Kentucky has perhaps its most talented, most athletic and deepest roster in the Mark Stoops era, but so much of that positivity is overshadowed by uncertainty at the quarterback position.
The season will teeter on how well an untested quarterback can manage the offense, become a leader and find ways to win big games the way Stephen Johnson did for two straight seasons that culminated in bowl-game berths.
The Kentucky defense, which has been much maligned at times under Stoops, returns nine starters, including five of its top six tacklers. But much of its success will hinge on the growth of the defensive line.