Phil Steele projects Kentucky to miss bowl game in 2019

Fresh of their best season in over four decades, the Kentucky Wildcats still have analysts that doubt that their program is legitimate.

Despite a 10-3 season in 2018, Phil Steele, who’s college football season preview magazine is among the most popular in the nation, is projecting Kentucky not just to take a step back from their magical 2018, but also miss out on bowl eligibility.

Though Kentucky is losing a plethora of talent including Josh Allen, Benny Snell Jr., Lonnie Johnson, and Mike Edwards, it’s hard to believe them not winning at least six games.

Since Mark Stoops arrived in 2013, Kentucky is the only program in the country that has not had any decline in their record the following season.

Winning 10 games with a younger squad might be tough to ask for, but with a returning quarterback, higher rated recruits than ever before, and the doubters fueling motivation, it’s hard to see Kentucky losing more than six games in 2019.

Despite not projecting the team to do much winning, Steele did list several Wildcats among those he sees earning All-SEC Honors:

• Drake Jackson, First Team Center
• Lynn Bowden, Third Team Wide Receiver
• Kash Daniel, Third Team Linebacker
• Logan Stenberg, Third Team Offensive Lineman
• Quinton Bohanna, Fourth Team Defensive Lineman
• Boogie Watson, Fourth Team Linebacker