Skinny - Kentucky is not a bad team for a team that I'm predicting to come in last in their conference division. They could win all their nonconference games and were lucky to get Mississippi State at home, but beyond that the schedule is very difficult. Kentucky needs some receivers and running backs to step up and they need more production out of the quarterback position, but the offensive line could end up being solid and the defense, despite only 4 returning starters, should be good. Each defensive unit has a top performer; Jeremy Jarmon on the line, Micah Johnson at linebacker and Trevard Lindley in the secondary. Corey Peters and Winston Guy could also make big impacts on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Hartline was okay last year at quarterback but his passing percentage wasn't so hot and Morgan Newton, a highly recruited freshman, could challenge his role as the head man.
Strength - Left side of the defensive line
Jeremy Jarmon and Corey Peters, both seniors, should be scary in opponents eyes this season and expect a lot of runs from opposing team to attck the right side, which features two new starters. Jarmon had 4.5 sacks last season, but also broke up 6 passes at the line. Corey Peters had a solid 4 sacks from the tackle spot and is good at clogging the middle. The defense got off to a terrific start last season, albeit a weak schedule, but seemed to fade at the end and the durability of the defensive line down the stretch in SEC play will dictate Kentucky's chances at a bowl berth.
Weakness - Wide Receiver
Randall Cobb is a good athlete and will play permanently at the receiver position this year, expect for a few Wildcat type plays. Kentucky returns a fair amount of receptions this season, but the yards per catch totals are really low and if Kentucky wants to move the ball on SEC defenses they'll need receivers that can stretch the field. Chris Matthews will try to remedy that as he steps up from the junior college ranks and should be an immediate starter after averaging 15.4 ypc last season. Several returning receivers averaged less than 10 ypc last season and that won't get the job done. Mike Hartline needs to do a better job of getting receivers the ball downfield, but the receivers also need to get open too.
Key Game - 11/14/09 @Vanderbilt
The game versus Vanderbilt could determine Kentucky's bowl future. Kentucky should win games versus Miami (OH), Louisville, UL Monroe, Eastern Kentucky, and against SEC foe Mississippi State leaving only one more win necessary to gain bowl eligibility. This is a late season game and the quarterback situation should be clear for the Wildcats at this point. Hartline will either have stepped up in the QB role or Morgan Newton should take over by this point as Kentucky puts emphasis on the future of the position as they try to get a quarterback of the caliber of Andre Woodson again.
Key Player - Derrick Locke
Locke may not be at full strength at the beginning of the season and isn't penciled in as the starter anyway as the position belongs to Alphonso Smith. However, Smith hasn't been an All-American so far in his career and Locke provides speed not usually thought about when discussing Kentucky players. Locke was originally a track athlete and has incredible speed for a running back. He is coming off a knee injury, so it should be interesting to see how he recovers from it. Kentucky needs a dynamic player on offense if they want to compete in the SEC East, which is open this year with the exception of Florida.
Impact Freshman - Morgan Newton
Predicted SEC finish - 6th (East)
Top 5 Players
1. CB Trevard Lindley
2. LB Micah Johnson
3. DE Jeremy amon
4. DT Corey Peters
5. T Zipp Duncan
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