http://gridironnow.com/kentucky-season-review-fast-start-followed-by-bad-finish/
If only the season ended in mid-October.
In each of the past two seasons, Kentucky has started fast, like a thoroughbred at Keeneland. But in each of the past two seasons, UK has come to a midseason stop, like a mule plowing a field.
In 2014, UK opened 5-1 before finishing the season on a six-game losing streak. This season, there was a 4-1 start followed by a 1-6 finish, with the only win coming over a Charlotte team that isn’t yet a full-fledged FBS member. While the defense made incremental progress, the offense regressed in its first season with Shannon Dawson as coordinator. The result was Dawson being fired at the end of the season.
UK thus will enter the 2016 season coming off back-to-back 5-7 records, and there is some heat on coach Mark Stoops.Was season a success: No. The SEC East was down — really down — yet UK couldn’t take advantage in a season in which it had eight home games. The season turned on a Thursday night home loss to Auburn. UK was 4-1 and things were looking good when the reeling Tigers came to town. But Auburn scored first early in the first quarter and never trailed. UK had a chance late, but fell short, with its final possession ending in a sack. The Wildcats were blown out in each of their next three games and won just once the rest of the way.Offensive player who will be most missed? OT Jordan Swindle. He was a fixture on UK’s line, having started 35 games in his career. He wasn’t necessarily an all-conference talent, but that type of experience — he was a three-year starter — is going to be missed. At the same time, a lot is expected of JC transfer OT Tate Leavitt, which means maybe Swindle won’t be missed that much after all.
Defensive player who will be most missed? LB Josh Forrest. Forrest was both the physical and emotional leader of the defense. He led the team in tackles (93) and sacks (3.5). He’s headed to the Senior Bowl next.
Offensive breakout player in 2016? QB Drew Barker. Actually, if he doesn’t break out, UK will be in trouble. He ascended to the starting role late in the season, starting the final two games, and it’s obvious going forward he is the guy. (It certainly was obvious to Patrick Towles, who transferred.) New OC Eddie Gran and new quarterback coach Darin Hinshaw developed some prolific offenses at Cincinnati, and now are tasked with doing the same thing with Barker, who appears to have the needed physical tools. Then again, so did Towles.
Defensive breakout player in 2016? LB Jordan Jones. The Wildcats started two true freshmen corners this season, Florida natives Derrick Baity and Chris Westry, but both basically already have broken out. Thus, we’re going with Jones, another player from the 2015 signing class. He enrolled early and went through spring practice; while he didn’t flash in spring drills, the early enrollment still helped and he was making noise in fall camp until he got sick. He ended up playing in eight games, but with the graduation losses at linebacker, it’s vital he make an impact next season. He has the talent to do so.About spring practice. The opening date of spring drills is TBD, but the spring game is April 16. The biggest key is Barker becoming comfortable with Gran’s offense. UK’s pass offense was a huge disappointment this season, and Barker needs to show he has a basic grasp of the new offense during spring. Defensively, determining a pecking order in the front seven is important. It would be a huge help if a pass rusher emerges.First game in 2016? The Wildcats open September 3 against Southern Miss. It’s a tough opener; Southern Miss — the C-USA West Division winner — was 9-5 this season, and QB Nick Mullens and a prolific offense will put pressure on the Wildcats’ defense.
If only the season ended in mid-October.
In each of the past two seasons, Kentucky has started fast, like a thoroughbred at Keeneland. But in each of the past two seasons, UK has come to a midseason stop, like a mule plowing a field.
In 2014, UK opened 5-1 before finishing the season on a six-game losing streak. This season, there was a 4-1 start followed by a 1-6 finish, with the only win coming over a Charlotte team that isn’t yet a full-fledged FBS member. While the defense made incremental progress, the offense regressed in its first season with Shannon Dawson as coordinator. The result was Dawson being fired at the end of the season.
UK thus will enter the 2016 season coming off back-to-back 5-7 records, and there is some heat on coach Mark Stoops.Was season a success: No. The SEC East was down — really down — yet UK couldn’t take advantage in a season in which it had eight home games. The season turned on a Thursday night home loss to Auburn. UK was 4-1 and things were looking good when the reeling Tigers came to town. But Auburn scored first early in the first quarter and never trailed. UK had a chance late, but fell short, with its final possession ending in a sack. The Wildcats were blown out in each of their next three games and won just once the rest of the way.Offensive player who will be most missed? OT Jordan Swindle. He was a fixture on UK’s line, having started 35 games in his career. He wasn’t necessarily an all-conference talent, but that type of experience — he was a three-year starter — is going to be missed. At the same time, a lot is expected of JC transfer OT Tate Leavitt, which means maybe Swindle won’t be missed that much after all.
Defensive player who will be most missed? LB Josh Forrest. Forrest was both the physical and emotional leader of the defense. He led the team in tackles (93) and sacks (3.5). He’s headed to the Senior Bowl next.
Offensive breakout player in 2016? QB Drew Barker. Actually, if he doesn’t break out, UK will be in trouble. He ascended to the starting role late in the season, starting the final two games, and it’s obvious going forward he is the guy. (It certainly was obvious to Patrick Towles, who transferred.) New OC Eddie Gran and new quarterback coach Darin Hinshaw developed some prolific offenses at Cincinnati, and now are tasked with doing the same thing with Barker, who appears to have the needed physical tools. Then again, so did Towles.
Defensive breakout player in 2016? LB Jordan Jones. The Wildcats started two true freshmen corners this season, Florida natives Derrick Baity and Chris Westry, but both basically already have broken out. Thus, we’re going with Jones, another player from the 2015 signing class. He enrolled early and went through spring practice; while he didn’t flash in spring drills, the early enrollment still helped and he was making noise in fall camp until he got sick. He ended up playing in eight games, but with the graduation losses at linebacker, it’s vital he make an impact next season. He has the talent to do so.About spring practice. The opening date of spring drills is TBD, but the spring game is April 16. The biggest key is Barker becoming comfortable with Gran’s offense. UK’s pass offense was a huge disappointment this season, and Barker needs to show he has a basic grasp of the new offense during spring. Defensively, determining a pecking order in the front seven is important. It would be a huge help if a pass rusher emerges.First game in 2016? The Wildcats open September 3 against Southern Miss. It’s a tough opener; Southern Miss — the C-USA West Division winner — was 9-5 this season, and QB Nick Mullens and a prolific offense will put pressure on the Wildcats’ defense.