One of the NCAA football teams that have never received much attention is the University of Kentucky Wildcats, much of it due to the success of the basketball team down through the years. In recent years, even the basketball program has been a disaster. With Coach Calipari getting the team ejected from the March Madness tournament, the entire University, team players, and fans were all given a fatal shot to the stomach – especially those who earnestly believed that Cal would be the final ingredient needed to get back to the national title game. It is a credit to each and every Kentucky player that the team had the success it did during the last season, as Kentucky’s karma finally caught up to it. In the case of the football team, however, there is no such karma at play.

Kentucky … who?
To say that the Kentucky football program flies under the radar would be an understatement. While programs like Kansas and Ohio State are well-known, many people are completely unaware that Kentucky’s team is just as full of desire and heart. In fact, the program has made major strides in recent years, with their latest signing day being a bonanza for the team’s future prospects for success. With the new recruits, the entire program just feels rejuvenated. One clear example of that was seen in the open workouts over this last spring, and anyone who observed those workouts can tell you just how different this team looks from Wildcats teams of the past. Some are even beginning to talk about contending for a conference – or even national – championship at some not too distant period in the future.

Focusing on the offense
Observers of Kentucky football know just how tumultuous the passing game was in past years. The current roster on offense gives every indication that they could threaten all of the school’s long-held passing marks during this season! In addition, the team has a lightning-quick player at running back who leaves the impression that he could easily run around, through, and over the competition in the Southeastern Conference this year. In fact, there is a bevy of Kentucky backs all looking for their opportunity to take the starting position on the team’s offense. This depth at a key position may be somewhat of a surprise to many of Kentucky’s opponents as the season unfolds.

Heisman talk and more
As has been the norm in recent times, much of the pre-season Heisman Award talk is focused on the SEC. What is not normal is that a number of analysts are seriously suggesting that winner might come out of the University of Kentucky. This fact alone should give every Wildcat fan a thrilling ride during the coming season, regardless of the team’s overall success.

From bad times to good
Forget the bad feelings many sports fan have about the Kentucky basketball program – Wildcats football is another animal entirely. The scandal of recent years should be set aside during the football season, as these players deserve a chance to show the nation what Kentucky football can be. Teams facing Kentucky this season should be prepared for a potent offense and a defense that is stingier than Ebenezer Scrooge. With that combination, the Wildcats may even contend for a BCS berth or national championship!

Author Bio: Ivan Jamison is a big sports fan. You can check out his Kentucky Wildcats Watch or his Los Angeles Dodgers Watch or his New York Mets Watch

Category: Sports
Keywords: Kentucky Wildcats