Another game, another almost predictable special teams collapse for Kentucky

Matt Ruffolo missed two more field goals Saturday. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Just how many mistakes can Kentucky continue to make in special teams before coach Mark Stoops admits it has been complete system failure this year?

Saturday’s 21-17 win over Missouri was full of drama mainly because of UK’s special teams play — again.

It’s inconceivable that a Southeastern Conference team playing its ninth game of the season could have so many things that do not seem that complicated go wrong in special teams play but it just keeps happening with Kentucky.

— On Missouri’s first punt, Kentucky was called for a block in the back. That cost the Cats 10 yards but quarterback Will Levis still led a 79-yard touchdown drive so that penalty did not cost Kentucky.

— Missouri attempted a 49-yard field with UK leading 7-0. It was wide but the Tigers got a do-over because Kentucky had 12 players on the field. The do-over resulted in a field goal that gave Missouri three points it would not have had if UK just had 11 players on the field.

Stoops owned the mistake — as he should have since UK does not have a specific special teams coach on the field.

“Probably over coaching there,” said Stoops. “They ran a guy in late. We are allowed to sub late but we didn’t get a D-lineman out (on time). That cost us three (points) there.”

“Honestly I was just wanting them (Missouri) to burn a timeout. If they sub late, I was wanting them to burn a timeout but we burned ourselves.”

— Field goal kicking continues to be a problem. Matt Ruffolo did not get close on a 43-yard field goal with the wind at his back. It was low and left.

That didn’t stop Stoops from letting him try a 47-yard field goal into a strong wind in the second quarter after Jordan Wright recovered a Missouri fumble. It was on the right line but short.

“I felt he was good from 50 (yards) that way),” Stoops said. “The wind was dying down at times. He felt comfortable. I knew the points would be big.”

Key here is points “would” be big but Kentucky keeps missing. Ruffolo is 9-for-15 on field goals this year with only two longer than 40 yards. UK opponents are 11-for-12 with five kicks of 40 yards or more.

Just saying, that’s a big difference.

— Then came the huge mistake that somehow turned into a game-winning play for Kentucky when the ball was snapped way over punter Colin Goodfellow’s head late in the fourth quarter with UK clinging to the 21-17 lead. Goodfellow managed to chase the ball down, pick it up on the run, turn and get off a kick. He was hit just after kicking it — from inside the tackle box — and the roughing the punter penalty gave UK a first down.

“We were fortunate to get the roughing,” Stoops admitted. “We just got to get it (long snapping) fixed. Just snap the ball. We got to get it done. It’s on me. Go ahead and ask questions. I deserve it.”

Yes he does. A head coach, especially one who values defense like Stoops, has to have solid special teams play. Other than kickoff returns by Barion Brown, Kentucky has not had that despite its 6-3 record.

It has been a miserable year for Kentucky special teams play and if for nothing more than to make a fan base happier, Stoops is going to have to realize he needs a special teams coordinator for 2023.