Disappointment. That is the word that is synonymous with Kentucky Football.
Year after year, we buy in to the new coach, the new schemes, and the new players and we always find ourselves at the same place: the bottom of the SEC. I believe that this is about to change this year. I know everyone says that, but stay with me here.
The new players that came in last year finally get to play, and have we forgotten about last year's recruiting class? Players like Thaddeus Snodgrass, Matt Elam, Boom Williams, and AJ Stamps were some of the most highly touted recruits to come through this program in eight years. Now they are leaders on this team and can help us to that elusive bowl game.
We still need to realize that this is a very young team with not as much experience as we would like. Six wins may be a stretch this year but who's to say we can't do it? Here is my breakdown of the season.
UK vs. Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns. Win for sure.
UK @ South Carolina. Could go either way. I say win by close margin.
UK vs. Florida. This. Is. Our. Year. It's time to finally beat those Gators. Win.
UK vs. Missouri. On our home field it is doable but I think we lose close. Loss.
UK vs. Eastern Kentucky. Easy Win.
UK vs. Auburn. This is a Thursday night game on ESPN. I don't see us upsetting the favorite for the playoffs but if we do, mayhem. Still a loss.
UK @ Mississippi State. We looked good last year but that was at home. Loss.
UK vs. Tennessee. We were DESTROYED last year. I witnessed the decimation of our team in Neyland. They return an even better team. Loss.
UK @ UGA. Definite loss between the hedges.
UK @ Vandy. Are you serious? Win.
UK vs. Charlotte. Win.
UK vs. Louisville. We screwed ourselves last year. Not this year. The Cards will not take our last home game of the year away from us. Win.
Seven wins with eight home games.
Maybe take our talents back to the Music City Bowl? I'd like to think so. Get ready.
Last thing to be excited about: THE NEW STADIUM. I actually feel like our football team deserves to be in the SEC now. The new skyboxes included with the new student section look insane right now. Students finally don't have to sit up in the upper section commonly thought of as a wind tunnel. We get to sit in the end zone. I'm pretty freaking happy. If you haven't seen the new renovations here are some links to get you excited.
Kentucky may not be a "football school" but we still love our team. It may have taken longer than we wanted, but I think our time is finally coming starting this year. Let's go out and get ours. Show up and support our Cats and I'm sure they'll reward our loyalty.