Last season, the University of Kentucky football team had a so-so 6-7 record, 2-6 in the Southeastern Conference. UK football coach Joker Phillips has said that he expects great things from this year's team, which has improved depth compared to the 2010 roster.
But certain key games on the 2011-12 schedule undoubtedly will determine the pace of this season.
Kentucky v. Florida, Sept. 24: Kentucky fans will remember this matchup from last season but for the wrong reasons. In 2010, it appeared that UK was overconfident with the absence of Tim Tebow from Florida's roster (Tebow went to the 2010 NFL Draft), but Florida's then-freshman quarterback Trey Burton took the opportunity to shine. The Wildcats will need to watch out for the star quarterback, who broke the Florida team record for single-game touchdowns with six TDs against Kentucky, outdoing Tim Tebow's previous record at South Carolina. Burton went on to have a career 12 touchdowns during his freshman season, so he seems to have something to prove in Kentucky. Keep in mind, though, that this game will be played in Commonwealth Stadium, and the UK fan base has been known to have an impact on the game outcome.
Kentucky at South Carolina, Oct. 8: What most UK fans will remember about the game against South Carolina in 2010 is when they rushed the field after its completion. But let's be honest: Kentucky barely eked out a win against South Carolina with a final score of 31-28—and that was at home. This time, South Carolina will be on uts own home turf. The Gamecocks were also the runner-ups in the SEC Championship Game in 2010, thanks to Auburn's unstoppable (and 2011 NFL Draft No. 1 pick) Cam Newton. Don't sell South Carolina short. The Oct. 8 game promises to be another nail-biter, but I'm hoping last season's break of the 17-game losing streak to South Carolina and head coach Steve Spurrier wasn't just a fluke.
Kentucky at Georgia, Nov. 19: It's the age-old question of who is better: cats or dogs? In 2010, UK lost to Georgia in Commonwealth Stadium with a disappointing score of 44-31, a sad showing at the team's homecoming game. A slew of fumbles and turnovers ruined any chance of a comeback, as Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey scored a record five touchdowns. This season, though, the Wildcats will travel to Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., for some payback. Maybe this time Kentucky can scratch its way back on top.
by Shannon Frazer
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