Kentucky hasn’t reached the postseason in five years. The Wildcats played in four straight bowl games to reach end the Rich Brooks era and lost to Pittsburgh to open the Joker Phillips regime, but haven’t played in a game past November since.
That could change this season, considering the Wildcats play seven of their 12 games at Commonwealth Stadium. Coaching changes at Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina could be in Kentucky’s favor.
Once glance at the schedule produced eight victories, while a second attempt gave the Wildcats seven victories. The only toss-up in my opinion, is a home game against Georgia, that could go either way.
Southern Mississippi, New Mexico State, Austin Peay, along with Southeastern Conference foes South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Missouri are very winnable games. As mentioned, the Georgia contest is marginal.
The toughest games for the Wildcats will be road encounters at Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and instate rival Louisville.
Predictions
Sept. 3
Southern Mississippi
Kentucky has won the only two meetings between the two schools, including a 32-0 shutout of the Golden Eagles 30 years ago at Commonwealth Stadium.
Southern Miss has improved in the three decades since its last game against the Wildcats and the Eagles are coming off a 9-5 season a year ago and return 13 starters. A new coaching staff, which includes former Kentucky offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, could be a good thing for the Wildcats and give UK an edge because of continuity.
Kentucky 28, Southern Miss 17
Sept. 10
at Florida
The Wildcats have lost to the Gators by less than a one touchdown in each of the past two encounters, including a 36-30 setback in overtime in 2014.
Defeating the Gators has been a task for the Wildcats and beating them on the road is even tougher during a 29-game losing streak.
Florida 21, Kentucky 17
Sept. 17
New Mexico State
The two teams are meeting for the first time, which will be a good opportunity for the Wildcats to get back on track after a visit to Gainesville.
An opponent like New Mexico State will give Kentucky some momentum it needs going into the SEC opener against Florida.
Kentucky 34, New Mexico State 10
Sept. 24
South Carolina at Kentucky
Kentucky surprised the Gamecocks 26-22 last season in Columbia, but turns out the win wasn’t as big as first anticipated considering South Carolina’s tumble and crumble down the stretch.
Will Muschamp will have South Carolina regrouped on defense, but building an offense will come at a slower pace.
Kentucky 21, South Carolina 12
Oct. 1
at Alabama
The Wildcats seldom meet each other on the gridiron and Kentucky hasn’t had much success against the Crimson Tide.
Alabama opens the season as the top-ranked team in the country and primed for a run at the national championship. Kentucky’s last win over the Crimson Tide came in 1997 and Alabama has won five straight since.
Alabama 34, Kentucky 10
Oct. 8
Vanderbilt
In order for the Wildcats to reach the postseason, the can’t afford a loss to the Commodores. A 21-17 victory by Vandy in Nashville last season kept the Wildcats from reaching the postseason.
This time, the outcome will be different in Lexington and the Wildcats should handle the Commodores with ease.
Kentucky 36, Vandy 14
Oct. 22
at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs have dominated the series during the past seven years, mostly because of stellar quarterback play and Dan Mullen’s offensive attack.
This time, the Bulldogs don’t have a steady signal caller — namely Dak Prescott — giving the Wildcats a potential edge.
Kentucky 24, Mississippi State 13
Oct. 29
at Missouri
Like SEC East foe South Carolina, the Tigers are in a rebuilding mode and trying to find their way following a dismal season on and off the field.
Although Kentucky has struggled on the road under Mark Stoops, they should be able to get one against the Tigers.
Kentucky 31, Missouri 20
Nov. 5
Georgia
The Bulldogs have won six in a row over the Wildcats but off-season changes have Georgia in a rare rebuilding state of mind.
Kirby Smart is in his first season as a head coach, learning curve for the Bulldogs.
In a toss-up, the Wildcats get a slight edge.
Kentucky 17, Georgia 14
Nov. 12
at Tennessee
The Volunteers are primed to return to prominence and will continue their winning ways over the Wildcats in Knoxville.
Butch Jones has never lost to the Wildcats and stopping Josh Dobbs has been a challenge for UK.
Tennessee 31, Kentucky 17
Nov. 19
Austin Peay
In the first meeting between the two schools, the Governors will be no match for the Wildcats.
Kentucky will win and win big.
Kentucky 45, Austin Peay 10
Nov. 26
at Louisville
The Cardinals rallied to beat the Wildcats last year in Lexington and will play Kentucky on their home turf.
Louisville will extend its winning streak to six games.
Louisville 27, Kentucky 14
Final record: 8-4.
Keith Taylor is a senior sports writer for KyForward, where he primarily covers University of Kentucky sports. Reach him at keith.taylor@kyforward.com or @keithtaylor21 on Twitter