3 Keys to a Successful Kentucky Spring Football Game

The Wildcats will soon return to Kroger Field for the 2022 Kentucky spring football game. There are a few different things to watch for, including some rising underclassmen, but these are the three most important keys to a successful spring game.

Stay Healthy

This is priority No. 1. Nothing is more important than exiting this scrimmage unscathed. Sometimes football happens. It already happened to Vito Tisdale when an injury in the first week of spring practice ended his 2022 season. Preventing others from joining Tisdale on the sideline is imperative.

Tackle, Tackle, Tackle

What makes the spring football game different than spring practice? Tackling. Typically team periods are what they call “THUD.” Defenders simply square up and tap off against runners in the open field. Today the defense will be tested, in particular, the secondary. Prior to Mark Stoops’ arrival, open-field tackling might have been the Wildcats’ greatest weakness and most infuriating thing to see from the stands. That has not been the case in recent years. Now with newcomers on the perimeter of the defense, it’s important to show physicality to pass this first tackling test.

Throwing and Catching

Football at its core is about blocking and tackling, throwing and catching. The offensive goal from the top down is to keep the ball off the Kroger Field turf. That encompasses almost every position group. Running backs must carry the ball high and tight, quarterbacks must throw catchable balls and wide receivers must make the routine receptions. Coaches are rarely happy, but give Rich Scangarello a clean scrimmage and you will see the new offensive coordinator with a smile on his face Saturday afternoon.