All remaining season tickets in Kroger Field for the upcoming 2023 Kentucky football season have been sold out. Wildcat fans have successfully obtained over 40,200 season tickets, with the additional 6,500 student season passes also being completely sold out.
Football fever in Kentucky is in the air, as these remarkable sales figures indicate the immense excitement within the Big Blue Nation. These season-ticket totals represent the highest number recorded during the Mark Stoops era, which began in 2013 and the highest number since the renovation of Kroger Field in 2015.
However, what does the 2023 season hold for the Wildcats? A challenging season awaits, including a schedule involving Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs.
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Kentucky Wildcats 2023: Handling a tough schedule
The Crimson Tide and the Bulldogs, without question, are the two most difficult games on the Wildcats 2023 schedule. We can expect sports handicappers out in force with Kentucky betting promo codes, but I wouldn’t be hesitant to grab the Big Blue Nation if a huge spread is available.
From a betting perspective or not, the upset in both of these fixtures is viable.
Both of these teams hold positions in the top five of the AP Top 25 Poll, therefore posing challenging matchups for the Wildcats. But what factors could aid the Wildcats in securing victories?
Perhaps the presence of a seasoned quarterback like Devin Leary, who boasts experience at the power five level. Leary’s exposure to numerous hostile environments throughout his time in the ACC will undoubtedly assist him in preparing for the forthcoming road tests that the Wildcats will encounter in the current season.
If the Wildcats win, their game against Alabama in Lexington could become one of the most significant triumphs in Kentucky football history. I have confidence in Leary’s ability to deliver an exceptional performance in this particular game, and the Wildcats possess the necessary talent to potentially upset their opponents, much to the delight of the Big Blue Nation.
Wildcats’ tight ends will be crucial.
The 2023 Kentucky football team will heavily rely on their tight end group, who will provide crucial assistance in blocking for the offensive line and serve as a reliable option for Devin Leary.
The Wildcats boast a deep collection of tight ends, including Josh Kattus, Jordan Dingle, Izayah Cummings, and Brenden Bates. Each player will play a significant role for the team, with Kattus poised for a standout sophomore season following an impressive finish to his freshman campaign.
During his first year, Kattus made seven receptions for 125 yards, including a remarkable 70-yard catch against Louisville in the Wildcats’ 26-13 victory over their rivals. In the previous season, Kentucky tight ends only managed 41 receptions, but I anticipate a substantial increase in 2023.
This tight-end group possesses immense potential and stands as one of the strongest units on the team. Thanks to their offseason training, the tight ends have become bigger, faster, and stronger, which bodes well for their on-field success.
While Kattus may be undervalued within the SEC, it is important not to underestimate the other talented players in this position group. Under the guidance of Liam Coen, the tight ends will play a crucial role in driving the success of the Kentucky offense in 2023.
Disrespectful power rankings
The ESPN Football Power Index uses statistical analysis to predict the records of college football teams. It also assigns probabilities for teams to win their division and conference.
Kentucky, ranked 28th in the FPI rankings, trailed the Florida Gators by ten spots – madness -as the Gators were ranked 18th. According to the FPI rankings, the Wildcats are projected to have a record of 7.1-4.9. They have an 81.9% chance of winning more than six games and a 3.2% chance of winning the SEC East.
This Kentucky football team is being underestimated by many, but Coach Stoops’s squad will soon prove why they deserved a higher ranking.
Huge offseason improvements
The offensive performance of Kentucky is expected to demonstrate significant improvement this season.
The Wildcats have undertaken substantial efforts during the offseason to enhance their effectiveness in that particular aspect of the game. These endeavors include the reappointment of Liam Coen as the offensive coordinator, the acquisition of Devin Leary from NC State, who is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal, the addition of Ray Davis, a rusher who has achieved the impressive feat of accumulating 1,000 yards at Vanderbilt, the reinforcement of the offensive line, and the retention of their top three receivers.
It is possible that Dane Key and Barion Brown, two prosperous receivers, could emerge as the most formidable duo in the SEC for the upcoming season.