(Will Rich Brooks lead UK to a 4th straight bowl win?)
Let’s face it. UK football in the SEC has been one of the schools greatest sports challenges. With national champion Florida leading the way, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn create one of, it not the toughest conference in college football.
UK has always been a basketball school but since Rich Brooks has arrived, he has begun to turn things around. Only two years ago UK football was a top 10 team in national rankings. Now they struggle to float above .500. With Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindley leading a stellar defense, the offense must step up.
Now let’s look at some games from this season’s upcoming schedule:
Miami (Ohio) vs. UK:
The game itself will be fun for both sides no matter the outcome. With the game being played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, it is a huge local game for each team’s fans. A young team will hit the field for Miami as they will only have 11 seniors on the team. As a (2-10) team, I wouldn’t expect the Redhawks to put up much of a fight. UK should be able to take this one with ease, as long as Hartline can run an effective offense. All eyes should be on Micah Johnson and Trevar Lindley. I also think it will be interesting to see how Joker Phillips runs this team’s offense and why not start with the first game of the season. (Miami-13, UK-27)
Louisville vs. UK:
The heated rivalry with arch nemesis Louisville will be fun for UK fans (especially the past 2 seasons) once again. When these two teams play each other, the state of Kentucky shuts down. Played in Lexington this season, UK fans can expect another solid performance from the Cats. Like last year the game should be dominated by the defense for Kentucky. Myron Pryor stole the show with only minutes left in last year’s game by taking a fumble to the house for six. Look for UK’s offense to put up enough points again to pull out another victory, the third in a row. Very Nice! (UL-10, UK-17)
Florida vs. UK
UK fans hate when they see Florida on the schedule. Mainly because we all know that it will end up with an (L) on the schedule. Last year was much of the same, as UK continued its struggle to win a game against Florida in a very long time. And when I say long I mean it. 23 years long. UK will look to take advantage of playing at home, but fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. Florida returns the almighty Tim ‘Why don’t they call me God’ Tebow from a national championship team from last year. A top-10 recruiting class and 18 of 22 starters return to help guide their team to another national championship. (UF-35, UK-14)
Alabama vs. UK
The third home game in a row will be just as difficult as the one before it. UK lost at Alabama last year, 17-14. Even though the Cats forced three turnovers, the offense couldn’t get it together in the second half, rallying late but falling just short. A bevy of sophomores and juniors, along with the #1 recruiting class according to rivals.com, should create problems for the Cats. If Nick Saban’s year is anything like his previous one, look for Alabama to pull out a victory in Lexington. (‘Bama-21, UK-17)
UK vs. South Carolina
Let’s get this out there. Steve Spurrier has never lost to a UK team as long as he’s been coaching in the SEC (16-0 all time). This year could be the break-through for Kentucky, as Spurrier and his Gamecocks have gone (13-12) over the last two seasons. With that said, the ‘ol Ball coach has UK’s number. Last year Mike Hartline threw for 3.5 yards per throw and two interceptions with the Cats losing to South Carolina asSteve Spurrier padded his stats against UK. Because the game is away and well, UK can’t beat Steve Spurrier ever (no really), it will probably be a repeat of last season. (UK-21, USC-27)
Tennessee vs. UK
And Kentucky fans thought they had their troubles against Florida. Playing Tennessee has been even worse, as UK hasn’t beaten the Vols since 1984. Last year’s game wasn’t pretty as UK could only muster up ten measly points against a below-average Phillip Fulmer team (5-7 last year). UT ran all over UK for 210 yards and two touchdowns. This year’s game could go the Cats way as long as they can stop the run and pressure Vols quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Look for UK to finally pull out a victory over Lane Kiffin for the first time in 25 years. (UK-24, UT-13)
Kentucky football has definitely been on the rise in the past three seasons, but fans are getting restless with all the 6-6, 7-5 seasons the team puts together. With that said, I think UK will have a chance to go 7-5 on the season and earn another smaller bowl game opportunity. The three game stretches of Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina should worry everyone. UK obviously must win the games they are supposed to win (EKU) but need to get lucky as well to obtain a favorable record of 8-4. It should be an exciting season as the Cats look to earn a fourth straight bowl season and break some streaks along the way.
2009 Kentucky Football Schedule
Date Opponent Time TV
Sept. 5 Miami (Ohio)* noon ESPNU --
Sept. 19 LOUISVILLE TBA
Sept. 26 FLORIDA TBA
Oct. 3 ALABAMA TBA
Oct. 10 at South Carolina TBA
Oct. 17 at Auburn TBA
Oct. 24 LOUISIANA-MONROE TBA
Oct. 31 MISSISSIPPI ST. TBA
Nov. 7 EASTERN KENTUCKY TBA
Nov. 14 at Vanderbilt TBA
Nov. 21 at Georgia TBA
Nov. 28 TENNESSEE TBA
* -- at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati
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