Cats understand offense must execute better against LSU

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Tight end Justin Rigg could not quite get this pass last week against Florida. That's the kind of play UK has to clean up against LSU Saturday. (Vicky Graff Photo)

The most amazing part of Kentucky’s 5-0 start is that the UK offense has not really clicked efficiently despite having the Southeastern Conference rushing leader Chris Rodriguez (612 yards) and receiver leader Wan’Dale Robinson (467 yards). Kentucky coach Mark Stoops knows there have been numerous missed opportunities during UK’s five games.

“You’ve heard me talk a lot about a play here, a play there. With an offense, you can’t afford to do that, not in the SEC against a quality defense. With a great defensive coach, great players, you can’t miss things when they are there,” Stoops said.

“When we try to come back to them, they’re fixed, whether we exposed it or not. That’s what good coaches and good teams do. You can’t miss those opportunities. You’ve got to hit them at the right time, the right moment. We’re still just a bit off there, but again we’re doing the right things. What I see is very positive.”

Quarterback Will Levis has not been good. He’s just not been great — yet. He is 73 of 118 passing for 989 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s also thrown six interceptions, which is tied for the SEC lead. He has 29 carries for 88 yards.

“If we want to beat LSU (Saturday night), we’re going to have to have better execution from our offense,” Levis said.
 
He’s right. Kentucky’s offense has produced two touchdowns in wins over South Carolina and Florida and had just 224 total yards against Florida in last week’s win. That’s not the production first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen wants and expects.

“Would we have liked to have seen a ton of more execution and yards, absolutely. At the end of the day, a win like that (over Florida) is just incredible, no matter how it happens. I’m really tough on myself and it’s fun to be a part of,” Coen said.

Coen recruited Levis and has no doubt he’s going to keep getting better.
 
“At the end of the day, he gives a chance to win, because of his heart, through his leadership, toughness, and the way he plays the game,” Coen said.

Stoops knows Levis will face an aggressive LSU defense.

“Very impactful players. Guys that can hurt you on defense at each level. You see them up front, you see the linebacker, you see the secondary guys that are NFL players, like top picks, guys that can hurt you,” Stoops said.  “So, I’m still (seeing) very much one of those defenses that are in your grill, one of those defenses that are in your face.

“Like making you beat them, a lot of press (coverage), a lot of man-free, mix in some zone. You have to beat them. They’re going to make you earn your yards.”
 
That means UK has to execute and Levis has to make good decisions.

“‘Is pretty hard to completely trick really good people. You have good plays and some coverages have certain strengths and certain weaknesses and you feel like you have good matchups but completely tricking really good defenses like that is hard to do,” Stoops said.

7 Responses

  1. Just got into town – overheard a group of LSU guy’s in the bar saying this is a must win for Coach O, and the program. We’re playing a desperate team, full of NFL talent ! Hold on to your hats !

  2. I have never understood how any UK football team could approach any single game any way other than as a desperate team.

    That is exactly what they need to do this week, be THE desperate team on the field

  3. The article this morning on Sea Of Blue has Stoops going to all kind of schools next year, FSU, NE, etc. Fact is, we could EASILY BE 1 – 4 right now. We only BEAT UL Monroe, the rest of the games including Chattanooga we barely escaped. Now, a W is a W. However if you look at the other studs in the conference, Alabama, Ga, they are crushing opponents for the most part. 40 points beat downs no matter who the competition. With the exception of Florida – Bama game, (which Bama was crunching them by half time) the rest of the wins are beat downs. Not trying to compare us to Bama or Ga. Just saying we could be 1-4. Stoops hasn’t been able to recruit a legit QB in 9 years. He has excelled at UK, but had we had a QB and managed the clock better in game situations he could have another dozen wins under his belt. If we had lost those close games, he’s on the hot seat.

    1. Hey Bob, you failed to mention the great UK defense so far. That is how UK is winning. If the UK offense can get it in gear, look out! It must start with LSU tonight. What UK needs is more than one receiver who can make a play down field with Ali out now. Hit a TE every now and again with a well thrown ball is an option that needs to happen a lot tonight, or a young WR makes a name for himself. I still say the UK defense is their rock. Finally, 5-0, make it 6-0 Cats!

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