Mark Stoops critical of offense entering fourth quarter vs. Vanderbilt

As soon as Mark Stoops spoke to sideline reporter Alyssa Lang ahead of the fourth quarter on the road vs. Vanderbilt, Kentucky‘s offense exploded.

Prior to the opening drive of the fourth quarter, the UK headman wanted to see more out of his offensive unit — and they responded with a nine-play, 88-yard drive to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Before that, however, things weren’t so pretty.

“We started the game really good, but we’re not functioning well anymore,” Stoops said. “Whether it’s the protection, the quarterback is struggling, getting slipped up, struggling with the ball, you name it. Defense has made big plays for us but the offense needs to find some consistency and balance. Our run game is non-existence and we’re struggling in the pass game.”

It seems Kentucky has found its stride after a slow third quarter. They look to finish it out strong live on the SEC Network.

More on Kentucky’s performance vs. Vanderbilt

Kentucky started the game hotter than they’ve ever been during an SEC road game under Stoops during his decade-plus of being head coach in Lexington.

A touchdown on their first offensive possession by former Commodore RB Ray Davis was followed almost immediately by a Maxwell Hairston pick-six. He would score a second pick-six in the closing minutes of the final quarter.

Overall, Kentucky scored 21 points before the first quarter ended, tied for the most-ever for the Wildcats in an opening quarter in program history.

The Wildcats eventually took a 24-3 lead into the locker room but gave the Commodores every chance to get back into the game in the third quarter. As Stoops said, if it weren’t for the defense it would have been a very different ball game.

As Stoops and Kentucky look to finish off Vanderbilt in Nashville, they can begin turning their attention toward their first conference test against No. 25 Florida inside Kroger Field for Week 5. The Wildcats have won the last two matchups against the Gators, and look to extend that streak to three in what has become a sort of annual rivalry.

One concern for the Wildcats is that quarterback Devin Leary has thrown at least one interception in each game this season — including two against Vanderbilt. Turnovers in the SEC will destroy any team’s season and will need to be addressed moving forward.

Kickoff between the Wildcats and Gators next Saturday is set for Noon ET.