Kentucky Predicted to Have Winning Season in 2021

The Kentucky Wildcats looked like they were about to become more than just a basketball school in 2018, as they secured a 10-3 record and a Citrus Bowl win against Penn State. Unfortunately they took one step forward and two steps back, as they followed up that strong 2018 campaign with an 8-5 season in 2019 and a 5-6 record in the shortened 2020 season.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Kentucky though, as it's projected to bounce back in 2021.

WynnBET has released win totals for most schools across the country, and they have Kentucky’s regular season win total set at 6.5 with the over heavily favored at -425. Now that they’re back to a regular 12-game schedule, the Wildcats should finish 7-5 at worst, which be a step in the right direction.

Kentucky will have a new quarterback under center in 2021, as three-year starter Terry Wilson entered the transfer portal this past offseason. Joey Gatewood, Beau Allen and Will Levin will compete for the starting role this season.

No matter who starts at QB, Kentucky’s running game will be strong as running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will return to the team after ranking fifth in rushing yards per game in the SEC in 2020.

Defensive end Josh Paschal will lead the Wildcat’s defensive unit, but with seven starters not returning this season, it will be a unit that will see quite a bit of turnover. Kentucky will hope that they’ll see a few breakout seasons from their new pass rushers, as they ranked last in the SEC in sacks per game last year.

Kentucky’s success, at the end of the day, will come down to whether or not their new QB will be efficient.

Despite the question marks surrounding the team, Kentucky will benefit from a weak SEC East division, including Vanderbilt who may not win a game this season.

WynnBET has their odds to win the SEC set at +1700, but with Alabama primed to dominate the college football world once again, it’s best to save your money.