The Kentucky Wildcats have been on an upward trajectory under Mark Stoops. However, after taking a step back in 2020, Kentucky needs to have a big 2021 campaign.

So, what are the Wildcats’ chances of having a great year? ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) projected each of Kentucky’s 12 regular-season games this fall.

As you can see below, FPI has Kentucky favored to win 7 games and has the Wildcats as underdogs in the remaining 5:

  • Sept. 4 vs. Louisiana-Monroe: 96.6 percent chance of winning
  • Sept. 11 vs. Mizzou: 63.0 percent chance of winning
  • Sept. 18 vs. Chattanooga: 98.4 percent chance of winning
  • Sept. 25 at South Carolina: 57.5 percent chance of winning
  • Oct. 2 vs. Florida: 32.5 percent chance of winning
  • Oct. 9 vs. LSU: 43.9 percent chance of winning
  • Oct. 16 at Georgia: 12.2 percent chance of winning
  • Oct. 30 at Mississippi State: 37.0 percent chance of winning
  • Nov. 6 vs. Tennessee: 58.6 percent chance of winning
  • Nov. 13 at Vanderbilt: 79.0 percent chance of winning
  • Nov. 20 vs. New Mexico State: 98.9 percent chance of winning
  • Nov. 27 at Louisville: 42.4 percent chance of winning

Can the Wildcats outperform their FPI projections. Those games at Louisville and Mississippi State will likely be the keys between a good season and a great season in Lexington.

One thing we’ve learned over the years is to never count out a team coached by Stoops.