What should be the minimum expectations for 2016?

[Robcatt24]

A bowl is a must. Can't miss one in your 4th year with the ridiculous number of bowl games out there.

No more embarrassing blowouts where we look like an FCS team.

And win a game or 2 you're not supposed to. I've always felt this was a sign of a good coach when he can pull an upset against a more talented team. And let's face it, UK is always going to be at a talent disadvantage in the SEC. So Stoops better be able to coach his teams up.

I also believe he needs to do some shaking up of the coaching staff.

Keeping the status quo isn't going to excite the fanbase.

 

[oboroCATfan]

I would think 7-8 wins should be the expectation but unfortunately I am more inclined to expect 4 maybe 5 wins. The schedule is harder and I don't have much confidence in this defense.

 

[LowCountryCat]

According to the sales job by Stoops, we should be at least 7-5 next season.

 

[Atlanta Blue_rivals376781]

We've got a tougher schedule next year that includes road games at Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. We could be a better team (and I think we will be) and still not have a better chance at a breakthrough in terms of wins and losses. 7 wins could be a great result in 2016, and we could have a really strong season and still find ourselves at 5-5 going into the last 2 games vs. Austin Peay and Louisville. In order to get to 8 wins in the regular season, we would need to win all of our non-conference games (including beating UofL at their place) and then finish 4-4 in the SEC. You can get to 3 SEC wins by beating South Carolina, Mizzou (which is a road game, not easy) and Vanderbilt. The fourth win would have to come against Florida (on the road), Alabama (not happening), Miss State, Georgia or Tennessee (also on the road). Dak Prescott is finally graduating and so maybe Miss State at home is the best opportunity among that list, but still really tough. Again, I'd say 7 wins is a successful season next year.

Southern Miss - W, 1-0
at Florida - L, 1-1
New Mexico State - W, 2-1
South Carolina - W, 3-1
at Alabama - L, 3-2
Vanderbilt - W, 4-2
Miss State - L, 4-3
at Mizzou - W, 5-3
Georgia - L, 5-4
at Tennessee - L, 5-5
Austin Peay - W, 6-5
at Louisville - W, 7-5

It is REALLY, REALLY hard to rise up the football ranks in the SEC. The frustrating thing about this year is that we had a very favorable schedule. Many of the traditionally strong teams on our schedule were not as good this year. We let opportunities slip away against Florida, Auburn and even Georgia. If we had reached our potential, we could have at least stolen one of those games. Then, if we didn't implode at Vandy, we would be 7-4 going into the Louisville game with a bowl in hand and a shot at 8 wins. I think 8 wins is a huge stretch for us next year even if we improve as a team and a coaching staff. In some ways, it might be better if Stoops can get to 6 wins this year with a rivalry win over UofL and get to a bowl game. Then, it becomes a realistic target to improve the record to 7 wins next season. Then, if everything goes perfectly and the recruiting continues to be solid, we might have a breakthrough season in 2017 and have a shot at 8 or more wins.

 

[Kats23]

What should be the expectations from a program recruiting and building is a 7 win team maybe 8. Reality is probably 4-8 with 5 wins at best.

A lot riding on next week. A loss will likely bring transfers, recruiting class falling apart, and an angry fan base becoming impatient.

A win brings extra practice, recruiting, and a little breathing room for the coaches.

 

[LowCountryCat]

We've got a tougher schedule next year that includes road games at Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. We could be a better team (and I think we will be) and still not have a better chance at a breakthrough in terms of wins and losses. 7 wins could be a great result in 2016, and we could have a really strong season and still find ourselves at 5-5 going into the last 2 games vs. Austin Peay and Louisville. In order to get to 8 wins in the regular season, we would need to win all of our non-conference games (including beating UofL at their place) and then finish 4-4 in the SEC. You can get to 3 SEC wins by beating South Carolina, Mizzou (which is a road game, not easy) and Vanderbilt. The fourth win would have to come against Florida (on the road), Alabama (not happening), Miss State, Georgia or Tennessee (also on the road). Dak Prescott is finally graduating and so maybe Miss State at home is the best opportunity among that list, but still really tough. Again, I'd say 7 wins is a successful season next year.

Southern Miss - W, 1-0
at Florida - L, 1-1
New Mexico State - W, 2-1
South Carolina - W, 3-1
at Alabama - L, 3-2
Vanderbilt - W, 4-2
Miss State - L, 4-3
at Mizzou - W, 5-3
Georgia - L, 5-4
at Tennessee - L, 5-5
Austin Peay - W, 6-5
at Louisville - W, 7-5

It is REALLY, REALLY hard to rise up the football ranks in the SEC. The frustrating thing about this year is that we had a very favorable schedule. Many of the traditionally strong teams on our schedule were not as good this year. We let opportunities slip away against Florida, Auburn and even Georgia. If we had reached our potential, we could have at least stolen one of those games. Then, if we didn't implode at Vandy, we would be 7-4 going into the Louisville game with a bowl in hand and a shot at 8 wins. I think 8 wins is a huge stretch for us next year even if we improve as a team and a coaching staff. In some ways, it might be better if Stoops can get to 6 wins this year with a rivalry win over UofL and get to a bowl game. Then, it becomes a realistic target to improve the record to 7 wins next season. Then, if everything goes perfectly and the recruiting continues to be solid, we might have a breakthrough season in 2017 and have a shot at 8 or more wins.

"A" for effort, but you're presenting a best case scenario. Stoops hasn't demonstrated the level of coaching ability that produces best case scenarios. Not picking on your analysis, I'm just doubtful of Stoops.

 

[Atlanta Blue_rivals376781]

The OP asked about our minimum expectations. I'm not making a prediction. I'm just outlining what would be a realistic expectation for Stoops and the team next year. I think if we can win 7 games next year, then the fans should be excited about that rather than being critical. If we fall short of that level, then I think it's fair to say that we're not making the progress that you'd hope to see. Make sense?

 

[Mr Schwump]

Major question marks with the projected front 7 on D. Some guys who haven't produced will have to next year, could be too much to expect. Probably will be either side of .500, above if guys develop or below if they don't. D will be the key for the year.

 

[Atlanta Blue_rivals376781]

I see your point on D but I think it's too early to say what will be the deciding factor about next year's team. This year we thought the offense would be explosive, the special teams solid and the defense would be the weak link. Actually, the defense has played pretty well other than maybe the Tennessee game. They've actually been the strength of the team. And there are a bunch of young guys making contributions. Given the tougher schedule, we'll need to get better in all phases in order to have the same opportunity for 7 wins, bowl game, etc.

 

[docholiday51]

If our recruiting is in fact getting better we should be ok.If we find a way to 6-6 this year then 7-5 next year should be doable. I hope Stoops succeeds here and in year 4 we should be seeing real evidence that he is making progress.Wins and losses are the bottom line but how both occur on the field is also a measure of his ability as a coach.

 

[NCukcat62]

The coaching staff as a whole is a joke so I don't expect more than 6.

 

[dorkmeister]

7 wins. I don't care how we get them, we need 7 wins next year.

 

[Dakota25]

A bowl game, yet again. They aren't going to one this year and haven't been to one since the 2010 season. This is the fifth year in a row but I am optimistic about next season. Perhaps they will play well the entire year rather then just the first half.

 

[wildcatwelder_rivals]

Even with the tough schedule next year, 7 wins is a possibility, and should be expected. Anything less and the fan base will not be happy, IMO.

 

[DaBossIsBack]

I have always said year 4 would be the year to judge Stoops. I think 7 wins should be the minimum next year and the minimum moving forward. Our program has to get to a place where we win 7-8 annually. Once we get there then we can move on to the next level of winning 9-10 games annually. The latter will take a lot longer to achieve but that should be the goal.

 

[akaukswoosh]

A lot riding on next week. A loss will likely bring transfers, recruiting class falling apart, and an angry fan base becoming impatient.

A win brings extra practice, recruiting, and a little breathing room for the coaches.

Agree.

 

[nerdcat_rivals308595]

Except for a couple of recent down years, Southern Miss is usually no pushover. Looks like they are much improved this year.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

We've got a tougher schedule next year that includes road games at Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. We could be a better team (and I think we will be) and still not have a better chance at a breakthrough in terms of wins and losses. 7 wins could be a great result in 2016, and we could have a really strong season and still find ourselves at 5-5 going into the last 2 games vs. Austin Peay and Louisville. In order to get to 8 wins in the regular season, we would need to win all of our non-conference games (including beating UofL at their place) and then finish 4-4 in the SEC. You can get to 3 SEC wins by beating South Carolina, Mizzou (which is a road game, not easy) and Vanderbilt. The fourth win would have to come against Florida (on the road), Alabama (not happening), Miss State, Georgia or Tennessee (also on the road). Dak Prescott is finally graduating and so maybe Miss State at home is the best opportunity among that list, but still really tough. Again, I'd say 7 wins is a successful season next year.

Southern Miss - W, 1-0
at Florida - L, 1-1
New Mexico State - W, 2-1
South Carolina - W, 3-1
at Alabama - L, 3-2
Vanderbilt - W, 4-2
Miss State - L, 4-3
at Mizzou - W, 5-3
Georgia - L, 5-4
at Tennessee - L, 5-5
Austin Peay - W, 6-5
at Louisville - W, 7-5

It is REALLY, REALLY hard to rise up the football ranks in the SEC. The frustrating thing about this year is that we had a very favorable schedule. Many of the traditionally strong teams on our schedule were not as good this year. We let opportunities slip away against Florida, Auburn and even Georgia. If we had reached our potential, we could have at least stolen one of those games. Then, if we didn't implode at Vandy, we would be 7-4 going into the Louisville game with a bowl in hand and a shot at 8 wins. I think 8 wins is a huge stretch for us next year even if we improve as a team and a coaching staff. In some ways, it might be better if Stoops can get to 6 wins this year with a rivalry win over UofL and get to a bowl game. Then, it becomes a realistic target to improve the record to 7 wins next season. Then, if everything goes perfectly and the recruiting continues to be solid, we might have a breakthrough season in 2017 and have a shot at 8 or more wins.

That's a tough schedule to face. Once again you have a tough opener, they lost to Miss St. 34-16 and Nebraska 34-26, so they aren't going to be the normal cupcake for the opener. It will be a key game for UK. UF will be better, UT most likely too. Who knows about us, we may have a new coaching staff, a new OC, a new DC or who knows, just a mess right now. Vandy will likely be better too and you catch them after the Bama game which isn't good. Bama is so physical that teams are still trying to recover physically the next week, but on the bright side, they probably won't be any better or as good as they are this year, South Carolina and Mizzou will have new coaches and most likely new staffs, so its anyone's guess what they will be like, could be like UF and much improved or like Vandy have a huge dropoff. Those 2 games to me are the biggest question marks concerning opponents heading into next season, you might be able to add UGA to that list too, its likely to get ugly against Tech this coming week, we can't score against a decent defense and Tech runs the same offense with better players than Ga. Southern runs. I don't think Richt will survive a bad loss to them the way things have gone this year. I wouldn't mind a change if it were the right guy, but I don't know who the right guy is. I like our DC, but he is a no nonsense kind of guy and the boosters won't like him much, but without his defense we would be looking at 4-5 win season, our offense is worse than awful. And Pruitt has told the Offensive coaches that, and it hurt their feelings apparently. So putting a L against UGA is a little premature at this point.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

A lot riding on next week. A loss will likely bring transfers, recruiting class falling apart, and an angry fan base becoming impatient.

A win brings extra practice, recruiting, and a little breathing room for the coaches.

Agree.

I think you guys put too much of a relationship between winning and recruiting. Of course there is some, but kids want to feel comfortable at the school and have a relationship with the coaches too. Otherwise 2-3 teams would get all the good players every year. The teams bringing in top talent all have coaches who excel at building those relationships.

 

[docholiday51]

A bowl game, yet again. They aren't going to one this year and haven't been to one since the 2010 season. This is the fifth year in a row but I am optimistic about next season. Perhaps they will play well the entire year rather then just the first half.

I think we have more of a shot at a win this week than we did last year and except for a dropped int we would have pulled that off.Parker ain't walking thru the door.Last year we had an extra week to get ready but this time we are coming off a win that should have us in a better frame of mind.I think a good start in this game is a big key,win the first quarter any you may be hard to beat.

 

[CondorCat]

Minimal expectations? Gotta win those 4 non-conference games. And then win 2-3 SEC games (Vandy, SC, Mizzou). I especially want to see a squad that improves week-to-week rather than regresses. Yes, consistently winning 7-8 games a year should be our immediate goal.

In the last 5 years we've only won 6 SEC games. Losing 4 of 5 to Vandy in that period really irks me.

 

[ok-cats-computer]

A bowl game. Really any bowl game would meet minimum expectations. I might need to adjust this after the Louisville game,

 

[seccats04]

QB- Barker/Towles/Phillips
RB- Williams/Kemp/Horton/King
WR- Badet/Bone
WR- Baker/Greenwood
WR- Johnson/Timmons/Richardson
TE- Conrad/Hart/Long
LT- Leavitt/Mosier
LG- Haynes/Stallings
C- Toth/Myers
RG- Meyers/LaRubbio
RT- Meadows/GAA

DE- Miggins/Daniel/Bell
NG- Elam/Smith/Dubose/Hyde
DT- Meant/Middleton
LB- Ware/Walker
LB- Love/Firios
LB- Hatcher/Allen
LB- Jones/Brown
CB- Westry/Harmon
SS- McWilson/West
FS- Edwards/Walker
CB- Baity/Randolph/Tucker
Nickel- McClain/Randolph/Beckham

 

[buckkiller]

7 games

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

14-0

 

[richbrookstomato]

7 wins are a MUST!!

To me there will be no excuse for not winning at least 7 games.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Gotta make a bowl. 6-7 wins...not expecting much more with this coaching staff probably ever.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

NO BLOWOUT LOSES...and no EKU games where the lesser opponent looks like the better team...

this coaching staff is going to have to show that it can coach in this league with the team it has recruited and developed...

The record isn't going to say as much as the performance...

6-7 wins with close hard fought games vs Bama, Miss St, UGA, Florida, and UT...as well as convincing wins against So. Miss, New Mexico St, Vandy, and Austin Peay...is one thing

6-7 wins with blowouts and New Mexico St giving us a run and looking like more of an SEC team is totally different...

 

[Lonesome Hippopotamus]

6 wins. Minimum IMO, barring a major position injury.

 

[BlueRaider22]

Blowouts happen every yr guys. Bama blew out LSU, TA&M and MSU. Florida blew out Ole Miss. Etc. blowouts just happen.....even amongst the best teams. Expecting them to completely go away is illogical.


That being said, 7-5.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

A bowl is a must. Can't miss one in your 4th year with the ridiculous number of bowl games out there.

No more embarrassing blowouts where we look like an FCS team.

And win a game or 2 you're not supposed to. I've always felt this was a sign of a good coach when he can pull an upset against a more talented team. And let's face it, UK is always going to be at a talent disadvantage in the SEC. So Stoops better be able to coach his teams up.

I also believe he needs to do some shaking up of the coaching staff.

Keeping the status quo isn't going to excite the fanbase.

Agree with most of this. But I think we won a game or two we werent supposed to win this season. Beating USC on the road, shortly after they beat Clemson, was definitely a tough game. So was Missouri. Both were games we knew we COULD win, but we probably shouldnt have won either.

Bad news, as others have pointed out, is we'll be a better team but will be facing a much tougher schedule. If we had next years team, with this years schedule wed really be in business.

 

[howercat]

based on what we have seen so far, I don't see this team winning more than 5 games next year. Sadly.

 

[kentuckyrld]

If we see a major shake up in the coaching staff and if there is a drastic improvement in the offensive line, we deserve to expect a 7-5 record. However, recruiting is still near the bottom in the SEC and coaching has not been a really strong suit so I am predicting a 5 win season with an outside chance that we get lucky somewhere along the way and win one I don't expect and end up with six wins. Highly doubtful, but we can always dream.

 

[dorkmeister]

Agree with most of this. But I think we won a game or two we werent supposed to win this season. Beating USC on the road, shortly after they beat Clemson, was definitely a tough game. So was Missouri. Both were games we knew we COULD win, but we probably shouldnt have won either.

Bad news, as others have pointed out, is we'll be a better team but will be facing a much tougher schedule. If we had next years team, with this years schedule wed really be in business.

Did USC beat Clemson this season? I agree on everything else you posted.

 

[BlueRaider22]

At some point, Stoops is going to learn. Stoops comes from a coaching family.....who's brothers have all been successful. Stoops himself has proven his coaching prowess as a DC at several power 5 locales. He just has too much pedigree to remain as bad as he's been. So, I'm confident that at some point he is going to polish up his game management. But how much? Or when? Will he eventually grow into an elite game coach....or will he flop? Will the talent carry him long enough to learn on the job or will he be fired before he develops? We'll just have to watch and see.

When Stoops was hired, here is what I predicted:
yr 1 - 3 wins
yr 2 - 5 wins
yr 3 - 6 wins (with getting blown out several times.....play is irradic)
yr 4 - 7 wins
yr 5 - 7 wins
yr 6 and beyond - 6-10+ wins

So far, I'm sticking with my original prediction. At some point the talent is going to start emerging......guys will start catching passes they used to drop......protection will start to hold where it used to fail.......tackles will be made where they used to slip......etc.

 

[KYCAT78]

If Stoops fails to win 7 it will be time for a change. 4 years to get a win against Tn., UL, MSU is enough time for any coaching staff.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

Blowouts happen every yr guys. Bama blew out LSU, TA&M and MSU. Florida blew out Ole Miss. Etc. blowouts just happen.....even amongst the best teams. Expecting them to completely go away is illogical.


That being said, 7-5.

probably should have clarified...

Can't have 3 of them in a row...and we can't get blown out at home...

A beat down at bama that looks something like 40-17...okay...it's bama...

but we cannot get run out of the stadium three games in a row...

absolutely no reason for UT, Miss St and UGA to look like they did against us...

would also like to add to my list of minimal expectations...

that Dobbs can't have another career day against us...him going off isn't just talent on his part because he isn't Tebow, Johnny Football, or even Dak...it shows a lack of understanding how to prepare and execute against an opponent, insufficient game planning, and an inability to adjust in game...

Dobbs has accounted for 8 TDs the past two times...

Same goes for the Dan Mullen attack and whomever replaces Dak...DP has accounted for 9 TDs the past two times against us...

Stop those two guys and that's two more wins each year...

 

[seccats04]

QB- Barker/Towles/Phillips
RB- Williams/Kemp/Horton/King
WR- Badet/Bone
WR- Baker/Greenwood
WR- Johnson/Timmons/Richardson
TE- Conrad/Hart/Long
LT- Leavitt/Mosier
LG- Haynes/Stallings
C- Toth/Myers
RG- Meyers/LaRubbio
RT- Meadows/GAA

DE- Miggins/Daniel/Bell
NG- Elam/Smith/Dubose/Hyde
DT- Meant/Middleton
LB- Ware/Walker
LB- Love/Firios
LB- Hatcher/Allen
LB- Jones/Brown
CB- Westry/Harmon
SS- McWilson/West
FS- Edwards/Walker
CB- Baity/Randolph/Tucker
Nickel- McClain/Randolph/Beckham

Our DB's look to be the most talented we've had around here in quite some time. LB's should be improved and DL will be about the same because losing Johnson will hurt but Miggins can be an upgrade over Huguenin. QB should be improved as should RB's. WR's should be more consistent since most of them will be Jr's. OL will be about the same unless we s##t can Schlarman because I don't think our talent is as bad as we've seen on the field. Overall, we should be improved but the schedule is much harder so our record will be about the same.

 

[JScalf]

HAS ANYONE MEN WE ARE LOSING 8 SR'S ON DEFENSE WHO'VE STARTED?

I THINK THE EXPECTATIONS SHOULD BE FOR US TO SHOW UP AND SUPPORT OUR TEAM AND THAT THE COACHES IMPROVE ON THEIR MISTAKES MANAGING A GAME AND THAT'S IT.

We are not going to be much better next year. He needs 5 years. Who are we to only give 4 years to a staff who has recruited better than any in the last 30 years or so?

 

[BlueRaider22]

HAS ANYONE MEN WE ARE LOSING 8 SR'S ON DEFENSE WHO'VE STARTED?

Go back and do a recount. Look at how many of those Seniors who have overtaken by younger guys on the depth chart? And the proportion that those starting seniors play in contrast to the younger guys?