Kentucky enters its second bye week at the most necessary time. The Wildcats are facing a five-game losing streak and are in danger of missing a bowl game, despite starting the season at 5-1.

Kentucky faces Louisville in its last game of the regular season. The rivalry game is always big in the Bluegrass State, but this year’s game may be the most important.

A win for Kentucky means it is bowl eligible. In his second-year, Mark Stoops will have made enough progress to lead a team that went winless in SEC games in 2013 to the postseason.

A loss means the Wildcats suffered one of the biggest collapses of the season. Kentucky missing a bowl game is an obstacle in its rebuilding process, despite low expectations entering the season.

The Wildcats have two weeks to prepare for their biggest game of the season. Louisville is a tough matchup, despite losing quarterback Will Gardner for the remainder of the season. Head coach Bobby Petrino has SEC experience with a four-year stint at Arkansas.

Kentucky must find its consistency before its season finale. Patrick Towles has struggled during the losing streak and needs to be efficient for the Wildcats to see a turnaround. Kentucky has also struggled to find a leading rusher in recent weeks and must figure out its running game.

The Wildcats also need to improve their struggles on defense. Kentucky has been outscored 219-112 in its five-game losing streak. The Wildcats have allowed over 400 yards in four of its last five games, including three games of over 500 yards.

Kentucky has two weeks to prepare for its biggest game of the season. This is the perfect opportunity for the Wildcats to snap their losing streak.