2014
Kentucky Wildcats
College Football
Betting Preview
Odds and Schedule
As in any other season with Kentucky football, the expectations are low. They finished 2-10 last year in Mark Stoops’ first season and there was definitely some learning adjustments with the new coaching staff. The Wildcats couldn’t really decide on a starting quarterback all year which hurt any chance of consistency for the offense. The defense had a better season, and they return eight starters, so at least it’s something positive.
Kentucky is listed at odds of 1000 to 1 to win the National Title at 5 dimes sportsbook. It may as well be a million to 1 because it simply won’t happen.
The quarterback spot will be a toss up once again with Patrick Towles, Reese Phillips and Drew Barker all competing for the job with no prior experience. Their “Air Raid” offense didn’t really work last year, but they’re hoping that will change with five of their top six receivers back including Javess Blue and Ryan Timmons. The offensive line returns Four starters and that may lead to more of a ground Game for the Wildcats. They have solid tailbacks with Jojo Kemp, Braylon Heard and Josh Clemons all set to fight for time.
The Kentucky defensive line is the strong point of this team led by two ends in Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith, who combined for 120 tackles and 13 sacks. Their defense mixes things up a lot, but kind of let up at times. However, with a better offense, things could look a lot different in the win-loss department.
Their linebackers are a bit of a question, but the secondary received numerous boosts from JUCO transfer A.J. Stamps and J.D. Harmon, who sat out last season.
The Wildcats should start 2-0, but that doesn’t mean a whole when you’re in the SEC because their next Game is at Florida. Like Arkansas, Kentucky’s goal will be getting to one or two Conference wins. Getting Vanderbilt and Mississippi State at home are the best chances to get those. Unfortunately, their other home Games are against South Carolina and Georgia. Kentucky isn’t on the same level as top SEC teams yet.
If the Wildcats can figure out their quarterback situation, that should help the offense become more efficient as the season goes on. Even if the defense is solid, that won’t mean much when the offense struggles to reach 10 points against better defenses.
2014 Kentucky Wildcats Football Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Tennessee-Martin
Sep. 6 vs. Ohio
Sep. 13 at Florida
Sep. 27 vs. Vanderbilt
Oct. 4 vs. South Carolina
Oct. 11 vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Oct. 18 at LSU
Oct. 25 vs. Mississippi State
Nov. 1 at Missouri
Nov. 8 vs. Georgia
Nov. 15 at. Tennessee
Nov. 29 at Louisville