SEC Football - 2021 Kentucky Wildcats Preview
Our Kentucky Wildcats preview 2021 finds that this team will be competitive and has a shot at third in the SEC East. Last season, the Wildcats scored 21.8 PPG while allowing opponents 25.9 PPG. On offense, their ground game was ranked third in the conference and 34th in the nation, while their pass attack was 14th and 122nd. They had the top-ranked pass defense in the SEC and sixth-ranked rush D. Plus, at +10, the Wildcats topped the conference and were 13th in the country in turnover margin. In 2020, Kentucky finished fourth in the SEC East with a 4-6 record and 5-6 overall. In the Gator Bowl, they beat NC State 23-21.
Kentucky Offense
After the 2020 season, his third with the Cats, starting QB Terry Wilson shipped out to New Mexico via the transfer portal. Who will take over the signal-calling spot? Penn State transfer Will Levis, a dual threat, is the leading candidate to start. He’ll fit in well with an offense that favors the ground game. Running back Chris Ridriguez Jr., who was fifth in the SEC in rushing last season, returns. Last season, he averaged 6.6 YPA and scored 11 TDs. Junior RB Kavosiey Smoke is an explosive force but needs to stay healthy.
The top three receivers from last season are back. Senior Josh Ali, who led the team with 54 catches, totaled 473 yards and one score. Tight ends Keaton Upshaw and Justin Rigg caught 16 and 12 passes respectively. Upshaw made two TDs and Riggs had one catch for a score. Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson, a 2019 Paul Hornung Award finalist, joins the wideout unit. He offers the group a major upgrade. Although the offensive line sees a lot of turnover, this unit should still be solid. Two top players from last season, Darian Kinnard, an All-American candidate, and Luke Fortner, who brings a wealth of experience, do return and will be major assets.
Kentucky Wildcats Preview 2021 - Defense
Despite losing seven starters, including various NFL-bound players, the Kentucky defense still has a solid nucleus. Defensive end Josh Paschal, who recorded 5.5 TFL, one sack, and one INT, anchors the frontline. Senior DeAndre Square, who posted 60 tackles last season, is the lynchpin of the linebacking unit. In 2020, he had 2.5 TFL, four QBH, and one PBU. OLB J.J. Weaver, a solid pass rusher, is out due to an ACL injury. For this unit to be effective, junior Jordan Wright needs to step up.
Free safety Yusuf Croker, another senior, is a premium talent. Last year, he was good for 77 tackles, 2.5 TFL, two PBU, and two picks. Strong safety Tyrell Ajian will be asked to upgrade his game. Cornerback is the biggest question mark on this side of the ball, as both starters from last season are gone. Junior Cedrick Dort Jr. and freshman Carrington Valentine will attempt to fill the void.
Specialists
Our Kentucky Wildcats preview 2021 sees senior placekicker Matt Ruffolo return. Last year, he was 12-of-14 on field goals, including one from the 50-yard-line. Ruffolo hit 22-of-23 of his extras. The Wildcats will attempt to replace 2019 Ray Guy Award winner Max Duffy with Australian punter Wilson Berry. He’s the brother of Steelers punter Jordan Berry. Ali, who averaged 10.3 YPR on punt bring backs, is solid. Zach Johnson, who averaged 20.7 YPR last season, brings back kicks.
Kentucky Wildcats Preview 2021 - Projection
Over the last five years, the Wildcats have gone 37-26 and been bowl bound at the end of each season. Last season was disappointing. However, our Kentucky Wildcats preview 2021 likes this team. They see seven starters return on offense and have some premium starters returning on D. The Wildcats will be aided by a weak schedule.
SEC Football - Kentucky Wildcats 2021 - Predictions:
Fourth Place - SEC East
Liberty Bowl vs West Virginia