The Kentucky Wildcats finished the 2014 season with a 5-7 (2-6 SEC) record. The Wildcats surpassed their combined win total from the past two seasons, but failed to earn bowl eligibility after ending their season with a six-game losing streak. Here’s a look at Kentucky’s most important losses from the 2014 season.
1. Week 14- @ No. 22 Louisville (44-40): Kentucky’s Week 14 loss to Louisville is its most important of the season. The defeat capped off one of the worst collapses in SEC history as the Wildcats failed to secure bowl eligibility after six weeks of chances. The game was a shootout, with Kentucky falling on the short end, after failing to answer on its final possession.
2. Week 3- @ Florida (36-30 OT): Kentucky entered Week 3 with a 2-0 record. The Wildcats faced a struggling Florida offense in the Swamp and played through three overtimes. The Gators game-tying touchdown in the first overtime came with controversy as it seemed to happen after the play clock expired on fourth down. Kentucky missed on what became a deciding loss in its bowl chances and the chance to snap its 28-game losing streak.
3. Week 10- @ Missouri (20-10): This game showcased Kentucky’s ineptitude on offense during its losing streak. The Wildcats were in contention the entire game, but failed to produce enough offense to take the lead. Kentucky had 258 yards of total offense and managed just one offensive score.
4. Week 9- vs. No. 1 Mississippi State (45-31): This game was predicted to be a blowout, but the Wildcats stayed close through three quarters. However, the Bulldogs offense proved to be too much for Kentucky, as Dak Prescott and Josh Robinson combined for four rushing touchdowns. Kentucky did impress many skeptics during this loss, but added four more losses to end its season.
5. Week 8- @ LSU (41-3): The game that started the collapse. The Wildcats entered as a double-digit underdog and were dominated by each position group. LSU recorded 423 total yards and held Kentucky to 217. The Wildcats added five more losses and ended their season with a losing record.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
