Monday Morning Offensive Breakdown (BTI's Rants and Ramblings)

The Monday Morning Offensive Breakdown had to slug through a tough offensive game to watch against South Carolina but we’ve done it again. What’s interesting is if you watched the game you probably didn’t think the Cats offense was very sharp. And 16 points total would only support that argument. But statistically, the Cats were pretty good on Saturday. It was simply turnovers and inability to hit many big plays that doomed the offense. A win is a win though and it’s on to Florida and hope for the best.

Below is the UK offensive performance broken down by down and distance and the cumulative season stats as well:

1ST DOWN

Against South Carolina
Rush: 23 rushes for 108 yards, 1 TD (1 fumble)
Pass: 5-8, 32 yards, 1 INT

Combined Season Stats
Rush: 81 rushes for 451 yards, 5 TD (3 fumbles)
Pass: 30-45, 492 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT (1 sack allowed)

Analysis: The first half playcalling was far more balanced between run and pass but in the 2nd half the Cats went almost exclusively to the run, nursing their small lead down the stretch. With that said, it was fairly effective, netting almost 5 yards a carry and the Cats only touchdown. A lot has been made about balance in the Coen offense but the reality is, up to this point, he has called almost 2:1 run plays to pass plays on 1st down.

2ND DOWN

Against South Carolina
Rush: 15 rushes for 101 yards (1 fumble)
Pass: 6-7, 53 yards

Combined Season Stats
Rush: 47 rushes for 340 yards, 2 TD (1 fumble)
Pass: 22-35, 211 yards, 1 TD (2 sacks allowed)

Analysis: I think this is where the Cats were strongest on Saturday. Not only did they get several chunk plays, both through the air and on the ground, but they kept putting the Cats in 3rd and short. UK has been efficient in this situation most of the year. Much like first down, a more run-heavy attack against South Carolina but overall, for the season, this is more balanced than on 1st.

3RD DOWN AND LONG (6 YARDS AND MORE)

Against South Carolina
Rush: No Plays
Pass: 1-2, 4 yards (converted 0 of 2)

Combined Season Stats
Rush: 1 rush for 7 yards (converted 1 of 1)
Pass: 11-17, 215 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 sack allowed (converted 8 of 18)

Analysis: Even though they didn’t convert either of the opportunities here, it’s always nice to not have to face a 3rd and long too often in a conference game. UK has been incredibly good in these situations this season, sitting over 50% before this game. This has been where Will Levis has made the most impact in comparison to the previous starting quarterbacks at Kentucky.

3RD DOWN AND SHORT (5 YARDS OR LESS)

Against South Carolina
Rush: 5 rushes for 22 yards (converted 4 of 5)
Pass: 3-5, 13 yards (converted 2 of 5)

Combined Season Stats
Rush: 15 rushes for 72 yards, 1 TD (converted 10 of 15)
Pass: 7-11, 40 yards, 2 TD, 1 sack allowed (converted 6 of 12)

Analysis: Cats got them converted when they needed to, including the last conversion by Rodriguez to ice the game. Would like to see UK’s percentage go up a little in this department and they are going to have to do much better against Florida to pull the upset. But the variety of options they have to convert short-yardage is encouraging.