Tennessee-Martin @ Kentucky preview

Coach Mark Stoops worked on changing the culture of Kentucky’s program in his first season and expects the improvements to start showing on the field when his second year begins with a visit from FCS foe Tennessee-Martin on Saturday. Kentucky has the talent to make progress after a two-win season and looks to gain confidence against the experienced Skyhawks. Much of Kentucky’s success may revolve around the development of sophomore quarterback Patrick Towles, who redshirted in 2013.

Towles should have support from a strong running game, led by sophomore Jojo Kemp, and leading receiver Javess Blue returns for his senior season. Preseason second team All-SEC defensive end Bud Dupree, who likely would have been selected if he had declared for the NFL draft after last season, is the leader on the other side of the ball for the Wildcats. Tennessee-Martin boasts 51 upperclassmen and won’t be a pushover after posting three winning seasons in the last four.

TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: None

TENNESSEE-MARTIN (2013: 7-5): Jarod Neal and Dylan Favre return to share quarterback duties after completing 62.7 percent of their passes in 2013 with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions combined. The problem is their top four receivers from last season are gone while backup Abou Toure (509 yards in 2013) takes over as the starting running back. Preseason FCS All-American linebacker Tony Bell led the Ohio Valley Conference in sacks (10.5) and tackles for losses (15) last season.

KENTUCKY (2013: 2-10): Kemp averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2013 and will be joined in the backfield by Nebraska transfer Braylon Heard and Josh Clemons, who has missed the last two seasons with injuries. Towles was 19-of-40 for 233 yards in 2012 and won the competition in the preseason, but must play well early to secure the job. Blue looks to improve on his 43 catches, 586 yards and four touchdowns from last year while Demarco Robinson and Ryan Timmons also should contribute.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kentucky, which meets the Skyhawks for the first time, is 83-35-5 all time in season openers.

2. Tennessee-Martin returns an experienced offensive line which led the OVC last year in fewest sacks allowed with 19.

3. The Wildcats committed just 15 turnovers, but intercepted only three passes last season -- tied for fewest in the nation.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 38, Tennessee-Martin 14