Let's Talk Football

UK Cats Rock

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2001
5,432
3,273
103
Let's not let this incredibly awesome thread go off the rails. And yes,Just ignore the post if you think it's ridiculous. Responding keeps it alive and ignoring it will let it die. ;-)



I am not posting a lot, but reading these really good insights.



After media day today, I am a little more optimistic about our defense. Nothing really specific, but just something about the way Brad White was talking. Hope I’m right! 😊



4 weeks and 1 day to go....
 

UK Cats Rock

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2001
5,432
3,273
103
Side note: Another comment like the one made that got deleted will absolutely result in a ban. Not having that type of stuff this year. Respect opinions without responding with insults or you won’t last long. It’s silly to insult someone just because of a differing opinion.



Thanks everybody. Let’s make this the best football message board in the country.
 

eb4ukcats

Junior
Oct 4, 2016
358
363
63
Imo will have a good o-line and with that, an overall improved offense.
Defense has a lot of things need to improve for us to be successful.
More experience should help with penalties.
Law will be a nice replacement for Brown
Ole Miss upset
 
Last edited:

FireWentOut

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
237
1,109
93
I love ball control offense, I just don't like watching Stoops's brand of ball control offense.

Discipline. If Stoops has instilled a good amount into this team and they execute then I seriously think they could go 8-4. If it's the usual clown show then you can flip that to 4-8 or worse.

The other thing on my mind is injuries. We are paper thin on defense. The Oline isn't much better. We could have a great team get derailed by the inevitable.

Special Teams everything.

I'm also a Boley should start guy. I just think he has a much better upside.

I cannot wait for football to kickoff. I'm even down to watching NFL pre season to cure the summertime sports withdrawals.
 

SPOOK 67

Redshirt
Jul 10, 2025
2
0
1
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
I hope you are right,,,but I can't see more than 4 or 5 wins.
 

1KentuckyBBN

Redshirt
Jun 9, 2025
22
26
3
I love ball control offense, I just don't like watching Stoops's brand of ball control offense.

Discipline. If Stoops has instilled a good amount into this team and they execute then I seriously think they could go 8-4. If it's the usual clown show then you can flip that to 4-8 or worse.

The other thing on my mind is injuries. We are paper thin on defense. The Oline isn't much better. We could have a great team get derailed by the inevitable.

Special Teams everything.

I'm also a Boley should start guy. I just think he has a much better upside.

I cannot wait for football to kickoff. I'm even down to watching NFL pre season to cure the summertime sports withdrawals.
Defenses isn’t that thin on depth.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cawood12

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
39,293
58,117
113
UK and MSU, I believe, were the only SEC teams that received no votes in the premier coaches poll.
 
Aug 4, 2025
20
17
3
The long and short of how FB trends going forward is passing game and skill positions.

CMS hasn’t seen a QB sniff 3,000 yds, 1000 yd WR, or TE who can get 400-500+ yds…

All pretty much bare minimum requirements to compete with rank n file and stay in the middle class…let alone sniff around the big boys and hope for any kind of good bowl.
 

Bluetick2100

All-Conference
Apr 15, 2007
5,565
3,537
113
The long and short of how FB trends going forward is passing game and skill positions.

CMS hasn’t seen a QB sniff 3,000 yds, 1000 yd WR, or TE who can get 400-500+ yds…

All pretty much bare minimum requirements to compete with rank n file and stay in the middle class…let alone sniff around the big boys and hope for any kind of good bowl.
Yet CMS has won more games at UK than any other coach at UK CF history. No other coach at UK has won more games in the last 4 seasons (28) than any other coach in UK history. Ther are 134 division 1 CF teams most have not played in a "good bowl". Stoops did win three good bowls in 2021, Citrus 2020 Gator and 2019 beat a great Pen state team.
 

danielscott52

Senior
Nov 30, 2019
710
705
93
The long and short of how FB trends going forward is passing game and skill positions.

CMS hasn’t seen a QB sniff 3,000 yds, 1000 yd WR, or TE who can get 400-500+ yds…

All pretty much bare minimum requirements to compete with rank n file and stay in the middle class…let alone sniff around the big boys and hope for any kind of good bowl.
You're a little off. The trenches will determine our success. Last year would have looked much different with a pass rush and better Oline play.
 
Aug 4, 2025
20
17
3
Don’t disagree with trenches. Especially pass pro.

However we’ve had good trenches, we’ve had good run games, we’ve had good Ds, we’ve had good recruiting and talent overall.

CMS has been okay to even pretty good in improving all of the above.

However it has all amounted to a .500 record, and abysmal conference record. Due in large part be cause he hasn’t been able to recruit, develop, and coach passing game.

Yeah he’s the winningest coach but he’s also had more time than anyone.

Got to move the ball and score via the air or it’s going to be tough to get back to 6-7 wins let alone sniff around 8,9,10 dubs…
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattrudd

o_etowncatfan

Redshirt
Oct 12, 2006
6
6
3
I will have to say I give all of you an A for optimism. I think by the end of the season this team will have crashed, burned, and packed it in early. We don’t have Jimmy’s or Joes and we have a vanilla coach who tried to bolt a couple of seasons ago. We get to see the Basketball Season Train Wreck we would have had and the Fans revolt had Calipari not left and gone to Arkansas. I’m afraid this won’t be Pretty.
 

Grumpyolddawg

Heisman
Jun 11, 2001
28,150
36,661
113
This is the time of year all fans are optimistic for the year, everyone is undefeated with a shot at the playoffs.

Texas has to replace alot on offense, but they will put the most hyped QB in recent memory on the field, but have to replace a good bit of the OL. They lose some defensive stats but will be replacing it with other talented players.

Bama will have a new OC, new QB, but return a great WR and arguably the top OL in the SEC

TENN, lost alot of offensive production, most of their OL, their defense took a big hit as well. It appears they also have a locker room in some turmoil.

AU is odd, they will have a new QB, a top flight WR group, but not sure their defense is as good as their norm.

I think OM lost more than anyone in the SEC on the defensive side, dont think they will be on same level defensively as last year, or offensively either.

UF will go as Lagway goes, he is a scarey dude at QB. With him they have a shot at anyone, without him, anyone can beat them, nothing behind him.

USCjr, same as UF, their QB.

UGA will be starting alot of new guys on offense, likely 2 transfer WR, QB, 2-3 OL, RB. Defensively there will be new starters at all levels, but most have played a good bit.

I dont know much about the rest and you guys know much more about UK than me.
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
39,293
58,117
113
The long and short of how FB trends going forward is passing game and skill positions.

CMS hasn’t seen a QB sniff 3,000 yds, 1000 yd WR, or TE who can get 400-500+ yds…

All pretty much bare minimum requirements to compete with rank n file and stay in the middle class…let alone sniff around the big boys and hope for any kind of good bowl.
Sniff sniff - 1334
 

Ted Snodgrass

Sophomore
Jul 10, 2025
53
110
33
This is the time of year all fans are optimistic for the year, everyone is undefeated with a shot at the playoffs.

Texas has to replace alot on offense, but they will put the most hyped QB in recent memory on the field, but have to replace a good bit of the OL. They lose some defensive stats but will be replacing it with other talented players.

Bama will have a new OC, new QB, but return a great WR and arguably the top OL in the SEC

TENN, lost alot of offensive production, most of their OL, their defense took a big hit as well. It appears they also have a locker room in some turmoil.

AU is odd, they will have a new QB, a top flight WR group, but not sure their defense is as good as their norm.

I think OM lost more than anyone in the SEC on the defensive side, dont think they will be on same level defensively as last year, or offensively either.

UF will go as Lagway goes, he is a scarey dude at QB. With him they have a shot at anyone, without him, anyone can beat them, nothing behind him.

USCjr, same as UF, their QB.

UGA will be starting alot of new guys on offense, likely 2 transfer WR, QB, 2-3 OL, RB. Defensively there will be new starters at all levels, but most have played a good bit.

I dont know much about the rest and you guys know much more about UK than me.
Yes and we can easily win 5 of those games: OM, SC, Auburn, Tenn. and Florida. At the very least they are toss-ups. I'll be extremely disappointed in anything less than 8 wins.
 

BlueVelvetFog

Heisman
Apr 12, 2016
13,467
18,020
78
I will have to say I give all of you an A for optimism. I think by the end of the season this team will have crashed, burned, and packed it in early. We don’t have Jimmy’s or Joes and we have a vanilla coach who tried to bolt a couple of seasons ago. We get to see the Basketball Season Train Wreck we would have had and the Fans revolt had Calipari not left and gone to Arkansas. I’m afraid this won’t be Pretty.
Yawn
 

Oboro95

Freshman
Apr 8, 2024
37
72
18
Devin Leary in for the Ravens if anyone is interested.
Leary would be no less successful if he played QB blindfolded. I can’t believe he was drafted — especially by the Ravens, who rarely make personnel mistakes. WTF did they see in him?
 
Jul 10, 2025
6
9
3
I’m more optimistic today than I would have thought I would be at this time a few months ago.
Must not have any bad injuries on the line. (Don’t want them anywhere).
Need to see a team willing to proverbially punch guys in the mouth while avoiding penalties.

Right now, getting bowl eligible sounds good, but if we get off to a good start, I’ll be looking for 8 or 9. Oh. Gotta beat those stinking birds down the road.
 

Tngamecock

All-Conference
Sep 10, 2000
29,265
2,224
113
IMO everything will depend on the OL. If the front 5 can hold their own, then the TEs can be involved in the passing game. If the TEs need to stay in to help, then I see defenses stacking the box making it tough to run or pass.
New season, new team. Like Lou Holtz said…”you bring a new team to the ball park every weekend”

So the fans of every team should be excited right now
 

UK Cats Rock

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2001
5,432
3,273
103
Brilliant.



I suggest you guys go back and read the original post. Let's make the board enjoyable instead of posting something that isn't constructive to add to the conversation. Respond with substance, disagree respectfully, or move past the post. It really is not that difficult.

I'd rather read and enjoy instead of moderate. ;-)

Blessings, and Go Cats!
 
  • Like
Reactions: The Ganner

BlueVelvetFog

Heisman
Apr 12, 2016
13,467
18,020
78
I suggest you guys go back and read the original post. Let's make the board enjoyable instead of posting something that isn't constructive to add to the conversation. Respond with substance, disagree respectfully, or move past the post. It really is not that difficult.

I'd rather read and enjoy instead of moderate. ;-)

Blessings, and Go Cats!
The poster referred to the coach as "Vanilla" and concluded we'd crash and burn due to a lack of Jimmys and Joes. Using prejorative language which lacks the "substance".
 

Bereacat

All-American
Jan 2, 2020
4,546
5,618
103
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.
Got a report from an insider on the DLine. He said they’re small but super talented and deep. He said they are UKs best position group as a unit.