Kentucky's 'methodical' offense must play cleaner football

by: Adam Luckett5 hours agoadamluckettksr

Kentucky RB Seth McGowan vs. South Carolina, via Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Kentucky’s offense enters Week 6 ranked No. 96 in EPA/play (-0.02) and No. 102 in yards per play (5.28). The Cats against sit at the bottom in college football in every meaningful passing statistic, but have carved out an efficient and effective traditional run game. However, there is not much room for error.

Under offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, UK has not scored more than two offensive touchdowns against a power conference defense in 11 games. The Cats cannot overcome critical mistakes and almost certainly cannot afford to giveaway possessions with four turnovers in one quarter like they did against South Carolina. This unit has some flaws. Splash plays aren’t there. That creates a situation without much wiggle room.

“We are methodical right now, and not overly explosive. Therefore, we have to play a game a certain way. I think we just gotta continue to get better in all areas,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said on Monday. “Whether it be coming up just a fraction short in protection or a quarterback maybe missing a throw or not coming up with a dynamic catch. When you put it all together it’s not a great recipe.”

Kentucky needs to find a winning recipe — and they need to do it fast. New Mexico State transfer Seth McGowan has been a revelation at tailback but this passing game is going to have to come alive at some point. The Cats are still waiting for something consistent to emerge at wide receiver and are hopeful that redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley will show growth quickly as he starts to add more game experience. But this is a limited offense right now.

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The Cats have to win in the margins. That means eliminating mistake, playing a ball control style, and taking care of the football. Kentucky did not do that against South Carolina. That must change or the losses will continue to pile up in a hurry.

“We had to be precise. We had to execute in critical moments. We’re not doing that right now on either side of the ball,” Stoops told Tom Leach on the UK Sports Network postgame show. “And that’s a little bit frustrating to me and our games are going to be very close. Our margin for error is not very big. We have to be better in those situations.”