The Kentucky Wildcats finished with a 5-7 record (2-6 SEC) in head coach Mark Stoops’ second season. The Wildcats were 5-1 before losing six straight games, including Saturday’s loss to Louisville. Here’s a look at how Kentucky graded in 2014.

OFFENSE: D+

Kentucky opened its season with four games of over 400 total yards. However, the Wildcats failed to match that total in five of their last six games. Quarterback Patrick Towles failed to record 200 passing yards in his last four games, ending with 2,718 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 225-of-393 passing. Kentucky struggled to find consistency in its rushing offense, with Towles seeing the majority of attempts. Freshman Stanley “Boom” Williams led with 488 yards and five touchdowns on 75 attempts, but didn’t start until late in the season.

DEFENSE: C-

Kentucky ended its season ranked No. 77 overall in total defense. The Wildcats struggled to stop the run, averaging 191.6 rushing yards allowed per game.  Kentucky allowed over 200 rushing yards in six games and totaled 2,294 yards allowed on 511 rushing attempts. However, the Wildcats secondary was much better, ranking No. 44 overall. A.J. Stamps and Marcus McWilson combined for seven interceptions. Stamps was fifth on the team in tackles with 56.

SPECIAL TEAMS: D

Austin MacGinnis went 21-of-27 on field goal attempts and 41-of-41 on extra point attempts. Landon Foster averaged 42.6 yards on 66 punt attempts. Stanley Williams recorded 511 yards on 19 kickoff returns. But Kentucky’s special teams allowed two kick return touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns, while failing to score on their own possessions.

COACHING: D-

Mark Stoops was offered a second contract extension after posting a 5-3 record, despite coming off back-to-back losses. The Wildcats added four games to their losing streak and failed to secure bowl eligibility. Stoops must receive a portion of the blame, despite improving Kentucky’s record in his second season. Along with their offensive struggles, the Wildcats defense was abysmal down the stretch, despite the former coordinator’s expertise on that side of the football. The coaching staff also deserves blame for its running back roulette and failing to name Williams the starter prior to Week 10.

OVERALL: D+

Kentucky benefited from an easy stretch to open its season. The Wildcats’ five wins surpasses their combined total from the past two seasons. However, a bowl game seemed inevitable midway through the season and the team’s collapse outweighs all other factors. Despite entering with low expectations, Kentucky’s season should be considered a disappointment after falling one game shy of bowl eligibility.