Former UK defensive back Van Hiles would like to see UK running back Ray Davis getting more carries than he has in the first two games. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Former Kentucky running back Anthony White and former UK safety Van Hiles know the Wildcats have not been overly impressive so far despite being 2-0. However, they insist now is not the time to give up on the season.
“I am not ready to panic,” White said on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk after watching UK beat Eastern Kentucky 28-17 Saturday. “I think we expected EKU to come out and be our scout team and let us tighten up some things. I thought we passed too much and could have established our run game more and wore them down.
“I also know last week (against Ball State) our focus was a problem and we wanted to be more detail oriented. But when a player is over thinking he is not going to be as athletic as he can be.
“I think we were focused on being a sound, perfect team. We were playing to establish continuity before getting into the SEC and EKU was just playing to win.”
Hiles noted that UK’s execution was not good overall on offense or defense.
“But it was still only the second game of the season,” Hiles said on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk.
Hiles also noted that UK beat Chattanooga 28-23 in its third game of the 2021 season. Then quarterback Will Levis threw two interceptions but the Cats rallied to win thanks to a 95-yard interception return by Tyrell Ajian and Levis’ scoring passing to Izayah Cummings in the fourth quarter to give UK a 21-16 lead after the Cats had turned it over or punted on six straight possessions.
Kentucky went on to win 10 games in 2021 and beat Penn State in a bowl game.
“I don’t know if they took Eastern lightly or not. Defensively they had the effort but it was just the lack of attention to detail again that is hurting them,” Hiles said.
Both Hiles and White believe the Cats have done things the first two games to find out if they will or will not work against Southeastern Conference teams.
“In my opinion, we are taking a lot of deep shots because I think they want to see if they can run these plays later against better teams. I think they know their bread-and-butter plays. They are trying to see what they can do so they have a plan later in the season,” Hiles said. “They are trying more things now to see if they can work later.”
Hiles does worry about what appeared to be a lack of communication between the secondary and linebackers.
“Our safeties have to tighten up on their eye defense. We are the last line of defense and they have not played as well as I expected so far this year. But once these guys tighten up they will be successful and we will be fine,” Hiles said.
3 Responses
I sure hope these former players are right. That said, UK better put Akron away early, and start living up to all the preseason hype from both coaches and players. I think UK is getting doses of reality right now, while playing tight, especially on offense. UK is still 2-0, and that is fact. This fan base needs to see some points on the board early and often. A quarter like the fourth against the Colonels of EKU for the entire game. That will fix the worried hearts and prepare this team mentally for SEC play.
I do too Pup
Let me tell you, I watched a lot of games this week. SEC and otherwise. Taking shots down the field was key in almost every game. I saw some amazing throws made and some incredible catches. A couple of one handed miracle grabs included. Now, we have some amazing talent that can make big plays, but give me more Tayvion Robinson, perfect route running, perfect execution and form catching the ball. Leary puts it right on the numbers for Robinson because Robinson, a veteran, runs the exact route. Doesn’t have to be 50 yard bombs. Give me 20 yards a clip 4 times and you are in the end zone. That is what Cohen needs to be focusing on. Spread it out to the TE more, it will open the field for the Brown and Key. Robinson as a slot receiver is key to me…. Just my opinion..