Kavosiey Smoke and the UK offense gained only 27 yards the second half at Alabama. (SEC Photo)
If you are a media member, you cannot fault a player for giving an honest answer when he’s asked a question. Senior running back A.J. Rose did just that Saturday after No. 1 Alabama routed Kentucky 63-3.
Kentucky blew scoring chances in the first half as it managed just one field off three trips into the red zone, including two inside the 10-yard line in the first quarter.
So what went wrong on those scoring opportunities?
“I would’ve just said we could’ve called better plays or better play calls to get us in better position,” Rose said. “But it’s just how the game flow was going.”
Could’ve called better plays? That’s what numerous Kentucky fans were saying on social media when Kentucky did not score and they were second guessing offensive coordinator Eddie Gran.
“(Gran) called what he felt was needed. We’ve gotta go out there and execute it. We failed at that,” Rose said.
That led me to ask Rose what he thought UK should have done differently? What plays should Gran have called?
“We didn’t take advantage of being in the red zone. We definitely could’ve called some plays to even the game out, balance the game out, run, throwing, we missed opportunities and field goals and things like that, but that’s just how the game goes,” Rose said.
Rose led UK with 68 yards rushing on 10 carries. But the UK offense that at least moved the ball into scoring territory in the first half managed only 27 yards and one first down in the entire second half.
Rose’s explanation for that lack of production was also very disturbing.
“We just came out flat (in the second half),” Rose said. “I don’t think we were as hungry as we were in the first half. They came out and they scored and got that advantage on us.”
What? How can you come out flat against the nation’s No. 1 team? Granted, UK was down 10 players due to COVID-19 and apparently did not know most of them would be missing until Friday. The Cats were also coming off the emotional death of offensive line coach John Schlarman last week.
But UK’s second half play — it was outscored 35-0 and gave up 245 yards — looked like a team that was just ready to head back to Lexington. Rose’s explanation only seemed to confirm that belief.
“We just went flat and died and you can’t play catchup in this league. It was just unfortunate,” Rose said.
Unfortunate? I think most UK fans would say embarrassing and so would coach Mark Stoops.
“I don’t like it. It is not a good look,” Stoops said after the game. “It’s not where we want to be. We are over that. Today you have got to give them credit. This is not a place you want to come when you are down guys.
“That’s not an excuse. It is just what it is. We can’t afford to practice all week with guys and then lose them on Friday when we get on the plane (to travel for the game). But I don’t like it (the final score) and I don’t think anybody does to lose by that score.”
