Looking Ahead

[JPFisher]

Ah yes, an infamous "Next Year Fer Sher" thread. Hear me out, though. I'm not always right (Lord knows), but I have looked at the schedule for next year and this is the scenario I see UK treading as Stoops adds a fourth candle to his SEC birthday cake.

- Murphy's law bit UK in the *** about as badly as I've ever remembered it biting us (results and progression vs preseason expectations) at least since Joker's "Rise" bull crap. Just about everything that could have gone wrong for UK did indeed go wrong. Here is a (small and incomplete list):
1. Special Teams by committee failed miserably
2. Our very good punter (last year) laid a giant egg the entire season and never got his groove back. This gave other teams GREAT field position very often
3. Our starting kicker went down and played sporadically if he was put into the game and also affected starting field position ( 2 and 3 did not help #1)
4. Dichotomy in the locker room ( from player reports, I feel like it was a bigger issue than the public is being made aware but I hope not)
5. Coaching inexperience
6. Time of Possession suffered and as a result, a very shallow (and inexperienced) defensive depth chart suffered
7. Failed execution on many key offensive plays (which, by my count, could've put us in very good position for an extra two or three wins)
8. Youth showed up as a few young players had to burn redshirts by necessity and really were not ready to play
9. We lost two of our three best DLinemen at critical points (Meant was playing like a man possessed and looked like he had put things together but never got his streak back after injury and Lewis was a key DL)
10. Towles and Barker drama set the offense back IMO (potentially playing into #4)

There's obviously more going on, but this season completely fell flat of our expectations and these are 10 things I could think of as to why.

-To address 1-3, I feel as though we learned our lesson and will either make corrections to the ST by committee approach or give one guy the keys to the car and let him drive. I don't know who will replace Foster, but we seem to have a Punter on the team named Kirshe and several Kickers on the team including Butler (MacGinnis's backup) may fill the role if we go that route. We also have McKinnis coming in as a highly rated Kicker, so there's that. MacGinnis will return for his Junior campaign next year hopefully as healthy as ever.

-The dissension in the locker room undoubtedly caused some internal issues on the team. Starting with Boom's meltdown and ending with Dawson's departure from UK, fans could and still can see something is or was amiss (hopefully was- past tense). Not enough has been made public to make a call on who's to blame, and I'm okay with that... As long as the issue gets fixed, and I think it will if Gran (or someone similar) is hired. UK has far too much talent on offense to have performed as poorly as we did this season.

-Going along with that, I feel as though some plays on the field were perhaps brought about by dissension or differing opinions. Looking back, why were some players penalized with playing time for going through the motions or not executing while others weren't? I'm not pointing fingers, more just asking why. Key plays could've added a score or prolonged a drive, and execution absolutely decimated our team this year. TOP was a huge issue this season and undoubtedly made the defense look worse than it was. If the offensive and special teams woes are even halfway remedied next season, rest assured that we will see our defense take large strides.

-UK was bit by the injury bug early and often. We lost Boom for a number of games (not including the personal issues game), lost linemen, linebackers, starting special teams players, etc. Seriously, though, Murphy's law.

-As much as some folks don't like to hear it, we don't have the depth to have a true "Next man up" philosophy. More a "whisper to your assistant coach to say a prayer for the true freshman you just put in against an SEC opponent" philosophy. We're getting better, though. Next season, we may even be able to start two OT's at the position instead of an OT and a true freshman Guard! OH BOY!

-I'm not going to make a call on the Towles/Barker crock because I don't know enough about it. What I heard midway through the season (and I no longer remember the source, so don't ask) is that players weren't happy that Towles was staying in despite lack of execution. I have no proof of this, but it's what I heard from social media and some buddies of mine who attend UK. We all know social media and students are the best sources, so take that as you will.

Now, looking ahead to next season.... I've seen a lot of folks posting that we will be lucky to get four wins, five wins, THAT DUDE SUGGESTED SIX WINS, STONE HIM TO DEATH!!!

Look at UK's wins this season that we replay next season:
-South Carolina never got their ish together and there's no reason to think they will right the ship in time for the UK game especially with Muschamp at the helm (I honestly thought it was a joke headline when he got hired). However, he's a great defensive coach and could end up with a great team if he allows the OC to work unhampered (with his own playbook).

-Missouri is a potential loss, it was a hard-fought game, but Missouri loses an established head coach and Maty Mauk has not had the smoothest ship recently.

We fill up with three cupcakes: Southern Miss, Austin Peay, and New Mexico State. Southern Miss, IMO, will tell us how effective the new OC coaching hire was and if we can expect a bowl. Southern Miss is a very solid team and will give us a good look at how UK has progressed under the offseason changes.

Potential for our "At least four" wins to this point is fairly good. I'm estimating at least four wins from these five games. Now we get into the "Well, damn" area.

We played the Gators closer in 2014 in their own territory IMO than we did this past season in Commonwealth. Points be dammed. We gave a hell of an effort. McElwain got the Gators together last season, but they lose Grier and Hargreaves. Call me crazy, but I don't think we have to pray for UF to overlook us. We will have to play a very good game, but I think that you factor in the potential for a greater effort and execution with a more experienced OC and we could definitely win in the Swamp.

Vanderbilt was a horrible game and any greater offensive production (sustained drives) would've gotten us a win. This game falls into my category of, "See how the OC changes things."

Both the UF and Vandy games were one offensive play away from a win. Good chance to go at least 1/2 in this series. Possible five wins to this point.

UGA has a coaching change and Kirby Smart is new to head coaching, but he has learned from the best coach in CFB and could wow us in his first year. I predict a UK loss. I also predict losses to UT and Alabama. For obvious reasons.

Mississippi State will not have Dak Prescott in the backfield for the first time in 10 years. I don't feel this is an easy win, but I feel like UK could pull out a W with proper game management on offense and special teams. JMO, but I'm not sure enough to count this as even a toss-up.

Last is Louisville. You all, I don't know about you, but we lost that game when we couldn't score coming out of the half. Poor execution and play-calling lost us momentum. I'll predict a W. Should've won this year. Simple as that.

Brings the total wins to six, IMO. Plus, we're always "supposed" to upset someone (I usually laugh at the notion). But anyway, I don't feel as though that total will be as high if we don't utilize our talent and unify our team. However, I see Gran as having the ability to do just that. If we don't bring in a coordinator like Gran or someone similar in relation to Stoops, I don't feel as though the team unity and cohesion will be to bowl standards.

I hope coaches make the necessary changes for special teams and our OC can make the difference in our performance. A balanced and effective offense will allow Stoops and Eliot to get the defense rested and improved special teams will make it easier on both the offense and defense. Imagine opponents not starting at the 35 or better every drive. How would that improve the defensive effectiveness? Imagine having a more rested defense.

Next season could be a giant leap or a giant flop. I hope fans, myself included, understand that although we could do really well next season, we could also do much worse. A new OC might not fix everything and our special teams woes could continue. We should, however, give Stoops a chance to get all of Joker's guys out and give him a chance to build up the team with an experienced and related OC.

This is by no means a comprehensive summary of our team, the season, or even who will be our coaches. I just wanted to get an opinion out there and add some more hope (hopefully more realistic than optimistic) to a fanbase which has become much more toxic and bitter since 2015's debacle.

See you all in 2016. Merry Christmas and I hope you have a happy holidays. Feel free to comment. I'm not an expert by any means and I like watching discussions.

 

[Deeeefense]

I'm pretty sure Andy Buh is the defacto special teams coordinator, he just doesn't get the title to go with the job.

My assessment in short is that the problems with this team originated with interpersonal conflict between players and coaches, primarily on offense. That lead to friction and poor performance on offense and served to demotivate the defense. Steps are being taken to correct these issues. It's yet to be seen if they will be successful, but the bottom line is a more positive and harmonious tone must be set and the players on all sides of the ball must buy into what their coaches are teaching them, and believe in their follow team mates in order to succeed.

With that as our prognosis it's virtually impossible to know what next season will bring at this juncture.

 

[JPFisher]

I'm pretty sure Andy Buh is the defacto special teams coordinator, he just doesn't get the title to go with the job.

My assessment in short is that the problems with this team originated with interpersonal conflict between players and coaches, primarily on offense. That lead to friction and poor performance on offense and served to demotivate the defense. Steps are being taken to correct these issues. It's yet to be seen if they will be successful, but the bottom line is a more positive and harmonious tone must be set and the players on all sides of the ball must buy into what their coaches are teaching them, and believe in their follow team mates in order to succeed.

With that as our prognosis it's virtually impossible to know what next season will bring at this juncture.

I agree completely. My post was a more optimistic one. There is a chance we make a leap or we have another flop. I think we all would prefer the leap.

 

[docholiday51]

A good read, I've been playing along with this wait till next year theme for 50+ so one more is no big deal.

It may be over simplification but it comes down to can Barker be the guy? Can he give us what we need? Can he stay healthy? Who will be the number 2 guy at QB. We have enough players on both sides of the ball to be in a position to win 5 or six games

There is a lot riding on one guy at one position. I don't envy Stoops, his whole future here is riding on Barker and who ever else he can find as a back up

 

[Brock28]

Offensive line, defensive line, and Quarterback play will really hold us back next year, IMO.

 

[TJS4UK]

Offensive line, defensive line, and Quarterback play will really hold us back next year, IMO.

I'm not as worried about the OL...
Leavitt and/or Young should help the Ol.... if GAA can move to guard, that will help even more.... most of the unit (they only lose Swindell) will be a year more mature... The OL may not be dominant, but they should be a lot better.

I'm not as worried about the DL either...
CJ Johnson & Lewis are big losses. However, if Pringle can enroll early, along with Kobe Smith, that will help a bunch. Both of those BIG guys are very quick and they both could potentially start. Also, Meant, Elam & Miggins will all be a year more mature... That should make a big difference. Also, Bell is coming off of a RS year & Middleton should only continue to improve. They may not be an ALL SEC unit, but they will have more potential than the 2015 unit had, IHMO... especially if Pringle & Smith are as good as I think that they are. Multiple injuries would be the only major concern here. But that is always the case.

I will admit that the QB outlook is not looking quite so bright. Barker was inconsistent much like Towles. Will he have what it takes to lead this team to a winning season next fall? IDK. Furthermore, Phillips has not shown anything in limited game action & Hoak will be a true FR. If Barker were to miss any action at all it could get very ugly.

Hopefully Stoops can bring in a 5th year QB transfer or a JUCO QB. And hopefully he can add one who is good enough to potentially beat out Barker.

 

[TJS4UK]

It may be over simplification but it comes down to can Barker be the guy? Can he give us what we need? Can he stay healthy? Who will be the number 2 guy at QB. We have enough players on both sides of the ball to be in a position to win 5 or six games

There is a lot riding on one guy at one position. I don't envy Stoops, his whole future here is riding on Barker and who ever else he can find as a back up

I totally agree

 

[JPFisher]

UKAni hinted at there being an unknown extra reason to watch the Cincy bowl. Perhaps a QB transfer? Lots of assumptions. Interesting, to say the least.

I'm not as worried about OLine. We bring Toth back and lose nobody from the interior who can't be replaced with either Haynes or GAA. GAA, Lord willing, will move to the inside where I feel he will flourish at his natural G position. We bring in Leavitt, who is a true tackle, and Meadows has another year under his belt. Mosier and Young can fill in at the tackles if necessary. There's a lot to be optimistic about this coming season along the OLine. Plenty of talent coming up.

DLine will hopefully get figured out as we get another year of experience in a 3-4. Linebackers as well. We replace some starters, but they will be filled in by talented youth which was thrown to the SEC wolves this year. If the linebackers can learn to seal the edges more consistently, it'll make the line look better.

We just have to wait an see.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

I totally agree

We must remember Coach Spurrier coveted Mr. Barker to be his QB of the future. CMS won the recruiting battle and Drew showed leadership right away in helping with keeping the 2014 recruiting class together. Unfortunately, he also experienced bouts of immaturity. This is his team now and we go where he leads us. However, having additional depth will help us in the second half of the 2016 season. I'm not concerned with who we fans think will be wins. My concern is better coaching and team leadership. Those two elements give us a fighting chance in every game.

 

[Blue Decade]

UKAni hinted at there being an unknown extra reason to watch the Cincy bowl. Perhaps a QB transfer? Lots of assumptions. Interesting, to say the least.

I'm not as worried about OLine. We bring Toth back and lose nobody from the interior who can't be replaced with either Haynes or GAA. GAA, Lord willing, will move to the inside where I feel he will flourish at his natural G position. We bring in Leavitt, who is a true tackle, and Meadows has another year under his belt. Mosier and Young can fill in at the tackles if necessary. There's a lot to be optimistic about this coming season along the OLine. Plenty of talent coming up.

DLine will hopefully get figured out as we get another year of experience in a 3-4. Linebackers as well. We replace some starters, but they will be filled in by talented youth which was thrown to the SEC wolves this year. If the linebackers can learn to seal the edges more consistently, it'll make the line look better.

We just have to wait an see.

Your OP is very good. I completely agree with your assessment of our team, our locker room, and the 2015 season. However, I have to disagree with some of your thoughts about opponents on our 2016 schedule. Just to name 2 of those, Southern Miss is NOT a cupcake by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no way that we will beat Florida in the Swamp next year. Our 2016 schedule is significantly tougher than 2015. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.

I also disagree with you about our 2016 offensive line. In 2015, our offensive line and special teams were the biggest weaknesses of our team. Our offensive line play was THE reason our offense could not sustain drives. Illegal procedure penalties, holding penalties, poor pass blocking, blown assignments. A lot of this was incorrectly blamed on Towles, but our offense regressed badly against Louisville with Barker under center. On the offensive line, Toth, Meyer, and Haynes were never the problem. Our tackles were the problem. Tate Leavitt might be an upgrade. I hope he is, because everything depends on it. Meadows and GAA will be good players some day, but both were ineffective in 2015. Many fans incorrectly believe Landon Young will instantly become a solution in 2016. Young himself is lobbying to play in 2016, but that is a big mistake. Young has a nice future, but badly needs a redshirt year. I wish Stoops had taken another juco offensive tackle in addition to Leavitt, and will not be completely shocked if that happens late in the class.

Like it or not, Towles' departure leaves our team in a lurch. With the entire starting defensive line and most key linebackers graduating, our defense must be rebuilt. Now we will also have to work through Barker's maturation. What was once a promising 2016 season now looks like a steep uphill slog and another developmental season to me.

The bad luck and unfortunate events you described have thrown Stoops behind by another year, because that's what it will take to stabilize the coaching staff and spoon feed Barker. However, In 2017, Barker will be a junior just when the senior class will all be Stoops' recruits and when Kentucky's defense ought to reach another maturation cycle. It will be a challenge for everyone to struggle through 2016, and I fully expect a lot of unbearable bellyaching. But 2017 looks like the breakout year now.

 

[docholiday51]

How confident are some of you that Gran is/will be named the OC in a short time? Do you think there is an understanding or idea that both he and Stoops have relative to the QB situation?

It would seem they both Like Hoak but he is probably 2 years away from being ready to take snaps in a game. I just can't see a plan that involves going into a season or even spring practice with 1 QB. We have the walk on kid out of Louisville but that is it.

While watching some of the Cincy game I heard them say that Cincy's coach said their regular QB would be back next year, I know that what we hear in games isn't always gospel but it seems they wouldn't bring it up unless there was at least a good faith basis for saying it.

I guess part of my question is how possible is it that Gran is not the guy and who are the other reasonable possibilities

 

[merrimanm]

Your OP is very good. I completely agree with your assessment of our team, our locker room, and the 2015 season. However, I have to disagree with some of your thoughts about opponents on our 2016 schedule. Just to name 2 of those, Southern Miss is NOT a cupcake by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no way that we will beat Florida in the Swamp next year. Our 2016 schedule is significantly tougher than 2015. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.

I also disagree with you about our 2016 offensive line. In 2015, our offensive line and special teams were the biggest weaknesses of our team. Our offensive line play was THE reason our offense could not sustain drives. Illegal procedure penalties, holding penalties, poor pass blocking, blown assignments. A lot of this was incorrectly blamed on Towles, but our offense regressed badly against Louisville with Barker under center. On the offensive line, Toth, Meyer, and Haynes were never the problem. Our tackles were the problem. Tate Leavitt might be an upgrade. I hope he is, because everything depends on it. Meadows and GAA will be good players some day, but both were ineffective in 2015. Many fans incorrectly believe Landon Young will instantly become a solution in 2016. Young himself is lobbying to play in 2016, but that is a big mistake. Young has a nice future, but badly needs a redshirt year. I wish Stoops had taken another juco offensive tackle in addition to Leavitt, and will not be completely shocked if that happens late in the class.

Like it or not, Towles' departure leaves our team in a lurch. With the entire starting defensive line and most key linebackers graduating, our defense must be rebuilt. Now we will also have to work through Barker's maturation. What was once a promising 2016 season now looks like a steep uphill slog and another developmental season to me.

The bad luck and unfortunate events you described have thrown Stoops behind by another year, because that's what it will take to stabilize the coaching staff and spoon feed Barker. However, In 2017, Barker will be a junior just when the senior class will all be Stoops' recruits and when Kentucky's defense ought to reach another maturation cycle. It will be a challenge for everyone to struggle through 2016, and I fully expect a lot of unbearable bellyaching. But 2017 looks like the breakout year now.

I agree with many points. However, we are not losing our entire dLine. Lewis was a senior, but of course we lost him halfway through this season. We also lose Johnson, but that is it.

We have Elam, Meant, Middleton and all those guys back. We also have Ware and Hatcher back. But we can't forget about Love and Laster that should be upgrades at the backer spots and both have experience albeit at another school.

 

[Mr Schwump]

How confident are some of you that Gran is/will be named the OC in a short time? Do you think there is an understanding or idea that both he and Stoops have relative to the QB situation?

It would seem they both Like Hoak but he is probably 2 years away from being ready to take snaps in a game. I just can't see a plan that involves going into a season or even spring practice with 1 QB. We have the walk on kid out of Louisville but that is it.

While watching some of the Cincy game I heard them say that Cincy's coach said their regular QB would be back next year, I know that what we hear in games isn't always gospel but it seems they wouldn't bring it up unless there was at least a good faith basis for saying it.

I guess part of my question is how possible is it that Gran is not the guy and who are the other reasonable possibilities

I've wondered the same thing, if not Gran then who? The only name I've seen even remotely mentioned is Coley. I guess if it's not Gran UK has done a good job of putting up a smokescreen.

 

[NavyCat88]

There is too much uncertainty at OC (?), QB (recruiting, development, starter, backup) and OL (development) to be able to predict with any certainty this year.....but if I had to venture a guess I would say 4....potentially 5 wins.

Wins (2): Austin Peay and New Mexico State.
-If we lose to either one of these teams....we're looking at a complete shambles and likely a 1 or 2 win season....new staff the following year (including the AD).

Toss ups (3): So Miss, Vandy, @Missouri. I think we may win two of these games (Vandy and SO Miss are most likely IMO).
-SO MISS: I think So Miss will be a very tough challenge for us. We will have the slight advantage of having a new OC with no film of UK players under his scheme....very little on film of Barker period (if he is the starter). If we win, it will be a good indicator.
-VANDY: Vandy may now be on an upward trajectory....we will see this year. We should win, but if we're showing basic coaching missteps, lack of game planning, unforced errors, etc....we lose....even at home.
-@UM: Missouri took a page from our book hiring a non-former HC in Odom. Big mystery. I always thought GP was a borderline miracle worker as HC in Columbia....time will tell. Away game makes this one tough and an unlikely wildcat win IMO.

Possible but not probable (3): So Car, Miss St, @UofL (I think we might win one of these three games)--most likely UofL.
-USCjr is at CWS and that should help. Muschamp is an expert on the D side and demonstrated as much at UF....if he has learned from his UF time and finds an OC who can muster any offense at all, we will struggle with the gamecocks.
-MSU: We get a bye before the MSU game and we will need it after 6 straight weeks of FB. I think DM has some good players/depth and he is a darned good coach. We're not in MSU's league yet from a talent or HC and staff experience perspective....even with a new bulldog QB.
-UL: Fair level of talent....better HC than ours at this point. We usually play them pretty tough for at least half of a game. This could be our year to beat UL.

No...just no (4): @UF, @Bama, @UT, UGA.
-Not even worth describing in detail re: @Bama and @UT.
-@UF: UF in the swamp will simply out-talent us IMO.
-UGA: UGA's HC is new but ours hasn't yet shown the benefit of his added experience. It really won't matter given the talent disparity and --even at CWS.

In summary: I see us beating AP, NMSU for two sure wins. Most likely winning our opener against So Miss and later at home against Vandy for wins three & four. We have a shot at taking down UL at PJS for a fifth win.

Beyond 4....maybe 5 wins, I don't see us even being in late season bowl talk.

There are a ton of variables in play with Barker, OC, RS Fr impact, HC & Staff improvement, but if you asked me to make a call today...... 4 maybe 5 wins. I would love to be wrong and for the stars to align and us to win 7 or 8. GBB!

 

[TJS4UK]

Just to name 2 of those, Southern Miss is NOT a cupcake by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no way that we will beat Florida in the Swamp next year. Our 2016 schedule is significantly tougher than 2015. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.

Many fans incorrectly believe Landon Young will instantly become a solution in 2016. Young himself is lobbying to play in 2016, but that is a big mistake. Young has a nice future, but badly needs a redshirt year. I wish Stoops had taken another juco offensive tackle in addition to Leavitt, and will not be completely shocked if that happens late in the class.

With the entire starting defensive line and most key linebackers graduating, our defense must be rebuilt.

Now we will also have to work through Barker's maturation.

It will be a challenge for everyone to struggle through 2016, and I fully expect a lot of unbearable bellyaching. But 2017 looks like the breakout year now.

Agree that Southern Miss is not a cupcake. It's winnable though.

I agree that FL will not be an easy win, but I would not go as far as to say that UK has no shot. UK was 1 play away from winning the last 2 & UF will be without Grier, Hargraves, McCalister, Taylor & Robinson. That's a lot of elite talent at key positions. Plus, the odds say that the streak should end soon. I mean if Matt Roark @ QB can beat UT, surely FL is not an automatic loss, even if it might be difficult.

Leavitt looks as good as advertised. I think that he's an upgrade.

I, too, wish that UK had added another JUCO OT for depth purposes.

I do disagree regarding Young. Several BIG football schools start freshman linemen who were ranked in the Rivals 100, so there is no reason why Young can't be effective. Aaron Miller & Kip Sixberry were both true freshman OT's who were solid @ UK before leaving. Young is much higher rated than either of them... He's a 6.0 4 star #4 OT with a very freakish build. Ole Miss has an OT who is going Pro after only 3 years, so who is to say that Young would stay @ UK for more than 4 years? Early round NFL $$$ likely will prevent a 5th year, IMHO. Hopefully NFL $$$ won't cause him to leave after only 3, like Randall Cobb.

Also, having Leavitt & Young @ tackles (w/ Meadows & Moiser as backups) should allow GAA to move to guard, which should only strengthen the running game. More about that below...

Regarding Barker... I think that Gran is smart enough to build the O around the running game, especially with him being a long time RB coach who has had great success.. That probably fits the OL better, especially with GAA @ guard. Also, the entire RB unit returns & will add Rose & Snell. On a related note, I expect the wildcat formation to become a little more prominent again. Therefore, I would expect a lot more "running to set up the pass" which should only help Barker & the WR's. It also should use up more clock which should benefit the defense.

I agree that the front 7 will have some positions that will indeed need to be rebuilt. But, there is plenty of talent available, despite some of it being inexperienced. The good news is that most of the D will return for 2017. So I do agree that 2017 looks like the year for UK to make a big step.

All of that said, I don't expect next year to yeild an SEC East title or anything close to that, I am just not quite as pessimistic in my outlook as you seem be.

 

[JPFisher]

Not sure why S.Car is suddenly so much better than us in your assessment, but oh well.

Speaking of Offensive Coordinators, what are the chances the new one for UK comes out to do the Y at the half of UL/UK?

 

[TJS4UK]

Not sure why S.Car is suddenly so much better than us in your assessment, but oh well.

Speaking of Offensive Coordinators, what are the chances the new one for UK comes out to do the Y at the half of UL/UK?

I agree regarding SC. South Carolina might not be a pushover, but I would expect a "Pharoh Cooperless" team, with new coaches, to be a down a little.

No idea regarding the Y.

 

[Mr Schwump]

The Y should be the ho, she's supposed to be there today.

 

[AirRaidFan_rivals164446]

Not sure why S.Car is suddenly so much better than us in your assessment, but oh well.

Speaking of Offensive Coordinators, what are the chances the new one for UK comes out to do the Y at the half of UL/UK?

Y not? Best way to introduce him. The crowd in Rupp would fall totally silent as they murmer.....'what is an OC?'

 

[mtn cat1]

Ah yes, an infamous "Next Year Fer Sher" thread. Hear me out, though. I'm not always right (Lord knows), but I have looked at the schedule for next year and this is the scenario I see UK treading as Stoops adds a fourth candle to his SEC birthday cake.

- Murphy's law bit UK in the *** about as badly as I've ever remembered it biting us (results and progression vs preseason expectations) at least since Joker's "Rise" bull crap. Just about everything that could have gone wrong for UK did indeed go wrong. Here is a (small and incomplete list):
1. Special Teams by committee failed miserably
2. Our very good punter (last year) laid a giant egg the entire season and never got his groove back. This gave other teams GREAT field position very often
3. Our starting kicker went down and played sporadically if he was put into the game and also affected starting field position ( 2 and 3 did not help #1)
4. Dichotomy in the locker room ( from player reports, I feel like it was a bigger issue than the public is being made aware but I hope not)
5. Coaching inexperience
6. Time of Possession suffered and as a result, a very shallow (and inexperienced) defensive depth chart suffered
7. Failed execution on many key offensive plays (which, by my count, could've put us in very good position for an extra two or three wins)
8. Youth showed up as a few young players had to burn redshirts by necessity and really were not ready to play
9. We lost two of our three best DLinemen at critical points (Meant was playing like a man possessed and looked like he had put things together but never got his streak back after injury and Lewis was a key DL)
10. Towles and Barker drama set the offense back IMO (potentially playing into #4)

There's obviously more going on, but this season completely fell flat of our expectations and these are 10 things I could think of as to why.

-To address 1-3, I feel as though we learned our lesson and will either make corrections to the ST by committee approach or give one guy the keys to the car and let him drive. I don't know who will replace Foster, but we seem to have a Punter on the team named Kirshe and several Kickers on the team including Butler (MacGinnis's backup) may fill the role if we go that route. We also have McKinnis coming in as a highly rated Kicker, so there's that. MacGinnis will return for his Junior campaign next year hopefully as healthy as ever.

-The dissension in the locker room undoubtedly caused some internal issues on the team. Starting with Boom's meltdown and ending with Dawson's departure from UK, fans could and still can see something is or was amiss (hopefully was- past tense). Not enough has been made public to make a call on who's to blame, and I'm okay with that... As long as the issue gets fixed, and I think it will if Gran (or someone similar) is hired. UK has far too much talent on offense to have performed as poorly as we did this season.

-Going along with that, I feel as though some plays on the field were perhaps brought about by dissension or differing opinions. Looking back, why were some players penalized with playing time for going through the motions or not executing while others weren't? I'm not pointing fingers, more just asking why. Key plays could've added a score or prolonged a drive, and execution absolutely decimated our team this year. TOP was a huge issue this season and undoubtedly made the defense look worse than it was. If the offensive and special teams woes are even halfway remedied next season, rest assured that we will see our defense take large strides.

-UK was bit by the injury bug early and often. We lost Boom for a number of games (not including the personal issues game), lost linemen, linebackers, starting special teams players, etc. Seriously, though, Murphy's law.

-As much as some folks don't like to hear it, we don't have the depth to have a true "Next man up" philosophy. More a "whisper to your assistant coach to say a prayer for the true freshman you just put in against an SEC opponent" philosophy. We're getting better, though. Next season, we may even be able to start two OT's at the position instead of an OT and a true freshman Guard! OH BOY!

-I'm not going to make a call on the Towles/Barker crock because I don't know enough about it. What I heard midway through the season (and I no longer remember the source, so don't ask) is that players weren't happy that Towles was staying in despite lack of execution. I have no proof of this, but it's what I heard from social media and some buddies of mine who attend UK. We all know social media and students are the best sources, so take that as you will.

Now, looking ahead to next season.... I've seen a lot of folks posting that we will be lucky to get four wins, five wins, THAT DUDE SUGGESTED SIX WINS, STONE HIM TO DEATH!!!

Look at UK's wins this season that we replay next season:
-South Carolina never got their ish together and there's no reason to think they will right the ship in time for the UK game especially with Muschamp at the helm (I honestly thought it was a joke headline when he got hired). However, he's a great defensive coach and could end up with a great team if he allows the OC to work unhampered (with his own playbook).

-Missouri is a potential loss, it was a hard-fought game, but Missouri loses an established head coach and Maty Mauk has not had the smoothest ship recently.

We fill up with three cupcakes: Southern Miss, Austin Peay, and New Mexico State. Southern Miss, IMO, will tell us how effective the new OC coaching hire was and if we can expect a bowl. Southern Miss is a very solid team and will give us a good look at how UK has progressed under the offseason changes.

Potential for our "At least four" wins to this point is fairly good. I'm estimating at least four wins from these five games. Now we get into the "Well, damn" area.

We played the Gators closer in 2014 in their own territory IMO than we did this past season in Commonwealth. Points be dammed. We gave a hell of an effort. McElwain got the Gators together last season, but they lose Grier and Hargreaves. Call me crazy, but I don't think we have to pray for UF to overlook us. We will have to play a very good game, but I think that you factor in the potential for a greater effort and execution with a more experienced OC and we could definitely win in the Swamp.

Vanderbilt was a horrible game and any greater offensive production (sustained drives) would've gotten us a win. This game falls into my category of, "See how the OC changes things."

Both the UF and Vandy games were one offensive play away from a win. Good chance to go at least 1/2 in this series. Possible five wins to this point.

UGA has a coaching change and Kirby Smart is new to head coaching, but he has learned from the best coach in CFB and could wow us in his first year. I predict a UK loss. I also predict losses to UT and Alabama. For obvious reasons.

Mississippi State will not have Dak Prescott in the backfield for the first time in 10 years. I don't feel this is an easy win, but I feel like UK could pull out a W with proper game management on offense and special teams. JMO, but I'm not sure enough to count this as even a toss-up.

Last is Louisville. You all, I don't know about you, but we lost that game when we couldn't score coming out of the half. Poor execution and play-calling lost us momentum. I'll predict a W. Should've won this year. Simple as that.

Brings the total wins to six, IMO. Plus, we're always "supposed" to upset someone (I usually laugh at the notion). But anyway, I don't feel as though that total will be as high if we don't utilize our talent and unify our team. However, I see Gran as having the ability to do just that. If we don't bring in a coordinator like Gran or someone similar in relation to Stoops, I don't feel as though the team unity and cohesion will be to bowl standards.

I hope coaches make the necessary changes for special teams and our OC can make the difference in our performance. A balanced and effective offense will allow Stoops and Eliot to get the defense rested and improved special teams will make it easier on both the offense and defense. Imagine opponents not starting at the 35 or better every drive. How would that improve the defensive effectiveness? Imagine having a more rested defense.

Next season could be a giant leap or a giant flop. I hope fans, myself included, understand that although we could do really well next season, we could also do much worse. A new OC might not fix everything and our special teams woes could continue. We should, however, give Stoops a chance to get all of Joker's guys out and give him a chance to build up the team with an experienced and related OC.

This is by no means a comprehensive summary of our team, the season, or even who will be our coaches. I just wanted to get an opinion out there and add some more hope (hopefully more realistic than optimistic) to a fanbase which has become much more toxic and bitter since 2015's debacle.

See you all in 2016. Merry Christmas and I hope you have a happy holidays. Feel free to comment. I'm not an expert by any means and I like watching discussions.

A well thought out and reflective analysis!
I'm certain that there will be haters that will take you to task for even offering a constructive thought however!!!
It is threads like this that make me proud to be a member of.this board!!!

 

[wildcatdon]

Stoops kept the search pretty quiet last year before he announced that idiot Dawson. What a mistake that was. Wow.. We will never have another schedule set up as easy as this year's was. We blew it this year big time ..Should have been 8-4 easily.

 

[JPFisher]

Stoops kept the search pretty quiet last year before he announced that idiot Dawson. What a mistake that was. Wow.. We will never have another schedule set up as easy as this year's was. We blew it this year big time ..Should have been 8-4 easily.

I have toyed with the thought that we would have wowed with a seven win season this year if we still had Brown. Both coaches made bonehead calls, but at least Brown's offense utilized the QB run and hell, even put up greater than 30ppg. Ifs and buts.

 

[TJS4UK]

I have toyed with the thought that we would have wowed with a seven win season this year if we still had Brown. Both coaches made bonehead calls, but at least Brown's offense utilized the QB run and hell, even put up greater than 30ppg. Ifs and buts.

^ 29.2 PPG... But, close enough & more productive than many want to give him credit for. I, too, think that Dawson limiting the QB run (& the wildcat) hurt UK's O productivity.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

I agree with many points. However, we are not losing our entire dLine. Lewis was a senior, but of course we lost him halfway through this season. We also lose Johnson, but that is it.

We have Elam, Meant, Middleton and all those guys back. We also have Ware and Hatcher back. But we can't forget about Love and Laster that should be upgrades at the backer spots and both have experience albeit at another school.

I think the question relates more to how much quality depth will be available on the defense. That more than anything would help us weather the second half of the season.

 

[docholiday51]

I have toyed with the thought that we would have wowed with a seven win season this year if we still had Brown. Both coaches made bonehead calls, but at least Brown's offense utilized the QB run and hell, even put up greater than 30ppg. Ifs and buts.

Agree, Brown was better than he got credit for being. He may make a better HC than OC, who knows we may not have seen the last of Brown at UK

 

[Blue Decade]

I agree with many points. However, we are not losing our entire dLine. Lewis was a senior, but of course we lost him halfway through this season. We also lose Johnson, but that is it.

We have Elam, Meant, Middleton and all those guys back. We also have Ware and Hatcher back. But we can't forget about Love and Laster that should be upgrades at the backer spots and both have experience albeit at another school.

I like all the players you mentioned. But you are fooling yourself if you think our defensive line does not have a rebuilding season ahead. Aside from Hatcher, all the other names you mentioned are very inexperienced players. All of them have potential, but our seniors will be sorely missed. Every team has strengths and weaknesses. Lack of playing experience in our front 7 will be a problem next year. Stoops has a lot of problems to address now.

 

[VikingsCat]

Many good points in this thread. The issues this year and their results have IMO taken us back a couple of years. We will have a new offensive system, so I don't expect much in the first half of the season and then comes the second part with the tougher schedule.
We can dream that Young will be ready, but I don't expect him to be ready until 2017 or 2018. Same goes for Barker. He wasn't ready this year and didn't show signs of of being ready next year. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't expect much from our offense until 2018. We just won't have the OL needed until then.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

Agree, Brown was better than he got credit for being. He may make a better HC than OC, who knows we may not have seen the last of Brown at UK

Agreed

 

[TJS4UK]

I hope I'm wrong, but I don't expect much from our offense until 2018.

I really hope that you are incorrect. Stoops won't make it that long without a successful season. If he does go, it will set the team back yet again... New systems to learn, transfers (they almost always increase), split loyalties, etc.

The best case scenario is for Stoops to succeed next year, and the next best scenario, is for him to succeed the following year. No way he's @ UK in 2018 without one of those 2 things happening, IMHO.

 

[Blue Decade]

Agree that Southern Miss is not a cupcake. It's winnable though.

I agree that FL will not be an easy win, but I would not go as far as to say that UK has no shot. UK was 1 play away from winning the last 2 & UF will be without Grier, Hargraves, McCalister, Taylor & Robinson. That's a lot of elite talent at key positions. Plus, the odds say that the streak should end soon. I mean if Matt Roark @ QB can beat UT, surely FL is not an automatic loss, even if it might be difficult.

Leavitt looks as good as advertised. I think that he's an upgrade.

I, too, wish that UK had added another JUCO OT for depth purposes.

I do disagree regarding Young. Several BIG football schools start freshman linemen who were ranked in the Rivals 100, so there is no reason why Young can't be effective. Aaron Miller & Kip Sixberry were both true freshman OT's who were solid @ UK before leaving. Young is much higher rated than either of them... He's a 6.0 4 star #4 OT with a very freakish build. Ole Miss has an OT who is going Pro after only 3 years, so who is to say that Young would stay @ UK for more than 4 years? Early round NFL $$$ likely will prevent a 5th year, IMHO. Hopefully NFL $$$ won't cause him to leave after only 3, like Randall Cobb.

Also, having Leavitt & Young @ tackles (w/ Meadows & Moiser as backups) should allow GAA to move to guard, which should only strengthen the running game. More about that below...

Regarding Barker... I think that Gran is smart enough to build the O around the running game, especially with him being a long time RB coach who has had great success.. That probably fits the OL better, especially with GAA @ guard. Also, the entire RB unit returns & will add Rose & Snell. On a related note, I expect the wildcat formation to become a little more prominent again. Therefore, I would expect a lot more "running to set up the pass" which should only help Barker & the WR's. It also should use up more clock which should benefit the defense.

I agree that the front 7 will have some positions that will indeed need to be rebuilt. But, there is plenty of talent available, despite some of it being inexperienced. The good news is that most of the D will return for 2017. So I do agree that 2017 looks like the year for UK to make a big step.

All of that said, I don't expect next year to yeild an SEC East title or anything close to that, I am just not quite as pessimistic in my outlook as you seem be.

I will respond to your comment because you said I am pessimistic, which is silly. For months, I have defended our players and coaches against ridiculous criticisms here. I predicted a bowl bid this year when nearly everyone else was predicting doom, and many were calling for Stoops' head. By nature, I am an optimist.

I am calling it like I see it now. Stoops showed his inexperience as a head coach. That does not mean he won't be successful, but he has made it a steeper climb and a higher mountain now. Stoops panicked in the Vandy game and set off a chain of events that cost us the outcome of that game, a likely bowl bid, and chaos on our offense that hurt us in November and could extend into 2016. I can't hold Stoops solely responsible, since Dawson contributed to the chaos. Dawson paid for it with his job, and I give Stoops credit for seeing what had to be done about Dawson. But Stoops lost control of his team and his locker room.

The new offensive coordinator hire has become crucial for Stoops' job security at Kentucky. But even if Stoops makes a good hire, he has hitched his star to Drew Barker. Barker has talent, but the Louisville game showed he isn't ready. I don't know how closely you watched that game, but Barker's inexperience is a problem that won't be solved in 1 offseason by Eddie Gran. And if Barker gets hurt, we will really be up a creek. I don't have any evidence, but we might see a late attempt to bring in another quarterback because this coaching staff's future is in some jeopardy now.

Our 2015 offensive line was the worst in the SEC. I like the signing of Tate Leavitt, but we still have problems upfront.

I predicted 6-7 wins and a bowl bid in 2015. This year's schedule was a missed opportunity. We should have beaten Vandy, and the Auburn game was also there for the taking. Those opportunities were blown. Next year's schedule is full of land mines. With a sophomore quarterback who still isn't ready for the SEC, major problems on our special teams, and a rebuilding year for our front 7, I see 4-5 wins against that schedule. Don't fool yourself about Southern Miss. We have our hands full in that game, and it will be tough to win it. And I am willing to bet you that we won't beat Florida in the Swamp next year.

The good news is that 2017 shapes up nicely for our team. But between now and then, there may be some pain.

At the time Stoops was hired, I liked the move. I still think Stoops can get the job done at Kentucky, but he has made some mistakes and made his job a lot harder now. I still support Stoops, but I am not kidding myself about 2016. It's going to be a very difficult year.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

I will respond to your comment because you said I am pessimistic, which is silly. For months, I have defended our players and coaches against ridiculous criticisms here. I predicted a bowl bid this year when nearly everyone else was predicting doom, and many were calling for Stoops' head. By nature, I am an optimist.

I am calling it like I see it now. Stoops showed his inexperience as a head coach. That does not mean he won't be successful, but he has made it a steeper climb and a higher mountain now. Stoops panicked in the Vandy game and set off a chain of events that cost us the outcome of that game, a likely bowl bid, and chaos on our offense that hurt us in November and could extend into 2016. I can't hold Stoops solely responsible, since Dawson contributed to the chaos. Dawson paid for it with his job, and I give Stoops credit for seeing what had to be done about Dawson. But Stoops lost control of his team and his locker room.

The new offensive coordinator hire has become crucial for Stoops' job security at Kentucky. But even if Stoops makes a good hire, he has hitched his star to Drew Barker. Barker has talent, but the Louisville game showed he isn't ready. I don't know how closely you watched that game, but Barker's inexperience is a problem that won't be solved in 1 offseason by Eddie Gran. And if Barker gets hurt, we will really be up a creek. I don't have any evidence, but we might see a late attempt to bring in another quarterback because this coaching staff's future is in some jeopardy now.

Our 2015 offensive line was the worst in the SEC. I like the signing of Tate Leavitt, but we still have problems upfront.

I predicted 6-7 wins and a bowl bid in 2015. This year's schedule was a missed opportunity. We should have beaten Vandy, and the Auburn game was also there for the taking. Those opportunities were blown. Next year's schedule is full of land mines. With a sophomore quarterback who still isn't ready for the SEC, major problems on our special teams, and a rebuilding year for our front 7, I see 4-5 wins against that schedule. Don't fool yourself about Southern Miss. We have our hands full in that game, and it will be tough to win it. And I am willing to bet you that we won't beat Florida in the Swamp next year.

The good news is that 2017 shapes up nicely for our team. But between now and then, there may be some pain.

At the time Stoops was hired, I liked the move. I still think Stoops can get the job done at Kentucky, but he has made some mistakes and made his job a lot harder now. I still support Stoops, but I am not kidding myself about 2016. It's going to be a very difficult year.

More important, the team has to learn to win. Team leadership plays a major role.

 

[Anjiejo]

Not sure why S.Car is suddenly so much better than us in your assessment, but oh well.

Speaking of Offensive Coordinators, what are the chances the new one for UK comes out to do the Y at the half of UL/UK?

Or mizz.... Both those teams along with vandy are very winnable... New coaches new systems you never know..I feel like we had 3 games that should have been won basically because of a split locker room we lost,which gives people a pessimistic out look for next year..You cant blame them to a point but our offense has some very good talent that wasn't used this year.. Little bit like the 2013 basketball team. A little twik changed that tournment run, which nobody would have thought possible prier to that.

 

[Anjiejo]

Spl

Or mizz.... Both those teams along with vandy are very winnable... New coaches new systems you never know..I feel like we had 3 games that should have been won basically because of a split locker room we lost,which gives people a pessimistic out look for next year..You cant blame them to a point but our offense has some very good talent that wasn't used this year.. Little bit like the 2013 basketball team. A little twik changed that tournment run, which nobody would have thought possible prier to that.

Split lockerroom along with some bad moves by the coaches. Dont want to place all of it on the players because coaching was equally bad..

 

[TJS4UK]

I will respond to your comment because you said I am pessimistic, which is silly.

I did not mean to imply that you are a pessimist. I can tell that you try to keep it real and I can also tell that you are an astute observer. I was simply saying that your outlook towards the 2016 season seems to be more pessimistic than mine. Sorry for the confusion.

Regarding the poor OL play in 2015... I agree. I also agree that UK probably should have targeted another JUCO OT. But, all of that is a big reason why I believe that L Young likely ends up playing. He has adequate size, athletism & technique to contribute right away, IMHO. He also provides the best opportunity to move GAA to guard, which should help improve the line even more. I also think that the pressure on Coach Stoops to "win now" will be a huge factor regarding whether or not to play Young.

Anyway, we will just have to agree to disagree. Nothing wrong with that. Neither of us knows 100% what the staff is going to do until the 2016 season rolls around anyway.

 

[merrimanm]

I like all the players you mentioned. But you are fooling yourself if you think our defensive line does not have a rebuilding season ahead. Aside from Hatcher, all the other names you mentioned are very inexperienced players. All of them have potential, but our seniors will be sorely missed. Every team has strengths and weaknesses. Lack of playing experience in our front 7 will be a problem next year. Stoops has a lot of problems to address now.

All of the guys I mentioned got many snaps this year. So while I still believe they are not there yet, and may not be next year, it isn't a rebuild as we really are only losing Johnson. A rebuild to me means you start over. We aren't starting over, we just need to get better. This is why I don't think our dLine will get an worse, and really, should be quite better. Will it be all SEC? No. But it can be serviceable enough to allow us to have a fairly descent defense.

 

[vikingfoer]

Braker will be ok ,if he does get hurt ,we can run the wildcat with J HYDE game over.

 

[JPFisher]

Braker will be ok ,if he does get hurt ,we can run the wildcat with J HYDE game over.

All the practice reports I've heard let me know that this Braker fella is a bad man....

I'm glad the piss and vinegar crowd managed to stay away from this thread. I do like the idea of us bringing in a mobile QB to run the Wildcat. We need another Cobb... In all seriousness, though, trickery and quickness of the Wildcat could allow us to squeak in a few extra TD's this year and extend some drives.

If Stoops can use his staff to rein in his team, we could be looking at an improved team. There will be hurdles with a new system, but we should have scored 35 points a game this season and we didn't. We almost never utilized our receiver depth, TE's, QB strengths/abilities, or employ any sort of trickery to any effectiveness. If our next OC knows what he has, I think he could produce more this coming season than Dawson did last season.

That's a lot of ifs, though, and Stoops will need to rely heavily on his staff to help him regain the entire team or at least quell any lingering dissension.

 

[Brock28]

I'm not as worried about the OL...
Leavitt and/or Young should help the Ol.... if GAA can move to guard, that will help even more.... most of the unit (they only lose Swindell) will be a year more mature... The OL may not be dominant, but they should be a lot better.

I'm not as worried about the DL either...
CJ Johnson & Lewis are big losses. However, if Pringle can enroll early, along with Kobe Smith, that will help a bunch. Both of those BIG guys are very quick and they both could potentially start. Also, Meant, Elam & Miggins will all be a year more mature... That should make a big difference. Also, Bell is coming off of a RS year & Middleton should only continue to improve. They may not be an ALL SEC unit, but they will have more potential than the 2015 unit had, IHMO... especially if Pringle & Smith are as good as I think that they are. Multiple injuries would be the only major concern here. But that is always the case.

I will admit that the QB outlook is not looking quite so bright. Barker was inconsistent much like Towles. Will he have what it takes to lead this team to a winning season next fall? IDK. Furthermore, Phillips has not shown anything in limited game action & Hoak will be a true FR. If Barker were to miss any action at all it could get very ugly.

Hopefully Stoops can bring in a 5th year QB transfer or a JUCO QB. And hopefully he can add one who is good enough to potentially beat out Barker.

To think the O line and D line won't struggle is being pretty nieve. Is a miracle going to happen over the off season? I told everyone the same last year, and everyone told me I was crazy. People were acting like we would have one of the best O lines in the sec. Honestly, I can't ever remember a time when we had a good O line. It's also been a while since we've had a decent D line. Just stating facts here.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

Braker will be ok ,if he does get hurt ,we can run the wildcat with J HYDE game over.

First we had Towels, next year Braker.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

There is too much uncertainty at OC (?), QB (recruiting, development, starter, backup) and OL (development) to be able to predict with any certainty this year.....but if I had to venture a guess I would say 4....potentially 5 wins.

Wins (2): Austin Peay and New Mexico State.
-If we lose to either one of these teams....we're looking at a complete shambles and likely a 1 or 2 win season....new staff the following year (including the AD).

Toss ups (3): So Miss, Vandy, @Missouri. I think we may win two of these games (Vandy and SO Miss are most likely IMO).
-SO MISS: I think So Miss will be a very tough challenge for us. We will have the slight advantage of having a new OC with no film of UK players under his scheme....very little on film of Barker period (if he is the starter). If we win, it will be a good indicator.
-VANDY: Vandy may now be on an upward trajectory....we will see this year. We should win, but if we're showing basic coaching missteps, lack of game planning, unforced errors, etc....we lose....even at home.
-@UM: Missouri took a page from our book hiring a non-former HC in Odom. Big mystery. I always thought GP was a borderline miracle worker as HC in Columbia....time will tell. Away game makes this one tough and an unlikely wildcat win IMO.

Possible but not probable (3): So Car, Miss St, @UofL (I think we might win one of these three games)--most likely UofL.
-USCjr is at CWS and that should help. Muschamp is an expert on the D side and demonstrated as much at UF....if he has learned from his UF time and finds an OC who can muster any offense at all, we will struggle with the gamecocks.
-MSU: We get a bye before the MSU game and we will need it after 6 straight weeks of FB. I think DM has some good players/depth and he is a darned good coach. We're not in MSU's league yet from a talent or HC and staff experience perspective....even with a new bulldog QB.
-UL: Fair level of talent....better HC than ours at this point. We usually play them pretty tough for at least half of a game. This could be our year to beat UL.

No...just no (4): @UF, @Bama, @UT, UGA.
-Not even worth describing in detail re: @Bama and @UT.
-@UF: UF in the swamp will simply out-talent us IMO.
-UGA: UGA's HC is new but ours hasn't yet shown the benefit of his added experience. It really won't matter given the talent disparity and --even at CWS.

In summary: I see us beating AP, NMSU for two sure wins. Most likely winning our opener against So Miss and later at home against Vandy for wins three & four. We have a shot at taking down UL at PJS for a fifth win.

Beyond 4....maybe 5 wins, I don't see us even being in late season bowl talk.

There are a ton of variables in play with Barker, OC, RS Fr impact, HC & Staff improvement, but if you asked me to make a call today...... 4 maybe 5 wins. I would love to be wrong and for the stars to align and us to win 7 or 8. GBB!

SC at home seems more of a toss up to me than at Missouri. Just IMO.

And at UL will still have Petrino vs. Stoops so gotta give Petrino the big edge with home field next year.