Joker Phillips has bled Kentucky blue as a player and as an assistant coach. Now, he will bleed it from the top as the new Head Coach of the Wildcats. Phillips has been a part of a coaching staff that has led Kentucky to four straight bowl appearances, winning at least seven games in each of those seasons.This feat should not be taken lightly considering the last time Kentucky strung together four straight seven win seasons was about 100 years ago (1909-1912).

Phillips wants to take the program to a new level, but it won't be easy. The Wildcats have fared well in non-conference play, but they have struggled against the SEC. In fact, they are just 12-20 against SEC opponents over the last four years. What's even worse is that Kentucky is 0-12 against SEC East foes Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee during this span. Leveling the playing field against these three opponents will no doubt be high on Phillips to do list.

Offense

With the right personnel, Phillips has proven that he can mount an explosive offensive attack. Just three years ago he called the shots for an offense that averaged 460 yards per game. The offense hasn't been nearly as good these last two seasons, and much of that can be attributed to inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Quarterbacks Mike Hartline and Morgan Newton will compete for the starting job. Hartline has begun each of the last two seasons as the starter, and he was the team leader this spring. Whether he or Newton lands the job, both will have plenty of weapons to work with.

Wide receiver Randall Cobb is one of the most dangerous players in the SEC. He can beat the opposition through the air, as a return man, and as a wildcat back. Tailback Derrick Locke returns following a strong, 907-yard season to lead a solid rushing attack that averaged 191.2 yards per game last season. Another player to watch is senior wide receiver Chris Matthews.

Defense

If the Wildcats fail to reach a fifth straight bowl game, a defense with plenty of question marks will likely be to blame. Kentucky lost its best defensive lineman (Corey Peters), its two best linebackers (Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell), and one of the best corners in the history of the program (Trevard Lindley).

The shocking thing is that the Wildcats still finished in the bottom half of the league in scoring and total defense last season with these guys on the field. Kentucky was especially bad against the run, giving up 182.9 rushing yards per game.

The Wildcats will likely continue to struggle against the run in 2010 when you consider how inexperienced and undersized they are up front. Left defensive end DeQuin Evans figures to be a bright spot as a pass rusher. He recorded six sacks last year. The program is also excited about freshman middle linebacker Qua Huzzie.

The secondary will be Kentucky's strength. The Wildcats will certainly miss Lindley, but Winston Guy, Randall Burden and Paul Warford are solid across the back.

Prediction: Fifth, SEC East

Even if Kentucky lays a goose egg against Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee for a fifth consecutive season, the Wildcats could still find their way into a fifth straight bowl game. After breaking down the schedule I have them finishing at 6-6, but they could do better if the defense surprises. College football odds makers have listed Kentucky at +1000 to win the SEC East division. Be sure to check out my 2010 SEC football predictions to see how I have the rest of the league playing out.

Beat the college football lines this season with the help of World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd!