Kentucky fans were expecting more from the Cats than what they saw in Saturday's 24-14 loss. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Former Kentucky all-Southeastern Conference running back Anthony White wanted to try and find something positive to say about Kentucky’s 24-14 loss to South Carolina but also wanted to be honest with listeners on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports.
“I thought we were beyond the years of laying down. Teams I was on in the late 90’s did lay down at times because we were not used to winning. I didn’t think (UK coach Mark) Stoops had those kinds of guys,” White said.
“I had not seen us lay down in a long time. I hate to use those words because I know those guys work hard all week. But Stoops said it, too.”
Kentucky did seem discombobulated in the second half when the defense gave up 266 yards and 17 points while the offense managed only a late touchdown when South Carolina was ahead 24-7. The effort just seemed lacking, something linebacker J.J. Weaver admitted after the game.
“The biggest thing about laying down is we did it at home,” White said. “Our fanbase should be made. There should have been a feeling that these guys cannot beat us. I don’t know at what point the Kentucky players, staff, organization got to where they thought we could not beat them. They (South Carolina) were turning on the pressure and we were not matching that effort.”
White said he heard from former UK teammates and other UK players upset that the team did not play with more pride and effort against South Carolina.
“You don’t lay down at home. You should not on the road either but I can see it being possible,” White said. “At home there is no reason to feel sorry for yourself after being ranked in the top 10 and now the top 15.”
“Coaches have to motivate players. We have the personnel and talent. Don’t blame the quarterbacks. Receivers have got to bring balls in. Defensively we were definitely out of position because almost everybody was waiting for somebody else to make a play.”
White thought Kentucky would have a special season and admitted if certain issues are not fixed, he might “soon be eating crow” because of his preseason optimism.
He believes the team took a “hit mentally and emotionally” when players found out quarterback Will Levis was not going to play because of an injury.
“It can still all be fixed. The season is not over,” White said. “But guys have to play with pride and effort and they didn’t always do that against South Carolina.”
