Poised Will Levis help keep LSU defense off balance

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Will Levis passed for three touchdowns and ran for two Saturday night, so he had a lot to celebrate. (UK Athletics Photo)

After some so-so games despite a 5-0 start, Kentucky’s offense may have finally shown just what it can do in Saturday night’s 42-21 win over LSU. The Cats amassed 475 total yards — and had a 35-7 lead — and both Chris Rodriguez (16 for 147) and Kavosiey Smoke (12 for 104) rushed for over 100 yards. Even quarterback Will Levis had 75 yards two touchdowns on 11 carries.

Levis was in total control starting with a 75-yard scoring drive on Kentucky’s first possession where he completed a fourth-and-goal pass to Rodriguez for a four-yard touchdown and lead UK never relinquished. Levis was 14-for-17 passing for 145 yards and three scores. More importantly, he did not throw an interception.

“That’s big,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said about no interceptions and no fumbles.

So what energized the offense?

“We rushed for 330 yards, so when you are doing that, now you get them off balance. That’s when you saw some of our play-action game showing up, and that was good to see,” Stoops said. “You know, stayed ahead of the chains for the most part and had them off balance. When you can get a defense off-balance, you’ve got a good chance.”

Levis certainly made the Tigers stay off balance. He was quick and accurate not only with throws but also his reads on running plays. When he did run, he ran with reckless abandon.

“I really thought he played exceptionally well. You could tell early on, just to me, his comfort level was there. He looked really poised, really confident, and just going through his progression, making some really nice throws,” Stoops said.

“Maybe the numbers aren’t overwhelming you, but I thought he was very clean and what (offensive coordinator) Liam (Coen) has been working with him, being calm in the pocket, and you could see that, carrying over and you could see his confidence stepping up. 

“Then the way he plays it on the line, and he runs so physical, that just gives everybody a great boost, as well. He’s a tough kid and just getting better and better.”

Stoops did admit that Levis might have moved around a bit more in the pocket but thought it worked out well.

“I noticed him being very clean and poised in the pocket at times tonight, I did, but there were times I’m sure he was on the run as well. Overall, I felt like he was more comfortable,” Stoops said

2 Responses

  1. Man we gotta figure out a way to keep Coach Stoops here. The fruition of his vision for our program has turned into a thing of beauty. Build the indoor facility. Sweeten his contract any way he wants. Lets just hope after building his program to compete like this in the SEC he won’t want to have to start from scratch at a "better" job.

  2. Will Levis had a much improved performance, he was a force for sure, credit a lot of that to his Offensive Line. That long run he made on a broken play proved he is a real threat, and a physical football player at the QB position. UK did move the ball and score through the air. It was good to see, and long overdue. The RB’s, especially C Rod, don’t get enough credit IMO. That young man is a stud. Takes a beating and pounding in every single game he plays and keeps producing when they need it most. He is as tough UK RB as ever wore the Blue and White IMO, and that includes the current rushing leader Benny Snell. I love his game. Smoke is also a solid SEC RB with talent and guts. Again, kudos to the Offensive Line that is physical at the point of attack. I believe though that UK has to find a whole lot more success through the air to beat Georgia between the hedges. Georgia is a very stout defense that will be ready for UK’s ground attack. Some UK receivers need to rise up in this one and shine. UK’s performance against LSU will get No.1’s attention. UK must come to play a tough physical football game. I still say this UK defense is making the difference big time and is the biggest reason UK is 6-0. I believe they will play their hearts out in Athens come Saturday. I am looking for history to be made, it already has in so many ways so far in 2021.

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