Kentucky Offensive All-Opponent Team

Kentucky faced the Southeastern Conference’s top four teams in the league’s total offense statistical category in 2020. In the year in which the conference transitioned to offensive by nature, the Cats faced multiple elite, individual players. Brad White’s defense held its own for the most part. His unit is leading the SEC in pass defense and interceptions. 

The following is the top 2020 opposing performers by position. Please note that the following list is not a season award. Criteria for the players on this prestigious team is solely based on their performance against Kentucky. Here is the Offensive All-Opponent Team: 

Coach/Coordinator –Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri

The Tiger’s offensive game plan against the Cats was darn near perfect. Mizzou’s offensive attack kept the Wildcats off balance for sixty minutes. That mark is illustrated by how the Tiger’s accumulated 26 first downs: 13 by rush, 12 by pass, and one from a penalty. True freshman quarterback Connor Bazelak finished the game 21/30 for 201 yards. His pass catchers were disciplined and timely on third down by running their routes to the sticks which extended drives with efficient catches. Running back Larry Roundtree ran for 126 yards. In total, Mizzou racked up 421 yards and went 10/20 on third down and 4/5 on fourth. Drinkwitz’s offense finished drives with points with an 80% scoring ratio in the Red Zone. Drinkwitz should be credited for an aggravating Saturday in Columbia. 

Quarterback — Matt Corral, Ole Miss

The Ole Miss game will forever be remembered for the missed field goal, missed PAT, and the touchdown that never was due to AJ Rose’s early celebration. In other words, the one that got away. What is non-negotiable is the play of QB Matt Corral. Lane Kiffin’s signal caller finished the contest 24/29 (83%) for 320 yards and four touchdown passes. He was also effective on the ground by running for 51 yards. 

Running Back — Larry Roundtree, Missouri

The senior seems to have been in Columbia for a decade. His final game against the Cats produced a win and several aggravating yards. Roundtree rushed for 126 yards off 37 carries and scored two touchdowns. There were running backs with more yards against the Wildcats. But, Mizzou wouldn’t have beaten UK without Roundtree. His physicality set the tone in Columbia. 

Running Back — Kevin Harris, South Carolina

Let’s be honest, South Carolina was not a very good football team. The Gamecocks limped into Kroger Field with a depleted roster due to opt-outs, COVID-19, and injuries. However, that didn’t stop Kevin Harris from rolling up 210 yards including a 59 yard scoring run. Harris averaged a whopping 10 yards per carry. Just a sophomore, UK will have to deal with the dynamic running back one more time in Columbia.  

Wide Receiver — Seth Williams, Auburn 

Williams racked up 12 catches for 112 yards and scored 2 touchdowns in the Wildcat’s opener at Auburn. His scoring catch over Kelvin Joseph was memorialized on “You Got Mossed” and every other media highlight show. 

Wide Receiver — DaVonta Smith, Alabama

 Smith showed why he may be the best receiver in the country against the Wildcats in Tuscaloosa. He registered 9 receptions for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was mostly un-guardable for the duration of Kentucky’s 63-3 loss.  

Tight End — Kyle Pitts, Florida

Pitts is the best tight end that I’ve seen play in my lifetime. Motivated by pregame remarks made by Kentucky players, Pitts flexed his pass catching muscles by grabbing 5 passes for 99 yards and 3 touchdowns.

 

Offensive Lineman — Landon Dickerson, Alabama

Landon Dickerson and UK’s Drake Jackson are the SEC’s top two centers. Dickerson led the Tide’s offensive attack that resulted in 63 points and 509 total yards. 

Offensive Lineman — Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

The projected first round draft pick played like a future professional against the Cats. 

Offensive Lineman — Deonte Brown, Alabama

Broken record from the above description of Alex Leatherwood, Brown is an All SEC performer. The Alabama offensive line is elite. 

Offensive Lineman — Trey Smith, Tennessee

His team is bad and played poorly against Kentucky. But, Trey Smith is another projected first rounder and is one of the better guards that have played against UK in quite some time. 

Flex — Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss

While most projected Elijah Moore to be the biggest receiving threat against the Cats, it was Mingo who led the Rebel’s with 8 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

---

So, there you have it. My list is most likely different than yours. And that’s ok. There are several deserving players that were left off the All-Opponent Team. I’d be interested in hearing from you on who I left off this esteemed team.