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Underdog Mentality: Kentucky Football Challenges Are Fixable
Kentucky tight end Josh Kattus (84) and Kentucky wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin (9) celebrate after Kattus’ touchdown during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.

The Kentucky football program is always embracing the underdog each season, but this season will tell the tale of whether they can put the storm behind them of last season and the last few years and return to Kentucky football Standards.

Expectations Low

Following Last season’s 4-8 ending and a transfer portal class that exiled out of Lexington, the media and fanbase are not extremely high on this Kentucky Wildcat team, and rightfully so. In this day and age, you have to prove actions, and the last few seasons have not been great for Mark Stoops and company.

Many are picking the Wildcats 15th in the SEC out of 16 teams, and if that’s the case, it’ll be a long season in the commonwealth for many Kentucky fans.

But remember, it’s not over until it’s over. How does Kentucky reverse the trend? By beating the teams you are supposed to, pulling off a few upsets, and making a bowl game, you can turn this season into a triumph.

Just Win.

Zach Calzada Is Experienced

One area where Kentucky football has room for improvement is in the quarterback play. If the Wildcats can generate more momentum on offense, they could have secured a bowl game last year and addressed some of the issues.

The struggles of the offensive line have also been a factor, but with the potential for improved offensive momentum, there’s reason for optimism.

Zach Calzada, the former Texas A&M quarterback known for his stunning victory over No. 1 Alabama in 2021, is now at the helm in Lexington.

With expectations of having better weapons around him and showcasing his impressive arm strength, Kentucky’s offensive unit is poised for a significant upgrade in 2025. Fans are excited to see how Calzada will elevate the team’s performance!

Offensive Coordinator Musical Chairs

Another issue with the program in Lexington has been the rotation of offensive coordinators. This year and last year, will likely bring more positive momentum, as the team has some sustainability with Bush Hamdan.

The Wildcats have not had the same offensive play-caller in consecutive years since Eddie Gran back in 19-20. Rich Scangarello was let go after the 2022 season, which prompted them to make the change back to Liam Coen. Coen, in turn, left for his second stint in the NFL, this time as a head coach, not as an Offensive coordinator.

Mark Stoops then hired Bush Hamdan from Boise State, a move that was hoped to spark a change. Despite the challenges of last year, including drop passes, foul line play, and Quarterback struggles, the Wildcats are determined to overcome these issues and improve their performance.

Can Kentucky Win Six Games?

The question surrounding the commonwealth and its fans is whether Kentucky can actually make a bowl game and whether Stoops can survive the fan base and avoid the annual letdown of criticism.

The schedule is brutal, and the wins are lacking in some games, but that’s why it’s a new season and a chance for renewed hope and optimism for all involved in the football program; it’s a chance for a reset.

Kentucky releases 2025 promotional schedule, makes Texas homecoming game

End Of My Kentucky Football Rant

Kentucky Football is on the edge, and this week’s battle with the Toledo Rockets on Saturday afternoon at Kroger Field is shrouded in uncertainty. All signs point to this game as the season’s starting point, with many predicting an upset in favor of the Rockets.

This is a week of high stakes and high drama for Kentucky football, and it all unfolds on Saturday afternoon.

If Mark Stoops wants to win back the fanbase, he needs to see changes, and he has to produce and prove it on the field. The time is now.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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