The team is ready for the start of this ride. 2017 will be the year of the Cats! BBN has been pointing to this year and everything is falling into place for this to be a special season. I wanted to take a second to look at the season and give my win/loss prediction. Also, I will look at the roster and give out some preseason trophies.

Southern Miss September 2nd Hattiesburg, MS

This is part of a huge meltdown that started off 2016 leaving a bitter taste in Kentucky Football fans mouths. It led to Stoops taking over the defensive playing and the injury of Drew Barker. Both of which turned out to be exactly what that team needed to get to the nest level of intensity. Southern Miss will return their dynamic runner Ito Smith who, like our own Benny Snell, is on the preseason Doak Walker watch list. He ran all over Kentucky last year netting 173 yards on 36 carries. With Nick Mullens, the Golden Eagles talented quarterback last year, moving on to the training camp squad for the 49ers, that means we should see plenty of Ito Smith down in Hattiesburg. I predict that we control the tempo with Benny and AJ Rose and our defense finds Smith on every play to bring the win back to Kentucky (Where it’s supposed to be)!

Prediction: Win

Eastern Kentucky September 9th Lexington, KY

I was in Commonwealth Stadium the last time my alma mater came to town and punched Kentucky in the mouth. The building is no longer Commonwealth Stadium (no matter how much I, along with others, detest it) and I don’t see this game being close. If the football program wants to have success they need to take care of games like this one. We should be able to rest our workhorses towards the end of this one.

Prediction: Win

South Carolina September 16th Columbia, SC

The Gamecocks have taken a step back in the SEC since the Ol’ Ball Coach left them high and dry. Last year Kentucky took care of business against South Carolina at home but this year Will Muschamp will have his team ready for revenge and the home field advantage. Skai Moore will be a big factor in the outcome of this game as well. He was sidelined all last year with a neck injury.

It is kinda funny to look at the Gamecock Football Twitter profile on a post about their conference and home opener. I think I saw more comments about getting drunk than revenge for Kentucky beating them for the last three years.

Prediction: Win

Florida September 23rd Lexington, KY

This is a big one. I was there for the Georgia game last year, I was there for the South Carolina game in 2014, and I was there for the Georgia game in 2006 when the BBN tore the goal post down. Now, I will be there for when the streak ends. I know, I missed the Tennessee streak ending and the LSU win but the ones I have noted were special atmospheres that I myself got to take in. Florida will come in as the favorite and will have more talent than us on the field. Something not a lot of teams will be able to say this year. I just believe that this is going to be the year we end this ridiculous losing streak and earn a place at the top of our conference. They are replacing 8 starters on defense, who knows who their quarterback will be at that point, and Jim McElwain will be wondering where all the fish are.

Prediction: WIN!

Eastern Michigan September 30th Lexington, KY

This should be a great game to get our work horses some much needed rest.

Prediction: Win

Missouri October 7th Lexington, KY

I hate to have two short ones in a row but…

Prediction: Win

Mississippi State October 21st Starkville, MS

After the mid season break Kentucky’s schedule gets a lot harder. At this point I have Kentucky at 6-0 and most people I know are predicting at least 5-1 coming into the Mississippi State game. Playing in Starkville against an always tough Bulldog squad won’t be easy but I think Stoops has Mullen’s number. Our talent just keeps rising and Dan Mullen’s squad to a big dip after Dak Prescott left for the NFL. I think it’ll be close and will probably come down to the wire.

Prediction: Win

Tennessee October 28th Lexington, KY

Much like Stoops has Mullen’s number I unfortunately believe Butch Jones has Stoops number. It seems crazy to think that Kentucky Football could be in the spot this late in the season to be a real contender but I think that it will happen. Tennessee could be a major road block though. They will have a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator though and moving the ball could be difficult for the Volunteers. I could see this one being way closer than many of our past meetings, I just don’t know if Stoops will be able to close this one out.

Prediction: Loss

Ole Miss November 4th Lexington,KY

Hugh Freeze made a huge mistake contacting an escort service from his University provided cell phone. Things are in disarray down there and I believe it’ll be a great opportunity for Kentucky to beat a West opponent.

Prediction: Win

Vanderbilt November 11th Nashville, TN

The last time Kentucky went to Nashville to take on the Commodores we came up short. Derek Mason has his squad in a position where they can win or lose any game they play. They always play tough and the grind of the season could be a formula for an upset for Kentucky. It’ll take some key players stepping up and dragging their team with them to beat Vandy in this battle. They may have the happiest students but I doubt Derek Mason will be very happy after this one.

Prediction: Win

Georgia November 18th Athens, GA

Last year Commonwealth was rocking for this game. It was the best feeling I have had about the sport of football in my life. Georgia took all that in and smacked us in the mouth. This has the potential of being the top two teams in the east battling it out to see who is the top dog. Unfortunately for Kentucky, I think Kirby Smart will have his team ready to defend Uga’s home between the hedges.

Prediction: Loss

Louisville November 25th Lexington, KY

Lamar Jackson won the Heisman last year. Lamar Jackson wowed audiences all season long. Lamar Jackson fumbled the ball. Lamar Jackson is coming to Kroger Field. This game will be another huge battle with a lot on the line. Can Kentucky have a 2 loss season? Can Kentucky secure a BCS bowl game? Has Louisville lost it’s edge in the state? I would love to say that Kentucky will roll out with a victory against the Cardinals for the 2nd straight year. So, THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I’M GOING TO DO!

PREDICTION: WIN

For those keeping tally that puts Kentucky at a 10-2 record. A huge step forward for the program and exactly what the members of BBN have been wanting. With all the talent we have coming in I think this is just the start!

PRESEASON AWARDS

MVP: Benny Snell🐌
Best Offensive Player: Benny Snell🐌
Best Defensive Player: Jordan Jones
Breakout Star: Blake Bone 👻
Best Newcomer: Clevan Thomas