Vicky Graff Photo
Former Kentucky defensive back Van Hiles is very analytical in his expectations for UK football.
He remembers the difficult times the program has had and appreciates the way coach Mark Stoops has built the program to produce a consistent winner.
However, he’s almost giddy about the season that starts Saturday when UK hosts Ball State.
“If you remember last year we were two actual plays — an illegal motion call versus Ole Miss and hand stop the face penalty against Vanderbilt — from a nine-win season with the performance of that O-line last year,” Hiles, a former NFL player, said.
“We could have won nine. Now (offensive coordinator) Liam Coen can get you one extra game (win). My benchmark for this season is 10 (wins).
“But I am a Kentucky fan. Why not go into the season feeling the most optimistic you can. I am at 10 (wins) and almost at 11. I am not there yet but I am almost there. I do not understand how we at UK do not get on this bandwagon.”
Hiles understands the schedule includes Georgia and Alabama along with traditional UK nemesis Tennessee and Florida not to mention road games at South Carolina and Mississippi State.
“Kentucky played a lot of freshmen last year that will be even better this year,” Hiles said. “I think this year is going to be a great year for us. If we can stay out of the training room (with injuries), I think this could be a special year.”
3 Responses
I agree that this "could" be a special year for UK and I hope it is. But also, we have to remember that UK’s success is contingent on most of the players staying healthy. UK is very thin at the QB spot and it sounds like we are thin with Safeties and Cornerbacks. It also sounds like we are now thin on the O Line since two guys are now out for the season. If they stay healthy and/or the "next man up" solidifies their position, this could end up being a season to remember.
Either way, I am going to enjoy the season because UK is now where I have wanted us to be most of my life — Being able to watch a game and know we have a legitimate shot every time they step on the field.
Two more days until we start learning about this team in tangible ways.
Thin at QB? Talented imho from Starter thru 3rd option. Maybe? Game experience reveals or exposes. Hopefully we stay healthy n high scoring so that in contests early on, 2 n 3 get snaps.