T-Minus 3 Days. . .

Kick off is just three days away so it's time to switch gears and get ready for the upcoming season. I have been debating the possible record the Cats could have at the end of the season, and I am still torn on a few of the match-ups. However, time is slipping away so I have to go with my gut and finalize my predictions. I won't, however, pretend to have all the answers and give scoring predictions for each game. I believe the Cats' defense will keep them in games and give them the opportunity to steal one or two. The offense also seems to be ahead of where it was a year ago. Hartline may be ready for a breakout year, and the offensive line is the strongest it's been in Brooks' time in Lexington.

Sep. 5 Miami(OH): The Cats open up the season in Cincinnati with a game against the Red Hawks. It should be a good test for them on a neutral field. Still the Cats' defense should hold down the fort and help the Cats win comfortably. WIN

Sep. 19 Louisville: The Cats get their arch rivals at home this season which should help them. The Cardinals have a new QB and a lot of changes in the coaching staff, so to say they are rebuilding is an understatement. Still they have some play makers and will be in the game until the end. However, I think the Cats' home field advantage, two weeks of practice, and consistently strong defense will help the Cats pull away in the second half. WIN

Sep. 26 Florida: Not much to break down here. Tim Tebow and the most talented team in the country will win going away...again. LOSS

Oct. 3 Alabama: It won't get any easier the next when the Tide rolls into to Lexington. I don't think this game will be as lopsided as the prior week's, but I still can't see the Cats pulling it out either. LOSS

Oct. 10 South Carolina: Some say the Gamecocks are a darkhorse in the SEC East, and it's hard disagree. Coupled with that fact is the reminder that this year's game is in Columbia; so, I think it'll be a tough one for the Cats to find a way to win on the road. I think it could be a close game but the Cats will come up just short. LOSS

Oct. 17 Auburn: The Tigers are a bit of mystery in the SEC West this season. They had a lot of folks scratching their heads with the hiring of Gene Chizik from Iowa State in the off season. Yet, he does know Auburn Football and shouldn't be judged on what he did at ISU. Remember he was 13-0 as the defensive coordinator at Auburn. Still this could be another long year for the Tigers as the offense doesn't seem to be much better than they were last season. I think the Cats' defense will hold them at bay and win the game for Coach Brooks. WIN

Oct. 24 Louisiana-Monroe: The Cats return back to friendly Commonwealth with what should be an easy victory. The Warhawks just don't have the playmakers to hang with the Cats who should be fine tuned by this point in the season. WIN

Oct. 31 Mississippi State: The Cats hope to have plenty of treats and not tricks when the Bulldogs roll into town for their annual game. MSU has a new coach in Dan Mullen but it's hard to believe he'll have much to work with this season. MSU does not have much upfront on offense which could be the only advantage the Cats need to win this one. Mullen will turn it around down there, just not this season. WIN

Nov. 7 Eastern Kentucky: The Cats shouldn't have any problems here, so I am not going to waste my time breaking the game down. OVC vs. SEC in November? If this game is even close then I'll be disappointed. WIN

Nov. 14 Vanderbilt: Vandy has some players coming back but lost alot on defense which was their strongest attribute last season. The offensive line has been kept together for the most part, but it wasn't anything to write home about last season. I think the Dores just won't have enough playmakers to score enough points against the Cat's tough defense. WIN

Nov. 21 Georgia: The Bulldogs were a sexy pick to win it all last year but didn't live up to expectations. They lost several key position players including star QB Matt Stafford. Still it's Georgia, and they simply reload instead of rebuild. If the Cats played the Dawgs earlier in the year then I would see hope, instead they'll get them in November when they should of had time to pull it all together. LOSS

Nov. 28 Tennessee: The Vols are coming back to Lexington this season where they have found a way to win several close games over the last decade. Still this is a game the Cats can win! Crompton wasn't good at QB last season and the offense was just horrid. They have a decent class coming in but it's hard to believe they'll be able to contribute this season. If the Vols' offense is questionable again, this game is where the Cats will finally break the streak, and I think they will. WIN

Final Record: 8-4, Outback Bowl

I know it's hard to believe that the Cats could be playing on New Year's Day this year, but I see it happening. The Cats are catching Tennessee and Auburn at the right time for big time wins. Those two games, along with Louisville are the key games of the season. If the Cats find a way to win those three and don't give games like Vanderbilt and Mississippi State away, the football Cats could keep the attention away from Cal's Cats for a few months this fall.