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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Drew Barker (7) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Louisville defeated Kentucky 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Drew Barker (7) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Louisville defeated Kentucky 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 record: 5-7, 2-6 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Southern Miss

Can Kentucky finally get over the five-win mark and make a bowl game for the first time since 2011? That will be the defining question for Mark Stoops and his Wildcats in 2016. Kentucky has come close, winning five games in back to back seasons but has yet to cross that six-win threshold since Stoops arrived in Lexington. If the Wildcats don’t get to six wins, Stoops could be on his way out.

Kentucky will have the benefit of stable quarterback play after the departure of Patrick Towles. Drew Barker has the solely has the job and will look to prove his mettle.

Stanley “Boom” Williams, however, might be the best player on the offense after rushing for 855 yards and 6 touchdowns as a sophomore. The offense returns a total of nine starters, including four on the offensive line and Garrett Johnson at receiver.

The Wildcat defense will need to play better in 2016 if this team is going to make a bowl game. All-SEC freshman team member, Chris Westry, will look to provide the lockdown coverage Kentucky needs at corner. Matt Elam will have to lead the defensive line as they have to get better at stopping the run and becoming more dominant up front.

Kentucky has the talent to make a bowl game in 2016, I expect them to, they just have stay consistent on offense and be able to stop opposing teams offenses better in order to make it to a bowl in 2016.

Next: No. 10 Mississippi State Bulldogs

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