2009 SEC Spring Preview: Kentucky Wildcats

Don't look now, but Kentucky has won two bowl games in a row, with wins over Florida State in 2007 and East Carolina in 2008.

So the expectations for 2009 and this Kentucky football team are probably higher than ever. With Tennessee making a coaching change, and Georgia replacing their entire backfield, this could be a year for Kentucky to crack into the top 3 in the Eastern division.

KENTUCKY WILDCATS

2008 Regular Season Record: 6-6; Win over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl

Three easiest games in 2009

1. Eastern Kentucky 11/7

2. Louisiana Monroe 10/24

3. at Miami (OH) 9/5

The Wildcats have one of the easiest out of conference schedules you can find. All 4 out of conference games are at home, the toughest being a game against Louisville.

Kentucky also has Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee coming to Lexington, a 1-2 record against those three would be a positive.

Three hardest games in 2009

1. Florida 9/26

2. at Georgia 11/21

3. Alabama 10/3

While the Cats have a good home schedule, that won't be a good thing if they don't produce wins. The road schedule includes at South Carolina, at Auburn, at Vanderbilt, and at Georgia, three of which could easily end in losses.

So the home games against Tennessee and the out of conference games become very important for Rich Brooks' team.

Top Offensive and Defensive Players

Top Offensive Player: WR Randall Cobb, Sophomore

When Kentucky was struggling on offense last season, they turned to Cobb to make things happen. Cobb is a big time athlete who has now moved to receiver, and will no doubt give opposing defenses fits with the multiple positions he will play.

Cobb will be featured in a Wildcat formation, along with being a normal starter at receiver as well.

Top Defensive Player: CB Trevard Lindley, Senior

Lindley is probably the best pro prospect on the Kentucky team, and will have a big impact on the success of this Kentucky team. Expect opposing offenses to throw in the other direction when they play Kentucky.

2009 Breakout Player would be...

WR Aaron Boyd, Sophomore, 6'3 210

Boyd is a talented receiver and younger brother of former Kentucky quarterback Shane Boyd. Aaron Boyd had some health issues last season that kept him out, but could breakout in 2009.

The addition of Randall Cobb on the other side at receiver could help free up Boyd as well, and will add a big, physical receiver to the offense.

Strength and Concerns

No. 1 Strength: Defensive Backfield

Already talked about Trevard Lindley, but E.J. Adams should have a solid season as well, and is a good compliment to Lindley on the opposite side.

Also Strong safety Ashton Cobb should provide solid play in the back seven. Obviously the better stud defensive tackle Jeremy Jarmon is, the better this secondary will be.

No. 1 Concern: Wide Receiver Depth

The receiving corps is still very young, but the addition of Cobb will help. Many young receivers saw playing time last year when Demario Ford and Dicky Lyons were injured so that is a positive.

But with unsure quarterback play, some receivers need to step up to make their job easier and free up the backs. Who will step up at quarterback is probably a close number two as a concern.

2009 will be a success if...

the Wildcats win 7 or 8 games and reach a bowl like the Music City, Chick Fil-A, or Outback. This will be a tall task though as the SEC looks to be more balanced this year.

If Kentucky can win all their out of conference games, and win a home game against Tennessee and Mississippi State, and a road game against Vanderbilt, that gives the Cats seven wins right there. Not out of the question at all.

Road games against South Carolina and Auburn are potential upset games as well.