Here are five takeaways from Kentucky’s 44-40 loss to No. 22 Louisville.

1. Kentucky misses out on fourth straight bowl game: The Wildcats haven’t made a bowl appearance since 2010. After starting the 2014 season with a 5-1 record, Kentucky finished with six consecutive losses, falling one game short of a postseason game. The team should improve in 2015 with gained experience, however, changes need to be made in several areas.

2. Stanley “Boom” Williams is the feature back: Kentucky named Williams its starting running back several weeks ago and he hasn’t disappointed. The true freshman rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in Saturday’s loss. Williams’ most impressive run came in the fourth quarter as he broke three tackles on his way to the end zone.

3. Patrick Towles needs to improve: Towles threw for 176 yards and two interceptions on 14-of-29 passing. The redshirt sophomore failed to throw for 200 yards in the Wildcats’ last four games. Towles works best a game manager, but Kentucky lacks the talent to rely less on the quarterback. For the Wildcats to succeed, they will need more production from the quarterback position.

4. Kentucky capitalized on turnovers: Kentucky managed to score two touchdowns on turnovers, including a 40-yard pick six by Fred Tiller in the second quarter and a 30-yard fumble return by Mike Douglas. However, the Wildcats defense struggled otherwise, allowing third-string quarterback Kyle Bolin to throw for 381 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-31 passing. All three scores were to DeVante Parker, who finished with 180 yards and six catches.

5. Mark Stoops’ extension was premature: Kentucky gave head coach Mark Stoops a contact extension less than a week after losing to LSU.  The Wildcats added five more losses to fall one game shy of bowl eligibility. It’s not to say that Stoops doesn’t deserve a third season, but the extension was premature. Kentucky did finish with an improved record, but suffered a monumental collapse to end its season.