Spring Practice Questions: Kentucky Wildcats

Last Year: 8-5, unranked

Fans Are: Bordering on delusional. A year after trying to run Rich Brooks out of town, fans are writing songs about how he's turned the program around. Wins over Georgia and Clemson have the the Wildcats faithful banking on something other than hoops, and scenes like the empty stands pictured at right will be rare in 2007.

Expectations: Realistically, another bowl win. But aforementioned delusional fans want more, and they're bolstered by last year's best finish since the SEC went to divisional play in 1992. An actual run at the SEC East title is probably unrealistic, but don't tell the folks in Lexington.

Questions:

1. How good is Andre Woodson?

Pretty dang good, if last year's stats are any indication. Woodson and the Wildcats had the SEC's best passing attack last year and the number nine national passing game. Woodson's name has appeared on some early Heisman lists, even though only three UK players have ever finished in the top 10 of Heisman balloting. If Woodson stays healthy, his team can amass around 5000 yards and 40 touchdowns this fall, and Andre can become the fourth 'Cat with his name on the Heisman ballot.

2. Does Woodson have any help?

For Kentucky to succeed, he'll have to find some. His receivers are good enough, including TE Jacob Tamme. But his offensive line needs to show improvement in opening holes for the running game and giving Woodson more time to operate. Help is coming from the junior-college ranks, but the 'Cats hope to have sophomore Justin Jefferies step up before then.

Kentucky's defense could really help Woodson out by getting him the ball more. As good as UK's passing attack was, the defense was equally horrid, giving up nearly seven yards per play en route to being the nation's next-to-last defensive unit. New defensive coordinator Steve Brown has eight returning starters to work with, which is great news if they've improved, and terrible news if they haven't.

3. But seriously, are the 'Cats any good?

Any long-time SEC fan has to be skeptical of Kentucky's long-term ability to succeed. But for the time being, UK has to be a team to look out for. In addition to beating UGA and Clemson, the 'Cats were competitive against Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee and can beat one of those teams this year. With a fairly weak non-conference schedule, Kentucky can be halfway to another bowl bid by the end of September. Solid work by the o-line and defense this spring can get them even farther.