Kentucky Football: Three Key Players For The Offense

The Kentucky football team had one of their best seasons in program history last season. If they want to replicate that success, there are several things that need to fall into place for them. Here are a few key offensive players that have to have a big season for the Cats.

Terry Wilson

Terry Wilson did not look comfortable throwing the ball last season. After finishing 12th in the SEC in passing yards with 1,889 and 13th in passing touchdowns with 11, Wilson will need to improve for Kentucky to compete. Last seasons offense was driven by Benny Snell running the ball, but Snell is gone for the NFL. With Snell leading the offense so well, Wilson only attempted 268 passes, almost 200 less attempts than the SEC leader. Even with limited attempts however, Wilson was pretty accurate when he did throw the ball, finishing with a completion percentage of 67%.

A.J Rose

It’s no secret that the Kentucky offense is fueled by the rushing attack. After losing arguably the best running back in program history in Benny Snell, A.J Rose is next in line to take over as the workhorse in the backfield. He had a pretty good season last year with only a handful of opportunities. On 71 carries, Rose ran for 442 yards and five touchdowns averaging six yards per carry. He definitely has the potential to fill the hole left by Snell and his success will be crucial for Kentucky.

Lynn Bowden Jr.

If Terry Wilson is going to improve from last season, he is going to need a trusted receiver, and Bowden looks to be that guy. Bowden racked up 67 catches with 745 yards and five touchdowns in a run first offense. There have been talks about Wilson being ready to throw the ball 35-40 times a game this year, and if this is true, be ready for a huge season from Bowden. He is also an elite returner, scoring twice on five punt returns, and going another 500 yards on kick returns.

If these three guys have a big year that should mean another great season from the Wildcats this year.