The scheduling stars are aligning for Mark Pope's winningest season yet at Kentucky

[Matt Dillon]

Mark Pope, despite one respectable tournament finish and a historic collection of ranked wins with Kentucky, has yet to finish a season with single-digit losses. That's a specific metric, but it's one that the Big Blue Nation keeps a close eye on nonetheless. There's something painful about seeing the loss column tick into a two-number state that I'm certain Cats fans will understand.

Yet, with a strong roster and his feet firmly under him, Pope may have just caught the ultimate break with Kentucky's full SEC schedule that seems to have cleared the runway for his best finish yet. Check out the slate from Tristan Pharis on X:

The scheduling stars are aligning for Mark Pope's winningest season yet at Kentucky

[WeWant9]

I wouldn't call our SEC schedule a walk in the park, but compared to what it usually is I would say it's pretty favorable. It kind of reminds me of the schedules that Auburn got a few years ago where they could gain some distance between the rest of the pack.

[BJD]

He will lose 13-14 games

[South jones]

He will lose 13-14 games

You state that as a matter of fact. I think ill adopt more of a wait and see attitude..

[Cawood86]

He will lose 13-14 games

Who is He?

[Trueblujr]

I wouldn't call our SEC schedule a walk in the park, but compared to what it usually is I would say it's pretty favorable. It kind of reminds me of the schedules that Auburn got a few years ago where they could gain some distance between the rest of the pack.

Getting Ole Miss twice helps, Bama at home helps too. Florida on the road will be really tough, but it's going to take a lot from just about anyone to beat them, regardless of where they play them. I like for us to finish in the top 4 of the SEC and get the double bye in the SEC tourney.