HALFTIME: Kentucky Struggles to Line Up, Yet Only Trails by One Score

Whew, that was something. The Kentucky offense didn’t just struggle to move the ball; they couldn’t get lined up. Despite the infuriating pre-snap chaos, the Cats only trail Ole Miss 17-13.

The ESPN broadcast booth did not pull punches when discussing Kentucky’s offensive operation.

Sean McDonough: “We just chronicled Mark Stoops’ tenure, and for the most part, it’s been a very successful tenure. It’s turned south the last couple of years. But these are the kinds of things, if you’re on the hot seat, they’ll get you fired. It just does not look like a well-coached football team in terms of management and operation. They do a lot of things very well, they play great defense, they coach great defense, but the offense and the game management is an issue, at least recently.”

Greg McElroy: “And he is lighting up members of his offensive staff, as he should be. He’s not the one calling the plays, calling the formations. That’s coming from Bush Hamdan, the OC, and the rest of the offensive staff. That is on the offense.”

Fortunately, Ty Bryant made two big plays to keep it close. The Lexington native had two interceptions that gave the Wildcats short fields to work with. Kentucky led 10-0 before the Ole Miss offense woke up and scored 14 unanswered.

Kentucky forced a field goal on Ole Miss’ final drive, a crucial stop to keep it within arm’s reach. The Cats will get the ball first to start the second half.

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