Rewatched Fla game last night

[JW PRPcoach]

It's worse than I thought:

- Our line play is simply below par on both sides of the ball. I know we played Florida, but that same Gator squad struggled last week vs. UMASS. The line, basically every play, pushed Florida's way 1-3 yards back or fwd. I find it hard to believe that we are just "that weak" on the lines, especially on offense - where we start 1 sr and 4 jr.

- Barker simply isn't the answer. Currently, he lacks either the gonads or the confidence to make a tough throw. I know the pass pro wasn't helping the situation, but he consistently has missed open receivers since his fumble last week at the start of the 3rd Q. That is either a character flaw or coaching. A QB has to have the attitude that allows him to overcome mistakes and stay in there (mentally tough) - I don't think he has it. I hope he proves me wrong (Towels 2.0)

- Our lauded secondary - geesh - our safety play is dreadful. Westry has been a major disappointment so far. It would be easier to accept, but all off-season this was built up to be a strength, and it has been one busted coverage after another. This is supposed to be Stoops SPECIALTY!! I heard multiple times in camp that Ewdards was the best player on the team, thru two games he has played poorly. Maybe they can get their mojo back the next couple of weeks but wow - it's been rough

With weak line play, a broken QB, and poor secondary play - it's hard seeing a significant jump in our play. I'll still be holding out hope that things can turn around, but I think wholesale change at the top is our only hope for the future of the program. (looking directly at you Barnhart)

 

[olblue]

It's worse than I thought:

- Our line play is simply below par on both sides of the ball. I know we played Florida, but that same Gator squad struggled last week vs. UMASS. The line, basically every play, pushed Florida's way 1-3 yards back or fwd. I find it hard to believe that we are just "that weak" on the lines, especially on offense - where we start 1 sr and 4 jr.

- Barker simply isn't the answer. Currently, he lacks either the gonads or the confidence to make a tough throw. I know the pass pro wasn't helping the situation, but he consistently has missed open receivers since his fumble last week at the start of the 3rd Q. That is either a character flaw or coaching. A QB has to have the attitude that allows him to overcome mistakes and stay in there (mentally tough) - I don't think he has it. I hope he proves me wrong (Towels 2.0)

- Our lauded secondary - geesh - our safety play is dreadful. Westry has been a major disappointment so far. It would be easier to accept, but all off-season this was built up to be a strength, and it has been one busted coverage after another. This is supposed to be Stoops SPECIALTY!! I heard multiple times in camp that Ewdards was the best player on the team, thru two games he has played poorly. Maybe they can get their mojo back the next couple of weeks but wow - it's been rough

With weak line play, a broken QB, and poor secondary play - it's hard seeing a significant jump in our play. I'll still be holding out hope that things can turn around, but I think wholesale change at the top is our only hope for the future of the program. (looking directly at you Barnhart)

You had to watch it again to come up with that? You could have asked most of the posters here and you could have saved a few hours.

 

[Blue Decade]

It's worse than I thought:

- Our line play is simply below par on both sides of the ball. I know we played Florida, but that same Gator squad struggled last week vs. UMASS. The line, basically every play, pushed Florida's way 1-3 yards back or fwd. I find it hard to believe that we are just "that weak" on the lines, especially on offense - where we start 1 sr and 4 jr.

- Barker simply isn't the answer. Currently, he lacks either the gonads or the confidence to make a tough throw. I know the pass pro wasn't helping the situation, but he consistently has missed open receivers since his fumble last week at the start of the 3rd Q. That is either a character flaw or coaching. A QB has to have the attitude that allows him to overcome mistakes and stay in there (mentally tough) - I don't think he has it. I hope he proves me wrong (Towels 2.0)

- Our lauded secondary - geesh - our safety play is dreadful. Westry has been a major disappointment so far. It would be easier to accept, but all off-season this was built up to be a strength, and it has been one busted coverage after another. This is supposed to be Stoops SPECIALTY!! I heard multiple times in camp that Ewdards was the best player on the team, thru two games he has played poorly. Maybe they can get their mojo back the next couple of weeks but wow - it's been rough

With weak line play, a broken QB, and poor secondary play - it's hard seeing a significant jump in our play. I'll still be holding out hope that things can turn around, but I think wholesale change at the top is our only hope for the future of the program. (looking directly at you Barnhart)

These observations are accurate. Most of this stuff was apparent before the road trip to Florida, but it's good to see a respected voice saying it. I would not give up on Barker yet. Drew is only a sophomore, and he is playing behind 1 of the worst lines I remember at Kentucky. Toth is a fine player, and Haynes is underrated. But our tackles are awful, and our offensive line coach is in over his head.

 

[tntuk]

These observations are accurate. Most of this stuff was apparent before the road trip to Florida, but it's good to see a respected voice saying it. I would not give up on Barker yet. Drew is only a sophomore, and he is playing behind 1 of the worst lines I remember at Kentucky. Toth is a fine player, and Haynes is underrated. But our tackles are awful, and our offensive line coach is in over his head.

Drew is a RS Soph. This is his 3rd year here, and don't forget he was an early enrollee as well.

 

[Kingseve1]

Mike Edwards was called the best player on the team. I saw him whiff on a tackle and that's not the worst part. The Gator ball carrier couldn't move. He had baity wrapped around his leg.

 

[BigBoyBlueMMA]

Offensive line is HORRIBLE - it's almost like they do not understand run blocking - you have to be aggressive and quit this dancing BS....D L is just a horrible mess and it's not coaching folks - Brumbaugh is a fine coach its the wrong players - Elam is too weak and reluctant yet they put his big a$$ in there because of the #'s - just got out recruited on DL prospects

 

[willyclyde]

Why?

 

[UKCatsFan10]

You have my respect for watching that crap twice. You're tougher than I am.

 

[sambowieshin_rivals]

 

[JW PRPcoach]

....D L is just a horrible mess and it's not coaching folks - Brumbaugh is a fine coach its the wrong players - Elam is too weak and reluctant yet they put his big a$$ in there because of the #'s - just got out recruited on DL prospects

I think you are right to a certain extent on the D-line play, but the system Stoops/Eliot use isn't doing us any favors. I'm not pretending to know more that these guys, but read below.
I have been lucky enough to hear both of them speak at the HS coaching conferences. While I like them both from a personal standpoint - they teach a "two-gap" technique that basically tells the 3 down linemen to stand-up, punch and look for the ball carrier, being responsible for both their right and left gaps. It is obviously more complex than this, but IMO, you have to have STUDS on the D-line to run this system. At FSU we could recruit some guys that had the ability to succeed, at UK these guys are few and far between (D. Smith for example)
While we don't exactly have the steel curtain down there, if we would allow our guys to stay low and try to penetrate gaps, I don't think we would get pushed back so easily. this would put a much greater responsibility on gap integrity by our LB's , but obviously what they are doing now isn't working. DJ Eliot himself told me that he used to coach a one-gap system, but Stoops taught him the 3-4 with the two gap technique and basically that's what he believes in now.
Take that for what its worth - will probably be the downfall of this staff

 

[K_TIME]

While I like them both from a personal standpoint - they teach a "two-gap" technique that basically tells the 3 down linemen to stand-up, punch and look for the ball carrier, being responsible for both their right and left gaps.

To me this is the main scheme and coaching issue on defense in the 3-4. We are "coaching our guys" to basically engage with OL and create a stand up situation, extend your arms and look in the backfield. Not teaching explosion thru the offensive lineman's shoulder and penetrate. So you never see our guys using swim moves, rip techniques to get under their pads and penetrate past the offensive line shoulders. We are trying to create stalemates...which is one reason we never had a tackle for negative play. This also explains why our pass rush has been a mess as we can't generate a rush unless we get a team in pure passing situation which we then revert basically to a 4 dlineman as we pull Elam off the field and edge rush with Ware and Allen on the outside and Miggins and Bell inside the tackles.

The last technical point I'd mention is we are very prone to the pulling lineman as by not penetrating...you can beat pulling/trap plays by having backside defenders penetrate from the area vacated by pulling OL and blowing it up that way....but again if you're taught to not fully explode at LOS...you'll never make to ball carrier in time.

I'm sorry but I hated the idea of a 3-4 when Stoops did it his 2nd year at UK...now it's looking like the beginning of the end for his UK career.

 

[rick64]

Why would you put yourself through that torture twice?!?! Once wasn't enough?!?! :scream:

 

[ulismyman]

Did you at least watch the commercials to be entertained

 

[Bank Cat]

My God man! Did you lose a bet?

 

[Adolph Rollingover]

Pringle had some above average snaps.
The free lancing in the secondary is a major concern.
Jordan Jones ability to run down a frontside run from the backside for no gain is extremely impressive. Now he must learn to handle the "run to" without avoiding lead blocks, which I expect he will.

Boom is a very good zone scheme runner.
Landon Young won't be a bust. Has some light feet.

 

[Kai Slater]

Big ups to you for being willing to suffer through watching that garbage football game.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Pringle had some above average snaps.
The free lancing in the secondary is a major concern.
Jordan Jones ability to run down a frontside run from the backside for no gain is extremely impressive. Now he must learn to handle the "run to" without avoiding lead blocks, which I expect he will.

Boom is a very good zone scheme runner.
Landon Young won't be a bust. Has some light feet.

Pringle brings more energy that Elam. Another site said Middleton graded out best of the DL. You're right re Young, guy wasn't intimidated at all. Stenburg, although having a dumb penality, played pretty well at LG.

Where's Kengera Daniel?

 

[catzfanjim]

It's worse than I thought:

- Our line play is simply below par on both sides of the ball. I know we played Florida, but that same Gator squad struggled last week vs. UMASS. The line, basically every play, pushed Florida's way 1-3 yards back or fwd. I find it hard to believe that we are just "that weak" on the lines, especially on offense - where we start 1 sr and 4 jr.

- Barker simply isn't the answer. Currently, he lacks either the gonads or the confidence to make a tough throw. I know the pass pro wasn't helping the situation, but he consistently has missed open receivers since his fumble last week at the start of the 3rd Q. That is either a character flaw or coaching. A QB has to have the attitude that allows him to overcome mistakes and stay in there (mentally tough) - I don't think he has it. I hope he proves me wrong (Towels 2.0)

- Our lauded secondary - geesh - our safety play is dreadful. Westry has been a major disappointment so far. It would be easier to accept, but all off-season this was built up to be a strength, and it has been one busted coverage after another. This is supposed to be Stoops SPECIALTY!! I heard multiple times in camp that Ewdards was the best player on the team, thru two games he has played poorly. Maybe they can get their mojo back the next couple of weeks but wow - it's been rough

With weak line play, a broken QB, and poor secondary play - it's hard seeing a significant jump in our play. I'll still be holding out hope that things can turn around, but I think wholesale change at the top is our only hope for the future of the program. (looking directly at you Barnhart)

You must of lost a bet to watch that terrible game twice.

 

[Cats_2010]

I think you are right to a certain extent on the D-line play, but the system Stoops/Eliot use isn't doing us any favors. I'm not pretending to know more that these guys, but read below.
I have been lucky enough to hear both of them speak at the HS coaching conferences. While I like them both from a personal standpoint - they teach a "two-gap" technique that basically tells the 3 down linemen to stand-up, punch and look for the ball carrier, being responsible for both their right and left gaps. It is obviously more complex than this, but IMO, you have to have STUDS on the D-line to run this system. At FSU we could recruit some guys that had the ability to succeed, at UK these guys are few and far between (D. Smith for example)
While we don't exactly have the steel curtain down there, if we would allow our guys to stay low and try to penetrate gaps, I don't think we would get pushed back so easily. this would put a much greater responsibility on gap integrity by our LB's , but obviously what they are doing now isn't working. DJ Eliot himself told me that he used to coach a one-gap system, but Stoops taught him the 3-4 with the two gap technique and basically that's what he believes in now.
Take that for what its worth - will probably be the downfall of this staff

The fact that this staff utilizes a defensive scheme (and has for the duration) that we don't have the horses to pull off is infuriating. One thing I cannot stand from Coaches is their stubbornness to get away from what they prefer to run when it isn't working. Stoops can stand up at the podium week after week with that stooped look on his face saying we just have to get back to work and do better and its not going to change a darn thing. We may not have a roster to contend for the SECE just yet and I am Ok with that but we have a much better roster that we should at least be competitive against everyone on our schedule (not named Alabama).

Our problems right now are 75-80% coaching. Wish everyone, and I mean everyone, would just stop going to the damn games and send a message we are not going to put up with incompetent coaching staffs any longer.

 

[Mr Schwump]

The fact that this staff utilizes a defensive scheme (and has for the duration) that we don't have the horses to pull off is infuriating. One thing I cannot stand from Coaches is their stubbornness to get away from what they prefer to run when it isn't working. Stoops can stand up at the podium week after week with that stooped look on his face saying we just have to get back to work and do better and its not going to change a darn thing. We may not have a roster to contend for the SECE just yet and I am Ok with that but we have a much better roster that we should at least be competitive against everyone on our schedule (not named Alabama).

Our problems right now are 75-80% coaching. Wish everyone, and I mean everyone, would just stop going to the damn games and send a message we are not going to put up with incompetent coaching staffs any longer.

They did play some 4-3 Sat, just not real well.

 

[UKCatNnc]

I think you are right to a certain extent on the D-line play, but the system Stoops/Eliot use isn't doing us any favors. I'm not pretending to know more that these guys, but read below.
I have been lucky enough to hear both of them speak at the HS coaching conferences. While I like them both from a personal standpoint - they teach a "two-gap" technique that basically tells the 3 down linemen to stand-up, punch and look for the ball carrier, being responsible for both their right and left gaps. It is obviously more complex than this, but IMO, you have to have STUDS on the D-line to run this system. At FSU we could recruit some guys that had the ability to succeed, at UK these guys are few and far between (D. Smith for example)
While we don't exactly have the steel curtain down there, if we would allow our guys to stay low and try to penetrate gaps, I don't think we would get pushed back so easily. this would put a much greater responsibility on gap integrity by our LB's , but obviously what they are doing now isn't working. DJ Eliot himself told me that he used to coach a one-gap system, but Stoops taught him the 3-4 with the two gap technique and basically that's what he believes in now.
Take that for what its worth - will probably be the downfall of this staff

I guess Stoops is the only person in the BBN that likes the 3-4. Wonder how many years it will take him to realize that it just don't get it done!!??

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

It's worse than I thought:

- Our line play is simply below par on both sides of the ball. I know we played Florida, but that same Gator squad struggled last week vs. UMASS. The line, basically every play, pushed Florida's way 1-3 yards back or fwd. I find it hard to believe that we are just "that weak" on the lines, especially on offense - where we start 1 sr and 4 jr.

- Barker simply isn't the answer. Currently, he lacks either the gonads or the confidence to make a tough throw. I know the pass pro wasn't helping the situation, but he consistently has missed open receivers since his fumble last week at the start of the 3rd Q. That is either a character flaw or coaching. A QB has to have the attitude that allows him to overcome mistakes and stay in there (mentally tough) - I don't think he has it. I hope he proves me wrong (Towels 2.0)

- Our lauded secondary - geesh - our safety play is dreadful. Westry has been a major disappointment so far. It would be easier to accept, but all off-season this was built up to be a strength, and it has been one busted coverage after another. This is supposed to be Stoops SPECIALTY!! I heard multiple times in camp that Ewdards was the best player on the team, thru two games he has played poorly. Maybe they can get their mojo back the next couple of weeks but wow - it's been rough

With weak line play, a broken QB, and poor secondary play - it's hard seeing a significant jump in our play. I'll still be holding out hope that things can turn around, but I think wholesale change at the top is our only hope for the future of the program. (looking directly at you Barnhart)

Barker would look infinitely better if he had any semblance of a line to protect him.

We Kentucky fans love to torture ourselves, don't we?

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

The entire scheme is read and react. Very little attack.

Westry has already mailed it in. Saw at least 2 times he could've made a tackle last week, but he didn't even attempt. Guess he's just on a countdown to declaring for the draft.

Edwards is normally a great tackler, but gets lost in coverage. We gave up an easy td because he jumped the crossing route instead of staying deep. This is the exact same mistake that lead to at least 1td against usm.

Our lbs are undisciplined and take terrible angles. Jones is a real player, but basically on his own.

Our ol was awful in pass protection. Pretty decent in run blocking, at least in comparison.

Barker was awful too, but he didn't have much to work with. We've seen what he can do given time, so I actually think we're ok there. Johnson was terrible and looked completely outclassed.

 

[DACats86]

Westry has already mailed it in. Saw at least 2 times he could've made a tackle last week, but he didn't even attempt. Guess he's just on a countdown to declaring for the draft.

He's got at least 22 games left before he's even eligible for the draft...

 

[JW PRPcoach]

But BigBlue, how often will he get time? A competent HS QB should be able to take a 3 step drop and hit a wide open slant. Barker missed, badly at that, at least two wide open receivers on slants on 3rd down. He was so rattled on the one before we missed the FG (why has McGinnis regressed so much BTW) that neither receiver, who were BOTH open, knew whom the ball was going to. I just think he lacks the moxie that a SEC QB needs to succeed. Again I hope I'm wrong and he comes back strongly.

 

[K_TIME]

Barker would look infinitely better if he had any semblance of a line to protect him.

We Kentucky fans love to torture ourselves, don't we?

The OL wasn't that bad in the 1st half..the wheels did fall off in 2nd half though...but this is where coaching is a big deal. Some of those pressures is on Barker to recognize a blitz and get to a hot route.

1. 1st play of game...UF overloaded backside and brought an extra LBer on both sides. Barker has to see those pressures more often and find a hot route. I'd argue I wasn't a fan of going empty backfield first play call of game...but when you're in an empty backfield and UF crowds LOS...it better get out of your hands fast.
2. The screen int...great play by Tabor but why did Drew even consider throwing that pass. Both UF DBs were right at LOS...he should have checked to a backside slant or other play.
3. The missed slant by PRPCoach is dead on...he just choked in 1st qtr Saturday.
4. The first int of game was a great play by UF DB...but that ball was underthrown by 5 yards or more..>Badet couldn't slow down fast enough to even get a hand on the ball.

UK tackles are really not that great...but Barker is staring down blitzes vs. getting the ball out of his hands. And his decision making in 2nd half of So Miss and full UF game was deplorable.

 

[law1127]

Somebody said Stoops and Eliot coach the players like they got the ones they want instead of the ones they actually have! True statment from both performance and results, time for Stoops to adjust or begone! We're not FSU but we could compete a hell of a lot better ,with better scheme and coaching!

 

[WildCard]

I re-watched yesterday as well. Had grandkids on game day but a more "uninterrupted" review didn't really change post game impressions. Not very detailed here but, FWIW...

> UK Passing Game: Yes, the focus is on the QB play but the "passing game" is really a 3 part formula (protection, passing and catching). Cats gave up 5 sacks and there was pressure on just about every throw...all 13 of them. (IF FL has a "weakness" on defense it might be the propensity of the LBs to break cover and charge the QB hard on anything that gets outside the pocket. Some teams might "exploit" that but UK could not.)

I'm not sure I remember any drops but I don't recall anybody open other than the pass Johnson completed (on a roll out to his left) to set up the Cats only score late in the game. In the 3rd down play that preceded the FG attempt it looked like UK ran a double slant (both "open" but typical tight windows on a slant). Then Barker throws a worm burner right between the 2 guys on what I believe was one of the better "protected" attempts. It was almost as if he changed targets in the middle of his throwing motion and stuck it in the dirt. ??? There is a clip of that play on KSR.

Lastly, there is the position of TE. I think many "overvalue" the role of a TE a pass catcher in a passing offense. IMO, you don't build your passing game around the TE but rather use him to augment your passing game. Some will argue but if your TE is your leading receiver you probably don't have much of a passing game overall.

A "problem" I see is UK really does not put the TE on the LOS and I think that is a better alignment in terms of getting the TE into the passing game than the tight wing position. Conrad's role so far has been just as a blocking H back in what currently stands as the nation's 117th ranked rushing attack.

UK Run Game: The run game was just as bad as the passing game. Complete control of the LOS by FL defense. Of the 94 yards rushing 25 came on Badet's fly sweep and 25 on Boom's end of half run. Otherwise, 44 yards on 32 rushes. Just not much else to say.

Pass Defense: Looking at from the same 3 factors there was zero pressure on the FL QB and some totally inexplicable play by UK's vaunted secondary. DelRio said after the game playing QB is easy when you don't get touched and then emphasized "touched" not "hit". The coverage breakdown that left not 1 but 2 receivers wide open running down the right sideline was downright comical. It was like David Copperfield vanished the left side of the UK secondary. I'm sure the trailing receiver who did not get the ball is thinking: "you must like him (other receiver) more than me".

UK Run Defense: I don't know what to say. Three down, 4 down, 6 in the box, 7 in the box, it just didn't seem to matter. FL gained 137 more yards rushing against UK than they did against UMASS. ??? I know many will disagree (and I'm not saying this to blast Elam) but, FWIW, I think UK's defensive front is "better" without him. There seems to be more "overall quickness" in the front without him.

I noticed when UK ran their 4 down front it took on the "form" of a 4-2-5 front. By that I mean there were 2 ILB so it was a tight 6 in the box alignment. It is always hard to tell exactly how the defense aligns from the classic TV sideline shot however it appeared the DTs were in 2 techniques but the DEs appeared to be in stand up 5 techniques against 10 personnel sets. IOW, actually a 2 down front. I'm not sure I get that or this staff's infatuation with even techniques vice odd techniques.

Bottom Line(s): FL pressure and coverage absolutely negated any semblance of a UK passing game. Total dominance by FL front 7 versus UK's run game. FL has a great defense that just flies to the football. There will likely be a number of teams that don't move the ball on this bunch.

FL moved the ball easily against UK's defense but I'm not sure they can do that every game. UMASS "held" them to just 2 TDs and 363 total yards.

What's next? I don't even want to think about a ULL or EKU type game against NM State. That kind of game would be a strong indication Stoops has lost the team. Cats are a 19 point favorite so I'll move on. SC is now the biggest game on the schedule, maybe the biggest game of the Stoops era. A win there means the Cats come out of Tuscaloosa with a manageable 2-3 record. OTOH, a loss to SC means they come out of Tuscaloosa with an all but unsalvageable 1-4 mark.

Peace

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

He's got at least 22 games left before he's even eligible for the draft...

Oh I know. Thats the scary part.

But BigBlue, how often will he get time? A competent HS QB should be able to take a 3 step drop and hit a wide open slant. Barker missed, badly at that, at least two wide open receivers on slants on 3rd down. He was so rattled on the one before we missed the FG (why has McGinnis regressed so much BTW) that neither receiver, who were BOTH open, knew whom the ball was going to. I just think he lacks the moxie that a SEC QB needs to succeed. Again I hope I'm wrong and he comes back strongly.

Those are all good points. Imo, I saw enough in the first half of the USM game to tell me he can perform at a high level.

Bad news, he also needs the other offensive units all clicking before he can perform at a high level. He definitely isnt good enough to pull a team behind him.