2008 Kentucky Wildcats
Written June 21, 2008 by Jason Lowry
The 2008 NCAA football season is almost here, and Jason Lowry is ready to make his 2008 Kentucky Wildcats football predictions. The Wildcats were one of the surprise teams of 2007 as they were 6-1 at point and one of the top 10 teams in the country after it shocked LSU at home. The rest of the season didn’t go so well as they finished up the rest of the season going just 1-4 in the SEC after that big win. The team was able to take down Florida State in the Music City Bowl. The Wildcats lose a lot of talent from a year ago, and it will be interesting to see how head coach Rich Brooks plans on leading this team after the loss of their starting QB and RB, plus 3 of their top 4 receivers are gone as well. Before we predict the Wildcats upcoming season, lets take a look at what got on both sides of the ball in 2008.
Offense:
With the loss of QB Andre Woodson to the NFL, it looks like the team will be relying on either junior Curtis Pulley or sophomore Mike Hartine to lead the team on this side of the ball. It looks like this battle will continue up to the start of the season, but if we had to guess we would give the nod to Hartline. The team will have a much easier time filling in the whole at running back, as they are loaded with talented backs. Senior Tony Dixon will get the bulk of the carries but keep your eyes on Alfonso Smith and Derrick Lcoke. Senior Dickey Lyons is the only starter back from last year and his numbers could drop without Woodson throwing him the ball. Look for juniors DeMoreo Ford and E.J. Adams to step in at the other 2 spots. The offensive line returns 3 starters, and the unit is solid at the tackle spots with Justin Jeffries and Garry Williams.
Defense:
This unit wasn’t very solid in 2007 as it gave up a ton of rushing yards and plenty of points that probably cost this team a much better finish in conference play. This year things look to turn as the defense will need to carry the Wildcats if they want any chance of repeating the success of last season. The defensive line should improve as you can count on another big season from defensive end Jeremy Jarmon. The linebacking corp only brings back one starter, but this should be a much better unit this season. Look for senior OLB Braxton Kelley to be a force this season, and keep your eye on Micah Johnson as he ready for a break out season. The secondary could be a force this season and it all starts with junior corner Trevard Lindley who is one of the best corners you will find in the country. David Jones should do a solid job opposite Lindley, and safeties Marcus McClinton and Ashton Cobb have the experienced needed for a great defense.
Prediction: 5th in the SEC East
Don’t take this the wrong way if you are simply looking at where we placed them in the SEC East. This is by far the toughest conference you will find, and we believe the Wildcats could compete at the top of many other top conferences around the country. Just look at the Wildcats upcoming schedule and you will see why this team will likely only win 6 games at best in 2008.
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