Kentucky hosts Auburn this weekend and it could be close to must-win territory if the Wildcats want to continue their bowl streak under Mark Stoops.

Here are CI writers' opinions on the game and predictions on how it might turn out.

What are the main reasons a Kentucky fan should be optimistic about the game?

Jeff Drummond: You have to dig deep to be optimistic for Big Blue Nation after watching the last two weeks, but Kentucky faces a team with similar issues this season. Auburn doesn't have much offensive firepower (16.2 ppg in SEC play), so it's a game the Cats should be able to win if the defense plays its best.

Justin Rowland: Auburn has shot itself in the foot again and again this year. There may be few reasons for Kentucky fans to be happy with the way the Wildcats are playing, but Auburn hasn't proven this year that it knows how to win well. We also don't know how Auburn will respond to another tough loss.

What are the top reasons a Kentucky fan is pessimistic?

Drummond: Like Auburn, Kentucky continues to struggle scoring against SEC opponents. The Cats have moved the ball fairly well in recent games, but haven't completed enough drives with points. Mark Stoops' squad is also pretty banged up at this point in the season, with a number of key players on both sides of the ball out of this game. Auburn also probably played a little better than its record suggests. The turnovers were killer for the Tigers.

Rowland: It's less about Auburn and more about what Kentucky has looked like since it won the game in Oxford. There's also the fact that Kentucky hasn't been able to hold serve on its home court in SEC games of late. The Wildcats will lose some opponents on both sides of the ball and we don't know how they will respond to the worst adversity in a long time. Auburn has allowed just 20 points per game. They had a chance to win on the road at Missouri last week, so they're still in contention.

What is your game prediction and who is an important player for Kentucky?

Drummond: Kentucky 23, Auburn 19. I'm not really sure what to expect in this game. They have two similar teams that struggle to score, but I'll give the Cats the benefit of the doubt with Brad White's defense looking for redemption, playing at home and desperately needing a W to salvage the season. Jamarion Wilcox shines in the thin British backfield and scores several touchdowns.

Rowland: Auburn 24, Kentucky 20. I know many Kentucky fans wouldn't like to see a pick against the Cats when the opponent is winless in league play, but considering players are out and UK is trending downward while Auburn is struggling You just can't feel particularly comfortable with punishments.