Louisiana @ Kentucky preview

Kentucky have gone from SEC afterthought to fringe bowl candidate after two seasons under coach Mark Stoops. The Wildcats' quest for its first winning season since 2009 begins Saturday when it hosts Louisiana.

Stoops hired offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to help quarterback Patrick Towles reach new heights in his second year as Wildcats starter. Kentucky retained most of the talent that made it look dangerous early last season, which is why it is heavily favored to begin 2015 in the win column. The Ragin’ Cajuns are led by coach Mark Hudspeth, who has guided them to four consecutive 9-4 seasons punctuated by victories at the New Orleans Bowl. Hudspeth will need to weather some uncertainty at quarterback following the graduation of Terrance Broadway, with juniors Brooks Haack and Jalen Nixon competing for the starting role.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Kentucky -17

ABOUT LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE (2014: 9-4): Hudspeth is likely to use Haack - a big arm - and Nixon - a dual threat - in the opening game, utilizing their different skill sets to keep Kentucky’s defense from getting comfortable. Running back Elijah McGuire is the team’s top returning offensive threat, but defenses can focus more on him now that Alonzo Harris and James Butler are gone. The Ragin’ Cajuns are hoping Texas A&M transfer Darzil Washington can fill the shoes of Christian Ringo on a defensive squad filled with new arrivals.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (2014: 5-7): The Wildcats lost their most effective pass rushers with the departures of Alvin Dupree and Za’Darius Smith, but Melvin Lewis and Matt Elam are flanked by Cory Johnson and Jason Hatcher on a formidable defensive line. Dawson’s pass-happy offensive schemes should benefit Ryan Timmons and Kentucky’s underrated receiving corps. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Barker appears ready to steal the starting job should Towles falter like he did during the second half of 2014.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The game will be played at the newly renovated Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington.

2. Hudspeth’s name was mentioned as a candidate for Kentucky’s coaching job before the Wildcats hired Stoops in 2012.

3. The Wildcats began 2014 with a 5-1 record before losing their final six contests.

PREDICTION: Wildcats 42, Ragin’ Cajuns 20