Kentucky defensive turnaround impressive

[UKErik]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

 

[GridCats]

I didn't like the prevent defense. Gave up to many easy yards and almost cost us the game.

 

[reflaine]

I didn't like the prevent defense. Gave up to many easy yards and almost cost us the game.

Stoops didn't like it either. His post game said it wasnt meant to be that prevent we just were slow getting to ball carrier. Think the southern miss play at end of half was fresh in their minds, and players were a little to laid back. It he said the exact thing

 

[yoshukai]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

Agreed , I think the bye week will be huge for Steven Johnson also. The extra practice time will be valuable.

 

[JPFisher]

Agreed , I think the bye week will be huge for Steven Johnson also. The extra practice time will be valuable.

I'm excited to see how much Hinshaw can improve Johnson's play. If he develops a legitimate passing threat... Man.

Doesn't even have to be 70% completions. Just enough to keep defenses honest.

 

[Soupbean]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

Turned to the guy next to me and made the exact same comment in the third quarter yesterday. Better play upfront and more pressure from different spots has made the difference. Like to see us be more aggressive in our D backfield especially in our zone coverage reacting to balls, but still very impressive with what we have.

 

[Oldtrainer_rivals]

Eric, thanks for the stats.
Think subs Stallings,Young, Big George, and Stenberg are positive contributing on offense line. This is a area I think Bulldogs d. line gas dominated CATS for several years!
CATS defense IMO has continued to improve in past three games. Line backer Love needs to play in remaining games like he did versus Bama!
Bye comes at a good time for dinged up players Ware, Elam, Boom, Jo-Jo, Mosier and a good time for a much a maligned coach Stoops.

 

[Bluetick2100]

The defense is now where it should have been 2 years ago, finally.

Glad to see the improvements.

 

[Tannerdad]

It is impressive.

 

[Blue Decade]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

What is going on with Kentucky's defense is all about Stoops fighting back and taking control. Stoops' coaching staff has undergone a lot of change. Only Eliot, Brumbaugh, Marrow, Schlarman have remained from 2013. Eliot was the defensive ends coach at Florida State when Stoops was their defensive coordinator. Stoops brought Eliot with him to be the coordinator. Eliot has failed, so Stoops has personally taken over Kentucky's defense. Vandy runs a 1-dimensional offense, and they are a bad football team. The fact that Kentucky's defense was successful yesterday is as much a comment on Vandy's offense as a comment on Kentucky's defense. Stoops still has a pathway to success at Kentucky, but not with Eliot as a coordinator. To get the job done at Kentucky, Stoops needs to rebuild his defensive coaching staff just like he just rebuilt his offensive coaching staff. IMO.

 

[vhcat70]

I didn't like the prevent defense. Gave up to many easy yards and almost cost us the game.

Nice to pull out one negative in a bunch of good. Great job. :thumbsdown:

Had you managed to bring yourself up to start with, "Yes, much improvement, but...", it would be another story.

 

[vhcat70]

Agreed , I think the bye week will be huge for Steven Johnson also. The extra practice time will be valuable.

We need something: SJ back to where he started out at least, a healthy Barker - doubt gonna happen, & if neither of those, just maybe a switch to Gunner.

 

[vhcat70]

I'm excited to see how much Hinshaw can improve Johnson's play. If he develops a legitimate passing threat... Man.

Doesn't even have to be 70% completions. Just enough to keep defenses honest.

Hinshaw has had SJ for 9 months, so doubt he's going to much improve in 2 weeks. SJ was better in previous games, so even getting back to that is a +.

 

[vhcat70]

Eric, thanks for the stats.
Think subs Stallings,Young, Big George, and Stenberg are positive contributing on offense line. This is a area I think Bulldogs d. line gas dominated CATS for several years!
CATS defense IMO has continued to improve in past three games. Line backer Love needs to play in remaining games like he did versus Bama!
Bye comes at a good time for dinged up players Ware, Elam, Boom, Jo-Jo, Mosier and a good time for a much a maligned coach Stoops.

Excellent post.

 

[ulismyman]

Can any of the guys in the Wildcst throw??? Just to have that threat would be nice

 

[yoshukai]

I think the passing aspect of our offense is just moving WAY too fast for Johnson right now .

 

[KendallCat]

I think the passing aspect of our offense is just moving WAY too fast for Johnson right now .

I think the issue with SJ is his accuracy. Watched WAY too many throws where he hits the receiver at their feet, behind them, does not lead them, or locks on to one guy and the safety is trying to decaptiate the WR. Plus they need to use play action to help bring the lb's up to the LOS and give him easier passing lanes and use digs, curls, and drags and an occasional deep post which is an easier route than a fly pattern to connect on. I think the OC could also use formation to help him - trips to one side and a single iso on the other side to make the read easier. If they play iso one on one that is your throw, and if they use a safety over the top you are playing 10 on 9 on the other side.

 

[Anon1660081258]

I think Pringle has proven a significant upgrade over Elam, and much as flowed from that. Pringle is a real gamer... he plays to the whistle, and ranges far in pursuit. He is a very determined football player.

 

[Beatle Bum]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

I think we have better play up front, but I also think he LBers are playing with more confidence. I don't see the same indecision. Jones, Allen, and Edwards behind them seem to be much more assertive. I am seeing more swagger. Success can be a good thing to build upon. I also think we have some young LBers that can be the foundation of a defense that gets stronger. Firios, Kash, Walker (injury), Bonner and Eli might be starters in past years and are improving each game. Some in that group will surpass the guy before them. Laster has also been dinged. That may be the strength of this defense moving forward.

 

[Blue Decade]

I think the passing aspect of our offense is just moving WAY too fast for Johnson right now .

That's 1 way to put it.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I think Pringle has proven a significant upgrade over Elam, and much as flowed from that. Pringle is a real gamer... he plays to the whistle, and ranges far in pursuit. He is a very determined football player.

I thought he would be a Lewis when I saw him in the spring, potential but may need a RS. He has surprised me in a good way.

 

[Blue Decade]

I think the issue with SJ is his accuracy.

The issue with Steve Johnson right now is fundamentals, including footwork and standing strong in the pocket against an SEC rush. That's why he isn't accurate.

 

[DelkBowl]

5th recruiting class and they barely beat perineal bottom feeder. Don't get too excited yet. Being happy beating 5-6 bad teams just doesn't do it for me. I want real success.

 

[Sparkaces]

I think Pringle has proven a significant upgrade over Elam, and much as flowed from that. Pringle is a real gamer... he plays to the whistle, and ranges far in pursuit. He is a very determined football player.

The guy had an offer from Clemson out of high school. He clearly had the talent, good job from the coaches to pick him up!

 

[wildcatdon]

My trained eye tells me Josh Allen is is really good. And it's time to play Gunner Hoak. We need to win games and not worrying about burning a redshirt. if we had a QB that could pass accurately we would wearing these teams out by making more first downs. the defense is finally playing good and we can't score any points ..Johnson was horrible passing yesterday.

 

[KendallCat]

The issue with Steve Johnson right now is fundamentals, including footwork and standing strong in the pocket against an SEC rush. That's why he isn't accurate.

That is what I stated, but did not feel like everyone wanted to read about his footwork, shoulders going one way and feet the other while trying to throw... He hardly ever gets his feet under him while throwing, and his upper body is rarely in sync with his feet which is why his throws are usually at people's feet. They could simplify his progressions so he is not moving so much - deep to short, left to right.. And teach him to move his feet. Problem is when you are getting chased your feet don't always go where they need to be, so his shoulders need to be directed at the receiver or the spot they are going to.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

What is going on with Kentucky's defense is all about Stoops fighting back and taking control. Stoops' coaching staff has undergone a lot of change. Only Eliot, Brumbaugh, Marrow, Schlarman have remained from 2013. Eliot was the defensive ends coach at Florida State when Stoops was their defensive coordinator. Stoops brought Eliot with him to be the coordinator. Eliot has failed, so Stoops has personally taken over Kentucky's defense. IMO.

Don't know the intricacies of FB including defense. If the scoop on Eliot, that he's the weak link, is correct then Stoops comments in the CJ this am have to be disappointing. He is backing Eliot all the way.

 

[Blue Decade]

That is what I stated, but did not feel like everyone wanted to read about his footwork, shoulders going one way and feet the other while trying to throw...

You are probably right. Many just want to bash the kid.

 

[Blue Decade]

Don't know the intricacies of FB including defense. If the scoop on Eliot, that he's the weak link, is correct then Stoops comments in the CJ this am have to be disappointing. He is backing Eliot all the way.

I don't care if Stoops backs Eliot in the newspaper. That's what coaches do. I certainly don't expect Stoops to announce during the bye week that Eliot will be fired in December. I have no idea whether Stoops will fire Eliot or keep him. But if Stoops believed Eliot was getting the job done, then Stoops would not have to spend his time during the week with the defense and then call the defensive plays himself during games. Either Stoops is spending his time with the defense because he knows Eliot needs him, or else Stoops is spending his time with the defense because that's his comfort zone. If it is the latter, then Stoops probably won't succeed as a head coach. But if it is the former, then Stoops knows Eliot isn't getting the job done. This is an important test for Stoops. If he rebuilds his defensive coaching staff like he just rebuilt his offensive staff, then we will know that he is capable of learning and growth as a head coach. Either way, DJ Eliot is not an SEC defensive coordinator except in title. And I'm still not sold on the Clinkscale hire either.

 

[DCFseattle]

5th recruiting class

4th? This is season 4. With the first cobbled together in a few weeks.

As far as beating Vandy, we are also a perennial bottom feeder. We're now one game up on them in the all time series.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

I don't care if Stoops backs Eliot in the newspaper. That's what coaches do. I certainly don't expect Stoops to announce during the bye week that Eliot will be fired in December. I have no idea whether Stoops will fire Eliot or keep him. But if Stoops believed Eliot was getting the job done, then Stoops would not have to spend his time during the week with the defense and then call the defensive plays himself during games. Either Stoops is spending his time with the defense because he knows Eliot needs him, or else Stoops is spending his time with the defense because that's his comfort zone. If it is the latter, then Stoops probably won't succeed as a head coach. But if it is the former, then Stoops knows Eliot isn't getting the job done. This is an important test for Stoops. If he rebuilds his defensive coaching staff like he just rebuilt his offensive staff, then we will know that he is capable of learning and growth as a head coach, Either way, DJ Eliot is not an SEC defensive coordinator except in title. And I'm still not sold on the Clinkscale hire either.

Wii say it again....I suspect many young coaches have been done in by filling their staff with buddies and then staying with them too long out of a misguided sense of loyalty. Will be (yet another) test for Stoops.

 

[Mr Schwump]

We knew going in there'd be a strong learning curve with the D, little depth with the DL plus experience seriously lacking with the LBs. I had pointed out when the initial depth chart came out that of the 4 LB positions only 2 of the 8 listed in the 2-deep had any real SEC experience. Now they're playing, now they're watching film, now it's starting to soak in. Plenty of room for improvement but progress is being made.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

I'm not rocket scientist but only 4 offensive TDs by UK opponents over their last 33 possessions equates out to less than 1 TD every 8 possessions!

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

I do not believe Barker is the answer at QB. He's done nothing to show that. Johnson may have more promise in the big picture.

I totally agree with you that our D has turned around big time. That is really impressive because I think Stoops is playing with very little depth on defense without Hatcher, Tubman, Meant, etc.

 

[yoshukai]

I don't care if Stoops backs Eliot in the newspaper. That's what coaches do. I certainly don't expect Stoops to announce during the bye week that Eliot will be fired in December. I have no idea whether Stoops will fire Eliot or keep him. But if Stoops believed Eliot was getting the job done, then Stoops would not have to spend his time during the week with the defense and then call the defensive plays himself during games. Either Stoops is spending his time with the defense because he knows Eliot needs him, or else Stoops is spending his time with the defense because that's his comfort zone. If it is the latter, then Stoops probably won't succeed as a head coach. But if it is the former, then Stoops knows Eliot isn't getting the job done. This is an important test for Stoops. If he rebuilds his defensive coaching staff like he just rebuilt his offensive staff, then we will know that he is capable of learning and growth as a head coach, Either way, DJ Eliot is not an SEC defensive coordinator except in title. And I'm still not sold on the Clinkscale hire either.

Yep , Brooks backed Hudson until the minute he let him go.

 

[CatMan2004]

Typical of UK football the offense started out pretty good and the defense was horrid. Now it's the other way around except a little bit of a running game. When is UK going to be able to get both going at the same time

 

[BIGBLUEQ]

5th recruiting class and they barely beat perineal bottom feeder. Don't get too excited yet. Being happy beating 5-6 bad teams just doesn't do it for me. I want real success.

We scored more points against that perennial bottom feeder than UF!

 

[merrimanm]

5th recruiting class and they barely beat perineal bottom feeder. Don't get too excited yet. Being happy beating 5-6 bad teams just doesn't do it for me. I want real success.

Dang. That is impressive by Stoops. He hasn't been here 4 fullnyears yet and still brought in 5 recruiting classes? Wow.

Actually, he has had 2 real recruiting classes. His "first" class was put together in about 2 weeks, so really shouldn't count. And seeing how he is recruiting his 4th class right now and will sign on signing day, you can't count this one either as they are not on campus yet.

With all that said, the fact that Stoops has had 2 true classes, and he took a team with most sophomores and freshmen and beat the same team that beat us by 42 the year before he got here, I would say that your argument actually shows improvement

 

[WildCard]

UK's defense over the last three games;
*VAN: 11 OFF Possessions, 0 OFF touchdowns
*ALA: 11 OFF Possessions, 3 OFF touchdowns
*USC: 11 OFF Possessions, 1 OFF touchdown

I can't remember the last time Kentucky allowed just four touchdowns over 33 possessions. The turnaround since the first half of New Mexico State has been unbelievable. Better front seven play has been the game changer, IMO.

Big test coming up in a couple of weeks against Mississippi State. Stoops has had Kentucky right in the game with State in two of the previous three seasons. With Dak gone, MSU struggling, and Kentucky playing better defensively, the Cats have a legit shot at moving to 4-3.

Good time for an off week as well. Hopefully, we get some good news on Barker next week!

GBB!!!

Interesting "drive analysis" over the past few games. FWIW, I still tend to look at yards allowed (in several different contexts) when attempting to evaluate defense overall

Vandy offense is presently ranked #126 averaging 299 YPG. UK held them to 282 (17 under average)
AL offense is presently ranked #24 averaging 490 YPG. UK held them to 488 (2 under average)
SC offense is presently ranked #125 averaging 302 YPG. UK held them to 268 (34 under average)

USM offense is presently ranked #7 averaging 532 YPG. UK held them to 520 (12 under average)
FL offense is presently ranked #72 averaging 407 YPG. UK held them to 564 (157 over average)
NMSU offense is presently ranked #46 averaging 438 YPG. UK held them to 500 (62 over average)

So 2 of those "turnaround" defensive performances have come against 2 of the 4 most anemic offense in FBS football. That said, I agree the defense has "looked" better the last few weeks, especially in the front 7.

MSU is certainly not an offensive powerhouse but apparently a real step up from Vandy and SC. They are ranked #75 in total offense averaging 405 YPG however only #92 in scoring at 26 PPG (just a point more than the Cats). So even with these defensive improvements over the last few games the Cats will likely need more from their offense (43 points in last 3 games) to stop the losing streak to MSU.

I was at the Vandy game and did not see Elam in the game. Was that true? Regardless, the DL play looks much better without him. MSU now takes its place as "the most important game of the year".

Peace

 

[DelkBowl]

Dang. That is impressive by Stoops. He hasn't been here 4 fullnyears yet and still brought in 5 recruiting classes? Wow.

Actually, he has had 2 real recruiting classes. His "first" class was put together in about 2 weeks, so really shouldn't count. And seeing how he is recruiting his 4th class right now and will sign on signing day, you can't count this one either as they are not on campus yet.

With all that said, the fact that Stoops has had 2 true classes, and he took a team with most sophomores and freshmen and beat the same team that beat us by 42 the year before he got here, I would say that your argument actually shows improvement

And the excuses will continue next year. 85 out of 100 years of excuses. I am done with all the reasons we suck. I'd like a reason we are successful.