Offensively, here's what I'd do during the off week

[gamecockcat]

I'd pare down the passing game to about 5 or 6 patterns and practice each and every one of those about 1000 times apiece. Johnson is so rattled and inconsistent, I'd thin the playbook out to include:
1) bubble/slip screens
2) dumps to the RB in space
3) slants
4) quick/timing outs
5) shallow crossing routes
6) screens to the RB/TE

No way in hell would I let him throw the ball more than 10 yards down the field (at least until he gets his confidence and some semblance of accuracy back). With an accurately thrown ball, some of these patterns can be broken for long gains. I know defenses will be 8/9 men in the box but, guess what, that's what they'll be doing anyway.

Give the kid only a handful of things to think about, some quick and simple reads and practice making quick, accurate throws. No more 4 men going deep. No more multiple reads and progressions. Simplify the heck out of the passing game and figure out which 4-6 throws he can handle, then practice those and only those until you can run them in your sleep.

We don't need Air Raid but just a resemblance of a passing threat will help our offense continue to move the ball.

 

[El Gato Calvo]

Agree, A simplified passing game with our solid running game could be quite effective.

 

[Blueathletics]

Triple option

 

[Glenn Fohr]

Lots of reps. Work on early completions that build confidence. Film, reps, practice.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Pray for Barkers return is what I would do. Mizzou and Miss State have much better Ds than the Swiss cheese we've faced against NMSU, Candy,and USCjr

 

[BIGBLUEQ]

Pray for Barkers return is what I would do. Mizzou and Miss State have much better Ds than the Swiss cheese we've faced against NMSU, Candy,and USCjr

Not sure which teams you are watching, but Vandy's D is much better than Mizzou or MSU. If Vandy had any offense they'd be a really good team.

However, your assessment of MSU and Mizzou's D vs Vandy is very inaccurate.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Not sure which teams you are watching, but Vandy's D is much better than Mizzou or MSU. If Vandy had any offense they'd be a really good team.

However, your assessment of MSU and Mizzou's D vs Vandy is very inaccurate.

Miss St has a much higher ranked D than both and yes, you are right Vandy D is better than Mizzou.

 

[ulismyman]

And dont give them a bunch of days off like thirs-sun...dont do it

 

[buckkiller]

Anyway Wright can get some snaps? No way we win anymore if Johnson cant make the simple reads? Is Wright that horrible?

 

[docholiday51]

Pray for Barkers return is what I would do. Mizzou and Miss State have much better Ds than the Swiss cheese we've faced against NMSU, Candy,and USCjr

If Barker is cleared to play do you start him over Johnson in the next game?

 

[ulismyman]

Cautiously i say yes

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

Our running game is carrying us and it's no secret. Defenses are really going to start to key on our backs and pack it in.

I'd start to focus on some PA Pass, bootlegs, and a qb waggle.

The PA will loosen things up a bit for the running game. Though it hasn't been the strength or this team or QB and no wr has really emerged as a legitimate threat, taking some shots down field is crucial in keeping the D honest.

Rolling SJ out on some legs and waggles will allow him to be more of an athlete as opposed to QB, which I think is more suited to his abilities.

Defenses are going to have to respect the run game as well as SJ's ability to move things forward with his legs, which will open up some opportunity in the passing game if done right

We don't have a dink, dunk, n dissect QB or offense as a whole. Don't really have a receiving core that remotely resembles a group capable of catching large volumes and making plays.

No body is going to buy SJ and UK trying to pull anything like that off. I also don't think SJ is comfortable/confident playing the role of true QB.

We have a run heavy offense with an athletic QB who has some ability outside the pocket and confidence as an athlete/runner making plays.

 

[Panther09!]

What about the walk-on Davis Mattingly. Is he capable of making a 7-10 yard pass on occasion?

 

[Ctroberts1024]

We have to get back to the screen game. Juice and Badet should get at least 3-4 screens a piece. Boom should get 1 or 2 as well.

I also think we should roll the pocket more with Johnson. For whatever reason, he is a lot more accurate when he rolls out. Give him two reads and if they're not there then take off and run. He does a good job finding Conrad so that's staying in the offense.

In short, get him out of the pocket, give him two reads and if not there then run.

 

[Vonburns1]

Mr. Hoak, I'd like to introduce you to the rest of the first team offense that you will be practicing with over the next two weeks.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

We have to get back to the screen game. Juice and Badet should get at least 3-4 screens a piece. Boom should get 1 or 2 as well.

I also think we should roll the pocket more with Johnson. For whatever reason, he is a lot more accurate when he rolls out. Give him two reads and if they're not there then take off and run. He does a good job finding Conrad so that's staying in the offense.

In short, get him out of the pocket, give him two reads and if not there then run.

This. It's the only thing he does adequately. 1 or 2 reads with a rpo. Anything else is just disaster waiting to happen.

However it happens, we have to be able to throw the ball some. That we can run the ball against the looks we've faced, is a huge sign the ol is moving in the right direction.

More and more impressed with gran and the job he's done, given what he has to work with. This is by far the most competent our offense looked, with probably the least talented qb we've fielded in quite some time not named Morgan newton.

 

[Soupbean]

I'd pare down the passing game to about 5 or 6 patterns and practice each and every one of those about 1000 times apiece. Johnson is so rattled and inconsistent, I'd thin the playbook out to include:
1) bubble/slip screens
2) dumps to the RB in space
3) slants
4) quick/timing outs
5) shallow crossing routes
6) screens to the RB/TE

No way in hell would I let him throw the ball more than 10 yards down the field (at least until he gets his confidence and some semblance of accuracy back). With an accurately thrown ball, some of these patterns can be broken for long gains. I know defenses will be 8/9 men in the box but, guess what, that's what they'll be doing anyway.

Give the kid only a handful of things to think about, some quick and simple reads and practice making quick, accurate throws. No more 4 men going deep. No more multiple reads and progressions. Simplify the heck out of the passing game and figure out which 4-6 throws he can handle, then practice those and only those until you can run them in your sleep.

We don't need Air Raid but just a resemblance of a passing threat will help our offense continue to move the ball.

 

[Soupbean]

I'm with you 100% OP. Short routes and a lot of timing routes where he doesn't have to read, just throw on time and get back to releasing the ball without thinking to get the confidence back. He can throw much better that what we've seen. Lack of confidence is what's causing him to look bad and creates hesitation, which leads to a lack of rhythm which leads to innaccurate or late throws.

He had a couple of down field throws yesterday that were really good throws but he let them go a beat too late because he's afraid of the pick in my opinion and wants to wait until guys are MORE open instead of throwing to a spot on time.

 

[Anon1660081258]

This. It's the only thing he does adequately. 1 or 2 reads with a rpo. Anything else is just disaster waiting to happen.

However it happens, we have to be able to throw the ball some. That we can run the ball against the looks we've faced, is a huge sign the ol is moving in the right direction.

More and more impressed with gran and the job he's done, given what he has to work with. This is by far the most competent our offense looked, with probably the least talented qb we've fielded in quite some time not named Morgan newton.

I agree about the progress of the offense. While the passing game is obviously faltering, if it can be fixed, I believe it will be fixed. Meanwhile, we do appear to be running ball successfully even when it is rather obvious we intend to do so. Doing this against Vandy was no small achievement. Even a modestly successful passing game might allow a lot of good things to happen the rest of the season.

 

[K_TIME]

This is the bottom line..when teams bring a safety in the box to help with the run game...they are giving you the deep sideline routes, in routes, etc.. and it really makes it harder to throw screens, etc.. when there are defenders all over the box.

Ultimately UK needs at least a vertical passing game up to 10 yard routes to keep teams honest. If S. Johnson can't start hitting medium routes...the scoring will be back in the teens or less.

 

[TBCat]

We need to use Johnson on RPOs more. He actually throws those well. Also they might need to go back to thinking of him as a running QB instead of a dual threat. If he can't throw from the pocket he has to bring something. We may need for him to be more involved in the running game.

Other things they can try is to redesign the Wildcat package to include more than just straight ahead runs from Jojo. Maybe make Jojo a part time QB and run triple option Jojo, Boom and Benny all on the field at the same time. Make Boom the Jet sweep guy and give him the ball out of it.

Also if Barker can't return then you have no choice but to burn Hoak's red shirt. Keep in mind you can still get it back by red shirting him next years so it won't be all that bad to do.

 

[TuckyFB]

I'm sure Coach Stoops and Coach Gran are scrambling to get to the message boards right now and see what gamecockcat has to say.

You got to love arm-chair coaches.

 

[Mike237]

Pray for Barkers return is what I would do. Mizzou and Miss State have much better Ds than the Swiss cheese we've faced against NMSU, Candy,and USCjr

No they don't! They are about the same quality teams! I predict that we beat both MSU and Mizzou!

 

[Phil_The_Music2]

I'm sure Coach Stoops and Coach Gran are scrambling to get to the message boards right now and see what gamecockcat has to say.

You got to love arm-chair coaches.

None of us claim to be coaches or think Stoops should check in for advice. There is however, a lot of football knowledge on this board, and while I don't know much about strategy, I rather enjoy reading the thoughts of others who do, and that's how I learn. This is a football discussion board. Made for discussing football and all aspects of it. If you have nothing to offer, then stick to just lurking and let the adults talk.

 

[brianpoe]

I'm sure Coach Stoops and Coach Gran are scrambling to get to the message boards right now and see what gamecockcat has to say.

You got to love arm-chair coaches.

Been here 3 months and still dont know the purpose of public message boards for sports fans?

 

[TBCat]

I'm sure Coach Stoops and Coach Gran are scrambling to get to the message boards right now and see what gamecockcat has to say.

You got to love arm-chair coaches.

Dumb response by someone who himself is posting on a message board. I've yet to see anyone claim that message boards are that important. Except of course from the damn Stoops apologist who think message boards and fans in the stadium are to blame for all losses. Geesh what garbage response.

 

[CATonFIRE]

I'd teach Stephen Johnson to kick it to the receivers. Throwing it is too hard.

 

[JC CATS]

If Barker is cleared to play do you start him over Johnson in the next game?

Are we talking about Drew Barker who completed 2 passes to Uk receivers and 3 t Fla receivers in his last outing. At least Johnson can give you QB mobility

 

[Black Diamond Cat]

Johnson can throw the ball much better than he did yesterday, he has done so against NMS and USC. He did have a bad day yesterday, but with the extra week to look at film and get out on the practice field, he should be much better against Miss. State.
With our good rushing attack, and much improved defense, we should be in good shape against our next 2 opponents. Not guaranteeing 2 wins, but a good shot against both.

 

[Johnfarrel]

Are we talking about Drew Barker who completed 2 passes to Uk receivers and 3 t Fla receivers in his last outing. At least Johnson can give you QB mobility

I Barker was nursing a back injury he got in camp (which I heard was the case) that probably played a part in his early passing troubles. I he is able to go in the Mississippi State game, I would give him a shot. Johnson is 3-1 as a back-up. I don't know of any other Kentucky back-up who has done that, but he is the back-up for a reason. Barker beat him out in camp.

 

[TuckyFB]

Dumb response by someone who himself is posting on a message board. I've yet to see anyone claim that message boards are that important. Except of course from the damn Stoops apologist who think message boards and fans in the stadium are to blame for all losses. Geesh what garbage response.

I don't claim to know more than actual coaches.

Geesh, what a garbage response.

 

[TBCat]

I don't claim to know more than actual coaches.

Geesh, what a garbage response.

Trust me you don't.

 

[Xception]

I agree on quick routes that reduce holding onto the ball , Johnson holds on to the ball on longer routes and pressure causes him to make ill advised passes . They need to roll him out more so that he will be outside the tackle and tell him to throw it out of bounds . That could give him more running options as well . He's not a pocket passer but they are using him that way , he doesn't have a good feel of when to step up in the pocket to avoid rushing ends . The staff needs to adjust a little bit imo to promote his strengths .

 

[BlueRunner11]

No they don't! They are about the same quality teams! I predict that we beat both MSU and Mizzou!

Noted.

 

[CB3UK]

Not sure which teams you are watching, but Vandy's D is much better than Mizzou or MSU. If Vandy had any offense they'd be a really good team.

However, your assessment of MSU and Mizzou's D vs Vandy is very inaccurate.

Vandy's defense is statistically worse than both State and Mizzou.

 

[dcspurlock]

If Barker comes back this year I think Gran goes 2 QB system. Have Barker available to throw the ball and Johnson for read option. He has to love what Johnson has done with his feet this far. And didn't he use a 2 QB system in Cincinnati maybe last year or two years ago?

 

[andreIGUODOLLAsigns4UK]

Not sure which teams you are watching, but Vandy's D is much better than Mizzou or MSU. If Vandy had any offense they'd be a really good team.

However, your assessment of MSU and Mizzou's D vs Vandy is very inaccurate.

If Vandy's D is much better than those aforementioned teams. Then why is there defense rated near ours in the defensive rankings? I guess numbers are just lies......... Vandy's defense and offense is trash. Get over yourself.