Let's Talk Football

[UK Cats Rock]

So, let's talk football. And seriously, let's keep it mature, respectful, with no bashing of Stoops, sideway slams of our coaches, players or others on this board, etc. Straight football talk...

What are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

What part of the team do you think will be most improved?

Where are your concerns (not coaching, but positions on the field)?

Do you think we have a chance at upsetting someone (although we haven't seen the team play)?

What newcomer are you most excited to see?

What returning player do you think makes the biggest jump?

These types of things are what I'm talking about discussing. Keep it clean, respectful, and keep it football.

I have concerns about the interior of our defense, and hope Afari makes a huge impact at MLB. Also really looking forward to Gusta's possible impact. Also interested to see if any of the "Smith's" get in the rotation.

Pretty interested to see how Burton does at center and if this position fits him better.

It appears we have a pretty solid offensive line and I'm curious to learn if we can get back to the running game we once had, and have it enough to open up the passing game more than we did when the Big Blue Wall was dominant.

Those are some of my random thoughts.

What about yours?

 

[Mad Max]

OLine and DLine. Entire season will swing based on those 2 rooms.

 

[seccats04]

I am encouraged by the looks of the 1st string OL as long as we have no major injuries and Burton plays a lot better at C than he did a couple years ago.

I am concerned about our LB's. Afari and Rayner are projected to start in the middle. Afari looked out of place there last year and I'm not sure if Rayner has the bulk or talent to hold up there. Olds is an unknown at JACK. And I'm not sure if there's quality depth behind those guys.

Starting secondary looks pretty good but we're pretty thin at Safety.

RB depth looks really good through the first four.

 

[ukalum1988]

OLine and DLine. Entire season will swing based on those 2 rooms.

Pretty much this. Last year's OL was a disaster. Very anxious to see if Wolf can coach these guys up.

We seem to be on a small side for a SEC DL. I also share the concerns with our LB corps.

Players that I'm rooting for to have a breakout season:

1. Steven Soles
2. David Washington
3. Jacob Kauwe

I'd like to think we have a shot of upsetting Ole Miss in Week 2. Pull that off and this team could finish 6-6.

Outside the playing field, I'm looking forward to hanging out with my tailgate crew. Actually scored an Orange Lot pass after two years of waiting.

I hope the powers that be can improve the Wi-Fi inside the stadium. It really does suck. There's still a need for better graphics and more timely out-of-town score updates.

 

[JDHoss]

Looking forward to: A vastly improved offense, hopefully due to a vastly improved OL.

Most improved part of the team: The OL

Biggest concerns: Quality depth on the OL/DL/LB

Biggest chance of an upset: Ole Miss. Think what you will about CMS, but while he's 1-2 v Joey Freshwater, the two losses were by 3 and by 1 in OT, and the win coming last year on the road with the least competent offense we've had in years.

Top newcomer: Mostly because BVG was so bad last year, but I'll go with Calzada.

Returning player: Maclin, who is a good WR, but had a QB who zeroed in on one guy last year. WRod is my 2nd choice. He has a high ceiling.

 

[Mad Max]

Looking forward to: A vastly improved offense, hopefully due to a vastly improved OL.

Most improved part of the team: The OL

Biggest concerns: Quality depth on the OL/DL/LB

Biggest chance of an upset: Ole Miss. Think what you will about CMS, but while he's 1-2 v Joey Freshwater, the two losses were by 3 and by 1 in OT, and the win coming last year on the road with the least competent offense we've had in years.

Top newcomer: Mostly because BVG was so bad last year, but I'll go with Calzada.

Returning player: Maclin, who is a good WR, but had a QB who zeroed in on one guy last year. WRod is my 2nd choice. He has a high ceiling.

Good call on the LB room. We somehow recruited Afari as a CB and now he’s an inside linebacker…hoping for the best…

 

[3 Putts]

Just hoping we see a disciplined team that minimizes mistakes and personal fouls. Looking forward to seeing Calzada because he’s an upgrade no matter how you look at it, if he turns out to be average or slightly above I think Jamori Maclin could have a big year. Most interested to see how Hamdan runs the offense and if he gets the TEs involved, especially Rodriguez because I think he has the potential to be a star. Of course as stated, this all depends on the o-line and I’m holding out hope that they’re better. I think it’s smart to go run heavy and use play action and quick hitters to open up the O a little.

Defense is a huge question mark, at least for me. No idea what to expect but hoping for the best.

 

[Bluetick2100]

LOVE this thread. Great conversation with optimism and concerns. Damn tuff schedule but everyone in the SEC has just as many questions (NIL, transfers) about their team as we do ours. Looking forward to an exciting season. Some better O-Line and QB play and who knows!
Upset Tennessee and beat the snot out of UL!

 

[UK Cats Rock]

GREAT stuff, everybody! I'm enjoying all of the responses.

It will be interesting to see if the SEC schedule we have is as brutal in reality as it is on paper.

 

[cawood12]

For some reason I decided to watch last year's Ul game yesterday. I lasted till half. The run game was actually okay except for the giveaway on the first possession. The passing was beyond poor. Defensive front 7 was not good.
Which brings me to your question.
1. The Ol this year is, especially the left side is going to be very good.
2. Qb play will better than anyone expects.
3. Wr room is legit. There are a lot of targets, Including TE which will be utilized I think
4. Dl will have 2-3 players standout, not sure there are enough for a rotation like a UGA, there where 3 transfers that can pass rush
5. Lb's are a ????
6. secondary will hold it's own.
7. Rb's will surprise in a good way.
8 6-6

 

[3 Putts]

Forgot to add that I’d pick Ole Miss and Auburn as our two best chances at upsets, reserve the right to adjust this after I watch the Toledo game. Hard to believe we’re only 36 days away, best time of the year.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

Preparation "Discipline" come game day, staff and players.
OL I think is improved, now let's see our QB's make good decisions with time.
WR's I like what we have talent wise, hopefully we see great continuity with QB
RB's very solid, big potential.

D love our DB's safety depth is a concern.
Our young talent like the Smiths, Robinson and the others mentioned by UKalum1988
Transfers need to really contribute excited to see how they do.

 

[1KentuckyBBN]

I believe the defining factor of our season will be the consistency, size, and physicality of our offensive line, reminiscent of the Arkansas offense line from several years ago. On the defensive side, we can expect significant improvement from last year. Notably, we were able to beat Ole Miss without Maxwell H. Kentucky still has a substantial number of players from the previous two classes who are poised to make significant jumps. The running back room, led by Seth McGowan, is expected to be highly effective, with a talented roster from top to bottom that should accumulate a substantial number of touches. Zach Calzada's experience and proven track record in both leagues will be invaluable, addressing a key area of concern from last year, and Cutter will also see playing time. The wide receiver room, although missing Key and Brown, boasts considerable talent, with Hardy Gilmore and Jeremy M. being standout performers. Kendrick Law, with his speed, ability to create space, and reliable hands, draws comparisons to Bowden, while the Clemson transfer offers a reliable option for short yardage, making the receiving corps potentially underrated.

•Toledo: W

•Ole Miss: W- why? Early game of the year, and Ole Miss lost tons of talent from last year. Plus, this will determine how our season goes.

•Eastern Michigan: W

•USC: Toss

•Georgia: L, cause it’s in Georgia, but I won’t be surprise if we keep it close.

•Texas: TOSS or L. If we can compete with Georgia at home, I think we can compete with Texas at home. It will be close due to Texas playing almost the same style like us. Texas struggle with time of possession ball. I can say

• Tennessee: Toss, Last so many times at home, we only lost by 3-7 points since Benny snell season at home. Tennessee Doesn’t have the Wr Talent like they had last year. QB room for them is Questionable. Kentucky due to pull of a win against them eventually. Plus our Offense has always plays good again them.

Auburn: W, Why I think we will? Stoops hasn’t forgotten about the last time we went there and got screwed on the touchdown being overturn. I think we win with field goal.

•Florida: W, Why? Kentucky has beaten Florida at home since 2021. Yes despite of last year results, Florida QB is just Questionable due to injuries and can he stay healthy for the gators. Without DJ lagway. Florida isn’t good. I think the cold in November, will affect him big time.

•Tennessee tech: W

• Vanderbilt: W. Kentucky has beaten Vanderbilt at their house since. Stoops hasn’t lost to Vandy back to back. Plus, everyone know how that QB is now. S

•Louisville: W: Despite of last year game. Kentucky still better team with the talent on the filed. With Stoops knowing this game means a lot. He will get it back.

But, it really depends on Discipline and penalties and offense line and Qb Play. Defense will be much improve and will keep up in games, with running the ball as well. Stoops Track record is fact he does voices back will a good season after a down year.

PREDICTIONS: 8-4 or 9-3 is ceiling and the Floor is 6-7 wins

 

[o_satcheluk]

So, let's talk football. And seriously, let's keep it mature, respectful, with no bashing of Stoops, sideway slams of our coaches, players or others on this board, etc. Straight football talk...

What are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

What part of the team do you think will be most improved?

Where are your concerns (not coaching, but positions on the field)?

Do you think we have a chance at upsetting someone (although we haven't seen the team play)?

What newcomer are you most excited to see?

What returning player do you think makes the biggest jump?

These types of things are what I'm talking about discussing. Keep it clean, respectful, and keep it football.

I have concerns about the interior of our defense, and hope Afari makes a huge impact at MLB. Also really looking forward to Gusta's possible impact. Also interested to see if any of the "Smith's" get in the rotation.

Pretty interested to see how Burton does at center and if this position fits him better.

It appears we have a pretty solid offensive line and I'm curious to learn if we can get back to the running game we once had, and have it enough to open up the passing game more than we did when the Big Blue Wall was dominant.

Those are some of my random thoughts.

What about yours?

Last year was an aberration. I like how they seem to be getting back to what they’re good at. A line of scrimmage team that will run to set up the pass and hit hard on defense. I look forward to much improved Oline play and a second year under Hamdan’s offense, with players he picked running it. The schedule is brutal, so even if they are significantly better, 6 wins is going to be a challenge, though I’ve already laid a decent sum on over 4.5. Calzada is the most experienced QB we’ve ever had and he has a deep group of WRs to throw to. The key will be TO margin, which we have been awful at the last few years, because we are going to have to win a bunch of close games.

 

[JPFisher]

I am encouraged by the looks of the 1st string OL as long as we have no major injuries and Burton plays a lot better at C than he did a couple years ago.

Burton concerns me a bit. He's shown flashes of great play, but his emotions get the better of him way too often. If he can settle in, I think he could anchor the line. Of course, he has a long way to go before he proves to me that he's ready for C, but I think he's got the physical tools. Just the stuff between the ears that matters most now, IMO.

OLine should be the most improved, but I'm also concerned that these guys arent used to the SEC. This isn't the MAC. Also, what's our depth situation? Have we developed younger guys this off-season?

Lots of unknowns on the lines.

 

[TuckyFB]

- I'm looking forward to seeing how the OL does this year.
- I think the OL going to be the most improved part of the team and drastically better than last years line.
- My concerns are depth at LB, DL, OL
- I think we can upset a couple of teams; Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss.
- A newcomer I'm excited to see is Zach Calzada (I'm praying hes better than BVG)
- There's a couple of returning players I think will make a big jump: Kahlil Saunders, Ty Bryant, JaMori Maclin, JOSH KATTUS.

(I'm excited to see the TE room this year because they finally have a real TE coach)

 

[Gobigblue812812]

Discipline and penalties. This team can't afford foolish mistakes. Hopefully, they will clean it up this year.

 

[UK Cats Rock]

This is really good stuff... I appreciate the awesome responses.

A couple of you have hit on it, but definitely interested in the discipline factor and how we control emotions when things could easily get out of control.

I also like the post about how it seems we are getting back to what has worked for us in the past, and hoping Calzada can be a better QB than our past QB's when our running game is clicking to put more pressure on the defense.

Bush's play calling will certainly be interesting to pay attention to. I wonder if some of the questionalle play calls last year were a result of him not being confident enough in the O-Line or something else.

36 days to go.

 

[CatinIL]

Discipline and penalties. This team can't afford foolish mistakes. Hopefully, they will clean it up this year.

That drove me crazy last year.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

I'm ready to talk football 365/24/7!!

 

[Beatle Bum]

DLine looks really good on paper. I wonder if, in a strange way, the DL will be better with Walker in the NFL. He was a uniquely gifted athlete, last year he was a roller coaster for him, performance wise. At least that is how it looked to me.

 

[Beatle Bum]

DLine looks really good on paper. I wonder if, in a strange way, the DL will be better with Walker in the NFL. He was a uniquely gifted athlete, last year he was a roller coaster for him, performance wise. At least that is how it looked to me.

I did not remember hearing that he had a stress fracture last year. That explains a great deal.

 

[LordEgg]

improved line play
no stupid penalties
a qb that can be relied upon
run da bawl

even half of the above would bring massive gains compared to last year.

 

[AJBlue]

So, let's talk football. And seriously, let's keep it mature, respectful, with no bashing of Stoops, sideway slams of our coaches, players or others on this board, etc. Straight football talk...

What are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

What part of the team do you think will be most improved?

Where are your concerns (not coaching, but positions on the field)?

Do you think we have a chance at upsetting someone (although we haven't seen the team play)?

What newcomer are you most excited to see?

What returning player do you think makes the biggest jump?

These types of things are what I'm talking about discussing. Keep it clean, respectful, and keep it football.

I have concerns about the interior of our defense, and hope Afari makes a huge impact at MLB. Also really looking forward to Gusta's possible impact. Also interested to see if any of the "Smith's" get in the rotation.

Pretty interested to see how Burton does at center and if this position fits him better.

It appears we have a pretty solid offensive line and I'm curious to learn if we can get back to the running game we once had, and have it enough to open up the passing game more than we did when the Big Blue Wall was dominant.

Those are some of my random thoughts.

What about yours?

Great topic and great comments. I'm most looking forward to a return to some physical football, and I'm looking forward to how Bush's offense comes around in year two.

Hate to go chock but think the Oline is most improved unit with WR next.

Best newcomers hopefully will be Braun and Pete on OL and Gusta at DL. Also love DJ Miller if he can get some time at WR.

Returning players I think make big jumps are Maclin at WR, Ty Bryant at DB and Afari at LB. Always loved Alex and maybe getting more time propells him to a next level of play. Love to see Jordan Lovett pick his game up to his talent level too. And Josiah Hayes come back strong

Chance at upsets are UT and Ole Miss and I'd barely call them upsets. Unless they both pull a QB out of their arses we dont know about they each will have to rebuild some this year.

Concerns: Consistent QB play. Burton at Center (thought I"m rooting like hell for him), Our ability to play with the tempo we need on offense and out ability to slow tempo down on defense. Such a key factor anymore.

 

[K_TIME]

1, We all look forward to the hype of the Oline....UK spent alot of resources to get two tackles, a guard from portal. That was the major downfall of last year's team as they could not hold up...then Brock fell apart and those two units (QB and OLine) were the main reasons UK scored 20 pts a game (119 out of 133 teams). So, to improve, the Oline has to take a massive step up and UK saw that and invested accordingly.
2. I have grave concerns about the literal size of UK's front 7 on defense. We are appreciably smaller across the board on the DL and LBer units....I worry teams will just run the ball down our throats in SEC.
3. The player I look forward to the most....Willie Rodriguez. Dingle, Anderson are gone...Kattus is not a SEC calibur TE to me....I look forward to seeing this moose of a kid get the run at TE and I think he can shine.

In the end, I think this offense will get back to power ball and Calzada will be more a short game manager and hopefully we'll be able to shorten games (like we used to) and be opportunistic in the red zone.

On defense, we'll see....maybe we'll be more athletic but we are smaller. But Stoops has a defensive pedigree.

Special teams, we lose Barion and Raynor at kicker.....two top notch SEC players at those spots.....will UK take a dip...I hope not.

I think a 4-5 win season is all I can see on the horizon.

 

[The Ganner]

Copying a post from elsewhere: I expect to be more competitive, not "lose the locker room" and fall apart. I expect significant improvement on the offensive line. As such, we'll be better at sustaining drives. But I expect to be outmatched in talent in the majority of our games. We'll continue struggling to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and lack depth in the front 7. So we'll give up frustrating sustained drives to our opponents, especially late in the game. The schedule is just absolutely brutal, with the same teams as last year but most of our on-paper most winnable games (aside from the 3 buy games... that we better win) being on the road. We'll fight like hell to get to a 5-7 record.

 

[R.O.T.Muckinfush]

I predict an improved team with more discipline but only a 4-8 record due to the talent compared to most of the other teams on our schedule.

 

[Shydog]

I expect a RB to be breakout poy on O but don't want to try to guess which one as there seem to be a lot of possibles!
On D, I hope the breakout guy is the edge we signed, is his name Gusta maybe. We need a big year from him or someone on the edge!
Also, I am surprised that noone so far has listed USC as a possible W, I think it's very possible.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

DLine looks really good on paper. I wonder if, in a strange way, the DL will be better with Walker in the NFL. He was a uniquely gifted athlete, last year he was a roller coaster for him, performance wise. At least that is how it looked to me.

He played with a pretty severe back injury most of the season.

 

[Ted Snodgrass]

We will be the talk of the country after we start 4-0 beating OM and SC. We'll then lose a tough one to UGa and pull the shocker of all shockers against Texas. I can easily see us at 10-1 heading into the Governor's Cup. And as one poster said, last year was an aberration as we far and away are much more talented than the Birds. I'm more bullish than I have been in a long time after hearing of the improvements we've ade on both sides of the ball as well as the improved locker room chemistry.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

We will be the talk of the country after we start 4-0 beating OM and SC. We'll then lose a tough one to UGa and pull the shocker of all shockers against Texas. I can easily see us at 10-1 heading into the Governor's Cup. And as one poster said, last year was an aberration as we far and away are much more talented than the Birds. I'm more bullish than I have been in a long time after hearing of the improvements we've ade on both sides of the ball as well as the improved locker room chemistry.

What's your user name on 7's site? You make this to obvious.

 

[Parson05]

We will be the talk of the country after we start 4-0 beating OM and SC. We'll then lose a tough one to UGa and pull the shocker of all shockers against Texas. I can easily see us at 10-1 heading into the Governor's Cup. And as one poster said, last year was an aberration as we far and away are much more talented than the Birds. I'm more bullish than I have been in a long time after hearing of the improvements we've ade on both sides of the ball as well as the improved locker room chemistry.

I drank that kool aid before and refuse to do it this year. I will be at every home game tailgating, have my tickets for my once a year SEC road game to Auburn this year. Just going to enjoy the season with family and friends and try not to get too upset if we lose.

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

I am encouraged by the looks of the 1st string OL as long as we have no major injuries and Burton plays a lot better at C than he did a couple years ago.

I am concerned about our LB's. Afari and Rayner are projected to start in the middle. Afari looked out of place there last year and I'm not sure if Rayner has the bulk or talent to hold up there. Olds is an unknown at JACK. And I'm not sure if there's quality depth behind those guys.

Starting secondary looks pretty good but we're pretty thin at Safety.

RB depth looks really good through the first four.

Burton is yet to play good at any position. They already had to move him from center before. The OL should be much improved, but much will depend on his calls and play. I hope this is finally his year.

 

[Ted Snodgrass]

I drank that kool aid before and refuse to do it this year. I will be at every home game tailgating, have my tickets for my once a year SEC road game to Auburn this year. Just going to enjoy the season with family and friends and try not to get too upset if we lose.

I only see a couple of games where we're decided underdogs and at a talent disadvantage. It's going to be a special season and one we'll remember for a long time.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

DallasWild'sMom

Very classy response which proves my point troll.

 

[CatPatrick13]

I drank that kool aid before and refuse to do it this year. I will be at every home game tailgating, have my tickets for my once a year SEC road game to Auburn this year. Just going to enjoy the season with family and friends and try not to get too upset if we lose.

That’s not koolaid that poster is drinking. It’s troll juice. No one is that dumb.

 

[Ted Snodgrass]

That’s not koolaid that poster is drinking. It’s troll juice. No one is that dumb.

Seriously where do you not see that three cupcakes, + UL + Vandy = 5? We get Florida Tennessee, Ole Miss at home. There's 8. We can beat SC and Auburn so there's 10. This schedule is not that hard. In fact. was ranked by one publication as only the 9th toughest in the SEC. I feel like everything is in place for this to be a special year. We're sure to have much improved QB play (we beat OM with one of the worst QBs ever to wear the blue & white); the OL will be one of the top 3-5 in the SEC; a stellar RB crop; serviceable WR room; a stout secondary. There's a whole lot to like. And you'll see it and be eating your words sometime in late September.

 

[Bluetick2100]

Seriously where do you not see that three cupcakes, + UL + Vandy = 5? We get Florida Tennessee, Ole Miss at home. There's 8. We can beat SC and Auburn so there's 10. This schedule is not that hard. In fact. was ranked by one publication as only the 9th toughest in the SEC. I feel like everything is in place for this to be a special year. We're sure to have much improved QB play (we beat OM with one of the worst QBs ever to wear the blue & white); the OL will be one of the top 3-5 in the SEC; a stellar RB crop; serviceable WR room; a stout secondary. There's a whole lot to like. And you'll see it and be eating your words sometime in late September.

Nice to read a positive comment. Every team in the SEC has question marks about their team besides UK. NIL and transfers changes college football dramatically. Not sure UK wins 10 but I'm sure the bash and trash crowd's 2-10 and 3-9 are way far off. Looking forward to a great season.

 

[ukalum1988]

We will be the talk of the country after we start 4-0 beating OM and SC. We'll then lose a tough one to UGa and pull the shocker of all shockers against Texas. I can easily see us at 10-1 heading into the Governor's Cup. And as one poster said, last year was an aberration as we far and away are much more talented than the Birds. I'm more bullish than I have been in a long time after hearing of the improvements we've ade on both sides of the ball as well as the improved locker room chemistry.

LOL…. I’ll bet you a steak dinner at Jeff Ruby’s we won’t be 10-1 going into the UofL game.

 

[Ted Snodgrass]

LOL…. I’ll bet you a steak dinner at Jeff Ruby’s we won’t be 10-1 going into the UofL game.

Give me 9-2 and it's a deal