Kentucky 2015 – 2016 Football Season Preview

In the Blue Grass State, three college teams make up the football terrain: the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. Of the three, Louisville has had the most recent success, but Western Ketucky's potent offense and the legacy of Kentucky's program each have their own cache making Kentucky online sports betting as exciting as ever.

Western Kentucky Hiltopers 2015 Football Season Preview

With the nation’s most prolific passer from 2014 returning, Hilltopper head coach Jeff Brohm’s offense remains in good shape. Brandon Doughty threw for over 4,800 yards and threw a staggering 49 touchdown passes. Jared Dangerfield will be Doughty’s main target after snagging 69 passes and scoring 11 times. Meanwhile, the running game will be led by Leon Allen, who rushed for 1,542 yards and also collected nearly 500 yards in receptions.

That production should be maintained since three of the five starters on the offensive line will also be coming back, including both guards. The main reason for dismissing Western Kentucky’s chances of winning the Conference USA East Division is the team’s woeful defense. While seven starters return, the team was near the bottom for defense in the nation.

Still, some standouts are worth mentioning, including linebacker Nick Holt, who finished with 111 tackles, and lineman Jontavious Morris, who arrives from the disbanded UAB program. In the secondary, Brandon Leston and Marcus Ward are the last line of that defense, and if the overall unit can clamp down on some teams, the level of 2015 bowl game the team reaches will be that much higher.

Louisville Cardinals 2015 Football Season Preview

Taking a step up to playing in the ACC wasn’t quite as difficult as some expected, with the Louisville Cardinals winning nine games during the 2014 college football season. However, this year presents a challenge for head coach Bobby Petrino due to a host of departures. On offense, Petrino’s quarterback situation is up in the air, since four different signal callers are in contention to start. While Reggie Bonnafon is considered the likely starter due to his mobility, Will Gardner might challenge if he can stay out of the trainer’s room.

The receiving options for that passer wil consist of James Quick, who has been a disappointment in his two seasons, and a pair of transfers in Jamari Staples and Ja’Quay Savage. The ground game will be in the hands of Brandon Radcliff, who was able to produce in the team’s last three games of the 2014 season. However, the offensive line has lost three starters, but does have Aaron Epps to help open up holes for Radcliff.

The team’s defense in 2014 was surprisingly strong until the final two contests, with much of the talent on the line and linebacker returning. One key addition is lineman transfer Devonte Fields. Petrino likes to court danger and he appears to be doing it with a pair of newcomers in cornerback Shaq Wiggins and safety Josh Harvey-Clemons. Both arrive after being kicked off Georgia’s squad and have the talent to make an immediate impact—if they stay on the straight and narrow.

Kentucky Wildcats 2015 Football Season Preview

What began as a promising season with a 5-1 start ended in disaster, with six straight losses to keep the Kentucky Wildcats from a 2014 bowl game. Head coach Mike Stoops brings back 12 starters and hopes to improve on his 7-17 record.

Behind center, either Patrick Towles or Drew Barker will quarterback the team, though the duo might be interchangeable as the season progresses. At running back, Stanley Williams will again be the main runner, with Jojo Kemp expected to contribute as well. Meanwhile the receiving corps has Ryan Timmons returning, with only inexperienced sophomores or freshman rounding out this group.

The offensive line needs plenty of work, since it struggled with run blocking and pass protection, especially as the 2014 collapse began. After a miserable year on defense, the Wildcats shift to a 3-4, with nose tackle Melvin Lewis handling things up front. Linebacker is an area where players are being shifted around, while the secondary has three starters back, including both cornerbacks: Fred Tiller and Cody Quinn. Playing in the SEC is tough enough for any team, but lacking a number of weapons, the Wildcats figure to have another tough season.

NFL Teams Supported by Kentucky Football Fans

The fan base for professional football in Kentucky leans toward the Cincinnati Bengals, which isn’t that surprising considering that the city’s main airport is actually in Kentucky itself. Of course, the recent success of the team has boosted that level of interest, but the team has had radio affiliates in the state for decades. Thus, the exposure it gets virtually guarantees that the collective fan engagement will grow. The Tennessee Titans try and market to the southern half of the state, but that doesn’t come close to the hold the Bengals have on most of it.