonS.]

I don't expect us to win seven games (at least not now, ask me again after Florida game ...), but I'm sure as hell excited that reasonable people can make the case that we will.

September will be the biggest "swing" month for UK football in a long time.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

A few thoughts on why UK football fans should consider raising expectations this fall;

1. Schedule...a lot of coaches have said expectations should be centered around the schedule. If that's true, UK could surprise a lot of people. The Cats have eight games in Lexington. Only one of the four road opponents is likely to be ranked in the preseason top 25. Looking at the home opponents, four are OOC schools that Kentucky will likely be favored to beat (U of L game could be the possible exception). Of the four home SEC opponents, only Auburn looks to be a potential powerhouse. So overall, this schedule is probably as friendly as any in recent memory.

2. IMO, to have a breakout season in the SEC, you need to have a dominant offensive or defensive unit. UK's offense could make that happen. I haven't been this excited about the o-skill positions since 2007. I don't know that I've ever been more excited about an offensive coordinator (just have a feeling Dawson is going to be tremendous). The biggest question mark for me is the same as is it for many of you. What are we going to get from the offensive line? I'm confident we'll get better play than we saw last season, but will it be enough to get to 450 yards and 30+ ppg? Time will tell.

3. Another necessity is to have at least a formidable unit on the other side. Can UK's defense be formidable? Part of that is what you have from a talent perspective. Another part of it is who you're playing. Who knows how things will play out, but this could be one of those years in which the UK defense doesn't have to face many elite level offenses. The Cats face a number of schools that have significant question marks on the offensive side of the football. With improvement at cornerback (and that's a big if), UK's defense would likely take a significant step toward becoming a respectable unit. IMO, corner play is the biggest question mark on the entire team.

There are a lot of "keys" for UK to have a breakout season (8+ wins). We all know about the OL question marks. The corner question marks. Depth issues at a lot of spots. Beyond that, two things jump out at me;

1. Making plays at "winning time." Last years team was mostly a failure in this area. UK did make winning plays against South Carolina, but they failed in EVERY other close game. The dropped interception at Florida (and the 4th down conversion). The special teams failure against Mississippi State when UK had pulled within 38-31. The dropped interception at Louisville. UK even hung with Missouri but couldn't make a play on offense. Since UK isn't going to drill many people, they MUST take advantage of opportunities in close games. Last years team, which wasn't very deep or talented, could have gone 7-5 had they simply made routine plays against the Gators and Cards.

2. Injuries. Like a lot of you, I laughed when I heard Badet and Boom were hurt almost immediately. Talk about UK's non-existent luck. Well, both injuries appear to be minor. Maybe the luck is changing??? Most teams aren't able to withstand a flurry of injuries, but teams like UK are especially affected. Can UK catch a break with the injury bug?

Since 2010, UK's "window" for potential wins has mostly been between 2-7. This season, I think it's more like 5-9. That's certainly a step in the right direction for Mark Stoops, and with a couple of breaks here and there, could lead to a much improved record come seasons end.

GBB!!!

Good post UKErik, I like the optimism. I really think we get to 6 wins and go to a bowl, which is a step in the right direction.

Saying that, we still lack some defensive depth, which will cost us again. We will probably struggle again against the run until we recruit ourselves out of the mess.

It takes 5 years at least to build a football program in the SEC. Coach Stoops is on year 3. Objectively speaking, I say we wait another year or two until we see a real, legit SEC team....And that's o.k. as long as we are winning at least 6 games from here out...

It is important that we stop losing to UL from here out....We need to dominate the state of Kentucky in football.

 

[ulismyman]

Well not sure the 5 year building project in SEC holds water....Mizzu win the east 2 years straight

 

[BtBlueBlood]

It's O.K. to raise expectations but the reality is like every other year for the last several decades you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.
All these 8-9 win predictions make me laugh. The 11 win ones are insane people. Please tell me what 8 or 9 games we will win.
Sept. 5, 2015 Louisiana-Laf (Win)
Sept. 12, 2015 at South Carolina (Loss, yeah we beat them last year but on 2 flukes at the end. It's at their house too)
Sept. 19, 2015 Florida (Loss, new coach or not we will likely never beat Florida. It's this year or never.)
Sept. 26, 2015 Missouri (Loss)
Oct. 3, 2015 Eastern Kentucky (Win)
Oct. 15, 2015 Auburn (HUGE loss)
Oct. 24, 2015 at Miss. State (Loss)
Oct. 31, 2015 Tennessee (Win? Really a 50/50 game)
Nov. 7, 2015 at Georgia (Loss)
Nov. 14, 2015 at Vanderbilt (Win)
Nov. 21, 2015 UNC Char. (Win)
Nov. 28, 2015 Louisville (50/50 game I say Win)

So that is a 6-6 season likely depending on beating UofLol for a bowl chance.....again.
Don't get me wrong I hope we win them all but I've seen this song and dance year after year and until that mold is broken it's hard to believe anything else. Even in 2007 as good as we were, we still only managed 7 wins and lost games we should have won (like every year).
Won't surprise me at all if we are 5-7 at years end but I sure hope for 7-5 or better.

 

[ulismyman]

We aren't losing to Missouri period

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

We aren't losing to Missouri period

Fans like you say that every season and Mizzou keeps spanking us....

Try again....

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

It's O.K. to raise expectations but the reality is like every other year for the last several decades you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.
All these 8-9 win predictions make me laugh. The 11 win ones are insane people. Please tell me what 8 or 9 games we will win.
Sept. 5, 2015 Louisiana-Laf (Win)
Sept. 12, 2015 at South Carolina (Loss, yeah we beat them last year but on 2 flukes at the end. It's at their house too)
Sept. 19, 2015 Florida (Loss, new coach or not we will likely never beat Florida. It's this year or never.)
Sept. 26, 2015 Missouri (Loss)
Oct. 3, 2015 Eastern Kentucky (Win)
Oct. 15, 2015 Auburn (HUGE loss)
Oct. 24, 2015 at Miss. State (Loss)
Oct. 31, 2015 Tennessee (Win? Really a 50/50 game)
Nov. 7, 2015 at Georgia (Loss)
Nov. 14, 2015 at Vanderbilt (Win)
Nov. 21, 2015 UNC Char. (Win)
Nov. 28, 2015 Louisville (50/50 game I say Win)

So that is a 6-6 season likely depending on beating UofLol for a bowl chance.....again.
Don't get me wrong I hope we win them all but I've seen this song and dance year after year and until that mold is broken it's hard to believe anything else. Even in 2007 as good as we were, we still only managed 7 wins and lost games we should have won (like every year).
Won't surprise me at all if we are 5-7 at years end but I sure hope for 7-5 or better.

Totally agree. If I had to lay down money on a record, I predict 6 wins.

 

[tdcat]

UKErik I have one to add to your list. UK looked like and played like a tired football team the second half of last sesson. The only time they showed some life and got some energy back in their legs was for UL following the bye week. More depth should largely eliminate that issue. I don't think the significance of this can be overstated. It might be the biggest single positive for team improvement this year.

 

[WestCatFanOne]

12-0...Print the shirts bro

 

[uofkFTW18]

It's O.K. to raise expectations but the reality is like every other year for the last several decades you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.
All these 8-9 win predictions make me laugh. The 11 win ones are insane people. Please tell me what 8 or 9 games we will win.
Sept. 5, 2015 Louisiana-Laf (Win)
Sept. 12, 2015 at South Carolina (Loss, yeah we beat them last year but on 2 flukes at the end. It's at their house too)
Sept. 19, 2015 Florida (Loss, new coach or not we will likely never beat Florida. It's this year or never.)
Sept. 26, 2015 Missouri (Loss)
Oct. 3, 2015 Eastern Kentucky (Win)
Oct. 15, 2015 Auburn (HUGE loss)
Oct. 24, 2015 at Miss. State (Loss)
Oct. 31, 2015 Tennessee (Win? Really a 50/50 game)
Nov. 7, 2015 at Georgia (Loss)
Nov. 14, 2015 at Vanderbilt (Win)
Nov. 21, 2015 UNC Char. (Win)
Nov. 28, 2015 Louisville (50/50 game I say Win)

So that is a 6-6 season likely depending on beating UofLol for a bowl chance.....again.
Don't get me wrong I hope we win them all but I've seen this song and dance year after year and until that mold is broken it's hard to believe anything else. Even in 2007 as good as we were, we still only managed 7 wins and lost games we should have won (like every year).
Won't surprise me at all if we are 5-7 at years end but I sure hope for 7-5 or better.

Don't necessarily disagree with the W/L, but I think we've got a better chance at beating South Carolina, Florida, Missouri, and Mississippi State than we do Tennessee. I think UT will probably be our 3rd toughest game of the year behind @Georgia and Auburn. They're going to be very solid.

 

[How Blue Can You Get?]

raised expectations is fine, but our fan base always seems to get carried away by expecting 2 or 3 games more than they should, which provides false hope for those who don't know enough about football to have a realistic expectation.

Less than 6 wins will be a dissapointment.
6-7 wins, with an outside chance to grab another is realistic.
Expecting 8 plus, while it could happen, is asking a bit much this early in the Stoops era, and putting unfair pressure imo.

 

[un4getables]

It's O.K. to raise expectations but the reality is like every other year for the last several decades you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.
All these 8-9 win predictions make me laugh. The 11 win ones are insane people. Please tell me what 8 or 9 games we will win.
Sept. 5, 2015 Louisiana-Laf (Win)
Sept. 12, 2015 at South Carolina (Loss, yeah we beat them last year but on 2 flukes at the end. It's at their house too)
Sept. 19, 2015 Florida (Loss, new coach or not we will likely never beat Florida. It's this year or never.)
Sept. 26, 2015 Missouri (Loss)
Oct. 3, 2015 Eastern Kentucky (Win)
Oct. 15, 2015 Auburn (HUGE loss)
Oct. 24, 2015 at Miss. State (Loss)
Oct. 31, 2015 Tennessee (Win? Really a 50/50 game)
Nov. 7, 2015 at Georgia (Loss)
Nov. 14, 2015 at Vanderbilt (Win)
Nov. 21, 2015 UNC Char. (Win)
Nov. 28, 2015 Louisville (50/50 game I say Win)

So that is a 6-6 season likely depending on beating UofLol for a bowl chance.....again.
Don't get me wrong I hope we win them all but I've seen this song and dance year after year and until that mold is broken it's hard to believe anything else. Even in 2007 as good as we were, we still only managed 7 wins and lost games we should have won (like every year).
Won't surprise me at all if we are 5-7 at years end but I sure hope for 7-5 or better.

This POST will come back and bite you this year my friend. I think you should stick to cheering for UofL because your prediction is crazy wrong. We were two dropped interceptions away from 7-5 last year with not nearly the depth and talent we have this year.

 

[Kooky Kats_anon]

In the history of following this team, it can EASILY be said that we have never experienced such quality depth at every position. If one guy sucks, there's a bench waiting for him.

For this alone, I'm excited.

 

[Ukbrassowtipin]

Even in joker years ppl were calling for unrealistic 8 win seasons..so why would ppl be hesitant when winning games is actually now possible?

 

[BtBlueBlood]

This POST will come back and bite you this year my friend. I think you should stick to cheering for UofL because your prediction is crazy wrong. We were two dropped interceptions away from 7-5 last year with not nearly the depth and talent we have this year.

First off kiddo I never have and never will cheer for UofLol. Is that really the best these little kids today can come up with is to accuse fellow UK fans of being UofLol fans because they don't share the same opinion? I've been a UK fan my entire life and year after year I've HOPED for great football seasons and year after year UK finds a way to fall short (how many years in a row did we somehow find a way to lose the UT game). Each year we are a fumble, INT, dropped pass, etc. away from a better record. Hell EVERY team can usually say that if "insert missed chance" went our way we would have won. Like I already said I would LOVE for us to win every game but it just isn't happening right now. If we get 7 or somehow 8 wins this year and the next couple then I will definitely feel more confident in those type seasons. Like I already said until that mold of only getting 5, 6, or 7 wins tops and all the bad stuff happening to us instead of in our favor is broken then it's really hard to feel like a 6 win seasons is all to expect. I do think 7 wins maybe 8 is very possible this year but I for one don't expect it. I think it's very fair to say anything less then 6 is a disappointment unless say we went 5-7 but beat Florida and UofL. Of course I think if we beat both those teams no way are we only 5-7.