We're on the cusp of a banner year I think...

[rabidcatfan]

Think about it, everyone is down on the 2015 campaign, but the fact of the matter is that team could've easily of been 9-3. We could've been 1-11 too had those games against La. Lafayette, USCjr, Mizzou, and EKU not worked out in our favor, but we threw away several opportunites UF, Auburn, @ Vandy, and against UL. Those were all games that we had a chance to win had we just executed properly. Instead we lost them all by 6 or less.

I think this team is growing and learning and has the chance to really prove something this season. I not only think we can win 6, I think we can win more than that. I'd rather be an optimist than a pessimist and think this team can do it. I'm predicting 9-3 - Southern Miss, Florida (yep, that Florida), NMSU, USCjr,, Vandy, MSU, Mizzou, AP, and UL. I think we stun UF, MSU, and UL and play tough on the road at Bama, UGa and UT.

We have a good team and I'm confident they'll have a great showing this season.

 

[WildcatDJ]

I'm right there with you.

The Louisville loss was by 14, not under 6. I still don't know how we gave that one away, but we did by playing not to lose.

A lot of our most talented players last year were young and they're back with more experience. We need our front 7 to gain experience, but I'm optimistic they'll improve as the season progresses setting us up really well for 2017.

I went back and rewatched some of our losses and we were so close in so many of those games.

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

"we could have been 1-11, but let's basically ignore that."

 

[TheBigBlueSpectacle]

People predicting three wins will be disappointed they can't beat the Stoops sucks drum

People predicting 8 or more will learn not to minimalize the importance of good depth on the front and the loss of people like Meant

I expect continued progress. I hope it's enough to make a bowl and I hope we sign the DT talent we so badly need. I love where we seem to be going but we do have some critical gaps still

 

[Dallas-Wild]

"we could have been 1-11, but let's basically ignore that."

That's normally the characteristics of a young team.

This team is still young but experienced in a lot of positions and with some good depth that we've not had for sometime.

Will be very interesting to see how they perform, and if they can overcome tough game situations and make plays to win...and not make mistakes to lose.

One thing I really liked was coach Gan talking about how camp went better than expected in regards to getting everything in. The coaches started game prep earlier and the players join that today in getting prepared for USM.

 

[richbrookstomato]

6 wins in year 4 for Coach Stoops is an absolute MUST!!

If our D-line and LB's can over-achieve and Drew Barker can make the offense roll, I am confident we'll make a Bowl.

I am reluctant to predict more than 6 wins only because my heart has been ripped out so many times in the past.

I am rooting hard to be pleasantly surprised this season!!!

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

We could've easily had 7 wins or more last season had the passing game given us anything.

 

[andreIGUODOLLAsigns4UK]

We will go 5-7 this year. If we lose to USM we'll go 4-8 with an outside shot at 3-9. Our front 7 is way too weak to compete in the SEC. People here tend to underestimate how important a front 7 is in football let alone the SEC. But a very weak front 7 will hurt the play of the secondary and we will lose a ton of games due to it. Stoops just hasn't recruited a front 7 in any way shape or form and it's showing. On the cusp of a banner year? I wouldn't be surprised to see us go 3-9!!!! We have an outside shot at 6-6 but that's our ceiling. We're on the cusp of the wheels falling off if anything.

 

[Bluetick2100]

Blue Kool aid for everybody!

 

[ulismyman]

Need more threads like this...no reason to always be gloom and doom...i like the potential of this team

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I want to be optimistic to, but it's hard to predict more than 6. It really comes down to the USC, Vandy, Miss St., and Missouri games. If we can only win 2 of those, and lose the rest of the SEC games it's probably 5-7 again. Worse if we stumble against S. Miss. OTOH win 3 of those, and maybe pick up an upset over Florida or Georgia and we could win 7 games. 8 if we can beat UL. I wish it all started this Sat., I'm so anxious to see how this team plays against S Miss!

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

Essentially no team catches every single break. I'd imagine there are countless fans of other programs who can justify how things *could* have turned out better.

We won our fair share of close ones that could have gone either way last season. We didn't luck out every single time, and we won't luck out every single time next season, either.

 

[jte123]

seems we have faded the second half of the season but thats when the tougher part has started, lets see if we can suck it up and get a Win or beat the Ville in the second half of the season.

 

[JHB4UK]

if, IF we are 6-6 this season then the banner year is set up for 2017. so very few seniors on this team!

so a winning bowl season gives a roster returning next year almost complete intact but NOW with a veteran QB, no changes in the coaching staffs, no changes in schemes or systems.

however, injuries leading to a losing season puts all that in jeopardy

 

[Bluetick2100]

Need more threads like this...no reason to always be gloom and doom...i like the potential of this team

6 consecutive losing seasons brings on the doom and gloom.

 

[NCukcat62]

Just think, the past two seasons we have came SO close to going 7-5 just to come up wanting. This year I do believe is the year we break that. The sec east has 3 new coaches and we also play Vandy at home. Then we have Mississippi state who just lost mr. everything in dak Prescott

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

We will go 5-7 this year. If we lose to USM we'll go 4-8 with an outside shot at 3-9. Our front 7 is way too weak to compete in the SEC. People here tend to underestimate how important a front 7 is in football let alone the SEC. But a very weak front 7 will hurt the play of the secondary and we will lose a ton of games due to it. Stoops just hasn't recruited a front 7 in any way shape or form and it's showing. On the cusp of a banner year? I wouldn't be surprised to see us go 3-9!!!! We have an outside shot at 6-6 but that's our ceiling. We're on the cusp of the wheels falling off if anything.

If we lose to USM, itll take a miracle to turn the season and Stoops tenure around.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

more than 6 wins will be a miracle with our lack of depth on the D-Line and LBs.

I expect 6 wins.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

more than 6 wins will be a miracle with our lack of depth on the D-Line and LBs.

I expect 6 wins.

LBer depth is not an issue quite a bit of bodies and talent there....DL has some proving to do no doubt.

 

[Dakota25]

4-5 wins. UK football is just that, UK football

 

[jauk11]

We will go 5-7 this year. If we lose to USM we'll go 4-8 with an outside shot at 3-9. Our front 7 is way too weak to compete in the SEC. People here tend to underestimate how important a front 7 is in football let alone the SEC. But a very weak front 7 will hurt the play of the secondary and we will lose a ton of games due to it. Stoops just hasn't recruited a front 7 in any way shape or form and it's showing. On the cusp of a banner year? I wouldn't be surprised to see us go 3-9!!!! We have an outside shot at 6-6 but that's our ceiling. We're on the cusp of the wheels falling off if anything.

You are probably pulling for that 3-9, anything more is going to make you look bad and anything like a 7 win season and they should take away your posting privileges-----not that they shouldn't have already for all your predictable negativity.

How can you come on here and claim to be a fan while predicting a 3 win season with a straight face? Although I am not sure if it is a straight face, it would be hard to be that dumb.

Now go ahead and tell us how many games Stoops cost us last year, I guess you think none of us noticed and have to be reminded daily.

 

[BigBlueTuckian]

A banner year is one in which you actually get to hang a banner for your accomplishments: SEC East Championship, SEC Championship, BCS Bowl Championship, College Football Playoff Championship.

 

[un4getables]

"we could have been 1-11, but let's basically ignore that."

How bout we ignore you

 

[un4getables]

We will go 5-7 this year. If we lose to USM we'll go 4-8 with an outside shot at 3-9. Our front 7 is way too weak to compete in the SEC. People here tend to underestimate how important a front 7 is in football let alone the SEC. But a very weak front 7 will hurt the play of the secondary and we will lose a ton of games due to it. Stoops just hasn't recruited a front 7 in any way shape or form and it's showing. On the cusp of a banner year? I wouldn't be surprised to see us go 3-9!!!! We have an outside shot at 6-6 but that's our ceiling. We're on the cusp of the wheels falling off if anything.

Ha ha... You can't be serious. I think we have a TROLL amongst us.

 

[Mike237]

I want to be optimistic to, but it's hard to predict more than 6. It really comes down to the USC, Vandy, Miss St., and Missouri games. If we can only win 2 of those, and lose the rest of the SEC games it's probably 5-7 again. Worse if we stumble against S. Miss. OTOH win 3 of those, and maybe pick up an upset over Florida or Georgia and we could win 7 games. 8 if we can beat UL. I wish it all started this Sat., I'm so anxious to see how this team plays against S Miss!

 

[Mike237]

Actually, I think we clobber Southern Miss (win by at least two touchdowns and control the whole game), win all four games against USC, Vandy, Missouri, and Miss. State, and steal one game from either Fla, Georgia, or Louisville!

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

How bout we ignore you

Id love it if you'd ignore me so there'd be one less oaf to respond to

 

[jauk11]

4-5 wins. UK football is just that, UK football

You and Andrel should get together, you seem to have a lot in common. Probably be a short drive for both of you if you met up in Louisville, you could have a very exciting Pity Party.

 

[LeonThe Camel]

We will go 5-7 this year. If we lose to USM we'll go 4-8 with an outside shot at 3-9. Our front 7 is way too weak to compete in the SEC. People here tend to underestimate how important a front 7 is in football let alone the SEC. But a very weak front 7 will hurt the play of the secondary and we will lose a ton of games due to it. Stoops just hasn't recruited a front 7 in any way shape or form and it's showing. On the cusp of a banner year? I wouldn't be surprised to see us go 3-9!!!! We have an outside shot at 6-6 but that's our ceiling. We're on the cusp of the wheels falling off if anything.

I am trying to figure this out. 3 weeks ago, the talk was about 5-7 with a possible shot at a lower bowl. Many said just what you are saying 3 to 6 wins. Now as the season is inching closer, I have seen talk of 9 wins with 5 being the lower threshold.
Some folks are setting themselves up for disappointment. There are just to many ifs.

 

[JHB4UK]

LOL, I hover over the "Show Ignored Content" at the bottom of the thread and I've got 4 of 'em already bagged well in advance of having to endure them pour their negativity & poison & trollyness out in this thread. I encourage you all to join me in using this sites wonderful functions.

 

[DA23_rox]

We will go 5-7 this year. If we lose to USM we'll go 4-8 with an outside shot at 3-9. Our front 7 is way too weak to compete in the SEC. People here tend to underestimate how important a front 7 is in football let alone the SEC. But a very weak front 7 will hurt the play of the secondary and we will lose a ton of games due to it. Stoops just hasn't recruited a front 7 in any way shape or form and it's showing. On the cusp of a banner year? I wouldn't be surprised to see us go 3-9!!!! We have an outside shot at 6-6 but that's our ceiling. We're on the cusp of the wheels falling off if anything.

We've been worse on our front 7. Our linebackers will become a strength as the year rolls on. There's a lot of talent there. We have talent on the DL. Just need the offense to keep rolling and keep those guys rested. We also can't withstand many injuries there. I have faith that we will be fine. I think we have 9 winnable games on the schedule. Odds dictate we don't get all of them, but it's not outside the realm of possibility.

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

4-5 wins. UK football is just that, UK football

So were we just not UK football when we went to a bowl game 4 straight years?

Look, I can see how if nearly everything went wrong, we might only end up with 4 wins. But we've certainly got enough talent and experience to get to a bowl if things click.

 

[WildcatDJ]

LOL, I hover over the "Show Ignored Content" at the bottom of the thread and I've got 4 of 'em already bagged well in advance of having to endure them pour their negativity & poison & trollyness out in this thread. I encourage you all to join me in using this sites wonderful functions.

Ya know, some boards have to deal with trolling from rival fans. The UK football board gets more negative trolling from UK basketball fans than anyone else. SMH

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

LOL, I hover over the "Show Ignored Content" at the bottom of the thread and I've got 4 of 'em already bagged well in advance of having to endure them pour their negativity & poison & trollyness out in this thread. I encourage you all to join me in using this sites wonderful functions.

I can tell this is gonna come as a shock to you, but people can both support the same team as you without having the same opinion as you on the prospects of the upcoming season.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

I'm actually feeling fairly optimistic about this year - and I'm not one to predict 8 wins every year, either. I think Stoops continues to grow as a HC. I think the locker-room division last year was worse than we knew, and that's been cleaned up. I think Gran and Hinshaw will make a significant difference. I think the schedule is manageable - very manageable relative to the last 20 years in this league. I think we're solid at 9 positions on offense (the two tackle spots being the exception), I think we're solid in the secondary; and even though the front 7 is a weakness, I think there's a chance the linebacker group will develop and surprise us. I think I trust Stoops to get better results with this D than most would predict. I think we catch some breaks this year. We'll see.

 

[Dakota25]

Ya know, some boards have to deal with trolling from rival fans. The UK football board gets more negative trolling from UK basketball fans than anyone else. SMH

I lived in KY almost my entire left and never met any football only fans. I have seen fans of both, like me, or basketball only which is the majority. However I have never seen football only like I do on these boards.

 

[AMJ_13]

Here is the way I see things panning out:

USM: W (Barker and the Front 7 will be the big stories in this game. Defense will be much, much better than advertised and look for Gran to let Barker loose so he get's some in game confidence built up.)

Florida: W (We've been long overdue and have had their number the previous two years)

New Mexico State: W (Should roll in this one and give our younger guys some in game reps.)

USCjr: W (I honestly don't even think this game will be close, maybe a 38-21 type game but I don't think it will ever be in doubt.)

Alabama: L (Look for us to be competitive but never be in the position to actually win, stranger things have happened though.)

Vandy: W (This is the year we actually play Vandy and don't cough the ball up 5+ times. As long as we do that, we should cruise to victory as Vandy's offenses won't be able to keep up. I could see Boom having a huge game in this one.)

MSU: L (We have to lose a game I think we should win because would it be Kentucky Football if we didn't?)

Mizzou: W (They just simply are not an SEC quality team this year.)

Georgia: W (The Cats almost always play the Dawgs well and this year will be no different.)

UT: W (I believe UT is a bit overhyped (MAY be a little biased) this season and at this point Kentucky's front 7 will have developed tremendously barring any more serious injuries or losses to the D-Line. Elam is going to absolutely drill Tennessee's O-Line and look for us to put pressure on the QB all game long. As long as we can contain him, we should pull the upset in this one.)

Austin Peay: W

Loserville: L (As much as I want to pick a W, the likelihood of ten wins in the regular season just seems unfathomable and Bobby P has had our number as much as I hate to admit it. Should be a fun game to watch as always but I see the Cards pulling away in this one.

Overall I expect UK to be a surprise team in the SEC East with an outside chance of winning it if the cards fall right. This is the first year Stoops has had all of his own players and the schemes in place to succeed. Yes, the D-Line is a concern but like others have said, it has been way, way worse before and we were a few plays away from being 7-5,8-4 last year. I expect progress and will be satisfied with 7 wins but I personally can see this team winning 9 games. To me, the only game that is pretty much an absolute given loss is at Alabama. Other than that, every team on our schedule has vulnerabilities and is prone to lose on any given Saturday. That's what makes this sport so great and I am looking forward to an exciting football season. Go Big Blue!

 

[brianpoe]

Here is the way I see things panning out:

USM: W (Barker and the Front 7 will be the big stories in this game. Defense will be much, much better than advertised and look for Gran to let Barker loose so he get's some in game confidence built up.)

Florida: W (We've been long overdue and have had their number the previous two years)

New Mexico State: W (Should roll in this one and give our younger guys some in game reps.)

USCjr: W (I honestly don't even think this game will be close, maybe a 38-21 type game but I don't think it will ever be in doubt.)

Alabama: L (Look for us to be competitive but never be in the position to actually win, stranger things have happened though.)

Vandy: W (This is the year we actually play Vandy and don't cough the ball up 5+ times. As long as we do that, we should cruise to victory as Vandy's offenses won't be able to keep up. I could see Boom having a huge game in this one.)

MSU: L (We have to lose a game I think we should win because would it be Kentucky Football if we didn't?)

Mizzou: W (They just simply are not an SEC quality team this year.)

Georgia: W (The Cats almost always play the Dawgs well and this year will be no different.)

UT: W (I believe UT is a bit overhyped (MAY be a little biased) this season and at this point Kentucky's front 7 will have developed tremendously barring any more serious injuries or losses to the D-Line. Elam is going to absolutely drill Tennessee's O-Line and look for us to put pressure on the QB all game long. As long as we can contain him, we should pull the upset in this one.)

Austin Peay: W

Loserville: L (As much as I want to pick a W, the likelihood of ten wins in the regular season just seems unfathomable and Bobby P has had our number as much as I hate to admit it. Should be a fun game to watch as always but I see the Cards pulling away in this one.

Overall I expect UK to be a surprise team in the SEC East with an outside chance of winning it if the cards fall right. This is the first year Stoops has had all of his own players and the schemes in place to succeed. Yes, the D-Line is a concern but like others have said, it has been way, way worse before and we were a few plays away from being 7-5,8-4 last year. I expect progress and will be satisfied with 7 wins but I personally can see this team winning 9 games. To me, the only game that is pretty much an absolute given loss is at Alabama. Other than that, every team on our schedule has vulnerabilities and is prone to lose on any given Saturday. That's what makes this sport so great and I am looking forward to an exciting football season. Go Big Blue!

Beat GA, FL and UT but lose to UL?

No. I appreciate that is your opinion and I'd love to see it... but no. Tenn is not overhyped they destroyed us last year and the year before with a younger team and are only getting better. They will be extremely tough if coaching doesnt go south.


As to the linebackers:

I may be one of the few who really, really didnt like JF's run defense. He could cover in space, hell he was a wr.

But no MLB made more tackles 8 yards from the line of scrimmage than ours last year.

If our backers can make plays at the line it will be a huge improvement. Yes our dline needs to be able to force some double teams but lbers need to be able to get stops, not just stop long gains.

I'll take my chances with our secondary.

 

[JScalf]

We are 122 in the country in returning tackle production (that doesn't account for Meant's departure). I truly think patience is more important this year than optimism. Please support this staff through 2017.

 

[BigBoyBlueMMA]

"we could have been 1-11, but let's basically ignore that."

drinking the