The Kentucky Wildcats finished the 2014 season with a 5-7 (2-6 SEC) record. Mark Stoops saw a three-game improvement in his second season, coming off a 2-10 (0-8) record. As Stoops enters year three, here are the 10 biggest storylines of the Kentucky offseason.

1. Will Kentucky end its bowl drought? The Wildcats haven’t made a bowl game since 2010. Kentucky started 5-1 through six games, surpassing its win total from the past two seasons combined, but failed to secure a postseason appearance after ending on a six-game losing streak.

2. What are the expectations for year three? Fans may argue that 2014 was a success, despite the late-season collapse, due to low expectations prior to Week 1. However, the Wildcats will need to see an improved record once again in order to continue their rebuilding process.

3. What’s the minimum amount of wins for Mark Stoops to stay? Kentucky extended Stoops’ contact after a 5-2 start. However, the coach will need to win a minimum of six games next season in order to keep optimism high in Lexington.

4. Will Stanley “Boom” Williams be the feature back? Despite sharing carries, Boom Williams emerged as the standout among the Wildcats running backs, rushing for a team-best 488 yards. As a sophomore, Williams should see an increased role as the team’s feature back.

5. Who will step up in the absence of Bud Dupree? Dupree ended a stellar career in Lexington this season with a team-best 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. As the senior embarks on a professional career, Kentucky needs to find a replacement as the leader of its defense.

6. Can Patrick Towles find consistency? Towles started the season hot, which helped him rank fifth in the SEC in passing. But his last four games were less stellar, failing to record 200 passing yards in each loss.

7. Will anyone emerge as a true No. 1 wide receiver? Ryan Timmons recorded a team-best 536 receiving yards, finishing just ahead of seniors Javess Blue and Demarco Robinson. Timmons must step up as the No. 1 receiver as the most experienced player on the depth chart.

8. Will a tight end record over 100 yards? Steve Borden had four catches for 33 yards. His backup, Ronnie Shields, added 29 yards on three catches. The Wildcats’ top commit is C.J. Conrad, a four-star tight end. Conrad ranks as the No. 264 overall prospect and No. 11 tight end by the 247Sports Composite ratings.

9. Can Josh Forrest record back-to-back 100-tackle seasons? Forrest finished third in the SEC with a career-best 110 tackles. His previous season-high was 16 in 2013.

10. Will A.J. Stamps be an All-SEC safety? Stamps finished third in the SEC in interceptions (4) and had 56 total tackles. The JUCO transfer should continue his progress as a senior.