Pre-Season SEC Power Rankings

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Sept 15, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Alvin Dupree (2) tackles Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Kadeem Jones (32) at Commonwealth Stadium. Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

14. Kentucky

Last Season: 2-10 (0-8)

The Good: The team is better this year – at least on paper. Thanks to stellar recruiting in each of the last two classes, the talent level is rising. Plus, the Wildcats rank in the top half of the conference in terms of overall experience. Four starters return on the offensive line, and Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith are one of the best defensive end combos in the SEC.

The Bad: No one on the roster has proven they can be a big time playmaker for the Wildcats – and that goes for offense and defense. The receivers and running backs are improving, and Nebraska transfer Braylon Heard is capable of breaking long runs, but he hasn’t showed it on the bluegrass just yet. Also, the team intercepted only three passes last season. Junior college transfer AJ Stamps should improve the performance of the secondary, but he hasn’t played for UK yet either.

The Ugly: The Kentucky Wildcats have gone 0-16 in conference play over the last two seasons. Until the Cats prove they can beat a team from the Southeastern Conference, they will remain in the cellar.

Position-By-Position Ranking (Out of 14 SEC Teams)

Quarterbacks – 13th

Running Backs – 11th

Wide Receivers – 12th

Tight Ends – 13th

Tackles – 9th

Guards – 13th

Centers – 11th

Total Offense – 14th