Kentucky will return to its normal status in the SEC this year

For a while last year, it was as if SEC football fans had fallen asleep and awakened in the Bizarro World. Kentucky had just beaten LSU and climbed into the top 10. Of course, the dream didn't come true. The Wildcats lost some close games down the stretch and finished 8-5.

By Kentucky standards, it was an above average year. Now, the Wildcats will attempt to repeat the trick. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening because they lost their most significant weapon from last year.

Quarterback Andre Woodson was the heart, soul, and everything else for Kentucky. He elevated the play of everybody around him, and there doesn't appear to be anyone who can replace him. Curtis Pulley and Mike Hartline will compete for the starting job once practice begins, but most observers agree they are not in Woodson's league.

Kentucky's most important game will likely be on October 11 when they host South Carolina. The winner of that game will likely finish fourth in the SEC Eastern Division. This is about the most Kentucky can hope for this year.

They play a tough road schedule, visiting Louisville, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, and Tennessee.

Of course, by mid-October most UK fans will turn their attention to basketball anyway. This is the fate of football programs at schools dominated by basketball (see North Carolina, Indiana, etc.).