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Despite dropping two straight, Kentucky is still getting mentioned as possible participants in some fairly big name bowls. The losses to Florida and Mississippi State have throttled expectations some, but with a very favorable schedule, there is still a lot left to be accomplished for Mark Stoops and his team.
Here is the latest look at where several experts are projecting UK to end up when it’s all said and done.
- ESPN‘s Mark Schlabach: Belk Bowl vs. N.C. State Wolfpack
- ESPN‘s Kyle Bonagura: TaxSlayer Gator Bowl vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
- ESPN‘s Brett McMurphy: Texas Bowl vs. Kansas State Wildcats
- Sporting News: Liberty Bowl vs. Kansas State Wildcats
- CBS Sports: Liberty Bowl vs. Kansas State Wildcats
As you can see, several experts still have faith that Kentucky can correct their current downward spiral and go on to make an appearance in the Belk or Gator Bowl. Obviously, things would change rather quickly if the Cats go on the road and have another lackluster performance like they did in Starkville.
In reality, losing to Florida and splitting this two game road trip was what many people predicted before the season started. But losing Terry Wilson has added an incredibly large challenge for this team to overcome.
Having eight home games is a huge advantage for UK that will allow them a much easier path to bowl eligibility. Years prior just getting to that six win mark was about all that Kentucky football measured themselves by.
That’s not the case anymore. Every single game remaining on the schedule, besides maybe at Georgia, is a completely winnable game for Kentucky.
But it starts with picking up their 3rd win in Columbia on Saturday and ending this skid.