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A Victory vs. Tennessee Would be a Big Step Forward

Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)

 

Ever since Mark Stoops took the head-coaching job in Lexington, the program has made little steps along the way. Stoops has delivered some nice moments for the program, including ending a two year SEC losing streak, winning on the road in the SEC for the first time in five years, ending the losing streak to Mississippi State, defeating Louisville on the road, and building winning streaks vs. Missouri, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt.

 

All of those victories were steps in the right direction, but with the opportunity the Wildcats have this season, you get the feeling that Stoops needs a win to hang his hat on in 2017. It is clear that Kentucky has clawed its way out of the cellar of the SEC Eastern division. The Wildcats have won 9 of the last 10 games vs. Missouri, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt, three programs that dominated the Kentucky prior to Stoops arrival in Lexington. However, that only puts you in the middle of the pack in the eastern division.

 

Traditionally, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee have dominated the division. In the last 30 years, the Wildcats have a record of 6-82 vs. the Gators, Bulldogs, and Volunteers. In order to climb the SEC ladder, Kentucky has to find ways to start defeating those teams, especially when one of the three is in the midst of one of its worst seasons.

 

The Wildcats allowed a golden opportunity to slip away vs. Florida earlier this season and the conference finale with Georgia doesn’t look promising, especially after Saturday’s implosion at Mississippi State. Kentucky can still win 8+ games this season and a win vs. Tennessee on Saturday would be a massive step forward for Stoops and the program.

 

Even with a loss, Kentucky could finish with 7 or more wins, depending on the outcome of games vs. Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Louisville. However, a win would give the Cats a strong shot at finishing SEC play above .500, something they haven’t achieved since 1977.

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