SEC Football: Best and Worst-Case Scenario for Every Team in 2015

Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) celebrates with wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky Wildcats are a much more talented team now than when head coach Mark Stoops took over three years ago, and that hard work in recruiting can pay off in a big way in 2015.

Related: Will the SEC Be Left Out of the College Football Playoff in 2015? 

Kentucky took a big step forward in 2014 with a 5-1 start to the season coming as the result of major improvements on the offensive side of the football. Quarterback Patrick Towles is one of the SEC’s most experienced signal callers, and he should be even better this year with 13 starts under his belt.

Stanley “Boom” Williams leads a deep group of running backs, and wide receiver Ryan Timmons emerged as a playmaking threat last season.

The offensive line returns four starters that have combined to make 95 career starts – the second most in the SEC.

In a very optimistic best-case scenario, Kentucky not only gets over the hump for bowl eligibility, the Cats win seven regular season games, sweep their non-conference slate and earn a victory in the bowl game. Kentucky has an opportunity to build momentum early in the season, similar to last year’s 5-1 start.

The schedule sets up very well with rebuilding South Carolina, Florida and Missouri as the first SEC games, followed by a home game against Auburn at home on a Thursday night that could be a major trap game for the Tigers.

Kentucky’s Best-Case Scenario: The Wildcats end a five-year streak of losing seasons

Next: Worst-Case Scenario: Vanderbilt