Chris Rodriguez had another 100-yard game but also another fumble in Saturday's win. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Chris Rodriguez is having a season to remember. One reason is going to be a good memory. Another reason is not quite so good.
First, the good.
Rodriguez ran 16 times for 119 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s 56-16 victory over New Mexico State. It was his seventh 100-yard game of the season, tied for second-best in school history. It was his 13th career 100-yard game, tied for third-most in school history.
Rodriguez now has 1,151 yards this season, ninth-best in school history, and 2,512 yards in his career, eighth-best all-time at Kentucky.
Now the bad. Rodriguez fumbled again. This time it was at the New Mexico State two-yard line in the first half to cost Kentucky a touchdown, something he has done before this season. Kentucky was so dominant in this game it did not impact the outcome but don’t tell coach Mark Stoops that.
“Obviously, it’s unacceptable because he’s a better player than that. You see that when he’s locked in. Chris has been practicing very good. He’s dialed in. He’s working hard,” Stoops said after the win.
“It happened. I don’t want to over-think this one. There was definitely an issue early (in the season with fumbles). It’s not acceptable. It’s not okay.”
Now Stoops was just starting to get warmed up about the fumble that obviously upset him again.
“I feel like interceptions are going to happen but there’s no excuse for fumbles. I can’t give him an excuse for this one, but I know he’ll get it corrected and he’ll be dialed in, have a great week of practice,” Stoops said.
“I know him. That’s the competitor in him. There’s really no excuse. I can’t give him one. There’s no reason to fumble the ball at the two-yard line.”
3 Responses
Each time he fumbles the ball, his NFL value drops, and he hurts his team.
I don’t think he wants either of these things, but for some reason, he either cannot or will not fix his fumblelitis.
Same with Levas and his interceptions. I keep hearing comments about Levis like, "oh he will learn from that one" but the question is when?
And the defense? Do the coaches not teach how to look for the football when defending a receiver?
My frustration with this team’s fumbles, interceptions, and porous pass defense hit record highs again yesterday.
You guys gotta remember were bang up on the defense of side. It is what is.
Fumbles hurt, and especially when your are getting ready to take one in for a score, I get that.That said, I would not trade this young man for any back in the SEC. He is a UK great, and always will be. He has sacrificed his body a lot for the Blue and White, for sure! The more we as fans harp on his fumbles, the worse on him it will be. It will "spook" him. I hope he goes for 200 yards against the Cards. In reality, this whole team is turn over prone, yet they sit at 8-3. Not bad in my estimation. I just hope they are ready for Louisville, this is a "bad blood" game. The question is, who wants it more? That is what I am concerned about today as this season winds down.