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Three years into the Mark Stoops era, Kentucky has posted identical 5-7 records with a pair of 2-6 marks inside the SEC after a 2-10 (0-8 SEC) first season.
Considering the 2-10 record that the Wildcats put up in 2012 before Stoops arrival, he seems to have generated an improvement, right?
The majority would agree with that, but another season with a losing record might bring a change of heart for Wildcat fans.
With that as the backdrop, here are the key questions facing Kentucky this offseason:
A WELCOME CHANGE?
With offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson being shown the door after just one season, what will the hiring of Cincinnati’s Eddie Gran mean to the Wildcats?
The team finished ninth in total offense and 10th in scoring offense in the SEC last season, so there’s certainly room for improvement there. Gran has deep SEC ties and is renowned for his recruiting ability, a trait he’ll need to display early as the team scrambles for help at the quarterback position.
WILL THE QB EXODUS HURT?
Patrick Towles decided to finish his college career at Boston College last week, and Reese Phillips, the likely backup to Drew Barker next fall, decided to transfer on Christmas Eve, according to reports.
So, right now, Kentucky has one scholarship quarterback on the roster. Three-star recruit Gunnar Hoak is expected to enroll in time for spring and walk-on Davis Mattingly adds a little depth at the position.
Stoops and Gran better hope that Barker plays far better in 2016 than he did in his audition this year, because barring something unexpected between now and Signing Day, there won’t be any other viable options at the position.
WHERE’S THE PASS RUSH?
Kentucky tied for last in the SEC with 17 sacks in 2015, which was 10 fewer than it had in 2014.
This led to more pressure on Kentucky’s young secondary, which in turn led to an 11th-place finish in total defense.
Denzil Ware and Matt Elam are two of the likely starters next season on the defensive line, but don’t be surprised if incoming freshmen get the chance to contribute early at this position.
A LOUDER BOOM?
Stanley “Boom” Williams had a nice season in 2015, finishing with 855 yards and six touchdowns despite missing a couple of games because of a personal issue and an elbow injury.
He has the talent to be one of the better running backs in the SEC. Will 2016 be the year that he makes good on that potential and posts a 1,000-yard season? With the issues looming at quarterback, it would be helpful if it turns out that way.
KINGS OF THE COMMONWEALTH?
This season’s come-from-ahead loss to Louisville was the fifth straight for Kentucky in Governor’s Cup games.
Finding a way to reverse that trend in 2016 (on the road) would be good for Stoops and his relationship with his fan base.
Randy Capps is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, South Carolina and Georgia.
