:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63199184/wilson_4.0.jpg)
It was an outstanding season for Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats.
But now, all focus is on 2019, and the Cats will have to make up for a lot of seniors that were on the defense, as well as the best running back in school history.
After losing all of that talent, we now have a sense of how the 2019 Cats are being viewed in preseason rankings.
Athlonsports.com ranked every team in division one football, and the Cats came in a number 39. They were sandwiched in between Mississippi State at 38 and South Carolina at 40.
Here is what they had to say about the Cats.
“The Wildcats were the biggest surprise of the SEC last season. Winning 10 games again will be a challenge, but there’s still plenty to like about coach Mark Stoops’ team for 2019. Quarterback Terry Wilson has another offseason to develop, and even though Benny Snell will be missed at running back, Asim Rose (6.23 ypc) flashed potential in limited action.
“The offensive line should be a strength, and receiver Lynn Bowden is one of the SEC’s top all-around playmakers. Stoops and new coordinator Brad White have to restock a defense that gave up 16.8 points a game last fall. Edge rusher (and likely first-round pick) Josh Allen and the entire secondary must be replaced.”
I think it’s safe to say that the Kentucky offense will be more pass-heavy in 2019 without Benny in the backfield, meaning they will need the wide receivers to step up in a big way.
Another offseason to get these young guys ready will go a long way to keeping this team playing at a high level and keeping football fun in the Bluegrass.
You can see the entire rankings Here.