KSR Today: Another football week rolls on at Kentucky
Even if you had a bad Monday, it is highly unlikely it was worse than what New York Jets fans witnessed on Monday night. The highly anticipated debut of former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers got off to a very bad start.
In an AFC East clash against the Buffalo Bills to start the season, the Jets might have just cost the quarterback they gave up a boatload of assets for. The 39-year-old quarterback suffered an “ankle injury” in the first quarter and was carted off the field almost immediately.
Early reports indicate that Rodgers was seen in a walking boot in the bowels of the stadium and did not return to the game. However, it wasn’t all bad as the defense forced four Josh Allen turnovers, and Garrett Wilson made a crazy touchdown grab to lead the Jets storming back before Xavier Gipson‘s punt return touchdown ended a wild night at MetLife Stadium.
However, the celebration was short-lived as Rodgers’ injury appears to be an Achilles. An MRI is scheduled for Monday. The future Hall of Famer will likely be knocked out for the rest of the season.
If you know a Jets fan, tell them you are sorry. Now let’s get to the news of the day in the Bluegrass where Kentucky begins preparations for Week 3 at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility but could be doing that without offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Mark Stoops begins Week 3
On Monday afternoon at Kroger Field, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops got the football week started when he met reporters for his weekly luncheon press conference. Liam Coen’s status was at the top of everyone’s mind. Stoops did not get into the details of Coen’s availability this week, but early indications are that the offensive coordinator is in good condition and will make a recovery.
“It’s been a challenging day or so for us,” Stoops said. “We will continue to push forward as always. I think the prognosis of things looks good with the people in our office, and that will be back in our office. I’ll leave it at that on that subject.”
When asked directly, Stoops would not comment on how Kentucky would handle offensive play-calling on Saturday night if Coen is unavailable. We are in a holding pattern as there was also no comment given on Stoops’ radio show on Monday night. However, that was not the only issue discussed when Stoops was at the podium.
The Kentucky head coach discussed his team’s third down inefficiency, overall play-calling operation, and pass-heavy approach. Shortly after the press conference wrapped up, we learned that Kentucky’s first SEC game this season will be a nooner when the Wildcats make the road trip to Vanderbilt. KSR has you covered as the football week moves on.
- Kentucky wants offensive balance
- Mark Stoops is confident in Kentucky’s offense
- Kenneth Horsey’s status is still TBD
On Tuesday evening, Kentucky football will host its weekly press conference with offensive players and coaches. However, we are unsure who will speak if Coen is absent. Stay tuned for coverage throughout the day for what is a fluid situation for the Wildcats.
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KSR’s YouTube content is off and running
Want to watch the weekly Mark Stoops press conference? KSR has you covered.
We had three separate videos hit the channel on Monday with Mark Stoops’ first press conference, a quick Rapid Reaction from Kroger Stadium, and another KSR Football Podcast. Smash that play button. What are you waiting for?
Akron has a big name play-caller
Some may remember Joe Moorhead as the Penn State offensive coordinator when Saquon Barkley was running while in State College from 2016-17. Others may remember him as the Mississippi State head coach who lasted only two seasons in Starkville. Regardless, the 49-year-old is well-known in college football and has moved to the Group of Five.
Moorhead surprisingly left Oregon after a two-year stint as offensive coordinator to become the head coach at Akron. After a rough 2-10 debut season, the Zips are off to a 1-1 start in 2023 but have not scored more than 24 points in a game yet. The MAC program has played two quarterbacks and turnovers have been an issue.
However, Mark Stoops is very familiar with Moorhead and knows that his scheme will challenge a Kentucky defense that is having some communication issues early in the season.
“They’re doing a lot right now, very creative,” Stoops said on Monday. “I think creative minds, when they have time over the summer, you look at the first two games, and there’s a lot in there.”
“They rotated quarterbacks this past week, we got to be ready for a little bit of everything. It’s not exactly like Mississippi State but you see Joe and his philosophies still showing up, and you see the creativity from him. I really like Joe.”
Akron will challenge Kentucky schematically. We will have much more on the Zips later this week. Stay locked in for updates, and come join the party at KSR+.
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