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One of the first things Kentucky coach Mark Stoops did after his Wildcats knocked off Florida 33-14 Saturday was shout out his offensive line during his postgame talk to his team.
“I told them how much I appreciated the way they responded. They are coming together. We needed to be more consistent and with Eli (Cox) anchoring us at center we have been more solid,” Stoops said.
“I think they have great pride. They have been working hard. They took it personally this week. I saw it in their eyes when they were coming off the field.”
Kentucky ran for 328 yards thanks mainly to 280 yards by Ray Davis against the SEC’s best run defense as the Gators were allowing only 84 yards rushing per game.
Cox was an all-SEC guard in 2021 before moving to center last season. He moved back to guard this season but Stoops moved him back to center last week in the win over Vanderbilt and shifted Jager Burton, who played left guard in 2022, to right guard.
Cox said the move was made to help “streamline communication” and made sure calls got made quicker so the ball could be snapped quicker to allow UK to have more plays.
“I am just trying to get things orchestrated and get everyone on the same page,” Cox, who helped push Davis into the end zone on his 9-yard touchdown catch, said.
Cox said UK understood it was facing one of the “more stout” run defenses in the SEC and had to establish a better running game which it did immediately. He credited offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s play calling as well as the blocking by tight ends and receivers for helping lead to Davis’ big day.
“It is an orchestrated effort and to see it come true on the field is so exciting for us,” Cox said.
Cox also thought his offensive line teammates wanted to show what they could do.
“(Right tackle Jeremy) Flax is someone who has improved so much. He caught a lot of flack (from last year) and really answered the bell,” Cox said. “Dylan Ray was a walk-on at West Virginia. He did not come here expecting to be the starting left guard when transferred here. He has stepped up in a big way. Jager has never played right guard since he has been here.
“A blue-collar program is what Stoops has built here. We strive to be the most physical team on the field every week and were today.”
10 Responses
Kudos to the O line and Davis. Good job! Great win! It hasn’t all been pretty, but 5-0 with Leary not living up to the hype is impressive. Now, the real test comes against the Bulldogs.
Barry, I thought the offensive and defensive line play lights out. But I’m like you Leary hasn’t shown he’s a delight QB that he was advertised so far
I think Florida was a real test.
I have heard whispers that Leary may be hurting. Larry V, have you picked up anything about this?
Professor, I wonder he still has ill effects from his last injury.
Have not heard that Professor on injury
Leary showed talent in practice, he just needs to relax and let the run set up the pass. It looks like he is trying too hard to make things happen. I hope he can get settled and have some fun.
First off great win. Defense looked Dominant . If a team plays kentucky theyll feel it the next day. 2. Leary has a long arn wind up. Reminds me of Woodson. By virtue of whatever it’s not a quick release. Plenty of velocity when it does come out. At this level , its got to get out faster. 3. Wheres the tight ends as far as being targeted? Great job blocking today in the run game. But as far as receiving they’re going to have to be utilized.
Also a little shocked that the way UK destroyed UF in the run game that play action wasn’t called more. Or at least shots down field. Running well sets that up. UF ran play action and they couldn’t even run the ball . Which obviously isn’t an ideal strategy.
That pec muscle is used in every throw – I’m thinking the repair may have changed his throwing motion somewhat. Lots of reps should make him more comfortable as the season progresses.
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