LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Coach Mark Stoops has Kentucky football heading in the right direction with consecutive winning seasons after three losing campaigns.
Now with 19 returning starters — the most in Stoops’ six-year tenure — the Wildcats have experience and confidence to take the program a step further.
“We expect more. We’ve been close,” said Stoops, who is 26-36 overall at Kentucky. “We’ve done some good things. I’m proud of the work that we’ve done, we look forward to making a big jump this year.
“We’re tired of being close.”
Kentucky last posted consecutive winning seasons from 2006-09 under Rich Brooks, a stretch highlighted by three straight bowl wins ending in 2008. The Wildcats are coming off another 7-6 finish (4-4 Southeastern Conference) and second straight bowl appearance, but look to snap a four-game postseason losing streak dating back to 2009.
They believe they have the pieces to get it done with veterans on both sides of the ball, particularly a defense featuring nine returning starters. Kentucky’s offense is just as seasoned with 1,000-yard junior running back Benny Snell Jr. leading the way, though the priority is replacing mobile quarterback Stephen Johnson and four receivers.
Kentucky’s challenge remains navigating a challenging schedule that includes Georgia, the favorite to repeat as East Division champion. As much as the Wildcats believe they can again get the jump on opponents, they’re just as determined to close games better than last season.
Three of Kentucky’s six losses came by five total points, including two that could have improved their SEC East prospects. A 28-27 home loss to Florida was the most painful defeat as Kentucky’s defense left a receiver uncovered for the winning touchdown.
“Sometimes we’d level off when we had a lead or were playing well,” said senior safety Mike Edwards, who had team highs of 97 tackles and four interceptions last season. “We just weren’t as consistent last year and we’re working on that.”
Snell meanwhile intends to shoulder whatever is needed to make things happen offensively.