Kentucky entered the national college football conversation with an 11-point road win over Florida in Week 2 last season. And, despite an overtime loss to Texas A&M in Week 6, the Wildcats remained in that conversation entering one of the biggest regular-season games in program history: vs. Georgia in Week 10.
Kentucky lost that game, 34-17, and dropped an ugly game at Tennessee a week later on their way to a 9-3 regular season. And while it was still the program's most regular-season wins in 41 years, they fell well short of a division title and playoff contention, both of which were real possibilities entering Week 10.
Who's this year's Kentucky? And under-the-radar team who could impress early, stay afloat with unimpressive wins against subpar teams and enter the "How about them…" conversation.
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Baylor
Baylor will roll through a weak non-conference schedule — Stephen F. Austin, UTSA and Rice — and enter Week 5 vs. Iowa State with a chance to make an early statement and flip Big 12 darling roles with the Cyclones.
Their Mississippi State game: vs. Iowa State, Sept. 29.
An important home win over a popular pick. It wouldn't come two weeks after a road win of another strong opponent (like Kentucky over Florida), but it's still a head-turning opportunity.
Their Georgia game: vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 16.
If Baylor enters with one loss, this is the big one. They could improve to 9-1 and enter playoff contention with only two games — Texas (home) and Kansas (away) — remaining.
MORE: Gundy on "Dangerous" Portal
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Minnesota
Minnesota has a sneaky challenging non-conference schedule — at Fresno State, vs. Georgia Southern — and visits Purdue in Week 5, but the Gophers' returning talent could roll to a strong start.
Their Mississippi State game: vs. Nebraska, Oct. 12
A popular preseason top-25 team who should be 4-0 entering their Week 5 home game vs. Ohio State, Nebraska is a big step for the Gophers after a blowout loss in Lincoln last year. Win this and 8-0 is attainable.
Their Georgia game: vs. Penn State, Nov. 9.
At 8-0, this would be the program's biggest game in 60 years. On the flip side, an 8-0 could start could easily result in an 8-4 finish with November losses to Penn State, Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
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Mississippi State
Mississippi State should open 3-0 with non-conference wins over Louisiana, Southern Miss and Kansas State.
Their Mississippi State game: at Auburn, Sept. 28
Mississippi State has won four of their last seven games vs. Auburn after one victory in their previous 11 meetings. This is their first true road game of the season and first opportunity to enter the national conversation and prove they can bounce back from major personnel losses.
Their Georgia game: vs. Alabama, Nov. 16.
If they enter with no more than one conference loss, this is probably for the SEC West title.
