Kentucky Football Will Start 6–0 This Season

Kentucky football has been known as the epitome of failure in the SEC. The start of the train wreck began with the retiring of former head coach, Rich Brooks, in 2009.

For five long years, Kentucky missed a bowl game and went a combined 19–41 in those seasons. With blown lead after blown lead, it became a natural feeling for Kentucky fans to feel completely robbed time and time again. Even with great recruiting, the results did not show where it mattered, on the field.

In 2016, the tide finally turned with an upset win against arch rival, Louisville as 28 point underdogs and the first bowl appearance since 2010. 2017 has brought about a total transformation of recent Kentucky football. Usually unable to stop any offense, this Kentucky team’s trademark is defense. So far this season, defense has only given up 57 rushing yards a game, good for third in the nation, and have only surrendered 15 points per game. Head coach Mark Stoops explained pride as a key factor in an improved run game:

“There’s a lot of things that go into it, but the number one thing it starts with is pride. The guys have a great sense of pride about them to do things the right way.”

Last week’s win over South Carolina in Columbia — Kentucky was 5.5 point underdogs — sold many that Kentucky is no fluke this year. After a allowing a 68-yard touchdown to electrifying receiver Deebo Samuel and turnovers on the first two possessions, most fans thought Kentucky would fold like always. But instead, the team showed a ton of grit and toughness to get the lead and go onto win the game. Quarterback Stephen Johnson is simply unflappable. Needing a score to ice the game, Johnson ripped off a 54 yard run to put the Cats in field goal range. Now 9–3 as a starter at Kentucky, Johnson doesn’t play a flashy game, but he’s a glorified winner, trademarked by making the necessary plays to win a game. His top 10 quarterback rating reflects that. The defense came up with consecutive stops on fourth down — one on the goal line — then defensive back, Derrick Baity, sealed the game with an interception in route to an SEC defensive player of the week performance.

While this emotional win has Big Blue Nation believing, a much tougher challenge in the Florida Gators is presenting itself this weekend. Kentucky hasn’t beaten Florida since 1986, but this year may finally be the end of the 30 year losing streak. Coach Stoops made an effort to keep the losing streak talk from his players, as “they haven’t been here the last 30 years.” Florida has nine players suspended due to academic fraud, including star receiver Antonio Callaway and running back Jordan Scarlett. Florida has an elite defense, but quarterback Felipe Franks is still finding his footing in the offense. If Stephen Johnson can avoid bad turnovers that result in good field position or points for Florida and manage the game, Kentucky has a real chance to start the season 6–0 — easily one of the best starts in program history. There’s no more waiting for next year’s recruiting class. This game is sold out as of Tuesday night. The time is now for Kentucky football.